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Nightwind15 · 09-01-2009, 10:49 AM

Ok, I have a 19' Bambi, pull it with a GMC Denali Sierra Truck. I have two 16 foot sea kayaks. The truck bed is no long enough to balance the kayaks and they are so long they will touch the Bambi hauling them there. How can I take my kayaks with me when I tow the Bambi?
Thanks guys!

Minno · 09-01-2009, 10:56 AM

Try Thule or Yakama.

www.thuleracks.com

www.yakima.com

Chris

Zeppelinium · 09-01-2009, 11:03 AM

this is my recent fit check using Thule bars and [eventually] custom cradles. The boat has to sit well forward so that you don't hit the Airstream in tight turns.

Click image for larger version

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Zep

doorgunner · 09-01-2009, 01:29 PM

just hang a pair of red shorts on the back end

Nightwind15 · 09-02-2009, 08:13 AM

Hahaha, you have to be kidding..

**moosetags** · 09-02-2009, 08:29 AM

If your Sierra is a crew cab, you should have enough roof to mount a proper kayak rack. My Thule Rack with Hulavator is on 39" centers.

Brian

TinLoaf · 09-02-2009, 08:56 AM

I went with the Thule Xsporter truck rack. It's kind of pricey, but I was able to justify the price because it's not vehicle specific. I'll be able to transfer it to my next truck years down the road.

I also like it because you can drop it down out of the wind when you're not using it. It's very very well built and looks nice.

2009 Thule 422XT Xsporter Truck Rack - Universal Truckbed System Fits All Pickup Trucks

.

Airbiscuit · 09-02-2009, 08:57 PM

This is how we transported ours to a Paddle Quest...

63air · 09-02-2009, 09:08 PM

Look at the products from Spring Creek Outfitters. They are up in the nothwoods of Minnesota and manufacture some great racks and are a lot less pricey than Tule or Yakima. I use their stuff to haul my canoe and kayak on my Quad cab Dodge while towing my GT. American made with great customer service !

Nightwind15 · 09-03-2009, 08:08 AM

Great ideas! Thank you all!

doorgunner · 09-03-2009, 08:50 AM

Malone Racks also have some nice racks. American made in, I think Maine.

remember to inspect the web tie down straps, uv wastes them.

paddle with bugs in your teeth ( from smiling )

redstart · 09-03-2009, 10:05 AM

(if you don't have a topper on your truck) we use the trac rac system on ours to transport the canoe. you could fit two kayaks I think. you can take the rack off when you aren't using it or leave it on permanently. the bars are adjustable backwards and forwards - you can space them out however you need. you can also get a cantilever bar at the front, which I think we will do so that we don't have to use the front sponges (b/c of the curve of the canoe). we bought ours with the tonneau cover as well.

trac rac also looks cool on the truck!

cms4140 · 02-11-2011, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TinLoaf

I went with the Thule Xsporter truck rack. It's kind of pricey, but I was able to justify the price because it's not vehicle specific. I'll be able to transfer it to my next truck years down the road.

I also like it because you can drop it down out of the wind when you're not using it. It's very very well built and looks nice.

2009 Thule 422XT Xsporter Truck Rack - Universal Truckbed System Fits All Pickup Trucks

.

TinLoaf, are you still pleased with this rack system?

I think I am about to pull the trigger on it. I like it over the Yakima bed rail system because of the multi-height positioning.

Do you know if it is compatible with Thule's full upright bike trays (e.g., 599XTR Big Mouth - Thule - Thule Bike Racks - Bike Roof Rack)? Thule's website seems only pair it with their front wheel off fork mount trays.

Thanks
Chris

TinLoaf · 02-11-2011, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cms4140

TinLoaf, are you still pleased with this rack system?

Do you know if it is compatible with Thule's full upright bike trays (e.g., 599XTR Big Mouth - Thule - Thule Bike Racks - Bike Roof Rack)? Thule's website seems only pair it with their front wheel off fork mount trays.

The rack system has been out in the weather for almost two years now and it looks as good as the day I installed it. I've had bikes, kayak, canoe, ladders and even a 14 foot Christmas tree tied up there. It's extremely versatile.

If you go to the technical information tab it shows that the Big Mouth fits the aero bars (which are on the Xsporter system) with the $10 Xadapt2 kit. It will also give you a much cleaner look because the fasteners will be hidden.

cms4140 · 02-11-2011, 09:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TinLoaf

If you go to the technical information tab it shows that the Big Mouth fits the aero bars (which are on the Xsporter system) with the $10 Xadapt2 kit. It will also give you a much cleaner look because the fasteners will be hidden.

Thanks for pointing this out and for the quick reply w/pic. It seems to be the best open truck bed option and I look forward to getting it set up.

Meeks · 06-03-2015, 12:41 PM

Has anyone carried three kayaks and three bikes using a pickup with a 5.5' bed? My dream would be to carry the bikes on top of a tonneau cover (removing front wheels of bikes utilizing a bicycle fork rack perhaps) with the sea kayaks above them on a rack (kayaks would extend over cab, as well, due to length). Probably a pipe dream as loading the bikes might be a pain or maybe the whole rig would be too tall. Fall-back plan would be bikes in the pickup bed and a regular rack for kayaks. Just trying to preserve some under tonneau space for light stuff out of the rain if possible. Thanks for your thoughts!