Loading Hobie Pro Angler 12 kayak on top of a car

I just uploaded an updated version of this video two years later: • How to load a Hobie Pr...
This is how I load my Hobie Pro Angler 12 on top of my Subaru Outback. I use the Rhino Rack T-Load Hitch Mount and it makes it a piece of cake to get this 105 lb boat on top of my car.
I paid full price for the Rhino Rack and have no affiliation with them. I now work at Outdoor Emporium in Seattle (started after I bought this) and we sell these so come on down and check it out. I've been explaining how this works to quite a few people now so I decided it would be better to show them.
Rhino Rack T-Load Hitch Mount
www.rhinorack.com/en-us/produc...
Outdoor Emporium
sportco.com/
Hobie Pro Angler 12 360
www.hobie.com/kayaks/mirage-p...

[@ndmihm]

Thank you for this video! Everything I needed to know about the ins/outs of the Rhino Rack! Appreciate your time! Cheers

[@kevinredden7833]

Glad you found it helpful, still using mine and it has been great. I also sell them at my store and one thing I have found is that if your vehicle is very tall (like a Ford Excursion) then they still do help but it is not nearly as easy as with lower vehicles like my Subaru Outback (unless you are very tall that is!). Also, please check out my updated video where I load my 14 foot kayak up top and fix a few mistakes I made in this one when taking the kayak off the top of the car kzbin.info/www/bejne/npjbcpVonahmqaM.

[@ledthrax]

Great job showing how well the t-load works. I use one to load my PA12 on top of my 4Runner. I always get comments saying that you can’t car top a PA, especially on a tall SUV until people see me slide it right up on top.

[@kevinredden7833]

Thanks for the comment. I bought this one before I started working for a Hobie dealer and now I been showing people how it can be done, I have this video playing on a loop in the store. I've since used it to load not only the PA12 but PA14's, Compass Duo's (the two seater), Compasses, Passports, Revos, etc. What I have found is it is a little harder to use with this lighter boats such as a Passport 10.5 (65 lbs) as it doesn't have as much mass to help move the T forward and back but it can be done with a little work.

[@sidetech]

Thanks! I've got the same setup (don't have the PA 12 yet thought) for my Jeep Grand Cherokee. It was awesome to see how you did this!

[@kevinredden7833]

I'm a lot better at taking it off the car now, in the vid it drops back and then I pull the boat over it, now I have it swing back with the boat on it. Still use this at least once or twice a week.

[@joncalvo3591]

Good video. Helpful. Thanks Kevin !

[@Harleywindtherapy]

Ok, this is GREAT, thank you! I'm sure there are other vids, but this one I now have saved in a folder for when/if I get the Hobie PA 12. I'm a lifetime canoeist and my solo fishing canoe weighs 33 pounds (OT Pack) so I just throw it up on my Jeep Wrangler... but this is exactly how I'd go with a heavy boat like the Hobie. Thanks again!

[@kevinredden7833]

Glad you liked it! I've since used it to transport Hobie PA 14's, Compass Duos (the two seaters) among others and it was no problem. I still use it at least once per week and its going strong.

[@Harleywindtherapy]

@@kevinredden7833 that's great to know that it holds up too. Thank you!

[@andrejones4116]

My back hurts looking at the video, ha ha, Great Job showing us the process, thanks

[@michaelferguson167]

That's definitely what I need. I have a trailer for my PA 14 but I still have to take it to a boat launch. I tired of that after a few years and bought a new Outback (the boat) last year and hopefully going to buy a new Outback (Wilderness) sometime soon to move the lighter kayak around. Now I just have to figure out how I'm going to juggle all these expenses. I'd hate to part with my 1 ton diesel but I can't afford to search out waterways with that beast anymore. At 59 years old it may be time to part with these heavy arse toys. Thanks for the vid. I'll be hunting one of these down soon enough. I'll have to figure out whether the new Outback can support a 14 foot pro angler on top of it in case I need a better workout on my next trip.

