Thule rack and kayaks

[bluegrassboy]

Thanks to everyone on this forum. I've learned a lot from other's posts and finally decided that the Thule rack system was best for what I wanted it to do. Got it installed and later added Thule J-style kayak cradles. Here's what it looks like. It does a great job!

Torza tonneau cover is on order. I'll report on that once it's here and installed.

[kwoodman]

Originally Posted by bluegrassboy

Thanks to everyone on this forum. I've learned a lot from other's posts and finally decided that the Thule rack system was best for what I wanted it to do. Got it installed and later added Thule J-style kayak cradles. Here's what it looks like. It does a great job!

Torza tonneau cover is on order. I'll report on that once it's here and installed.

Nice setup. Sit on top kayaks? Where do you paddle them?
I use the J-style cradles, but almost always carry only one kayak. Sometimes my buddy puts his on top too, and that is when I especially appreciate the J-style racks. I also find it easy to load. My yak weighs about 45 lbs. and is 18' long.

[bluegrassboy]

Well, I'm very new to this whole kayaking thing, but the wife and I purchased sit-on-tops for crusing and fishing local lakes and rivers, with an occasional trip to the beach for trips along tidal creeks. The J-style cradles are perfect. The only problem for me is when I go solo. My kayak is 12 feet long and weighs 65 pounds. I've finally figured out that I can put it in the bed of the Ridgeline, then step up there and lift it onto the rack. The Ridgeline was a big hit at the shop where I bought the kayaks. Several people stopped to look and ask about it.

[kwoodman]

Originally Posted by bluegrassboy

Well, I'm very new to this whole kayaking thing, but the wife and I purchased sit-on-tops for crusing and fishing local lakes and rivers, with an occasional trip to the beach for trips along tidal creeks. The J-style cradles are perfect. The only problem for me is when I go solo. My kayak is 12 feet long and weighs 65 pounds. I've finally figured out that I can put it in the bed of the Ridgeline, then step up there and lift it onto the rack. The Ridgeline was a big hit at the shop where I bought the kayaks. Several people stopped to look and ask about it.

My mother lives in North Wilkesboro, NC
Not sure if there's good paddling in those parts or not, but plan a visit next summer.

[Cameron]

Don't know if it helps, but when I use the Thule Hullaports I place nylon rings around the front and back of the kayak then hook them to the rack with the ratchiting ropes rather than tie them front/back of the car. I do use the ratcheting straps around the kayak as well. It keeps the cables from flopping in the wind and is very secure. Have been doing it that way for years. I'll take a pic the next time we go out.

[hurricanejoe]

Here's one for totin' your fishin' poles. It's a Thule on top.

[wdbrady]

Originally Posted by bluegrassboy

Thanks to everyone on this forum. I've learned a lot from other's posts and finally decided that the Thule rack system was best for what I wanted it to do. Got it installed and later added Thule J-style kayak cradles. Here's what it looks like. It does a great job!

Torza tonneau cover is on order. I'll report on that once it's here and installed.

Noticed you were at Get Outdoors... They have the best service around, and were a big help when I bought my kayak. The Thule rig looks great. I wish I did not install the factory rack now that I know what I know.

[bluegrassboy]

Yes, the folks at Get Outdoors were fantastic! I'm very new to kayaking, although I've been reading everything I could get my hands on. They were very helpful.

The Thule rack is everything I wanted and more. I can take the J-cradles off or put them back on in about ten minutes. I took them off and put my Sears car top carrier up there to move my daughter to college over the weekend. Next, I'll buy a rack for my mountain bike. I love the versatility of the system.

[94 Accord EX F250 owner]

Originally Posted by wdbrady

Noticed you were at Get Outdoors... They have the best service around, and were a big help when I bought my kayak. The Thule rig looks great. I wish I did not install the factory rack now that I know what I know.

I read somewhere that the factory rack was designed by Thule, and that factory attachments were Thule. Does anyone know for sure?