How To Load Your Kayak | Car Top and SUVs

ADVERTISING

LuxoGear Emergency Whistles with Lanyard

Shop now »

NOCO Genius GEN5X2, 2-Bank, 10A (5A/Bank) Smart Marine Battery Charger

Shop now »

RHINO USA Boat Trailer Transom Straps (2PK)

Shop now »

LUCKY Kayak Portable Fish Depth Finder

Shop now »

Seaview 180 V3 Full Face Snorkel Mask

Shop now »

Most popular comments
for How To Load Your Kayak | Car Top and SUVs

Live comments
Comments on YouTube

2AAmerica - 5 years ago

I was just thinking this the other day.

RassiOutdoors - 5 years ago

This is the perfect video for loading/unloading a heavy kayak. Not just for women, but for any of us not beast enough to solo lift a fishing kayak overhead onto a roof rack lol. Awesome stuff guys!!!

Ann Cluckey - 5 years ago

Thank you kristy lol

William Kiene - 5 years ago

We done...thanks.

jisterKIS - 5 years ago

How do I tie this sucker down safely though??? That's the most important part!!!!!

Fon Jet - 5 years ago

Na mate! I want your kristie ! ;)

John Freeze - 5 years ago

How heavy is this particular kayak? I am trying to decide the kayak to buy and the one i really want is about 80 pounds but i will be by myself 80% of the time or more.

Po Hau - 5 years ago

Hey is there a way to strap the kayak down and drive down the highway without the straps flapping around and making that unbearable noise ?

Chad Hoover - 5 years ago

Po Hau I don’t use bungees, I use the flat straps with the friction buckle from Yakima.

Po Hau - 5 years ago

+Chad Hoover thanks man, can you recommend some bungies and you use to secure your kayak? Mine is a bit heavy and I keep getting scared that it's gonna be too loose if I give it slack for the twists

Chad Hoover - 5 years ago

Put a twist in them and then they won’t be flat to the wind. That’s what causes the roar and noise, not the ends flapping around. Just take up the slack with half hitches and use the twist and you will be good to go

Sky 201 - 5 years ago

0:12

man, it too heavy....im a women baaaaah

Plan A : get some flex tape (nvm)
Plan B : turn yourself into a trans

10. comment for How To Load Your Kayak | Car Top and SUVs

COOL Lime TV - 5 years ago

Thanks man great videos!

Gayle McGee - 5 years ago

Chad, you are hilarious! Nice video.

DannyBTalks - 5 years ago

I recognize this house...Howdy neighbor!

Neville Madden - 5 years ago

Why do people Transport Kayaks Topside Up !?! ... They should be transported Upside Down. This prevents Pressure Created Warping and Denting, and Lessens Wind Resistance.

Kyle Hoffmann - 5 years ago

Hey Chad, what do you think about using this method for something like a Native Titan 12?

Chad Hoover - 5 years ago

It’s just as easy in many cases and it’s definitely much easier than lifting the full weight of the kayak, which is the idea of this type of loading.

zhi yan - 5 years ago

I'm ALWAYS worried if I brake the car suddenly, will the kayak fly off the front?... (especially going downhill?) This is the main concern that prevents me to buy a kayak... Will the strap able to keep the kayak from moving forward/backward?

Mr Dandy - 5 years ago

Out of interest, how much would a kayak like yours cost?

Michael Woodroffe - 5 years ago

I will not be doing it this way. I do not want to scratch my paint on my Jeep.

barryb2005 - 5 years ago

great idea-load from the side--drrrrrrrr-why didn't I think of that--I haven't got roof rails but ill put a length of 1.3/4 x 1.1/2 timber on the roof bars that go across the car-then fix it on using heavy duty cable ties--ive just bought an ocean prowler and im struggling getting it on the roof (im almost 66)--ill check out your other vids in due course-thanks from the u/k

FumioFunakoshi - 5 years ago

Greta video...however my car does not have a roof rack (hundai elantra) getting it on the car is easy but what is the best way to strap it down? Any suggestions are welcome, Thanks.

