How to put my kayak on top of my van? - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

Mr. NiceGuy · 01-05-2022, 05:45 PM

Thanks for the first two suggestions. There is always a wealth of ideas and information from kayak fisherpeople here!

Is it better to mount the kayak right side up, or upside down? I have seen people do it both ways.

I'm thinking about aerodynamics and a secure mounting for freeway speeds.

-----

I have enjoyed a small motorhome before, but I like the idea of a smaller and simpler camp van. The less encumbered I am, the happier I am to be an adventure traveler.

I have a small kitchen sink nozzle adapted to a pump sprayer for washing my kayak that doubles as a simple shower. If I need privacy for my "shower" I can sit in a big plastic storage box from Costco for $8.50 that doubles as a storage box ;-)

I bought a tri-fold 6" memory foam mattress that is outstanding for comfort and warmth, and it stows easily in a zipper bag for protection.

I have a small portable toilet that works perfectly. The bottom pops off like a suitcase and is discreet. It can easily be dumped at any service station or fast food restaurant along the way. MUCH easier than the way I used to dump my motorhome.

mattress
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

mattress stow bag
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

portable toilet
https://www.amazon.com/Thetford-Whit...%2C175&sr=8-15

What more could a Caveman with a kayak wish for? (Maybe some kind of small portable flat panel TV for watching movies streamed from my ipad or iphone?)

Life is sweet

lowprofile · 01-05-2022, 06:19 PM

This guys does it pretty well.

https://youtu.be/s7gQKKBV648

Depending on the kayak determines weather it’s upside down or not. Hobies I load right side up since the bottoms are flat and most have rails and other stuff on top. Most of the paddle kayaks I’ve hade have a V hull and flat tops so they went upside down.

When securing it don’t over tighten the straps going across the kayak, they just need to be tight enough to keep it from sliding back and forth or raddling in the wind. The ropes going from the bumpers to the kayak are what keep it on the roof and should be taunt but not enough to flex the kayak.
Also, put a twist in any flat lines, like ratchet straps, otherwise they become a reed instrument and hum really loud at freeway speeds

Mr. NiceGuy · 01-05-2022, 06:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lowprofile

https://youtu.be/s7gQKKBV648

I like the way he uses wheels. Maybe I can attach my Hobie kayak wheels to the back of a ladder rack for dual purpose.
The Outback is about 100 lbs. A ladder rack on top of the van would be about 7.5' off the pavement.
I'll have to experiment with the mechanics.

JohnMckroidJr · 01-05-2022, 10:03 PM

Another option from Rhino-Rack

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSeHSCfHniQ&t=3s

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. NiceGuy

Is it better to mount the kayak right side up, or upside down? I have seen people do it both ways.

Upside down for proper stowage, plus better aerodynamics. Right side up for convenience.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. NiceGuy

portable toilet
https://www.amazon.com/Thetford-Whit...%2C175&sr=8-15

Life is sweet

That is sweet -- When my brother went to law school in SD, he lived in his VW camper for a semester and had a coffee can for a toilet.

MITCHELL · 01-06-2022, 06:33 PM

And he put his pro angler inside his van and had a plywood bed to sleep on on top of kayak

01-05-2022, 05:45 PM	#1
Mr. NiceGuy Manic for Life Join Date: May 2015 Location: San Diego Posts: 839	Thanks for the first two suggestions. There is always a wealth of ideas and information from kayak fisherpeople here! Is it better to mount the kayak right side up, or upside down? I have seen people do it both ways. I'm thinking about aerodynamics and a secure mounting for freeway speeds. ----- I have enjoyed a small motorhome before, but I like the idea of a smaller and simpler camp van. The less encumbered I am, the happier I am to be an adventure traveler. I have a small kitchen sink nozzle adapted to a pump sprayer for washing my kayak that doubles as a simple shower. If I need privacy for my "shower" I can sit in a big plastic storage box from Costco for $8.50 that doubles as a storage box ;-) I bought a tri-fold 6" memory foam mattress that is outstanding for comfort and warmth, and it stows easily in a zipper bag for protection. I have a small portable toilet that works perfectly. The bottom pops off like a suitcase and is discreet. It can easily be dumped at any service station or fast food restaurant along the way. MUCH easier than the way I used to dump my motorhome. mattress https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1 mattress stow bag https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1 portable toilet https://www.amazon.com/Thetford-Whit...%2C175&sr=8-15 What more could a Caveman with a kayak wish for? (Maybe some kind of small portable flat panel TV for watching movies streamed from my ipad or iphone?) Life is sweet __________________ Another ho-hum day in Paradise Last edited by Mr. NiceGuy; 01-05-2022 at 06:56 PM.

01-05-2022, 06:19 PM	#2
lowprofile #1 on fishstick's hitlist Join Date: May 2011 Location: Sea level Posts: 1,478	This guys does it pretty well. https://youtu.be/s7gQKKBV648 Depending on the kayak determines weather it’s upside down or not. Hobies I load right side up since the bottoms are flat and most have rails and other stuff on top. Most of the paddle kayaks I’ve hade have a V hull and flat tops so they went upside down. When securing it don’t over tighten the straps going across the kayak, they just need to be tight enough to keep it from sliding back and forth or raddling in the wind. The ropes going from the bumpers to the kayak are what keep it on the roof and should be taunt but not enough to flex the kayak. Also, put a twist in any flat lines, like ratchet straps, otherwise they become a reed instrument and hum really loud at freeway speeds __________________ MLPA- My Largest Poaching Area Last edited by lowprofile; 01-06-2022 at 03:44 PM.

01-06-2022, 06:33 PM	#5
MITCHELL Sea Hunter Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Where ever I may roam where I lay my head I call home. Posts: 2,289	I saw a guy that came back from cabo And he put his pro angler inside his van and had a plywood bed to sleep on on top of kayak __________________ Duke Mitchell