I'm looking to buy 2 kayaks, but my conundrum is how to carry them on my Jeep. I have a 2013 JK Sport, with a soft top. I want to possibly have something fabricated that can be left on the Jeep. I don't want to be taking a rack system on and off all the time, because I take the top down quite frequently. Hauling them with the top off is no issue, but there maybe times when that's not an option and that's where my issue comes into play. My thoughts were something like a light bar along the front windshield and also somehow in the back as well. Has anyone done anything like this?? Or any other ideas would be great...thanks!!

 

whats your budget? strapping them to your roll bars is the easiest cheap way, but wont work with the top up unless youre really carefull an have something between the boats and the top to make sure they dont rub holes in it. there are rack solutions out there, but i think they all look ugly empty with the top down. you could get a kayak trailer (will be really light even with 2 kayaks on it) or make one to haul them on and not deal with on top of your jeep at all as well!

googled for trailers, made in america 2 kayak carrying version is a little over 1k, delivered. they also have some cheaper ones on ebay with free shipping.

and the benefits of building or getting a trailer would also include the potential of having a trailer with lots of storage in a boxed area, water tanks, cooking grills, and then putting the boats on top!

 

If you put the light bar up front like you said, then just picked up one of those Kayak Hitch receiver attachments. if you could get the hitch attachment up level with the Light bar, boom, you're good.

Sounds like you need to fabricate something and sell it for side cash. I assure you, you are not the only one needing a solution like this.

 

Mountain man is right. The big thick pool noodles from Wally seem to work well- or old towels, Or a combination of both. There are rooftop kayak kits that work ($30) at Gander Mtn or Big Outdoor Store that are V shaped thick foam with straps/ rope. They work well too.

 

Strapping them to the roll bars when the top is off is not the issue. My problem is what to do when I have the top up?? And I'm trying not to spend a fortune. I've seen racks that cost $700, plus I don't want the hassle of taking them on and off all the time. Didn't really want the investment of a trailer...will try to come up with something to fabricate with possible quick disconnects and get back to you.

 

Fab something that goes in the hitch receiver and then creates a mounting bar higher than the roof line. I've seen similar set ups for hauling long lumber in pickups. This would just need to be much higher. That and some sort of front light bar-ish system. Easy enough to remove when not in use.


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This is exactly what I was thinking!! Like a T-Bar out of the hitch, higher then the top. Somehow on a hinge, that way if I would need to open the tailgate I wouldn't have to completely remove it.

Thanks for all the input and ideas!!!

 

This is made by Bestop and may work. The bars slide off the channel when you're not using them.

 

Web search found this rhino rack...
Search Rhino Rack T-Loader.


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Seems that every roof rack I tried to buy was out of stock everywhere, so I just bought a trailer instead!! LOL!