[@kevinredden7833]

I sold the PA12 360 about a year ago and bought a PA14 360, just as easy to get up top. Been thinking about making a followup video showing the 14 going on top and fixing my mistake on bringing the kayak back off (having the t-bar drop back without the kayak on it).

[@anonymous_friend]

Nice dude! I thought you were going to take a bow when you got it up there! lol

[@kevinredden7833]

:-)

[@TheMeiruntu]

I need something like this for my 2022 WRX. Looks like the easiest way so far to load a fishing kayak

[@kevinredden7833]

It's the best I've found so far and I'm always looking around for new ideas. Great at helping to load the 100lb+ kayaks.

[@helicopterjohns]

Many thanks for the video. I have a Tesla Model Y Long Range on order with the trailer towing package that will haul 3500 lbs. so it should easily support the T Load accessory. They make a roof rack for the Model Y. Not sure what amount of weight it will support. I have a 2018 Hobie Pro Angler 14. Be interesting to see if the OEM roof rack would support that much weight.🙂

[@NorthWestKayakFishing]

Not sure about the Tesla's but most vehicle roof racks are rated to 150 lbs. I've got a followup video to this one where I'm loading my PA14 on top of the Subaru: kzbin.info/www/bejne/npjbcpVonahmqaM

[@sharaguchi1]

Thanks for this helpful video. I have a 2011 Outback that will have to carry my fishing kayak when my 1999 Outback wears out. Nice to see that you can use the stock pull out cross bars. Did you have to have a toe hitch installed on your Outback or did it come with one?

[@NorthWestKayakFishing]

Sorry, missed this question until now! My car did not come with a hitch installed so I bought one from etrailer.com and installed it myself. You need a 2" receiver. It was pretty easy to do.

[@stevebaker8138]

Brilliant. I know my next purchase!

[@kevinredden7833]

If you happen to live in the Seattle area come down and see me at Outdoor Emporium, I sell tons of them there. I bought mine before I started working there.

[@rebinder1]

Good job Kevin! I'd buy one if I didn't already have a truck. How much are they?

[@NorthWestKayakFishing]

MSRP on them is $299.

[@jamessilverman4887]

What is it made of? Steel or Aluminum. How much does it weigh? Looking at it comparing to Boonedox car top loader.

[@kevinredden7833]

Not sure of the exact weight, probably 20-25 lbs? The main part is made of steel, the cross bar is made of aluminum.

[@JamesP29]

Do a video on how you strap it down. Procedure, safety etc

[@kevinredden7833]

Sure, I can do that.

[@NorthWestKayakFishing]

Finally had some time to make a video on how to strap the kayak to the top of a car: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kHrGmqxoppuraq8

[@adamfilip]

awesome

[@Kgoutdoor]

What cart is that?

[@Jaredxstp]

I just bought a Hobie compass and I was wondering if it was ok to have the kayak up right on top of my car. The dealer loaded it upside down and I keep reading to have it upside down but it seems easier to have the kayak upright and defeats the purpose of buying the compass loader if it was loaded upside down.

[@NorthWestKayakFishing]

The preferred way to store/transport the Hobies is upside down as the sides of the boat at the top are the strongest part and won't dent. Storing them this way is no big deal but in the real world, transporting them this way is not easily doable if you are putting it on top of a vehicle. There are a couple things to be careful of. The first is to not cinch down the straps super tight, you want them snug but not tight, doing so can easily put sizeable dents in the bottom of the boat. You should not use ratchet straps as those are way too easy to cinch down too tight. The second thing to watch out for is when it is hot out or the boat is sitting in the sun, when the hull heats up a bit it is a lot easier to dent so ideally you don't want the boat on top of the vehicle any longer than absolutely necessary when in this situation. I'm putting the final touches together on a short video on how I strap the Hobie down on my car and will be posting it hopefully by the end of the week.

