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HandiRack Universal Inflatable Soft Roof Rack Bars (Pair); Tie-Downs and Bow and Stern Lines Included; Carries Kayaks, Canoes, Surfboards and SUPs; Fits Cars and SUVs?
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23 reviews of this product found across Reddit:
Its all about the straps you use. I have a [HandiRack](https://www.amazon.com/HandiRack-Universal-Inflatable-Black-INCLUDED/dp/B001F5AHKC\) but I also just helped my friend transport their new yak with the foam blocks.
IMO you can get away with the foam blocks (I wouldn't worry about having a sunroof or not) but definitely get your own tie down straps and don't use the ones that come with them.
You can get a much more secure tie down with ratchet straps and honestly I felt way more confident transporting hers on foam blocks with good straps than I do with the included straps on my HandiRack.
TLDR: Outside of a legit rack system, HandiRack in combo with good ratchet straps is your best bet by far!
You can get inflatable racks that you loop inside the car, you need either a four door car or a two door with wind down rear windows. They don't carry as much (65kg) compared to metal fixed ones (100kg+).
They start from £25 but decent mid range ones are around £50.
Mid range example:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/HandiRack-MPG452-Handirack-inflatable-roof/dp/B001F5AHKC
However as they are in contact with the car you will get scratches where they sit. Although I use a metal fixed one and have scratches from moving my gear up and down. Scratches are going to happen regardless of how careful you are.
Have a look at other makes and reviews and find the best one for you.
Have you checked out the inflatable models? Sounds crazy but gets great reviews.
To get started before you spend big money, they have these wide pillow things on Amazon that straps to your minivan and straps to the kayak. Probably the worst solution in my experience, but could be a stop gap before you end up getting a big Thule rack or something.
HandiRack Universal Inflatable Soft Roof Rack Bars (Pair); Tie-Downs and Bow and Stern Lines Included; Carries Kayaks, Canoes, Surfboards and SUPs https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001F5AHKC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ESBF8E8ASH8C1G9NH8MP?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Make sure to put half turns in all your straps so they don’t vibrate going down the road at high speed
Thanks, that's what I'm leaning towards trying first. It's relatively inexpensive for the inflatable soft rack. My only concern is having the weight/resistance tied to the roof of a convertible I guess. Then again, it's a pretty straight shot of 25-35MPH roads from my house to the bay, so it's not like I have to worry about any significant wind drag.
To be clear, is this the type of thing you're talking about?
>A fancy roof rack with installation is maybe a few hundred bucks at the very most.
Hell you can get roof racks that just strap too the top of your car for $80. Mine carries an entire kayak and surfboard so it should easily carry a snowboard.
I use these on my 4 door honda accord. I use it for 2 11+ foot long boats all the time. They're very durable material and have solid steel D rings to use with straps. It works great.
I use these on my 4 door honda accord. I use it for 2 11+ foot long boats all the time. They're very durable material and have solid steel D rings to use with straps. It works great.
2 door or 4 door? I just ordered this for my 4 door accord after seeing one out in the wild the other day. It is pretty well reviewed and only $90.
I like that it spreads a bit wider where it goes through the door frame than the foam block kits do, people say that it is easier on the door gaskets and what not. It also has D Rings build into the top of it so that you can fasten the kayak without having to run additional straps through the doors. I plan to run fore and aft lines though.
you can get a set of yakima roof racks for like $400. Then you can get the kayak and/or bike mounts for that. I think you can do items at once up there.
I just purchased a 14ft tandem kayak and an inflatable roof rack. I haven't tried putting it on the roof, as I litterally got both 2 days ago. I will be using it a good 5-10 times this year though.
They're fine on the door trim. Been running mine for 2 months now with no problems. Just a bit loud because of the lack of fairing.
have you looked into an inflatable roof rack? I have this one too and it's great for quick things in a pinch.
Check out this inflatable roof rack, I'm looking to get this for my kayak. handi roof rack
No experience with it, but I saw this earlier: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001F5AHKC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_7Q7iDb92GC2MN
I know someone with these http://www.amazon.com/Malone-HandiRack-Inflatable-Universal-Luggage/dp/B001F5AHKC and it seems to work well. does strap through the doors, which has some drawbacks in noise and water entry.
any aftermarket rack is fine
My wife's friend uses a Malone HandiRack on her Toyota Camry. Depending on the length of your kayak you may need bow & stern tie downs also.
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