Rack suggestions
 

Hi Guys
Been out for a while (family stuff) so its good to be back, hopefully into the water soon. Anyway I bought a "Sportsmobile" in July and would like to put a rack for the yak on it somewhere.
I was thinking about attaching a rack to the "Conferr" rack in the rear and maybe some track with Yakima control towers towards the front.
The van itself is about 9 1/2 feet tall so I'm not sure if this is doable.
See pic.

Stop Laughing

Any suggestions are appreciated.
SteveC

Re: Rack suggestions
 

How big is your Kayak? You may want to consider a trailer rather than trying to load and unload from that high of vehicle.

Re: Rack suggestions
 

I would look at a trailer like Incredble said. Even to the top of a shell on a full size truck is a reach for most guys, and it looks like the top section of your vehicle is even higher than that. If you wanted to build something to stand on to get the reach you may need, I don't know how safe something would be doing that. When I did traffic signal repairs, I would carry signal heads on my shoulder and go up a 10 foot ladder, and is was a pain when I had to do that. They had the weight, but would only be 4 foot long and I can't imagine carryng a 15 foot kayak trying the same thing. Even if someone thought of carrying a kayak on the side of their vehicle, I think the vehicle code used to only give you 12 inches beyond the side of your vehicle it could protrude and be legal. It's a hard call :o

Perry

Re: Rack suggestions
 

I agree with the previous posts. A trailer may be the way to go. Personally, I like the Sportsmobile.:thumbup I can definetly see myself with one. Where did you find it?
Hank

Re: Rack suggestions
 

I agree with the trailer approach. Loading and unloading a kayak from a tall vehicle like that would be a bear. Not to mention the clearance problems you might encounter.

Robert

Re: Rack suggestions
 

Thanks guys for all the suggestions. I think a trailer is a better way to go myself.
Sportsmobile confirmed that I could stand on the roof with no problems, I tried that this weekend, its way the heck up there.
I have a Tarpon 160 and a FishNDive I can't imagine pulling those hogs up on the roof, so I guess I'm going trailer shopping.
I found the Sportsmobile in the "recycler" in July, the previous owners took excellent care of it.
Everything is in great condition, has a fridge for beer, a microwave, a sink, and a small tv, it has a loft with a double bed and will sleep a couple more on the sofa areas (kid sized).
It has a ton of storage for a float tube, clothes, and such.

I included a couple pics, Perry I hope thats OK.

Thank you again for the ideas, hope to see you on the water.
SteveC

Re: Rack suggestions
 

Re: Rack suggestions
 

Steve,
Nice to see you around again, and CONGRATS on the wheels. By looking at it, it has the Sierras written all over it. Oh yea, fishing the different loops while taking your home and kayaks with you :thumbup You didn't get the idea from their site did you,LOL ?? This is the main pic on their home page. Enjoy your new vehicle :brews
Perry

PS: Feel free to post whever decent photos you want on the website, fishing or non-fishing. I have a bunch of different photos on it, not all of them fishing related either.

Re: Rack suggestions
 

Thanks Perry

I've been looking at Sportmobiles for a few years.
I just happened to be in the right place at the right time.

I bought it to spend quality time with my daughters (3 and 6 yrs),

at least thats what I'm telling everybody ;)


I think a trip to Crowley in the spring is in the future.

We have a trip planned to Bolsa Chica in a couple weeks, to test things out, and see how they handle it.

Should be fun.

SteveC