20. comment for How To Load Your Kayak | Car Top and SUVs

Kohl Outdoors - 5 years ago

great video. I enjoyed it. I wonder if that would work with my wife.

fish bass - 5 years ago

Awesome video. Just got a really nice fishing kayak. I'm a smaller guy and only weigh about 140 lbs so needless to say, i cant lift my 11ft kayak on my CRV by myself... this video is definitely going to help come spring time. Thank for the helpful tips!

Bob Gil - 6 years ago

Good video but what if you a loading TWO 12' kayaks?

Chad Hoover - 6 years ago

Do the same thing twice. You just have to slide the second one onto the first kayak

Elliott Deverell - 6 years ago

Bit sexist but you didn’t mean it that way

Zac Stephenson - 6 years ago

Well now I feel dumb. I've been trying to find something for a 100 lb kayak and I didn't even need the racks to keep it secure.

Andy Lee - 6 years ago

Scratching up the car doing it like that

Chad Hoover - 6 years ago

Yeah, did you see all the scratches? I actually
Cover that in the video if you actually watch it.

Kwisten050 - 6 years ago

I'm going to try this! I'm a 115 lb woman with a 50 lb, 16' kayak, and it's been quite a challenge loading & unloading it, to say the least. My car doesn't have side rails, but I may just throw my foam camping pad over my Kia Soul perpendicular & in between the crossbars, and try this out. It would be so nice not to have to rely on a second person every time I want to go paddling. Thanks for the post!

Chad Hoover - 6 years ago

Try using a tacky yoga mat or a wet towel, both work great. A friend of mine (lady about your size) bought two suction cups with a little lanyard and connected them to the corners of a carpet remnant and she uses that by sticking the suction cups on top and letting the piece of carpet hang over the side. They have them at most craft stores, I think she got hers at either Autozone or Harbor Freight.

Вячеслав Козлов - 6 years ago

Молодец дядька) прям крутой чувак.

Jerred Veverka - 6 years ago

Good video was curious what kind of cart you use for your ss127 haven't seen any in your videos.

Corey Mondello - 6 years ago

I have XTERRA, much higher roof. I have a 9ft sit on top, has no handles, except middle of each side, making it easy to carry, but handles are useless when trying to lift and slide onto roof of Xterra. Any suggestions? Plus, I use the roof rack that comes with the truck, so I transport my kayak face down. This does make it easier to slide once on top of truck, but actually getting it up is again, the actual hard part I’m having.

30. comment for How To Load Your Kayak | Car Top and SUVs

tang many - 6 years ago

Wife husband teamwork.

Avu Tex - 6 years ago

This is the best way to tie down my big kayak like that on my SUV. Unfortunately, my roof rack is made of plastic, so it broke and the whole thing flied off the freeway.

faamecanic1970 - 6 years ago

Would love to see a Jhook type carrier tips! My wife and I both have yaks

Art CMBDIA - 6 years ago

Awesome. Im planning to get the same kayak and was wondering how im gonna load it by myself. Thanks.

heather proctor - 6 years ago

God. I want that boat!

ashleycarolann87 - 6 years ago

At 5ft 1 I wasn't sure I could load a kayak on to my lifted jeep by myself. I used your technique and loaded it up last weekend. I was shocked I managed to do it alone. I had a harder time reaching the roof rack to secure it so I used the door jam to get an extra boast.

Live Love Fish - 6 years ago

Hey Chad I will just go ahead and take that Bonafide from you brother. It looks like its just in your way. :D

Terrytuffnutz - 6 years ago

Thanks for sharing guys, I'll be showing this to my vertically challenged wife. Good info and entertaining to watch as well!

Terri Wilson - 6 years ago

I have the Yakima Sweet Rolls on my core bars can i still load my kayak like Christie did?

