Mounting kayak on camper roof

[PaintyLiz]

Okay here's my latest idea - how about carrying a 12-foot kayak on top of the camper?

Other than the problem of how to get it up there in the first place, I'm wondering about putting tie downs. I think I could just bolt straight through to the interior and put for eye bolts that I can attach straps to.

Has anyone had experience mounting anything on the roof to carry it?

The kayak is 12 and a half feet long and only weighs about 70 pounds I think.

Thoughts anyone?

Liz

[ChasWray]

I do not think putting an eyebolt through the roof is a good idea. Just asking for leaks.

[LJAZ]

I agree with Charles. Huge opportunity for leaks.

[PaintyLiz]

Originally Posted by ChasWray

I do not think putting an eyebolt through the roof is a good idea. Just asking for leaks.

Originally Posted by LJAZ

I agree with Charles. Huge opportunity for leaks.

Darn I hate when you shoot down my ideas .

There's so many other things up there that go through the roof why would this be an issue? It's probably moot I doubt that I'm going to figure out a way to put a kayak up there anyway.

Liz

[Silverado]

Originally Posted by PaintyLiz

Okay here's my latest idea - how about carrying a 12-foot kayak on top of the camper?

Other than the problem of how to get it up there in the first place, I'm wondering about putting tie downs. I think I could just bolt straight through to the interior and put for eye bolts that I can attach straps to.

Has anyone had experience mounting anything on the roof to carry it?

The kayak is 12 and a half feet long and only weighs about 70 pounds I think.

Thoughts anyone?

Liz

If it was me I would stay away from any more holes in the roof as possible. Years ago with my first RV I carried my 14' boat on top of it. It was a 1972 Tow Low hard wall travel trailer so height was not an issue. I just made a boat rack out of 2×8 cross pieces with end pieces screwed on the end to make a shallow U to keep it from moving side to side and carpet to protect the camper. Then ratchet straps front and back to the frame. Used that for years and it trailered very well. Luckily two people could load it standing on the ground with no issues. I was young, strong and most importantly had no money so being a farm boy I learned how to make due. I am not too sure how tall your unit is but our 2015 210uds is 10 feet tall, I am not to sure I want to go even higher. Just some thoughts to consider. Silverado

[LJAZ]

The other roof penetrations tend to be larger with flanges to spread out the forces applied as your driving down the road. An eye bolt is going to concentrate the forces at a single point and will probably flex like crazy.
Rather than poke holes in the roof and have lift a kayak up there, why not go with an inflatable? We have one of these:
https://www.seaeagle.com/SportKayaks/SE370

[PaintyLiz]

Originally Posted by LJAZ

The other roof penetrations tend to be larger with flanges to spread out the forces applied as your driving down the road. An eye bolt is going to concentrate the forces at a single point and will probably flex like crazy.
Rather than poke holes in the roof and have lift a kayak up there, why not go with an inflatable? We have one of these:
https://www.seaeagle.com/SportKayaks/SE370

Our son gave us one of those a few years ago. We also have two sit in kayaks, we actually get better gas mileage using our kayaks on a slant in the back of the truck.

Now we want to bring our favorite kayak, our tandem Hobie.
BTW that is not a picture of us lol

It's only 2 feet larger than our cheapo sit ins, so if we move the bikes out of the truck, we should have room, but I was just considering other options.

Liz

[PaintyLiz]

Originally Posted by Silverado

If it was me I would stay away from any more holes in the roof as possible. Years ago with my first RV I carried my 14' boat on top of it. It was a 1972 Tow Low hard wall travel trailer so height was not an issue. I just made a boat rack out of 2×8 cross pieces with end pieces screwed on the end to make a shallow U to keep it from moving side to side and carpet to protect the camper. Then ratchet straps front and back to the frame. Used that for years and it trailered very well. Luckily two people could load it standing on the ground with no issues. I was young, strong and most importantly had no money so being a farm boy I learned how to make due. I am not too sure how tall your unit is but our 2015 210uds is 10 feet tall, I am not to sure I want to go even higher. Just some thoughts to consider. Silverado

That is a neat idea. I was thinking it could fit next to the AC and not add any height. Since hubby and I are both in our sixties doubt we can actual heavy it up to the roof anyway lol.

Liz