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SteveH · 03-22-2011, 10:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by robwok

what about opening the window in the front or back and just sliding it through and setting it on the floor?

I have a 64 overlander, seems like it would work on mine.

Seems like it would get really old haveing to replace the screen in that window every time you carry a kayak.

mutcth · 03-22-2011, 10:59 AM

There are options to the Hullivator lift-assist systems. We use a Thule Slipstream 887XT (on top of Yakima crossbars). It is a platform that goes on the roof and slides back for loading. The rear has a little roller - put the bow of the kayak on the roller, push it up on top, and then slide the whole assembly forward.

This is a bit fussy, but it does two things for us. We don't need to lift the boats (16' plastic sea kayaks, about 55 lb a piece). It also moves the boats forward on the roof about a foot, giving us welcome extra clearance from hitting the Argosy's endcap with the stern of the boat.

There are other options. Oak Orchard Canoe has a slick roller that goes in the rear hatch seam (or Velcro or magnet to the roof) that lets you slide the boat up on the roof from behind. With a set of cradles that let you slide the boats on the roof, it could work well.

Tom

robwok · 03-22-2011, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteveH

Seems like it would get really old haveing to replace the screen in that window every time you carry a kayak.

or you could just take that screen out altogether. I have 8 other windows, door within a door and 3 roof vents.

SteveH · 03-22-2011, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by robwok

or you could just take that screen out altogether. I have 8 other windows, door within a door and 3 roof vents.

Yes, you could do away with the functionality of the window, and stumble over the kayak any time you go into the trailer, or you could just put a rack on the tow vehicle.

robwok · 03-22-2011, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteveH

Yes, you could do away with the functionality of the window, and stumble over the kayak any time you go into the trailer, or you could just put a rack on the tow vehicle.

I must not have the right picture of this camping thing. I have 2 kids, and figured I'd take stuff out when I reached the campsite, but I guess there are stops along the way. When I was growing up, we were pretty poor, so we'd stop on that horrible long trip from Michigan to Kansas and eat at the picnic table rest stops. It took forever to set up, and we were constantly waving the flies away. I guess with the AS, I can stay in the parking lot and eat in the air conditioning if I wanted. The last time I used a trailer, it was a SOB, and I borrowed it to stay in while I worked on my father in law's house. I put all my tools on the floor and then unloaded when I got there, but I guess if I was using it alot, that would have been a hassle.

Hibby · 03-22-2011, 06:03 PM

I have a set of Yakima Hullyrollers for the top of our F250 and we carry dual kayaks. They work well, but it's a bit tall getting on top of the roof. I like the Hullavator that Moosetags uses... Tahoe height wouldn't be quite as bad, but still warrants carrying a small folding step stool to make things easier. I'll sell you my kayaks and roof rack so I can buy a SeaEagle!

Safari Streamer · 03-22-2011, 06:37 PM

Forget the need for kayak racks altogether. We have recently pruchased inflatable kayaks and they fold into duffle bags and can go in the truck or the camper. They inflate in about 15 minutes and are strong enough for up to class 3 rapids. They are SeaEagle 330 - check the website!!

Road Geezer · 03-23-2011, 12:19 AM

Loading thru the window. Hmmm, 50+ pounds, awkward lift, slip a bit a punch thru a wall or scratch the heck out of the bottom of the kayak. Sand and/or river bottom mud on the floor.... I'd get a rack and save repairs on my rig, my back, and my kayak.

My $.02

Hibby · 03-23-2011, 10:31 AM

Road Geezer, that's good advice, and you should charge at least a nickel.

I'm buying two Sea Eagles as soon as I can sell my kayaks and rack.

SteveH · 03-23-2011, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Safari Streamer

Forget the need for kayak racks altogether. We have recently pruchased inflatable kayaks and they fold into duffle bags and can go in the truck or the camper. They inflate in about 15 minutes and are strong enough for up to class 3 rapids. They are SeaEagle 330 - check the website!!

We went that route at first also (see my images), but after a couple of times of unloading, assembling, inflating, kayaking, then deflating, cleaning, drying, folding, and repacking, decided hard sided kayaks on a rack was a much better deal.

YMMV

Hibby · 03-23-2011, 02:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteveH

We went that route at first also (see my images), but after a couple of times of unloading, assembling, inflating, kayaking, then deflating, cleaning, drying, folding, and repacking, decided hard sided kayaks on a rack was a much better deal.

YMMV

Dangit! I have two Sea Eagles for sale now...

GeocamperAS · 03-26-2011, 01:12 PM

We use a roll up tonneau cover with a removable ladder rack. By “Access cover” Agricover.com: Truck Bed Covers - Access® Pickup Truck Bed Cover and Bed Caps I like to remove the rack when I don’t need it so I don’t always look like a work truck.

PS. Ignore the old guy in the picture