I've searched these threads and can't believe I'm the only one that wants to carry 2 kayaks on top of QS's. Has anyone done this and if so how do you carry or place them on top without damaging the T. cover? My thought was build a 2 piece "roof rack" that's padded on the bottom supports which sit close to the edge of the top on each side of the top with cross bar slightly raised overhanging each side with tie-down straps attached to the frame. Then there would be tie-down anchors on top of rack to strap kayaks to.
I am a brand new 10.0 owner. I haven't done it yet, but my plan in a few weeks is to use 2 foam blocks that come in generic kayak rooftop kits.. That should put the kayak higher that the brackets for the bed supports. My kayak is 11 foot so I can place them in from the edge of my 10.0 about 2 feet. I also have already cut a piece of a "pool noodle" that I put over the bed brackets to reduce any rubbing on metal.
My plan was foam blocks, rings mounted on the lower side of the trailer and ratchet straps to hold them down.
I dont think I made a specific thread on it but I know I posted these earlier. Putting a couple of kayaks on top was the first thing I did to ours :)
[a href="https://flic.kr/p/nyQqRV"]
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3897/14155069007_56ddb6a244_k.jpg)
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3843/14340830894_b6eb7f5690_k.jpg), on Flickr
Here is the quick explanation.
I took a universal set of rooftop bars that can be purchased just about anywhere (I believe I got this from Walmart). I then passed the webbing from an extra long ratchet strap through each bar. This allowed me to securely anchor the bars to the camper by passing them all the way down the side and ultimately attaching to the frame. The little feet from the bars had a minimal amount of padding so if I were to add an upgrade to the system it would be to increase the padding and surface area of the feet, which should decrease any pressure on the top of the camper. Attaching the kayaks were just like any other rooftop system :)
This system could also be used for extra storage if you have a roof top cargo box as well.
-Sean
I was just thinking the other day of putting a Canoe on top of our 10.0. Sean-can you provide a photo of the supports you made under the kayaks? I know I could put a canoe on top of our Outback, but it would probably be an easier ride and more stable to put on top of the camper.
@hiker74 the bars I used started with these http://www.walmart.com/ip/44-to-60-Telescoping-Roof-Rack-Cargo-Cross-Bars-150-lb.-Capacity/29390127
I havent had the need to actually increase the supports under them yet mainly because I havent noticed any real need. It would just add to my comfort level knowing that they have a nice large foot print to spread out the weight on the camper.
I notice you attached the strap hooks to the bottom edge of the frame. What keeps your hooks in place? Also, I notice that you ran your straps through pool noodles on the top edge. How well do these hold up under the strap pressure when tightened down, especially when traveling? Have you seen any wear on the cover?
@cocoloco, Since there were no good locations to attach the hooks I ran a loop of rope to the actual frame rails of the trailer. I figured with this setup I could widen or narrow the distance between the bars if/when needed.
As for the noodles they seem to be holding up just fine. I feel running the strap through them adds to the durability since they are not sliced. They hold up in the wind without moving and the straps dont seem to be cutting into them. Keeping the webbing flat while under load seems to help with this greatly. Now I assume they will get cut, or wear through at some point, but I carry a few extra pieces of noodle with me for if/when this happens.
I also have seen no wear on the cover but this is also a concern of mine. The noodle is held tight enough that it should pose no issue. The noodle also gives enough of a gap that the webbing from the straps should not rub. So really other than the noodle, the only other point of contact would be at the feet of the bars. Right now, they have some thin rubber on them to help cushion the top. However I still feel the feet will be the highest likely hood of causing an issue (if there is going to be an issue). Thats why I've toyed with the idea of making some sort of padded contact pad to increase the foot print and reduce any possible wear points. I havent gotten around to it and i havent seen any wear yet, so I guess its doing alright for now :)
Thanks Sean for the info as this is very important in my research before purchasing a QS. My primary use of a QS is to visit many campgrounds around Florida that are located along the coastline where I fish from my Kayaks. I have 2 - 14' sit on top kayaks that I transport on a trailer. Although they don't weigh that much, it's putting on top of my Element that I'm trying to avoid. Knowing that others are putting them on top of their QS is a major factor in deciding on my purchase. Now I've got to decide which QS is right for me!
We were in a similar situation when we decided to purchase. We wanted something that allowed us to camp with ease, but also allowed us to keep up with all our activities. We originally only wanted the 8.0 or 8.1 since it was large enough for a family, but small enough that we wouldnt have to worry about tow vehicles or anything else that comes with a larger trailer. In the end the 10.0 was being sold by a private party and the price was perfect. In the end I'm glad we went with the 10.0 b/c it gives us the room we didnt even know we wanted. I still think we would have been fine with the 8.* but it would have been a situation where we settled.
If I didnt have the 10.0 I'd probably go with something like the 6.0 (assuming I didnt need the extra space). I like the idea that its so small, and that you could even open it up and use it without even disconnecting it from the tow vehicle. So I guess I'm at one extreme or the other.