Summer is here, and it is that time of the year to enjoy various water sports such as kayaking. This means many have to transport their kayaks to nearby rivers, lakes, or oceans to have fun with friends. It is also that time of the year when kayaking sports are at their peak, and you may be interested in driving to compete with others.
However, there is one challenge with transporting kayaks. They can be delicate and complicated to transport due to height and weight. Here are some tricks to transport your kayak to save you the dilemma.
On a car roof rack
The roof rack is the safest and the surest way to transport your kayaks without worries about it sliding or falling off the car roof rack. Once you tie it in position, you can drive for miles and face the greatest winds. Kayaks can sometimes be longer than cars; hence you need to position the car rack centrally for stability.
Instead of designing the roof rack on your own, you can buy a car rack suitable for the model and the car. This ensures you have all the safety features to guarantee the transportation of wider loads efficiently without challenges. You can also buy a quality kayak roof rack designed for all types of cars, such as the horizontal bar racks, fit them onto your car, and strap the kayaks for transportation.
Truck bed extender
It can be easy to transport the kayaks if you have a pick-up truck. All you need is to load them on the bed; however, there is a challenge to this mode of transportation since kayaks are longer and can easily fall, especially when you have a double cabin trick with a small bed area. On such occasions, a truck bed extender will be ideal for the job. The extender enables you to transport longer kayaks of 14-foot length without worries.
Once you attach the extender to the pick-up truck, you load the kayaks onto the bed, then secure them into position to prevent them from swaying as you drive. The extender can accommodate up to two kayaks; however, if you have more, you can look for a bigger extender.
Tie-down straps
There are safety measures you must observe when transporting kayaks. These measures are necessary for busy highways where the kayaks can cause accidents. One safety measure ensures the kayaks are firm and anchored on the roof. If you cannot implement roof racks, you can put the kayaks on the roof and strap them.
The strap has features to tighten the grip to prevent the kayaks from swaying as you drive. One strap may not be enough to safely anchor the kayaks on the roof. You need two straps to tie the kayaks at different positions, then tighten them. They are much safer than ratchet straps and have buckles for safety and easy tightening. This method is also ideal for transporting heavy kayaks that may not fit a car rook or rack.
Kayak trailer
A trailer is suitable for transporting many kayaks and other accessories. It can also be ideal for transporting heavy kayaks, and you can use them for any car. The type of trailer to use will depend on the type of car. If you are using a sedan, you need a lighter trailer to avoid increasing the drag force. SUVs and pick-up trucks can accommodate bigger trailers.
You also need a shorter trailer to avoid the challenges when making a U-turn, changing lanes, or driving in sharp bends. This mode of transportation should be the last alternative because it presents various safety concerns, such as trailers swerving uncontrollably at high speed. They can cause an accident easily; hence you need to drive slowly and cautiously. You also need to firmly strap the kayaks on the trailer to avoid them falling or slipping off the trailer as you travel.
Universal roof rack pads and luggage carrier system
This is a predesigned kayak transportation system for carrying a kayak on your car roof without installing the car roof rack. The system comes with removable equipment to help you transport your kayak, and you can remove them once you return from your kayaking adventures. The system has additional accessories such as tie-down ropes, a loop strap, and horizontal padded foams. The foams are infused with non-slip mats to keep them in position, and they have soft landings to avoid scratching the roof. The pads can reduce vibration during transportation.
Once you fix the horizontal pads in position, you can load the kayak, then strap and secure it. The system is designed for any car, and you can adjust them to meet the dimensions of your vehicle. The system comes in a storage bag to help you store the kit once you are done with it. They are foldable and can fit the bag easily for storage.
Conclusion
Before you transport the kayak, you need to focus on the length and the weight of the kayak and the distance to cover. These factors will help you select the ideal mode of transportation. You must also observe safety measures such as speed and terrain to avoid accidents. You are advised to tie a red cloth at the end of the kayak to notify other drivers that you carry a wide load.
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