Kayak & Canoe Roof Racks That Are Lift Assisted

Kayaks and Canoes mount great onto a roof rack. But what if that roof rack is high off the ground? A 4x4 truck, jeep, or van is usually taller than the average human. If you are loading by yourself, it is unsafe and impractical to accomplish this task. Two to three people are required to load a kayak onto a high roof van along with a ladder for the guy who gets on the roof.

The safest way to load your kayak or canoe is with a list assisted loader or rack. The roof rack slides down to you on the ground. Here you can stand and strap down your kayak to the rack before you push it back up to the top of your truck, jeep, or van. For some people, it is not practical to bring a kayak or canoe anywhere if they can't load it by themselves.

Kayak & Canoe Lift Rack is compatible with Thule and Yakima Kayak & Canoe Mounts

There are two main types of mounts. Either T-Slot or Universal mounting which has brackets to clamp around the roof rack's cross bars. The T-Track is 20mm or 3/4" wide which is the normal size for Thule or Yakima T-Slot kayak mounts.

 

Kayak & Canoe Loader for All Vans.

A kayak & canoe loader will help protect your high roof van from scratches. The sliding chassis keeps the boat off of your van. It is strapped secure to the rack during the loading procedure. Once strapped down, getting the heavy kayak or canoe onto the roof takes just a few seconds.

FAQ for Kayak & Canoe Lift Assisted Racks

Loading a Kayak or Canoe

Can you load a kayak by yourself?

Yes, if you have Kayak Lift Rack. Using Kayak & Canoe Lift Rack transforms a 3 man operation into a one person task.

How do you load a heavy kayak or canoe?

Kayak & Canoe Lift Rack has a weight capacity up to 132 lbs.

How do I get a kayak on top of my car by myself?

It is safest to not climb on top of your car, truck, or van. With a kayak loader, or lift assisted kayak rack, you can stay on the ground while loading your kayak or canoe.

How do you use Kayak & Canoe Lift Rack?

Simply use the access pole and release the lever to pull down on the sliding mechanism. Then attach the kayak or canoe to the mounts on the cross bars. Then lift up on the kayak rack and use the pole to slide the boat into place on top of your van, truck, or car. The Lift Rack will automatically lock into a closed position while in transport.

Mounting Kayaks or Canoes

How do I mount my kayak or canoe on top of my van, truck, or car?

Using T-Track or universal mounting hardware from brands like Thule or Yakima, it is easy to hold your boat into position on the Lift Rack. Then strap the boat to the rack so it cannot slide backwards and forwards. Once the kayak or canoe is fixed into its locked position on the vehicle's roof, then tie down the bow and stern to the vehicle to make for a safe transport.

Should a kayak or canoe be transported or hauled upside down?

With Kayak & Canoe Lift Rack, the boat needs to be hauled on the side that is mostly flat. Plastic kayaks can usually be hauled upside down. It just depends on your hull design and material. Most canoes will need to be loaded hull down in order to fit onto the Canoe Lift Rack.

Can I build a DIY kayak & canoe lift assisted loader?

If you are a metal fabricator it may be possible for you to build your own lift assisted loader. You will need to design the roof rack for your vehicle, then design a rack that folds off of the roof and locks back into place. Safety is paramount when loading a kayak or canoe onto a vehicle's roof.

Where to buy the best Kayak & Canoe Lift Assisted Loader?

At TNTvans, we are the only location to buy the Kayak & Canoe Lift Rack.

If you need any assistance, please ask our team, and we'll be happy to provide our expert advice. If you want to easily load a kayak or canoe by yourself, then get yourself a quality, Italian Made Kayak & Canoe Lift Rack.