Jenne Siltberg - 6 years ago

Great video! Any suggestions on using Yakima bowdowns as well? I'm 5'2". Could load on toyota matrix solo but now have a new Toyota Rav4 that's way higher.

Alex S - 6 years ago

Well, now I feel like a moron. lol I have a Subaru Forester and just bought a Feelfree Lure 11.5. I've been trying to figure out how to load/carry it on my Forester since I rarely ever use my truck anymore. I've been looking at all these expensive Yakima carriers and such. Guess I don't need them after all. lol If you're ever up here around Morristown, TN, let me know and I'll come out and do some photography for you. I'm right in the middle of Cherokee Lake and Douglas Lake. Thanks for the video!

RobNob1 - 6 years ago

Holy Carp dude!!! 3:54! She has escaped the kitchen!! you have to keen an eye on them fella! Good video though, will show my wife (minus this comment)

Adam Crane - 6 years ago

I hope she made you a nice sammich!!

phartattack - 6 years ago

TIP: IF YOU USE FLAT STRAPS... twirl them so they are not flying flat in the wind. This keeps them from vibrating / fluttering and cutting through your kayak! THEY WILL CUT YOUR KAYAK or snap!

Sam S - 6 years ago

Can I do this even if I have a sunroof?

crazy observations - 6 years ago

If a car is all you have then the best advice is to get a light trailer

Mike A - 6 years ago

The commentary is gold. Thanks for the video!

KayakingCampingFishing - 6 years ago

Great info mate!

D-V Verlander - 6 years ago

Chad, method looks great, but I have an F150 and use Yakima Outdoorsman racks attached to the bed for overhead crossbars. That means there is nothing along the sides (between the crossbars paralleling the sides of the truck bed) on which to rest the kayak to use this method. Short of fabricating something, any suggestions? (I can load in the bed with a bed extender, but would like to be able to reclaim the bed for gear on longer trips and also avoid the 4 or 5 feet of kayak hanging past the tailgate.)

Chad Hoover - 6 years ago

I already did one for how to do it with the Outdoorsman 300. You just prop the end up on one bar and then slide it up

Marco Roman - 6 years ago

Does anyone know the weight of this kayak?

Chad Hoover - 6 years ago

86#

50. comment for How To Load Your Kayak | Car Top and SUVs

Tonia Jostes - 6 years ago

Chad and Kristy, thank you!!! I am a so paddler and even with Yakima roller cradles it was exhausting. Been practicing Kristy’s moves and huge difference!!!!!!!!

Pike Hunter - 6 years ago

Unfortunately it doesnt help you if have a SUV with nice paint.

brian Solberg - 6 years ago

What brand of crossbars installed on car in this video? Thanks

Ryan El - 6 years ago

Chad. I see a lot of attachments that go on the crossbars but it looks like if you dont want to purchase that all you need is the crossbars with some good ratchet straps?

Jessica - 6 years ago

I'm wondering the same.

Ross Pearson - 6 years ago

OMG you two are so cute. Thanks so much for that. I have a Nissan rogue and and was wondering how I would load it myself. Looks very simple. I want to Buy one of these boats from Bass Pro shop in Tsawwassen BC. Now I will do that. You two are awesome. YEEEEEHAAAAAAA!

Troy Stinson - 6 years ago

Saw her in this SUV near Chattanooga last week. Thanks for the video!

Doc Bailey - 6 years ago

Lovely eyes.

Jared Smith - 6 years ago

Chad you guys are awesome!!!

Andrew Vasquez - 6 years ago

damn thank you for this helpful tip!

SARWAT AHMED - 6 years ago

Im still confused type of rack i need i gota toyota Matrix and considering buyin HOBIE OUTBACK

Halley Titus - 6 years ago

Lmao omg your kitchen comment! Very informative video, great way of teaching and of course the sense of humour!

