Kayak on top of hi low? Possible?? or not?

[Lynn in Arizona-HILO]

Hi,
I have an 11' kayak and can't seem to get it on my olds bravada which has a plastic bumper in front and no place to tie it down. I was wondering if anyone out there has ever put on on top of the hi lo or do you know if it is even possible. thanks for your reply. I'm going to Saguaro Lake on thursday, day after tomorrow.

 

[robobd]

I would put a factory rack on your olds for an 11' kayak, the more holes on top of your hi-lo, the greater the chance for water damage. In az, there are many auto junkyards to get a used roof rack designed for your vehicle or a mini blazer(same body style)and it makes tiedown a snap

 

[Papa-HILO]

Kayak

I've never done this but did hear of one Hi Lo owner that did carry a kayak on top of the Hi Lo. Claims that he put inflated car tire intertubes on top of the Hi Lo and then turned the kayak upside down and tied it to the top resting on the tubes. Claimed it worked. Worth considering.
God Bless
Papa

 

[hilltool]

You can get foam kayak carriers with a flat bottom and v shape on top that will cradle the kayak. All you have to do ,then, is find a good spot to attach ropes or straps across the kayak and tie off to a spot on the sides or roof. i just purchased a 2001 towlite and don't have it home yet. so- i don't know if there is anything convenient to attch to without drilling holes for cleats or some onher bracket. However- If you want to get a little crazy- you could attach "cam"straps to the underside of the bottom of the trailer and over the top- just remember to loosen them before you raise the top.

 

[davidc-HILO]

Giving the potential for roof damage on any RV I would not carry anything on the roof... the resulting leak and eventual wall damage is enough to keep me from doing it. Maybe have 1 built to sit above the roof and not on it? Your kayak can't be that heavy, it wouldn't be that difficult, but I just wouldn't want it sliding around on my roof is all.

I would look for the roof rack from the blazer or a Bravada in the junk yards (same vehicle, just in chevy drag) and / or figure out a way tie it down on top of your olds. They aren't the difficult to install.

A Thule roof rack for 1 with no existing roof rack is kinda pricey (~$350), but giving the potential damage to the trailer, you could end up paying a LOT more later.

There is nothing preventing you from going down under the bumper and then tie to the frame... just put some foam or something to keep the rope from rubbing.

I can't recall ever seeing a Bravada without a roof rack... they usually came pretty loaded... (not saying you don't have 1, just don't remeber ever seeing 1 without).

 

[flfire]

Kayak rack

I built a rack for my 22t and it can carry four kayaks. I didn't even have to drill the first hole anywhere to install it. A little ingenuity and some welding is all you need. If you would like to see pics of my set-up, email me at:tmustang69302w@comcast.net and I'll show you some pics.