When installing kayak racks, knowing the correct spacing is crucial for the safety of both your kayak and your vehicle. Incorrect spacing can lead to damage, instability during transportation, or even cause accidents. Let’s dig into the essential facts and recommendations for setting up your kayak racks at the optimal distance.
Why Spacing Matters for Kayak Racks
The distance between kayak racks affects not only how securely the kayak is mounted but also how it performs during transit. Incorrect spacing can increase the strain on certain points of the kayak, leading to possible deformations or cracks. According to reports from industry professionals, poor placement is a leading cause of damage to kayaks during transport. When the racks are properly spaced, the weight is distributed evenly across the kayak, reducing the chance of pressure points forming.
Recommended Spacing Based on Kayak Length
The general guideline for kayak rack spacing is to have the crossbars or mounting points be about 60% of the total length of the kayak apart. For example, if your kayak is 12 feet long, the ideal distance between your racks would be around 7.2 feet (approximately 86 inches). This distance ensures the weight is balanced, and the kayak is stable during transportation.
However, this is just a basic rule. You need to consider the specific model of your kayak and the design of the rack system. Some manufacturers provide specific instructions regarding the kayak roof racks they recommend using with their models.
Factors Affecting Spacing
While 60% of the kayak’s length is a solid rule of thumb, there are other variables to keep in mind when deciding on the exact spacing of your racks.
- Kayak shape: Touring kayaks, with their longer and sleeker bodies, require wider spacing than short recreational kayaks.
- Rack system: Different roof rack designs might require varying distances between the crossbars.
- Vehicle dimensions: The length of your vehicle’s roof can limit how far apart the racks can be. Larger vehicles with more roof space offer more flexibility for wider spacing, while smaller cars may require compromises.
- Weight distribution: Ensuring that the kayak’s weight is evenly distributed across the racks is critical for preventing damage to both the kayak and your vehicle’s roof. An imbalanced setup could cause the kayak to shift or the roof to bend.
The Importance of Load Capacity
Apart from spacing, load capacity is another essential aspect to consider. Check the vehicle’s roof rack load limit before installing kayak racks. The weight of the kayak itself, combined with any additional equipment, should be within the safe load limits of your vehicle’s roof. Reports from transportation safety authorities highlight that exceeding the load limit is a significant contributor to roof rack failures, which can lead to accidents on the road.
Spacing for Multiple Kayaks
If you’re transporting more than one kayak, the spacing between racks becomes even more critical. When carrying two or more kayaks side by side, you need to ensure there is enough room between them so they don’t collide or create excessive wind resistance.
In this case, using J-style kayak racks is often recommended. These allow for vertical mounting, saving space and reducing the need for excessive roof width. According to user feedback from several outdoor forums, J-style racks provide better clearance for multiple kayaks, although the crossbars should still be spaced correctly to support the weight and length of each kayak.
Securing the Kayak Properly
Spacing isn’t the only factor to consider for safe transportation. Once the kayak is mounted on the rack, securing it tightly with proper tie-downs is critical. Government recommendations emphasize using additional bow and stern tie-downs to anchor the kayak securely to the front and rear of the vehicle. This adds an extra layer of stability, especially when driving at highway speeds. Proper tie-downs ensure that wind resistance doesn’t cause the kayak to wobble or shift during transit.
Best Practices for Kayak Rack Spacing
Here’s a quick rundown of how to set up the racks for optimal distance and security:
- Measure the kayak length: Calculate 60% of the total length to determine how far apart the racks should be.
- Refer to manufacturer guidelines: Many kayak manufacturers offer guidelines for rack systems and spacing recommendations. Always follow these first.
- Install bow and stern tie-downs: Adding tie-downs at the front and rear of the vehicle helps prevent movement during transportation.
- Test for movement: After mounting, give the kayak a test push to ensure it doesn’t move from side to side. Properly spaced racks should prevent any movement.
- Check roof capacity: Ensure that the roof racks, crossbars, and vehicle roof itself can handle the weight of the kayak.
Conclusion
Knowing how far apart kayak racks should be is essential for safe, secure, and efficient transportation. By following these guidelines—60% of the kayak length as a general rule and accounting for variables like rack systems, vehicle size, and the number of kayaks—you can avoid many of the issues associated with improper spacing.
Always refer to manufacturer instructions, use additional tie-downs for extra safety, and check the load limits of your vehicle’s roof. Properly spaced racks, combined with the right setup, will make your kayak trips safer and more enjoyable.