Jason Beary - 6 years ago

Just be aware that there may be other handling issues with a big, heavy kayak. I have accesses to my local major river that require considerable (some say ridiculous) roll on the kayak cart. Another thing that might be helpful. Foam rollers. When the tip of the boat is up on the side of the car, a foam roller set at that junction might help you get the boat up and onto the car's top. It all depends on the design and what not. A foam tube pool toy might be good too, but it will collapse. Might make a good alternative for sliding the boat up.

chumpchanger1 - 6 years ago

Haha! Thanks man, that was just the info I was lookin' for.

crack shot - 6 years ago

This is great... unless the winds a blowin'!

Jeff Duncan - 6 years ago

Then unbuckle and slam on the brakes in reverse and it’s off! Haha

Raynay - 6 years ago

Can someone show me how with j bar racks:(

Jacob Harrington - 6 years ago

Breaks ur window with a ratchet strap..

John Thomas - 6 years ago

What about a Tahoe

Greg Gieringer - 6 years ago

Won’t that scratch your vehicle up on roof too

MrCgooden - 6 years ago

Love you two!

Drew Thor - 6 years ago

Does transporting it with no mounts and just the bars itself damage the kayak? I would think it puts stress on the hull on certain kayaks if they don't have a flat bottom.

DBTNVideo - 6 years ago

Fine if you have an elevated side rail to keep the kayak off the car roof itself, otherwise it's scratching the finish. Will not work for J mount kayak racks . Good for the setup he has, but not for everyone. Go Kristy!

Bent Tree - 6 years ago

How would you load two of those on top of that car or truck?

Kross527 - 6 years ago

Forgive me but what kayak model is that?

Kross527 - 6 years ago

Wectum Wecker I found it...... http://www.bonafidekayaks.com/

Wectum Wecker - 6 years ago

Kross527 was wondering the same...

NHFishing - 6 years ago

This is a great video!

Anthony Romano - 6 years ago

What if you have the other style racks that are more like vertical holders? Can you still do it this way?

visualkeirockstar - 6 years ago

I just pick it up and throw up there upside down but that's the only one thing i never look forward to.

Joette's Casual Day *Joette Vance - 6 years ago

There goes the paint job on the roof of the car. Show again with rug struggle first. I have to cover my roof with rug or pad but have to take off for travel, then fight to put rug on under kayak before getting yak off roof/car. you just scratch car to show effect that it is easy.

Xplore 2.0 Angling Outdoors - 6 years ago

Damn who knew it was that simple! Thanks Chad and Kristie!

Danh Nguyen - 6 years ago

Yeah i have an aluminum roof so if i did it your way id be scraping and denting my roof.

Danh Nguyen - 6 years ago

Chad Hoover i think maybe pool noodles will help protect from dents. Ill try that

Chad Hoover - 6 years ago

Danh Nguyen towel, bath mat or cardboard

Lucky Basster - 6 years ago

Thanks

EDC Client - 6 years ago

I went from an 80lb kayak(stripped)to a 59 pound Wenonah fishing canoe. I can run it solo or with another person with a lot more gear room for multi-day trips. That 21 pounds makes a big difference.

tomb - 6 years ago

Using your method, you can place a bathmat (rubber side down) on the roof. stays put and lets the kayak slide easily without scratching the paint.

Neville Madden - 5 years ago

Yeah. But the same can't be said about the Bar Scatching the Kayak. You should always place Thich Padding under it!

Chad Hoover - 6 years ago

tomb Yeap, I had a buddy recommend that the other day and I was planning to do a follow up video about that

tomb - 6 years ago

I use a Rhino Rack T Bar. Loads from back. Very easy as well.

acnjshink - 6 years ago

If I ever go #Hardshell I know the easiest way to load and unload

Jared I - 6 years ago

go Kristie go!

A B - 6 years ago

In your opinion is there any need for rack pads? Also is car topping it right side up preferred?

