How To Transport 2 Kayaks Without A Roof Rack
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These are long, durable, hard-wearing nylon that have adjustable buckles attached. They allow you to ratchet an object tightly in place. You can purchase ratchet straps at automotive or hardware stores.
Transporting a kayak without a roof rack isn’t the easiest of tasks, never mind two.
Maybe you have just bought your kayaks and haven’t yet thought about how you are going to transport them around; maybe you do not want to install a roof rack to your car, or perhaps there isn’t a roof rack available that fits on your vehicle.
Fortunately, we have a quick and easy trick that allows you to transport 2 kayaks without a roof rack. Read on to find out how.
What You Need
There are a couple of tools you will need to transport your kayaks without a roof rack:
1. Pool Noodles
Although this sounds silly, these soft, padded polyurethane tubes are excellent for this purpose. Check that the pool noodles you purchase have a hole through the middle and are heavy duty and thick. Don’t forget to check that they are long enough to fit over the entire width of your car’s roof.
2. Ratchet Straps
These are long, durable, hard-wearing nylon that have adjustable buckles attached. They allow you to ratchet an object tightly in place. You can purchase ratchet straps at automotive or hardware stores.
3. Stainless Steel Poles
You will need 3 square stainless steel poles that can fit through the middle of the pool noodles to provide support and stability. Ensure that they do not protrude past the side mirrors on your vehicle.
How To Transport 2 Kayaks Without A Roof Rack
1. Prepare The Pool Noodles
Thread the ratchet straps through the middle of the pool noodles followed by the poles. Ensure that the straps are even and that the pole is covered by the noodle where it will rest on your vehicle.
2. Secure The Noodles To Your Car’s Roof
The pool noodles will be the durable, flexible base for your kayaks to rest on that protect your car and the kayaks. Place your pool noodles on your roof around 3 feet apart. Ensure that you have one in the middle, and one at the back and front. With the doors open, bring the two sides of each ratchet strap together and ratchet it tightly to secure each pool noodle.
3. Place Your Kayaks On The Pool Noodles
Once you have secured the noodles, place your kayaks on top of the pool noodles. If you have a wide car, place them both flat and top side down. If the kayaks protrude too much, turn them on their side and push them together, with the bottom of one against the top of the other. Make sure that the middle of each kayak is resting on the middle pool noodle.
4. Secure The Kayaks Using Ratchet Straps
Now that the kayaks are in place, you need to secure them to your car. With your doors open, pass ratchet straps over your kayaks in the same place as the noodles. Join the ratchet straps inside the vehicle and ratchet them securely in place – remember not to over-tighten them as this could damage the hull of your kayaks. Twist the straps before connecting them so that they don’t make a high-pitched screeching sound as you drive.
5. Secure The Kayaks’ Bow And Stern
With the ratchet straps securing your kayaks in place, they can’t move from side-to-side. Now you need to stop them from moving backwards or forwards as you drive – you definitely do not want your kayak flying off your roof if you should brake suddenly. To secure the bow and stern, thread a ratchet strap through each of the carry handles and secure them to your car’s tow spots. Remember not to over-tighten the straps, but check that there is almost no movement in any direction.
Down To You
Kayaking is one of the most fun pastimes enjoyed by kids and adults throughout the summer months. But knowing how to properly transport your kayaks without a roof rack is very important. Luckily, by simply using a few pool noodles, metal poles, and ratchet straps, you can easily secure your kayaks to your vehicle without ever needing a roof rack. Not only is this method very simple, it is also quick and cheap.
Once you have followed each step above, you will be ready to head out on your next adventure. If you are traveling more than an hour or so, remember to check your straps’ tightness every 30-45 minutes as they can come loose throughout the journey due to cooler traveling temperatures. Otherwise, enjoy your next kayak experience!