Transporting 13.5-foot Kayak in High Winds Using Sportrack J-Stacker Kayak Carrier
Question:
We will be towing our 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited behind our class A motorhome. We have Tuhle roofrack with the J-mount system. We have a 13.5foot kayak mounted to this system. We are concerned about safety in 20-25 MPH winds. Any advice on how many MPH to push the system.
asked by: Dave M
Expert Reply:
I spoke to my contact at Thule for any information to address your concern about the stability of your 13.5-foot kayak in the J-style carrier when driven in high winds. Although Thule does not specifically apply wind ratings to their kayak carriers, it was suggested that the J-style that you are using would likely be a best option.
After discussing your safety concerns with one of their technical staff we agreed that the simplest solution is the addition of supplementary tie-down straps. This remedy will not be costly nor will it require any modifications to your vehicle or kayak carrier.
We do offer a variety of cam-buckle type tie downs, in many widths and lengths, and this type offers a good mix of strength and convenience. (They can also potentially serve other handy purposes when not on kayak duty.)
An excellent example is the Erickson 2-Inch x 8-Foot Cam Lock Tie Downs, part # EM34409. This product is a set of two cam-buckle straps with vinyl-coated hooks. The 2-inch wide straps offer a break strength rating of 2200 pounds each, and a working load rating of over 700 pounds each. A pair of these will provide substantial supplementary security for your kayak. If you wish you can use two pairs so that you are securing the kayak both in the front-to-back direction and the side-to-side direction.
If you do not need the 8-foot length, you might consider the more cost-effective option of the 5-1/2 Foot Cambuckle Tie Down 4-Pack, which includes four 1-inch wide straps, each rated at 900 pounds break strength and 300 pound working load ratings.
In either case I suggest routing the straps through the kayak tie-down points, then through the J-Carrier and then through the roof rack.
Products Referenced in This Question
Erickson Cam Buckle Tie-Down Straps w/ S-Hooks - 1" x 5-1/2' - 300 lbs - Qty 4
- Tie Down Straps
- Trailer
- Truck Bed
- S-Hooks
- Cam Buckle Strap
- Manual
- 0 - 5 Feet Long
- 0 - 1 Inch Wide
- 851 - 1200 lbs
- Erickson
more information >
Erickson Cam Buckle Tie-Down Straps w/ S-Hooks - 2" x 8' - 733 lbs - Qty 2
- ATV-UTV Tie Downs
- Trailer
- Truck Bed
- S-Hooks
- 2 Straps
- Manual
- 6 - 10 Feet Long
- Cam Buckle Strap
- 1-1/8 - 2 Inch Wide
- 1201 - 1500 lbs
- Erickson
more information >
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