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Topic: whats the best kayak stacker/racks dodge caravan minivan?  (Read 2348 times)

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trianglelaguna

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I have two cobra fish-n-dive kayaks that I want to be able to transport safely and securely for derby and longer road trips.....like strap down and know they are not gonna fly into traffic!!!

I am looking at the Thule  830 kayak stackers and like the set up and price is ok too...
I may need to build up the crossbars  with foam block or something to get the wide sides of the cobras off the van roof

I also like the 'yakima'  stacker type model and the price is better
I have learned in my 2 years that price is second to function and quality in kayaking and am tired of buying stuff twice from not taking advice or trying to save bucks

any help would be great...would like to buy these soon to go to S.C derby and cambria...my civic is local kayak tool only imo...plus the van can be set up inside to camp and sleep etc
We are what we pretend to be, so we must be careful about what we pretend to be.

I want to stay as close to the edge as I can without going over. Out on the edge you see all kinds of things you can't see from the center.

People aren’t supposed to look back. I’m certainly not going to do it anymore.”
― Kurt Vonnegut


trianglelaguna

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We are what we pretend to be, so we must be careful about what we pretend to be.

I want to stay as close to the edge as I can without going over. Out on the edge you see all kinds of things you can't see from the center.

People aren’t supposed to look back. I’m certainly not going to do it anymore.”
― Kurt Vonnegut


mickfish

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Check the weight limit in your owners manual most mini-vans are 125-150lbs you might be pushing it with 2 F/Ds plus the weight of the rack. 
Group IQ is inversely proportional to the size of the group.

A Steelhead always knows where he is going, but a Man seldom does.


polepole

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I don't like those stacker type racks.  I used to have a pair from back in my whitewater days.  Works well on the smaller lighter ww yaks, but they seem a bit weak for heavier and longer and wide (think windage!).

The J type racks sure seem a lot sturdier.

-Allen


The X Inn Keeper

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Been driving the man van for just over a year now, and always mount my yaks upside down on a set of 60+ bars. My experiance with all those fancy attachments has been less than satisfactory.  Just pad the bars, 2 straps and make sure to secure the bow and stern and you should be good to go.
No pic avail at this time, but you might remember seeing my mini van (dodge caravan) parked across from you at PIF.
Hobie Outback (dune)


The X Inn Keeper

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P.S.
the factory cross bars didnt last one trip, be sure to upgrade.
Hobie Outback (dune)


FishingForTheCure

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Put a hitch on it & get a trailer.  Done!


trianglelaguna

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as we left the event my gal says " wow minivans are the way to go I guess" she had seen some in the parking lot,and I did not even look .to see how folks had em racked.........I like the j bar and the just ride on the racks idea...i did give the racks a gorilla tug but speed and wind are another matter......the stay away from stacker advice is taken
thanks...may I need to try a dry run and set the f-n-dives up there

when you say upgrade the stock roof bars---please explain how you upgraded...co or brand ?
thanks guys
We are what we pretend to be, so we must be careful about what we pretend to be.

I want to stay as close to the edge as I can without going over. Out on the edge you see all kinds of things you can't see from the center.

People aren’t supposed to look back. I’m certainly not going to do it anymore.”
― Kurt Vonnegut


The X Inn Keeper

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The factory cross bars are held to the rails with plastic connectors that collapse under load. Use thule or yakama cross bars which are made of steel and they wont buckle under load. I use the thule bars and their crossroad feet which connect to the factory roof rails. Have had a cargo box and a couple yaks with no problems. Again, be sure to secure bow and stern ;0) 
will try to post pics this weekend when I get a day off.
Hobie Outback (dune)


The X Inn Keeper

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P.S.
the thule bars and crossroads feet are pictured in your photo of the stacker ;0)
Hobie Outback (dune)


trianglelaguna

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got it.....I dont mind spending money  for cross bars ,if it is the way another member has had success then its money well spent

my dodge caravan cross bars click and slide along the main roof bars....can be set like crutches to different positions and seemed pretty strong...I at first was thinking with ropes front and back the cross bars stock might be enough to rest the kayaks on and the ropes do the actual restraining and securing....lemme do some reading and research today....
thank you for the help guys
« Last Edit: August 21, 2014, 06:17:27 AM by trianglelaguna »
We are what we pretend to be, so we must be careful about what we pretend to be.

I want to stay as close to the edge as I can without going over. Out on the edge you see all kinds of things you can't see from the center.

People aren’t supposed to look back. I’m certainly not going to do it anymore.”
― Kurt Vonnegut


jbaker

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Thule 450 foot packs and a set of 78" bars. Thule sell the 450's with locks and bars as a 45050 pack but it only comes with 50" bars. If you get the 450 feet and a set of 78" bars you don't get the locks but it saves you a few bucks. Also look for a shop that has them in stock, Thule is really behind right now, we're looking at over 3 weeks for some parts to be shipped out right now.
As far as a stacker I like the Malone one a bit better, it comes with 4 foam blocks for 2 boats and looks a bit beefier. If its for 2 F-N-D's I would forget the stacker and go with the flat on the bar style.


polepole

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A few things.  I commented on J-racks because I had vertical storage in mind and offered an alternative.  That being said, I do think there are better solutions.

Stepping back a sec, I ran kayaks on the factory bars of my Highlander for a number of year.  The bars were flimsy.  I made sure to secure to the side rails (way sturdier) as well as have bow and stern lines.  I ran Malone Seawing saddles.  These are the only saddles I can ever recommend having tried a number of others.  They have a wide footprint that minimizes oil canning.

This spring I got a set of RockyMounts Ouray crossbars mounted on their Flagstaff Towers.  I wanted a quiet/whistper system and these offered a value based solution.  They are quiet and I can't complain about them.  I still run the Seawing saddles with them, and can fit 2 kayaks on a 50" bar.

-Allen


The X Inn Keeper

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I also love the Malone sea wing, but best on my trailer. On the vehicle, they are harder to load yaks over head in upright position and also wiggle a bit which makes me a little nervous even though I know they are secure. With the wider bars and yaks loaded upside down, it is easier to load, they don't wiggle, and less wind noise.
Just my preference.
Hobie Outback (dune)


polepole

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I also love the Malone sea wing, but best on my trailer. On the vehicle, they are harder to load yaks over head in upright position and also wiggle a bit which makes me a little nervous even though I know they are secure.

I've never had problems with wiggling.  I run the straps through the side slots in the sea wings and cinch then down until the bottom of the kayak touches the bottom of the sea wings.  The wings will flex out.  Even with it this tight, I haven't experienced any oil canning issues.

-Allen


 

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