attwood 11438-7 Universal Rack-Free Car-Top Kayak Carrier Kit with Supporting Foam Blocks
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I've been using this carrier kit for about a year to transport my kayak to the lake, which is about a 20-minute drive each way, and it's been fantastic. Two foam blocks are included in the kit, which are placed on the roof, and the kayak is then placed inside the blocks. There are also ropes to secure the front and back of the kayak, as well as straps to secure the kayak across the interior of the vehicle. This carrier kit has been installed in a Honda Insight and a Hyundai Sonata. The most difficult part is locating the tie down points on the front and rear of the vehicles, but once you've done that, it's smooth sailing.
This is on a 2008 2-year-old car, dude. Mustang with two doors I'm sure you'll be able to fit this into a prius.
Yes. The strap is inserted into a slit on the side of both blocks near the bottom. The blocks have the following dimensions: 15 3/4"L x 3"W x 4"H Dimensions: 15 3/4"L x 3"W x 4"H Dimensions: 15 3/4"
2 blocks in a V shape Everything you'll require for a single boat.
Selected User Reviews For attwood 11438-7 Universal Rack-Free Car-Top Kayak Carrier Kit with Supporting Foam Blocks
A crucial step is omitted from the instructions (and packaging). This is the best option if your vehicle lacks a built-in roof rack. BUT- You'll definitely need to purchase a second set of straps. The manufacturer has cut a slit along the bottom of each rubber block, which is not mentioned in the included instructions. (This product is sold by a number of different companies, all of which appear to have purchased it from the same unknown manufacturer. ) Before using additional straps to hold your kayak or canoe, you must run a strap through that and then secure each block to your vehicle. If you don't, the combination of pressure from a tightly-wrapped object and the pressure from a tightly-wrapped object will cause you to lose your balance. The wind will start squeezing the block if the boat is strapped and traveling at highway speeds. It wriggles around on the roof and-- as I discovered, much to my chagrin- can emerge from beneath the boat in an instant; not good. br>br>It's fine if you use it as intended, but the seller's instructions neglect to mention that you must secure it to your vehicle separately. And there's only one set of straps included in the box. Before you try to use this, go to Wallmart or REI and get a new pair.
A standard roof rack was out of the question because my car has a panoramic sunroof, which means the entire roof is glass. This kit turned out to be the ideal fit (and at a reasonable price). I'm glad I took the time to read other reviews before purchasing this - BUY A SECOND SET OF STRAPS! One pair (which are actually quite nice, with the soft part underneath the buckle protecting whatever surface they're touching), as well as ropes to tie the front and back ends of the kayak down, are included in the kit. However, you'll require an additional set of straps: One set to keep the foam blocks from sliding around or out from under your kayak (there's a slit in the blocks for this), and the other set to actually strap your kayak to your car. br>br>The only thing I would change is to add ropes with S-hooks. Instead of the plain nylon ropes in the kit, hooks should be used to tie the front and back ends down. However, this isn't a major issue because you can get those for a reasonable price elsewhere. br>br>Twist your straps to keep them from making that horrible, loud humming noise during transport, as other reviewers have suggested!.
Even at 70 mph, these do a good job of keeping my kayak in place. However- My car's roof now has scratches and dents on it. Some of these do sag. As you tighten the kayak on top of the foam mats, they will crunch down. It's adequate, and it's significantly less expensive than a roof rack. However, as I tighten the kayak, the roof of my car buckles beneath it (due to the low cost of automobiles these days). Two ideas: br>br> It's pointless to have a round cord. I couldn't put it on my car because there was nowhere to put it, it wasn't long enough, and there was no way to tighten it. I bought an S-hooked clamp. br>br>Second-class-class-class-class-class-class-class-class-class-class-class-class This was recommended to me by someone else. As you tie the ties to the boat, twist them. It significantly reduces noise! When the cords were twisted, there was almost no noise, whereas when they were neat and flat, there was a LOT of noise!.
It's a straightforward device that gets the job done. I dragged my nine. There were no issues while paddling a 5' recreational kayak for 40 miles at speeds of up to 70 mph. I did not, however, use the ties that were provided. I don't have any down straps, but I do have ratchet straps. My ratcheting straps gave me more control over the situation. I'm not sure if it was necessary, but knowing I'd be able to reach high speeds made me feel better. I am confident that the supplied straps will suffice if you do not exceed 50 mph. br>I had this on a 2011 Toyota Corolla, and I had to put the foams near the front and rear windshields. The roof would cave in if the foams were concentrated in the center of the roof. br>This product is very basic, but it does the job and is inexpensive.
This product works well if you're moving your kayak a short distance at a slow speed in good weather. If the foam becomes wet while being moved, even in a light rain, it becomes extremely slick and can be pushed out by the wind and/or vibration of the vehicle. To counter the force of the wind and keep the kayak secure, you must tighten the straps as you go faster. When tightening them, keep in mind that the force of the kayak pressing down on the roof of your car can cause it to cave in. If you get over 25 miles per hour, the straps vibrate a lot. 30 mph is the speed limit. Long distances can cause significant changes in the position of the straps, which can jeopardize the kayak's security. This is great if you live a few miles from the water you want to kayak in and need a cheap way to get your kayak there on a sunny day. If you plan on kayaking on a regular basis, you'll want to upgrade to a roof rack with metal brackets that are bolted down. This is not something I would recommend if you're transporting a kayak over long distances, across an interstate highway that requires higher speeds, or potentially through a cluster of rain clouds.
I had my doubts. However, it functions flawlessly. Instead of having to tie a knot, it would be preferable if the front tie ropes had hooks and clamps. br>br>To reduce the humming noise, twist the side straps where they are exposed to the wind. br>br>I only had to drive 10 miles each way at 45mph, but it didn't budge at all.
This is a fantastic alternative to purchasing a costly car rack. Twist the straps, as some others have suggested, to reduce noise while driving at high speeds. To keep the ropes firmly in place beneath my car, I added hooks to the ends. When I parked, I drove about 70 miles per hour down the highway (probably too fast). Yes, you could get these parts elsewhere, but the convenience of having everything in one place at this price is unbeatable. This is an excellent product.
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