Chad Hoover - 6 years ago

J M i don’t think there is a need. I like it right side up for shorter trips. Some times I go upside down. I used to always carry them upside down, now I just do it for longer trips.

Combat Cook84 - 6 years ago

Who downvotes these videos lol. Keep up the good work Chad.

Jaybird Bassin - 6 years ago

My wife was asking me how to do this, on the way to the KY lake trail. One thing I would like to say is while throwing those straps over, if they have metal hooks, watch those windows!!! Great video Chad thanks for sharing.

Chad Hoover - 6 years ago

Jaybird Bassin good point, ours are covered by a rubber protector

Brandon Kyle Mckibben - 6 years ago

These video’s are great. Just like your dragging a kayak video. They really help to dispel the myths about some of these things. But what about the guy that hauls his yak on pool noodles? Lol

Kayak Engineer - 6 years ago

Outstanding video! Seems like something that should be so easy but sometimes it's not. Now we have no excuses. Keep doing educational videos. Keep it Reel!

Chad Hoover - 6 years ago

Kayak Engineer thanks and will do

hitman4u222 - 6 years ago

You always make me laugh. Thank u!

Chad Hoover - 6 years ago

hitman4u222 thank you!

Fred Dew - 6 years ago

Love this i here guys crying about this all the time

Chad Hoover - 6 years ago

Fred Dew I know, even some big burly dudes. LOL

Harold Coleman Jr. - 6 years ago

Can you please post a video like this but loading a kayak onto a SUV that has Yakima JayHook style roof racks? Thanks and God bless!

Headwaters Kayak - 6 years ago

Love it. Way to show em Christy!

James Ireland - 6 years ago

Why would anyone give this a thumbs down. Always enjoyable to watch your channel really good content Jimmy from Massachusetts . Now I just have to get a kayak

Chad Hoover - 6 years ago

James Ireland because they aren’t happy people and that’s the only thing that makes them feel better.

what_goes_boom - 6 years ago

Next video....how to get your significant other to wash your vehicle!

iballification - 6 years ago

Excellent video! Love how you presented it.

Backwood Wayz - 6 years ago

I've got the J racks on top of a Ford Explorer and there's no easy way of getting my kayak up there

Scott S - 6 years ago

Chad Hoover Looking forward to this one myself. Have to transport two kayaks for the first time this year and looking for the best way to car top them. J racks seem to be the best option for our van with factory bars.

Chad Hoover - 6 years ago

Backwood Wayz put the kayak at an angle like Kristie did here. Put the front into the cradle and then slide it forward and lift the back end and put it into the cradle.
I will do a video on this too. Thanks for the comment!

Big O! - 6 years ago

Nice tips. I am a car topper myself!

100. comment for How To Load Your Kayak | Car Top and SUVs

Daniel Reddy - 6 years ago

Do you recommend towing it right side up then? I've been hauling mine upside down to not hurt the hull.

Daniel Reddy - 6 years ago

Chad Hoover awesome thanks for the reply. My transport is usually 1hr 15minutes long.
Also are you still high on Lews reels with winn grips? And what do you think about the 13Fishing concept Z?

Chad Hoover - 6 years ago

Daniel Reddy for long trips upside down is sometimes better, for shorter trips
Right side up and rigged and ready is the way to go.

Phil Carr - 6 years ago

What's the best way to load a Kayak if you use j-cradles or, do you really need j-cradles?

Phil Carr - 6 years ago

Chad Hoover Thanks Chad. Appreciate the help!

Chad Hoover - 6 years ago

Phil Carr the same way, just
Lay the kayak front in one J and then put up the other one second

Chad Hoover - 6 years ago

RustyB12399 thank you!

Keenan Moore - 6 years ago

Love the tip/joke style videos. I straight up just bought a truck instead. haha. Blessed to make the money to afford one. Great stuff, Chad.

Keenan Moore - 6 years ago

They definitely are short for the most part. My ascend sticks out about a foot past the tailgate when it's down.

