Availability of Hitch Cargo Carrier-Mounted Kayak Carrier for 4 Kayaks

Question:

Im looking for a hitch mounted cargo carrier with an adapter to support transporting kayaks. Ive seen such a thing on the road but have been unable to find a supplier. The ones Ive seen can accommodate up to four kayaks in a vertical position. Can you help?

asked by: Jack M

Expert Reply:

We do offer hitch-mounted cargo baskets and enclosed carriers. We also have hitch-mount load supports that can be used to transport a kayak or canoe in conjunction with a roof rack. Such an item is the Erickson Big Bed Junior Load Extender # EM07605.

For reference I have linked you to our main page for hitch cargo carriers. You can use the filters in the left-hand margin to narrow the results based on your hitch size. I do not know of any kayak rack intended to mount to a cargo carrier, let alone do so vertically, although there are accessory bike racks that can mount on a compatible cargo basket.

Also, the weight of 4 kayaks, depending on their size and type, could be quite substantial and might overload some vehicles and/or hitches. You also have the issue of wind resistance; four kayaks carried vertically would present a large surface area that could lead to erratic vehicle handling and loss of visibility.

I can help you more if you can tell me the year/make/model/version of your vehicle and something about the nature of your kayaks - length and weight. The capacity of your hitch and vehicle also come into play.

The articles linked at right will give you background on cargo carriers and trailer hitch classes. These will help you determine if any available solutions will offer the capacity you need.

expert reply by: Adam R