Transporting a Kayak with Mopar Cross Bars?

[RedRaiderSATX]

I'm recently back in the Jeep world. I used to transport my kayak on my 4runner's roof rack, but I'm back in a 2 door JLR. My kayak is an 11' long Hobie Lynx. It's only 45 lbs. unrigged, but Mopar advises against using the cross bars for watersports even though I'm way under the weight limit. I know I don't have the length of a 4 door anymore, but the 2 door hard top is long enough to secure the boat, especially given its weight. Anybody hauling a kayak on the Jeep cross bars? I'd also love to see some 2 doors rigged up with a kayak. Thanks!

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[JRobes]

I think the main reason they warn against it is because the kayak (or surfboard, or anything with a large surface area) can catch a lot of wind and put excessive load into the cross bars and clamps. Keep in mind the roof is just fiberglass, and the drip rails aren't really designed for high loads. When you're driving at high speed a lot of air is rushing up and over your windshield and your kayak can catch that and be forced upward.

I'd personally feel comfortable with carrying it up on those cross bars but only if I used some tie down straps on the ends of it to keep the nose (or whichever end you put towards the front) from being able to lift up and pry against the cross bars.

 

[RedRaiderSATX]

Thanks for the reply. I hadn't considered the wind stress before. Like you said, I could probably run tie downs to the front bull bar and rear tow hook.

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