For those who love to go kayaking, kayak roof racks offer a fantastic way to transport kayaks from home to water. If you’ve ever seen a fellow driver with them on the road, however, you’ll know that there seems to be more than one way to fix a kayak to a vehicle. We provide some top tips to help you determine how best to transport your cargo.
Getting Started
First of all, consider how many kayaks you will be transporting. Just one, or quite a few? Measure the height of your vehicle and figure out whether you can comfortably load the kayaks yourself or whether you will need assistance. And how long are your kayaks? It is important to know in advance whether they are going to overshoot the length of your car too dangerously for the road.
Horizontal Arrangement
Laying your kayak flat on its base is the most common method when using kayak roof racks. A wide range of sizes can be accommodated in this formation, and it makes loading and unloading easier and safer. This is also an effective arrangement to minimise wind resistance while driving. Such considerations can save you money on fuel, providing you with more money in the future to spend on kayaking trips!
Vertically Standing
Allowing for maximum boat capacity, vertical stacking is the way to go if you have many boats to place on your kayak roof racks. However, you should expect added wind resistance and a requirement to drive slower and safer.
Assistance in Loading and Unloading
Two examples of technology that can help you load and unload kayaks by yourself are the T-Load Towball Mount and the Rhino Universal Side Loader. The T-Load Towball Mount uses an anti-swivel plate to stop any tow ball sway, thereby giving you a stable support through the entire process. Meanwhile, the Rhino Universal Side Loader helps you unload your kayak from the side of the vehicle, using its pivot to load your boat onto the crossbars of the roof rack. Both items are useful for anyone who wants to go on a peaceful kayaking trip by themselves.
Freedom with Kayak Roof Racks
With kayak roof racks, you have the freedom to arrange your kayaks in whatever way suits you best. Whether you’re planning a trip to Gippsland, the Grampians, or the Great Ocean Road, you’ll be sure to arrive safe and sound, ready for your water sport adventure. Contact Roof Rack Superstore today to learn more, or browse our online range of kayak roof racks and accessories to find the best option for your needs.