Using a kayak rack keeps your kayak securely mounted to the roof of your vehicle as you head out to your adventures on the water. Some kayak racks are padded to prevent scratching, and the racks allow you to transport your kayak without denting or caving in the hull as can happen when a kayak is strapped onto the crossbars of a roof rack without the use of a kayak rack.
Things You’ll Need:
- Vehicle with a roof rack with crossbars
- Kayak rack
- Kayak
Bolt to Crossbar
Step 1: Assemble the kayak rack, if required.
Step 2: Place the kayak rack on one of the roof rack crossbars.
Step 3: Put a carriage bolt through the hole in the kayak rack and metal strap.
Step 4: Loosely attach one of the knobs to the carriage bolt.
Step 5: Swivel the metal strap under the crossbar and loosely thread on a carriage bolt.
Step 6: Install the other kayak rack in this same manner.
Step 7: Line up the two kayak racks and tighten the knobs.
Step 8: Test fit the kayak to the kayak rack. Make any adjustments to the alignment before tightening the knobs.
Clamp to Crossbar
Step 1: Assemble the kayak rack, if required.
Step 2: Loosen the knob on the “T” bolt. Do not remove the knob, just make it loose.
Step 3: Place the kayak rack on one of the roof rack crossbars.
Step 4: Swing the bail under the crossbar.
Step 5: Fit the bail over the “T” bolt so it passes through the opening in the bail.
Step 6: Use your fingers to turn the “T” bolt 90 degrees to fit it into the provided slot.
Step 7: Tighten the knob to secure the kayak rack finger tight.
Step 8: Install the other kayak rack.
Step 9: Line up the two kayak racks and tighten the knobs.
Step 10: Test fit the kayak to the kayak rack. Make any adjustments to the alignment before tightening the knobs.