Mt. Laguna Timelapse - 6 years ago

Trucks today have such a short bed - more than half of my kayak would be hanging off the gate.

Jeremy Newhouse - 6 years ago

The next Olympic event

Fishin Noob - 6 years ago

I use the Yakima Sweet Roll with a Vibe Sea Ghost 130 on top of a Mazda MPV Mini Van. Any suggestions to make it easier to load by myself?

Tabitha Aldridge - 6 years ago

I have the Sweet Roll and put my 80lb Liska on my Jeep easily (I'm a 5'6 130lb woman). I load exactly like the video but I load from the rear so I can utilize the wheels on the Sweet Roll. I use a rug on the back of my Jeep to protect the paint from potential scratches.

Joe Sixer - 6 years ago

As Chad said, absolutely use a rubber backed bath mat ($5 at Walmart) or you will wear the paint right off your door/roof.

Chad Hoover - 6 years ago

Fishin Noob just do what we did here. Use a wet towel or bath mat on the side of the vehicle to prevent scratching

lojo.fishing - 6 years ago

bro I struggled with this for a long time before I had a truck lol

carolina bassin - 6 years ago

Just do videos of fishing and not talking the whole video and the video only being 5 minutes

Chad Hoover - 6 years ago

carolina bassin I will do the videos that I want to do and the videos that my subscribers ask for, come in and enjoy the videos that you like and don’t watch the ones that you don’t. OR, don’t watch any of the videos, just don’t come on here and be a butthead.

Jason Beary - 6 years ago

I never threw over the buckle, just the strap. Throwing the buckle seems like it is inviting trouble.

K Robinson - 6 years ago

Just stand on the side of the car and lay it over the kayak before you center it on the roof. Then center the kayak and go to the other side and pull it the rest of the way.

Sean Slack - 6 years ago

I cut a piece of a pool noodle and put the buckle inside it.

A B - 6 years ago

Chad Hoover you better knock on wood... I’m sure it can still crack

Dwayne Sudduth - 6 years ago

You don't need to toss it very hard. And, open the window, then it won't hit anything.

TNBassinTV - 6 years ago

Chad Hoover ahhh... I see! Lol

Chad Hoover - 6 years ago

TNBassinTV it has a rubber cover over it so that will never happen

Sunny Xiong - 6 years ago

Don't forget your front strap and back. Very informative videos

Chad Hoover - 6 years ago

Sunny Xiong those aren’t straps, they are guide lines and I do not use them. People tighten those down and warp their kayaks so I don’t recommend them any more.

Wagner Santana - 6 years ago

Easey! That's It!

HYPER Kr0nikz Gaming - 6 years ago

You should come to woods creek lake or laurel lake and kayak fish with me!

HYPER Kr0nikz Gaming - 6 years ago

Whenever you are free

Chad Hoover - 6 years ago

Chris Lawson Fishing i would love to do that. When do you recommend?

HYPER Kr0nikz Gaming - 6 years ago

Laurel county Kentucky. Both lakes are in the London ky area

Chad Hoover - 6 years ago

Chris Lawson Fishing where is that?

Edge 150 - 6 years ago

Good stuff for the vertically challenged. love your videos bro, smashed a 6lb bass yesterday using your advice on the chad rig. keep it coming bro and thanks for all you do for the sport!!

Chad Hoover - 6 years ago

Edge 150 thanks and congrats!!

KAYAK BOB(KBTV) - 6 years ago

I load mine upside down..rides better and i use ratchet straps cut for my jackson..i use motorcycle strap cuz they have a spring keep on the hook

Chad Hoover - 6 years ago

KAYAK BOB I never recommend ratchet straps because they are too easy to over tighten

About How To Load Your Kayak | Car Top and SUVs

The "How To Load Your Kayak | Car Top and SUVs" video is part of the kayaking category, which contains similar videos like this one.