Faulty J-bolts on Yakima rack? - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

spudz · 10-08-2015, 12:59 PM

Typically I’d carry 1-2 kayaks on the rack. Seldom would I carry three. When I spoke to the Yakima reps they stated that three kayaks, even 4 kayaks, wouldn’t be a problem as long as I stayed below the 300# load capacity. However, they still weren’t able to explain why the bolts would fail.

RedSledTeam · 10-08-2015, 01:25 PM

It appears that you are over-stressing the J Bolts. What do they clamp and how much torque does it take to get it to adequately clamp up?

rossman · 10-08-2015, 01:27 PM

Have had my Outdoorsman for close to 10 years now on 2 trucks with the same J bolts. No problem with mine. The bottom of the J bolt should fit into an 6 inch long by 3/4 inch square of extruded aluminum. Wanna make sure you are using those and that they lay flat under the lip of the truck bed. If they are missing or not laying flat I can see them bending and breaking.

mrJB · 10-08-2015, 01:41 PM

Even though Yakima is based in Washington, I wouldn't be surprised if they are now outsourcing some parts (i.e.,China). Wouldn't want a failure while underway...

Don't know if they would be stronger, but you might want to cut down some trailer "U-bolts" and give it some stress and check before mounting. Beyond that, you could go to a machine shop and have them make you a set out of grade 5 or 8 steel...

YakDout · 10-08-2015, 02:02 PM

See if you can find higher grade bolts through www.fastenal.com

makobob · 10-08-2015, 02:19 PM

I looked at Rossman's in Asuncion and wondered why not just use a backup plate and through bolt them?

spudz · 10-08-2015, 03:08 PM

RedSledTeam , The J-bolts secure the tower to a 6” long piece of aluminum that fits snugly under the truck bed’s rail. Not an incredible amount of torque applied.

spudz · 10-08-2015, 03:09 PM

Thanks Rossman, The aluminum bar is flat and snuggly secured to the truck bed rail.

10-08-2015, 01:27 PM	#3
rossman Marginally Irrelevant Join Date: May 2007 Location: Bahia Asuncion Posts: 936	Have had my Outdoorsman for close to 10 years now on 2 trucks with the same J bolts. No problem with mine. The bottom of the J bolt should fit into an 6 inch long by 3/4 inch square of extruded aluminum. Wanna make sure you are using those and that they lay flat under the lip of the truck bed. If they are missing or not laying flat I can see them bending and breaking. __________________ "When beholding the tranquil beauty and brilliancy of the ocean’s skin, one forgets the tiger heart that pants beneath it; and would not willingly remember that this velvet paw but conceals a remorseless fang. " — Herman Melville Y'all come see me now, hear!

10-08-2015, 01:41 PM	#4
mrJB Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: O.C. Posts: 352	Even though Yakima is based in Washington, I wouldn't be surprised if they are now outsourcing some parts (i.e.,China). Wouldn't want a failure while underway... Don't know if they would be stronger, but you might want to cut down some trailer "U-bolts" and give it some stress and check before mounting. Beyond that, you could go to a machine shop and have them make you a set out of grade 5 or 8 steel... __________________ "I Brake for Halibut"

10-08-2015, 02:19 PM	#6
makobob Baitless on Baja Join Date: May 2013 Location: Vista California, Gonzaga, San Quintin, Asuncion, Mag Bay Posts: 4,250	I looked at Rossman's in Asuncion and wondered why not just use a backup plate and through bolt them? __________________ http://www.mako-ville.com Home 760-630-4470 Cell 760-520-2514 YES YOU CAN

10-08-2015, 12:59 PM	#1
spudz Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: SoCal Posts: 78	Typically I’d carry 1-2 kayaks on the rack. Seldom would I carry three. When I spoke to the Yakima reps they stated that three kayaks, even 4 kayaks, wouldn’t be a problem as long as I stayed below the 300# load capacity. However, they still weren’t able to explain why the bolts would fail.

10-08-2015, 01:25 PM	#2
RedSledTeam Daddeo Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: OC Posts: 660	It appears that you are over-stressing the J Bolts. What do they clamp and how much torque does it take to get it to adequately clamp up?

10-08-2015, 02:02 PM	#5
YakDout Brandon Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: San Diego Posts: 2,345	See if you can find higher grade bolts through www.fastenal.com

10-08-2015, 03:08 PM	#7
spudz Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: SoCal Posts: 78	RedSledTeam , The J-bolts secure the tower to a 6” long piece of aluminum that fits snugly under the truck bed’s rail. Not an incredible amount of torque applied.

10-08-2015, 03:09 PM	#8
spudz Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: SoCal Posts: 78	Thanks Rossman, The aluminum bar is flat and snuggly secured to the truck bed rail.