V-Rack kayak or canoe rack
02-05-2014, 11:10 PM
#11
I have never seen a bed mounted rack that is easily installed and removed.
In reply #3 I indicated that it needs to be simple like putting a trailer hitch in a hitch receiver with a locking pin. I might be missing something, but I tend to ignore bed mounted racks because of nuts, bolts, washers and permanent cutting into the plastic caps on the side rails of the Platinum bed.
The installation of the V-Rack is the same as mounting a trailer ball on a draw bar. (Fastened with one nut.)
An important design feature for my application is that the V-Rack fastens to the bumper, not the receiver for the trailer hitch.
I need the trailer hitch receiver for towing the travel trailer.
.
In reply #3 I indicated that it needs to be simple like putting a trailer hitch in a hitch receiver with a locking pin. I might be missing something, but I tend to ignore bed mounted racks because of nuts, bolts, washers and permanent cutting into the plastic caps on the side rails of the Platinum bed.
The installation of the V-Rack is the same as mounting a trailer ball on a draw bar. (Fastened with one nut.)
An important design feature for my application is that the V-Rack fastens to the bumper, not the receiver for the trailer hitch.
I need the trailer hitch receiver for towing the travel trailer.
.
Tell you what - You come up with a design and then let's see if we can build it? I have a welder, and I know a machinist. Maybe you can make a better mousetrap!
02-06-2014, 11:33 AM
#12
I just bought a set of Thule xsporter bed racks off craigslist and they are easily removable and actually look half decent if you wanted to leave them on. They are held on with c-clamps and you can get the whole thing on or off in under 30 minutes. When they are not in use you can lower them all the way down or just remove the racks and leave the bed rail mounts.
This is not my truck.
This is not my truck.
Last edited by TexasEd; 02-06-2014 at 11:35 AM.
02-07-2014, 08:03 AM
#14
Senior Member
Thread Starter
I don't think I could load my 120 pound rowboat on those racks by myself.
30 minutes to install and remove the bed racks is too much time. My target time for install and remove is 1 minute (or less).
xsporter racks won't work with my Bak-Flip tonneau cover.
Other than that, they look like very nice bed racks.
30 minutes to install and remove the bed racks is too much time. My target time for install and remove is 1 minute (or less).
xsporter racks won't work with my Bak-Flip tonneau cover.
Other than that, they look like very nice bed racks.
[/URL]
02-09-2014, 09:23 AM
#16
Senior Member
Thread Starter
My current rowboat is 17 feet long and 120 pounds.
My next rowboat is 90 pounds, carbon fiber hull and 18 feet long. With roof racks like yours, my boat would be "Gone With The Wind".
Last edited by SailorDon; 02-09-2014 at 09:28 AM.
02-11-2014, 05:52 AM
#17
Senior Member
Those are short kayaks. Your truck is approx. 18 feet long. I'm guessing the kayaks are less than 12 feet long. My current rowboat is 17 feet long and 120 pounds. My next rowboat is 90 pounds, carbon fiber hull and 18 feet long. With roof racks like yours, my boat would be "Gone With The Wind".
Last edited by blackhawk51; 02-11-2014 at 07:03 AM.
02-11-2014, 06:28 AM
#18
What if you installed the V portion on something like a tall sawhorse? The sawhorse could be loose in the back of the bed and the downward pressure of the straps will hold it in place. Total access to the bed and nothing bolted and in the way when you aren't hauling your yak.
02-11-2014, 08:46 AM
#19
Senior Member
Thread Starter
What if you installed the V portion on something like a tall sawhorse? The sawhorse could be loose in the back of the bed and the downward pressure of the straps will hold it in place. Total access to the bed and nothing bolted and in the way when you aren't hauling your yak.
The parts for my new V-Rack should be here in 10 days. I'll keep y'all updated as my kayak rack project proceeds.
.
02-15-2014, 08:12 PM
#20
Senior Member
Thread Starter
V-Rack can be installed on my 2010 F-150 Platinum.
There was a problem with the 3/4" mounting bolt, but the owner of US Rack is going to fix that problem.
Check your bumper. If it is like mine, there is no hole under the plastic where the circle is located. It is solid sheet metal, like the bumper under the plastic. Be prepared to drill a 3/4" hole.
That sure surprised me!
Add a roof rack like this
and you are ready to haul kayak, or canoe (or in my case, rowboat).
.
There was a problem with the 3/4" mounting bolt, but the owner of US Rack is going to fix that problem.
Check your bumper. If it is like mine, there is no hole under the plastic where the circle is located. It is solid sheet metal, like the bumper under the plastic. Be prepared to drill a 3/4" hole.
That sure surprised me!
Add a roof rack like this
and you are ready to haul kayak, or canoe (or in my case, rowboat).
.
Last edited by SailorDon; 02-16-2014 at 05:45 PM. Reason: Add roof rack