Loading a single kayak on your car can be quite intimidating, but even more so for two kayaks. Not everyone will be able to load both kayaks without any help since other factors play a role.
However, in this article, I’m going to show you the standard way to rack both kayaks, and an alternative way if you’re kayak is too heavy to lift above your head.
How To Load & Secure 2 Kayaks To Your Car’s Dual Kayak Roof Rack
- Attach both kayak racks centered and aligned with each other on the roof. After installing it the first time, you can leave it permanently if you want.
- Fold the center bar straight up on each rack, and lock it in place.
- Place two straps folded on the top of each racks center bar
- Pick up and place the 1st kayak and center it on the rack, sideways, seat out, front facing the car’s front
- Tie and fasten 1 strap on each rack of the first kayak; by putting both ends on the other side of the boat, put the straps through the racks cradle, below the crossbar, back up the cradle, buckle, and tighten.
- Repeat steps 4 and 5 for the 2nd kayak
- Attach the kayak’s front hook to the car’s front and rear hook to the trunk For both kayaks
Alternative To Loading Your Kayak Without Lifting The Entire Thing Over Your Head
If you can’t lift the entire kayak above your head or your vehicle is too tall to reach the rack, there is a DIY alternative.
- Place towel behind front roof rack
- Place Mat or rug below the kayak’s rear. (To keep the kayak from slipping or getting scratched)
- Lift the front of the kayak and place it on the towel as it rests on the roof of the car
- Lift the kayak rear while sliding the front on the front rack, then the rear on the rear rack
What if you don’t have an extra towel or mat? The truth is, if you’re like me and don’t care about a few scratches on your car or the kayak’s rear, you don’t actually need them. You can simply lift your kayak behind the rear rack, slide it up, tie it, and you’re off.
To Sum It Up
Loading and unloading your kayaks is a skill. And just like any other skill, practice makes perfect. It only gets easier and faster the more you do it. After about the 4th or 5th time, you’ll have absolutely no issues with transporting your kayaks without any help. Thank you so much for reading!
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