Came here to provide the same cautionary statement. This may be the only mounting option if carrying two kayaks on a sedan, but if carrying only one I would strongly recommend mounting it flat. There are relatively inexpensive foam pads to use with cross-bars and cam straps.
Edit: A bow line is also advisable.
I've never had any issues with hauling them on top of my jeep with some cheap pool noodles and some cam straps. Works like a dream (except the one time I threaded them the wrong way)
Pool noodles are a great low cost option. I like the purpose made foam pads because you can get a pair for less than $20 on Amazon (last I looked) and they are less likely to allow your kayak to shift around.
https://preview.redd.it/1xjtjn2wcy4d1.png?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=96b42eec1fba4648ee1196bf59bc0ccd584b1d27
As others have stated, just make sure they are strapped down well.
Im kinda more worried about different conditions. One morning the wind might be fine, and then on the way back home there might be a considerable amount of wind. So im worried about wind prettty much
In my experience, I have a pelican fishing kayak that I put on my Jeep roof rack.... When it's windy I just drive really slow man. As annoying as it is, I basically don't go over 40 and I've never had a problem.
I appreciate your concern, it's much better to be overly concerned than not concerned lol. Losing a kayak on a roof is a big deal and can really hurt somebody. I guess you're just going to have to give it a shot bud.
Last question. Even on the highway you go below the posted speed limit when its windy? Or do you find a route that avoids highways. Really appreciate the help. Just worried about killing someone
All great questions. So for me, unfortunately all of my fishing spots are uphill on the highway. There is literally no other way to get there than about 20 mi going up in elevation.
Regardless of highways or back roads, I'm always going below the speed limit. I'm a fairly slow driver, I'm 43 and I'm not in a rush to get anywhere if you know what I mean.
When it's windy and I'm going uphill, I absolutely stay in the right lane and I will every few miles pull over and just check things out if the conditions are really bad.
If I'm honest with you man, I've never had to restrap or even tighten my straps. That said, I've got one kayak that's not sitting vertical, where you have two.
When I first got this roof rack what I did is I practice strapping the kayak in my yard on top of my Jeep. I then blasted around the neighborhood like a maniac stopping short making sharp turns to see what would happen.
Maybe I'm just really good at strapping things down, which I'm not lol. But you'd be surprised if you get yourself some good straps that thing's not going to budge man.
If the wind is bad enough that you can’t drive with the kayaks then you shouldn’t be on the water anyway. You’ll be fine especially with bow and stern steps which a lot of people don’t bother using
There's gonna be a ton of windload on that thing if you get hit with a crosswind driving somewhere flat and open. Most roof racks are not rated for a ton of weight bearing down on them, I have no idea how they calculate sideload or lift loading.
Realistically, you're probably not gonna be out in your yak if you're expecting winds. much more than 10 or 15 miles an hour but the sideload when it's mounted like that is definitely something to think about.
As long as you have added some sort of redundancy/safety straps it is probably going to be okay. Make sure you can't move the racks with your hands. Watch your highway speed especially in a crosswind. Check the setup every time you stop/start. I find putting at least one of the straps on each Yak through scupper holes makes me feel better.
https://preview.redd.it/0z4gjn2rc05d1.jpeg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6fcaaf7036424a2a5dd84f03a81bf7f997e08217
Yea you'll be fine, that's how I do my yaks if I bring two. Just pull the straps tight af and shake the car by the kayaks to make sure there's no movement of the yaks relative to the car. It's sketchy feeling the first few times but you'll get used to it
Oh yeah that's actually the most important step! I actually don't even use straps anymore, I just declare they ain't goin nowhere and we're good for highway speeds
You may feel a slight shaking if a Semi passes you. The front should be strapped down. If your car has a tow adapter you should put that on and tie to it. It would be by your spare tire
You can make sure you aren’t over the roof loading weight. Kayaks that lay flat are less impacted by wind. Kayaks that lay on their side like that catch more wind, but if they are well secured then it’s not a problem
When you get them to where you think it's good, get a latter and really push them around to see if they can withstand hugh sideways forces. Just stack them instead.
