Mounting Kayak on RV

7.3Excursion4x4 · 04-07-2016, 07:09 PM

Anyone try this?
I am looking at buying a Hobie Pro 14' Kayak and because of its weight (145# rigged) I don't want to have to lift it up and of of my Excursion which has a 5 inch lift.
I was thinking about fabricating up something to be able to mount it diagonally across the rear.

Any thoughts?

davel1971 · 04-07-2016, 08:13 PM

even diagonally, it would be at least 14 feet high. No way would that work.

7.3Excursion4x4 · 04-07-2016, 08:37 PM

I asked because I had seen another TT going down the road with one strapped on the back. Will have to see what I can come up with.
Thanks

davel1971 · 04-07-2016, 08:42 PM

the ones that do that are usually 10 foot or less

Pinn · 04-08-2016, 07:02 AM

Considering that you may have a rubber roof and that anything you may mount on the roof would void that warranty. I would recommend that you not put any holes in the roof of your RV.

I have kayaks also and got bed rail ladder racks to put in my truck for transporting same.

Still Kickin · 04-08-2016, 07:23 AM

Research roof loaders for kayaks etc. There are some ideas there that might get you in the right direction. Nothing ruins a trip more when a kayak appears in your rear view on the road, that looks just like yours!

kkelly · 04-08-2016, 03:30 PM

Try rvkayakracks.com

Tall frog · 04-08-2016, 08:39 PM

we have a 2015 gmc 2500 with a 5-7" taller cap, even tho I am 6'-7" I could not reach the rack to place our 14.5' 75lb kayak on top. bought a Hullavator from thule, google it, it will lift off roof rack and lower to side of truck for chest high loading then it helps you lift it back on to the rack. not cheep but works GREAT.

FordHauler · 04-08-2016, 09:06 PM

On Amazon search "Malone Kayak Lift Assist Auto Racks K-Rack Load Module".
I put a 13.5' 75# 2 person kayak on top of my F-150 with the tall Lear cap by myself. One unit sits on the hood, just above the grill. The other sits at the top of the windshield. Works great for me. You will like everything about it except the price.
Travel safe

lakejumper · 04-09-2016, 02:06 PM

We use the Thule Hullavator rack to carry the kayak on top of the tow vehicle. It has hydraulic shocks that assist with lifting it to the top roof. The only hard work is lifting the kayak to the rack when it is opened and is about waist high and lowered on the side of the vehicle. You can see a video of how it works on the Thule website. It is somewhat expensive but you can use a 20% off coupon at REI when they have them or look for a used one on Craigslist. I used a tradional roof top rack and it was difficult to lift and wasn't worth a potential shoulder injury! Our Hobies are 10 feet long but I have friends with longer kayaks with the same rack and it will support them. The rack comes with ties for the front and back.

lakejumper · 04-09-2016, 02:10 PM

Another picture...I reread your post and realized that you're looking at the Hobie Pro Angler which is too big for the Hullavator rack. Have you considered getting a smaller Hobie like the Outback model? There is some good info on the Hobie forums.

Tombsy · 04-09-2016, 04:01 PM

I just bought a Pro Angler 14, it's a heavy wide boat plus I've added a ton of accessories. No way I wanted to try and lift it, I'm going with a trailer made for it and a scooter. But a second hand jet ski trailer (PWC) can be converted pretty easily with bunks or pvc pipe for cradles.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

7.3Excursion4x4 · 04-10-2016, 12:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lakejumper

Another picture...I reread your post and realized that you're looking at the Hobie Pro Angler which is too big for the Hullavator rack. Have you considered getting a smaller Hobie like the Outback model? There is some good info on the Hobie forums.

Been doing research for about a year. I have had several back surgeries, 2 spinal fusions, a shoulder replacement, both rotator cuff's repaired and a lot of other surgeries. The Hobie Pro 14 seems to be the most comfortable and stable for someone with injuries similar to mine. I just need to be able to stand up and move a little without having to stay seated the entire time. I'm probable going to mount it on top of my Excursion when using the TT and buy a small trailer when at home. I'll just have to get my wife to help when using the TT or offer a cold beverage to a fellow camper to help get it off the roof.

7.3Excursion4x4 · 04-10-2016, 12:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tombsy

I just bought a Pro Angler 14, it's a heavy wide boat plus I've added a ton of accessories. No way I wanted to try and lift it, I'm going with a trailer made for it and a scooter. But a second hand jet ski trailer (PWC) can be converted pretty easily with bunks or pvc pipe for cradles.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Other than a cooler for behind the seat, I'm going to keep the accessories to a minimum when using it while traveling with the TT. I'll probably use a lot more accessories when I'm at home and can leave it on the trailer. I've been searching Craigslist nationally for the past month looking for a used one. Unfortunately a new one is out of the budget, but unless I find one in the next month or so, I'll splurge or sell some unused stuff to pay the difference.

lakejumper · 04-10-2016, 10:06 AM

You could use some type of electric winch if you could mount it on a rack on top of the Excursion. We usually carry two Hobies on the roof rack when towing the RV. I bought a used jet ski trailer and modified the bunk for carrying and storing the Hobies when at home so I don't have to lift them to the roof. Good luck with your search. It appears that you may have already viewed the Hobie forum but here is the link for the Hobie forum in case you haven't:

http://www.hobiecat.com/forums/

scootingranny · 04-10-2016, 05:29 PM

This isn't a rooftop kayak rack but it's really pretty neat. Our current "next door neighbors" have this and it's by (like KKelly mentioned) rvkayakracks.com

mnoland30 · 04-12-2016, 09:55 AM

Boat Loader | Rhino-Rack

Try this. I made a side rack for mine, but because it is light, I didn't need the power assist. There are several different makes.

Tombsy · 05-05-2016, 11:57 AM

I just got back from my maiden fishing trip with our MH and Hobie Pro Angler. Two weeks fly fishing huge rainbows in British Columbia. The boat is amazing, with the motor kit it was hands free fishing and I never did use the mirage drive pedals.
Loading and unloading from the trailer worked great I backed the boat off enough to put the dolly wheels underneath then wheeled it to the water. I couldn't get the dolly back in while the boat was in the water but I pulled it partially out and tipped it enough to slide in the wheels.

Brian

You may also like: