How Should I Transport My Kayak On The Fiberglass Cap Of My 1997 Ford Ranger  

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Helpful Expert Reply:

You can definitely setup a rack to transport your kayak centered around the Rhino-Rack T-Load Hitch Mounted Load Assist and Support Bar for 2" Hitches - 49" Long, part # RTL002 and the SeaSucker Monkey Bars. The Rhino Rack load assister is height adjustable and it comes with a 49" long Vortex Aero crossbar. You can also tilt the mast to make loading and unloading your kayak simpler. It comes with an anti-rattle hitch bolt that reduces movement between your hitch receiver and the extender.

The SeaSucker Monkey Bars Roof Rack - Vacuum Cup Mount - 48" Long - Black, part # 298-SX6000B will use vacuum cups to attach to your fiberglass cap. It is very important to clean the area where you will mount your SeaSucker rack before installation, this ensures that you will not get any dirt underneath the vacuum pads because getting dirt underneath the vacuum cups can scratch the fiberglass cap of your truck. This rack has a maximum weight limit of 150 lbs. It is also not a permanent roof rack. This is something you would remove from your vehicle when it is not in use.

I would usually recommend getting rooftop tracks installed on your fiberglass cap because that will be your most secure roof rack option. Since you are interested in the SeaSucker Monkey Bar rack, it is my guess that either you are not interested in attaching tracks to your fiberglass cap or you are not aware of that as an option. That alternative to the SeaSucker rack is the Rhino-Rack Aero Bar Roof Rack for Camper Shells - Track Mount - Black - Standard - 54" Long, part # Y02-480B.

The tracks would be installed directly to your fiberglass cap, so they will be permanent. The roof rack will be installed to the tracks, but can also be removed as needed. The crossbars of the rack will be the Vortex Aero, which would be the same as the crossbar on hitch mounted extender. The Rhino rack legs have adjustable mounting points, so you can always tailor your roof rack to what you are hauling. If you are worried about the security of your roof rack, it can also be locked to your vehicle, keeping it safe from theft. You can carry longer items, such as a kayak or a ladder. You can also carry other items on the roof of your canopy such as bikes.

The last thing you need is a perfect kayak carrier to complete your setup. I recommend the Rhino-Rack Nautic 581 Rear Loading Kayak Carrier - Saddle Style - Rear Loading - Channel Mount, part # RR581. These saddles would be mounted on your crossbars on the fiberglass cap. They come with two padded cam straps and a bow and stern tie-downs to anchor your boat.

I have included product descriptions and video links below.

expert reply by: Mark Smith

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