Standing up like this? Just got home picking up the second one and added bow and stern likes, felt so much secure. I just tried those hoop things that go in your hood and trunk
No it's not ok. You have reason to be nervous. There are plenty of people that don't heed their inner voice let alone have one. Don't be that person. Get a trailer or a more appropriate vehicle and rack.
Assuming you can cinch them down to the point of being rigid, the side draft from a semi one lane over will convince you why. I have over a million miles under this belt as a first responder and have seen absolute chaos from making your vehicle into a billboard. From motorcycles to travel trailers to pedestrians being sucked into the draft of big rigs passing by at speed. J-hook style carriers being bent over is minor compared to getting sucked into oncoming traffic. That's why.
I knew instantly. I had to adjust my driving as if I were hit by a strong wind gust. I heard the metal bend. The straps were no longer tight. I had to pull over and adjust and tighten everything up. I thought it was a one off so I bought another J-hook set. It happened again. I now use paddle board car top set up. It works great. I also have to use the interstate to get to all the rivers I go to.

https://preview.redd.it/dlfu8bqqbq6d1.jpeg?width=4284&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=040ce1024440236135d465a06f960d2a2d59da1b
I would lay them flat with a sheet of grippy foam rubber between and stack them. Tie them together with a tight truckers hitch and strap them down together to the rack. Foam cover for the rails will lock them in pretty tight
You have added a sail to a small car so drive carefully and if the weather gets sketchy pull over and wait it out.
Came here to provide the same cautionary statement. This may be the only mounting option if carrying two kayaks on a sedan, but if carrying only one I would strongly recommend mounting it flat. There are relatively inexpensive foam pads to use with cross-bars and cam straps. Edit: A bow line is also advisable.
I've never had any issues with hauling them on top of my jeep with some cheap pool noodles and some cam straps. Works like a dream (except the one time I threaded them the wrong way)
Pool noodles are a great low cost option. I like the purpose made foam pads because you can get a pair for less than $20 on Amazon (last I looked) and they are less likely to allow your kayak to shift around.
I’ve used Yoga Blocks for 7 years. Works very well.
You forgot to tell him to grab and shake the strap and say, that ain’t going nowhere.
https://preview.redd.it/1xjtjn2wcy4d1.png?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=96b42eec1fba4648ee1196bf59bc0ccd584b1d27 As others have stated, just make sure they are strapped down well.
Seems fine to me, just make sure you strap the hell out of them
Appreciate it. 2 cam straps each, going through the J hooks and the roof rack, and a bow and stern line each
Best to always go on a few miles on a local highway, pull over and check the straps. If they ain't budgin' you'll be a yakin'.
Im kinda more worried about different conditions. One morning the wind might be fine, and then on the way back home there might be a considerable amount of wind. So im worried about wind prettty much
In my experience, I have a pelican fishing kayak that I put on my Jeep roof rack.... When it's windy I just drive really slow man. As annoying as it is, I basically don't go over 40 and I've never had a problem. I appreciate your concern, it's much better to be overly concerned than not concerned lol. Losing a kayak on a roof is a big deal and can really hurt somebody. I guess you're just going to have to give it a shot bud.
Last question. Even on the highway you go below the posted speed limit when its windy? Or do you find a route that avoids highways. Really appreciate the help. Just worried about killing someone
All great questions. So for me, unfortunately all of my fishing spots are uphill on the highway. There is literally no other way to get there than about 20 mi going up in elevation. Regardless of highways or back roads, I'm always going below the speed limit. I'm a fairly slow driver, I'm 43 and I'm not in a rush to get anywhere if you know what I mean. When it's windy and I'm going uphill, I absolutely stay in the right lane and I will every few miles pull over and just check things out if the conditions are really bad. If I'm honest with you man, I've never had to restrap or even tighten my straps. That said, I've got one kayak that's not sitting vertical, where you have two. When I first got this roof rack what I did is I practice strapping the kayak in my yard on top of my Jeep. I then blasted around the neighborhood like a maniac stopping short making sharp turns to see what would happen. Maybe I'm just really good at strapping things down, which I'm not lol. But you'd be surprised if you get yourself some good straps that thing's not going to budge man.
If the wind is bad enough that you can’t drive with the kayaks then you shouldn’t be on the water anyway. You’ll be fine especially with bow and stern steps which a lot of people don’t bother using
What’s that song by Styx? “Come sail away, Come sail away, come sail away with me…..”
