Came across these pictures from our first kayak/camper transport. The pics are from last month. Our camper is now stored for the winter and the rack with kayaks mounted is in our "Shelterlogic" rear yard shed. This works great for kayak storage as well - win, win.
Well, it worked perfect. I really do not like the use of "perfect" though we racked up the Kayaks with ease. I was able to do the 110# ProAngler by myself. Raised the front end onto the front post then raised and positioned the rear. Strapped in and hoisted it into transport position. We added reinforced corner additions (portions w/o the black paint) and poly type rubber 2" wide with 3M adhesive for all kayak metal points of contact. That stuff is fantastic!
We drove three hours to a friends property - not really to use the kayaks - simply to test it out. Find the issues, etc. Trailer in tow, no problems what-so-ever. We stopped several occasions to check this and that and it was stout! Couldn't tell we had them racked up there. I am a bit surprised. Usually something, more like things (plural) are identified in DIY test run projects.
I believe the intent of the channel locking into each other significantly increases the strength tolerance and solid/single like unit. Not sure what to say. It works without further points to enhance - maybe in time. Prior to the Kayaks, we took the truck for a drive with the rack alone. I was curious about vibration noise, though again... nothing. As if it was not attached. I thought for sure we would have some. Rolled windows down 60mph - nothing.
Again, I am very reserved with DIY projects to say this is set, as it is, w/o intent to modify further... though this works as if it is company designed and sold. I'll attribute it to my wife's brains behind our fabrication. It's also nice to have the full use of our truck bed. I'll have to toss a flic on my YouTube channel so people understand the ease the kayaks rack up and frame is locked for transport with more detail towards each area for any interested. When all was said and done - maybe $400 aluminum (with excess) +$100 for weld/grind, bolts, paint, etc supplies. Total weight? Maybe 35-40#'s.
Well, it worked perfect. I really do not like the use of "perfect" though we racked up the Kayaks with ease. I was able to do the 110# ProAngler by myself. Raised the front end onto the front post then raised and positioned the rear. Strapped in and hoisted it into transport position. We added reinforced corner additions (portions w/o the black paint) and poly type rubber 2" wide with 3M adhesive for all kayak metal points of contact. That stuff is fantastic!
We drove three hours to a friends property - not really to use the kayaks - simply to test it out. Find the issues, etc. Trailer in tow, no problems what-so-ever. We stopped several occasions to check this and that and it was stout! Couldn't tell we had them racked up there. I am a bit surprised. Usually something, more like things (plural) are identified in DIY test run projects.
I believe the intent of the channel locking into each other significantly increases the strength tolerance and solid/single like unit. Not sure what to say. It works without further points to enhance - maybe in time. Prior to the Kayaks, we took the truck for a drive with the rack alone. I was curious about vibration noise, though again... nothing. As if it was not attached. I thought for sure we would have some. Rolled windows down 60mph - nothing.
Again, I am very reserved with DIY projects to say this is set, as it is, w/o intent to modify further... though this works as if it is company designed and sold. I'll attribute it to my wife's brains behind our fabrication. It's also nice to have the full use of our truck bed. I'll have to toss a flic on my YouTube channel so people understand the ease the kayaks rack up and frame is locked for transport with more detail towards each area for any interested. When all was said and done - maybe $400 aluminum (with excess) +$100 for weld/grind, bolts, paint, etc supplies. Total weight? Maybe 35-40#'s.