[@Jaredxstp]

NorthWestKayakFishing thanks for the help, most the places I fish is either 5-30 min away since I live in land of 10000 lakes so the kayak wouldn’t be on the rack too long in the heat, I’ll be careful if topping right side up. Thanks for clarifying why it’s not recommended to be loaded that way, I just got my kayak today so been looking for a lot of answers. Also stored my kayak in the garage on its side leaning against the wall since I read that’s ok to too so we will see once the summer heat comes lol. A lot of money spent to do trial and error that’s why I guess I’m over thinking . I’ll keep a eye out for that video btw and sub

[@NorthWestKayakFishing]

@@Jaredxstp I definitely wouldn't store it on its side. If you can get a couple saw horses and put it on that upside down that would be a lot better.

[@Jaredxstp]

NorthWestKayakFishing just picked up a suspenz kayak rack that goes on the wall in the garage so it should work a lot better then the kayak being on the floor, if you didn’t say anything I would of probably kept it there on the floor so thanks for that tip

[@matthhh]

Can you open your tailgate when the T-Load is in the down position?

[@NorthWestKayakFishing]

Yes, no problem

[@catchoftheday7474]

Sr. Where can I get this rhino t loader thanks.

[@kevinredden7833]

If you happen to be in the Seattle area you can get them at Outdoor Emporium in Seattle or Sportco in Fife. If you are not in the area you can look for a dealer near you on their website: www.rhinorack.com/en-us/products/sport-leisure/water-sports/kayak-loaders/t-load-hitch-mount_rtl002?Smart%20Shopping%20new

[@qqj8628]

HI, I put the Rhino Rack T-Loader in the curt hitch that is very loose and shaking.Do you have same situation? Do you know how to make the T-Loader more stable? Thanks

[@NorthWestKayakFishing]

It does move around a bit but it hasn't been a problem in all the years I've been using it, I do put the bolt in pretty tight which minimizes the rattle I think. I put it on and take it off every time I use it and use an 18v hammer drill (nothing fancy, just the one that comes in the Ridgid two driver set from Home Depot).

[@qqj8628]

Do you think that needs Hitch Tightener?

[@NorthWestKayakFishing]

@@qqj8628 Not sure one would work on that? I have a hitch tightener that I used for my trailer but that relies on the raised edge of the ball piece, not sure it'd work on the Rhino, maybe. I've never needed one.

[@qqj8628]

Got it. Thanks

[@FishingKing754]

Nice. May I ask what's the top speed you've driven with that whole set up all loaded up?

[@kevinredden7833]

70-80 has been no problem.

[@pescaenkayakmigueld]

Muy bueno

[@thereelaccountant9246]

does this thing getting annoying or in the way when you are at the lake and getting your gear out of your trunk?

[@kevinredden7833]

No, it leans back far enough that the hatch can open.

[@frankbuckley7829]

I had the same question 😀. Thanks this video gave me the confidence to order one of these for my Jackson mayfly. It’s too heavy for me to safely load / unload solo without damaging my Subaru or my back. And I can attest that the stock Outback crossbars handle this size kayak well, but I plan on eventually adding a set of larger Yakima or Thule crossbars to handle larger loads. Thanks again

[@kevinredden7833]

@@frankbuckley7829 Sure, glad it helped you decide. It is a great product.

[@frankbuckley7829]

​@@kevinredden7833 Hi Kevin, These things are impossible to get online. As of now not expected to ship until March, 2022. do you have any in stock where you work? I'll pay to ship one to NJ. I have a new outback and a 90lb kayak that i can't get on the roof solo, so it's just sitting in my garage ;-(

[@thiodorchalkias8906]

Nice trick!!! But you must have the "nest' of this fitting!!!! How much cost this really???

[@NorthWestKayakFishing]

Not sure what you are asking? The Rhino Rack T-Load sells for $333.00 now (was under $279 when I bought it) and I had to add a 2" hitch receiver to my car as it did not have one, I just looked and those go for a little under $200 now (was about $150 when I bought it)

[@donoliver3266]

So what is the product name and where to buy

[@kevinredden7833]

All that info is in the description above. You can buy it at my store also listed above or do a Google search to find it at other retailers.