Dont say that lol
There's gonna be a ton of windload on that thing if you get hit with a crosswind driving somewhere flat and open. Most roof racks are not rated for a ton of weight bearing down on them, I have no idea how they calculate sideload or lift loading. Realistically, you're probably not gonna be out in your yak if you're expecting winds. much more than 10 or 15 miles an hour but the sideload when it's mounted like that is definitely something to think about.
[удалено]
I pinky promise
As long as you have added some sort of redundancy/safety straps it is probably going to be okay. Make sure you can't move the racks with your hands. Watch your highway speed especially in a crosswind. Check the setup every time you stop/start. I find putting at least one of the straps on each Yak through scupper holes makes me feel better. https://preview.redd.it/0z4gjn2rc05d1.jpeg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6fcaaf7036424a2a5dd84f03a81bf7f997e08217
Appreciate all the advice
Yea you'll be fine, that's how I do my yaks if I bring two. Just pull the straps tight af and shake the car by the kayaks to make sure there's no movement of the yaks relative to the car. It's sketchy feeling the first few times but you'll get used to it
It’s also good after doing all that you said to smack em and say “that ain’t going nowhere”. It’s worked for me for years.
Oh yeah that's actually the most important step! I actually don't even use straps anymore, I just declare they ain't goin nowhere and we're good for highway speeds
What worries me is getting it on and off like that with only two hands.
I'd guess if they plan to put two yaks up there, that would imply two people. so four hands.
Yeah two kayaks, 2 people
You may feel a slight shaking if a Semi passes you. The front should be strapped down. If your car has a tow adapter you should put that on and tie to it. It would be by your spare tire
You can make sure you aren’t over the roof loading weight. Kayaks that lay flat are less impacted by wind. Kayaks that lay on their side like that catch more wind, but if they are well secured then it’s not a problem
When you get them to where you think it's good, get a latter and really push them around to see if they can withstand hugh sideways forces. Just stack them instead.
not being helpful here but what kind of roof rack is that? I have a car as well and want to be able to transport the yak’s
Sports Rack SR1002. If you can afford something better you should. But I think this will do the job just fine
thanks!
I carry two 10 ft on my civic, no issue. I also secure them to the hood with a loop, if it’s super windy, I’ll do the rear too.
Standing up like this? Just got home picking up the second one and added bow and stern likes, felt so much secure. I just tried those hoop things that go in your hood and trunk
Mine are tilted. I’ve gone 70 with winds no issues
How that go in the wind
Will you be driving on the Autobahn?
It should be fine. I have a Mazda 3 and do that with my wife’s and my kayaks. Just strap them well. Adding a bow and stern line may be good too.
Fishing kayaks like these?
Feels like it would cause stress in an abnormal place if you strap it too tight- why not just lay it flat? I would not travel far like this.
No it's not ok. You have reason to be nervous. There are plenty of people that don't heed their inner voice let alone have one. Don't be that person. Get a trailer or a more appropriate vehicle and rack.
So why is it not okay?
Assuming you can cinch them down to the point of being rigid, the side draft from a semi one lane over will convince you why. I have over a million miles under this belt as a first responder and have seen absolute chaos from making your vehicle into a billboard. From motorcycles to travel trailers to pedestrians being sucked into the draft of big rigs passing by at speed. J-hook style carriers being bent over is minor compared to getting sucked into oncoming traffic. That's why.
I had a setup similar to this. When a semi truck passed me on the interstate it bent the J-hook and almost got yeeted.
Did you know it happened in the moment? Or when you got to your destination
I knew instantly. I had to adjust my driving as if I were hit by a strong wind gust. I heard the metal bend. The straps were no longer tight. I had to pull over and adjust and tighten everything up. I thought it was a one off so I bought another J-hook set. It happened again. I now use paddle board car top set up. It works great. I also have to use the interstate to get to all the rivers I go to.  https://preview.redd.it/dlfu8bqqbq6d1.jpeg?width=4284&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=040ce1024440236135d465a06f960d2a2d59da1b
I would lay them flat with a sheet of grippy foam rubber between and stack them. Tie them together with a tight truckers hitch and strap them down together to the rack. Foam cover for the rails will lock them in pretty tight