'08 Escape kayak carrier?

Steve_250 · #1 (**permalink**) 12-26-2008, 08:38 PM

Unfortunately, the condo ass. where we are going in FL says it does not allow pickup trucks in the parking lot (except temp maint vehicles). We are stuck with having to take our '08 Escape. No problem with that, except we have 2 kayaks to bring along, both about 14'.

The factory rack in the '08 is what I would call "cheaper" than our previous '05 Escape.
Can anyone recommend a better rack?
Or....
Will this rack handle the yaks being strapped down to it for 900 miles?

DoctorCAD · #2 (**permalink**) 12-27-2008, 07:23 AM

I bought a set of "J" hooks for my yak. Worked perfectly because the weight of the yak was held close to the end of the crossbars and not the middle.

I'd bet that 2 of them, one on each end of the bars, would work fine. I never went 900 miles, but my favorite launch is 25 miles away on a 65 mph road and mine never moved.

Steve_250 · #3 (**permalink**) 12-27-2008, 06:25 PM

DRCad, your profile says you have a Mazda, I'm looking for info about the newer racks on the Escapes, not the type of mounts. They are thinner and lighter than our previous '05 Escape.

DoctorCAD · #4 (**permalink**) 12-29-2008, 09:06 PM

The Mazda racks were pretty weak. When I bought the yak, I got a set of rack sponges and the first time I tightened the belly strap, I bent the rack down enough to hit the roof of the truck.

The J hook mounts so close to the runner on the crossbar that the majority of the weight is held on the runner. Just my suggestion.

P.S. I no longer have either my 01 or 03 Trib, I ended up with SportTrac, now I carry the yak in the bed with a goal-post type of hitch extender. I could tow with the hitch extender, so I doubt that any wind will ever move that yak now!

Oh, and homeowners associations shouldn't be allowed to ban any vehicle that is licensed and pays road use tax.

Steve_250 · #5 (**permalink**) 12-30-2008, 09:02 AM

I have J's on the truck, I'll test them on the Escape, thanks.

Seeing as though the condo is on private property, they can make any rules they want. You have the option of not buying or not visiting. Sucks, yes.
I have someone looking into it further, making sure they don't mean extended stay commercial pickups.