[@MrSteve280]

I have an Outback also. Whoever made the shark fin antenna at the same height as the OEM roof rack should be drawn and quartered. Fortunately, it's only $52 to replace. And you can either have a kayak on top or you can be able to open the rear hatch, but not both. So never leave your keys in the back just before you head off to go fishing. Ask me how I know.

[@NorthWestKayakFishing]

Bummer on both! I've not had any issues hitting the antenna with my kayaks, it's close to be sure though!

[@bobgomavitz1330]

If I was that tall I might own one!

[@NorthWestKayakFishing]

:-)

[@guillermocastaneda1145]

Can this be used on a Honda Pilot?

[@NorthWestKayakFishing]

It can if you have a 2" hitch receiver on it, if you don't have one then you should be able to get a hitch at eTrailer.com (that's where I got mine for the Subaru as the Subaru branded one was only a 1.25" receiver).

[@guillermocastaneda1145]

Thanks for the response! I do have a 2” hitch. I was just wondering if it would go high enough. Great video!! Very helpful and informative.

[@NorthWestKayakFishing]

@@guillermocastaneda1145 Thanks, the minimum height is about 37" and the max height is a little over 60" from the height of where your hitch is.

[@joeep46]

Stop, get a trailer . Your back is going to thank you later. 😂

[@NorthWestKayakFishing]

Been doing this for years. I have a trailer for when I'm hauling two kayaks (see one of my other videos) but using a trailer can be pretty limiting of where I can go/park so I don't use it very much.

[@quinbancalari6933]

Do you think it would work on a minivan?

[@NorthWestKayakFishing]

As long as you have a 2" hitch receiver I don't see why not.

[@TheKotik32]

Yes. We have a minivan and it works just as well on a minivan (with a hitch, of course).

[@lumettafishing]

With the rhino rack it looks easy to load it.

[@NorthWestKayakFishing]

It takes a few times to get the hang of it but it does make it a lot easier.

[@mouthmatician]

You forgot to catch a fish after loading the kayak

[@ballertron1440]

I would have gotten a PA if it wasn't such a brick to move. You end up able to launch only at nice boat ramps only which kinda of defeats the purpose of kayak fishing

[@NorthWestKayakFishing]

It is heavy, but I've launched from plenty of unimproved launches, walkways, banks, sand dunes etc. It all depends on what you are trying to do, most of what I do is at good launches and the purpose for my fishing kayak is ease and less room of storage at home and getting some exercise on the water, not necessarily trying to drag it down a mile long rocky trail to a highland lake.

[@TheNoobComment]

Looks like the top back end of the car is full of scratches.

[@kevinredden7833]

No, just dirt. The cross bar on the TLoad has scratches on it from sliding the kayaks on and off it but who cares about that?

[@cdrdmail2828]

Wont suit me on a busy beaches, its hard to find a parking with a free space in the car rear. I normally load it from the side using my car roof railing. No other mechanism is needed, just an old fashion lifting the bow perpendicular to the car, then lift the stern, then wiggle wigle to parallel the car roof, then strap. Of course it is sitting in my roof bars. It's hard at first, now it's growing on me. Good educational video though.

[@gwenaelgoulven8456]

C'est dommage que sa parle pas en français

[@NorthWestKayakFishing]

Désolé mais mon français est très mauvais. Vous devriez être en mesure d'obtenir l'essentiel à partir de la seule vidéo.

[@Patriot_Ayhan]

Your kayak doesn't match with your car. You should buy outback :)

[@NorthWestKayakFishing]

I have one of those too but not an interesting video as it is a lot lighter and easier to load.

[@girthquake5736]

Some contact with the car but who cares

[@kevinredden7833]

Not normally, I wasn't very practiced at it when I made this video. Now when I take it off I make sure the t-bar doesn't drop down before I start moving the kayak back and also make sure to keep the front of the kayak up a bit.