Clip-on or Permanent Roof Rack for Kayaks

I may not have tried the *most* different racks on my Prius, but I did buy and use several before ending up with the permanent solution.

Let me just point you to my pages if you haven't seen them already:
Prius Racks (clips)

Permanent Rack Pads

I go with Yakima just because it is a (more) domestic product, and I've been using their stuff forever. All my stuff is capatible with all the other stuff. I like round bars more than square - especially on a car like the Prius with a highly arched roof. And if it isn't yet obvious, my choice is the permanent rack mounts. Suddenly using racks is easier then unlocking the door. Having to line up the clip-ons is a huge turn-off.

To answer you mileage question, please allow me to be blunt:
I hear this worry all the time, and don't understand it. What are you going to do about it? Leave your boats or gear behind because you never want your car to get 35 mpg? Don't fret about it. Your mileage will suffer as long as the rack and gear is up there. The worst you'll do is better than the best SUV can do empty. The other times with the rack off the car, you still get the 55 mpg. Just turn off the MFD while hauling gear.

I just drove this rig up 7,200 feet. Car and trailer fully loaded with food and camping gear for 16 people.... plus my bike! 32 mph up the hill, 65 mpg down the hill. I'm not going to cry.

 

You're welcome.

It was maybe $150 worth of product, and two hours of my time. The installation is where they get you.

 

Yakima is the way to go for quality and flexibility both. Q-Towers also can go on and off, and consumers install these at home routinely. RackandRoll trailers is also a Yakima product line. Really easy to use and pull behind a smaller car, and fits all the accessories that you can carry on a top rack.

 

I was just guessing at the price - it was likely closer to $200. All this gets more expensive every year.

You'll also want some bow/stern tie-downs. Other than that, you should be all set. No, you cannot use just one Mako saddle per kayak.

My only issue with the RackandRoll trailers is that they infringe on the guy who originally created this type of trailer. The original is here: Micro Trailers: Lightweight kayak trailers. Small trailer for bikes, kayaks canoes, camping gear, boats, storage boxes. Manufacturer and dealer. USA Made trailers for your vehicle. Eco-friendly trailers for fuel efficiency. Warranty Included. Cars tr

 

Darell, does your Micro Trailer offer a tongue extension for carrying longer boats? I am looking for a small trailer to use with our Prius. At present, we still have our big 4wd van that can tow 8,000 pounds, but I want to sell that beast as it almost never gets used. We use it to haul sails to our boat (twice a year - once each way), to haul an occasional piece of plywood, and to car-top our canoe. A micro trailer would do all that, as long as I can extend the tongue for our 17' canoe. I would probably also need the extension for our recumbent tandem. As a bonus, I could also carry any of our dingies.

Tom

 

You betcha. They offer three different lengths. I have the middle one. Here is the longest - the other two options are below it:
Tongue Extension C

You can carry a 23.5 foot item with this, provided it is mounted in the middle.

 

Thanks Darrell. This sounds perfect for me.

Tom

 

That kayak inside photo would be amusing, if I wasn't about to do the same thing myself.

Yakima doesn't have clips for the 2010 yet, so my rack (which worked great on the 2004) can't be used. So in the meantime, the 3/4 mile drive at 45 MPH with the kayak inside will be no big deal. However, there still is the unknown of how to DRY it afterward... couple of towels?
.

 

You may be able to retrieve it. If near the front, remove the front dome light fixture and look up into the headliner. Maybe use a magnet? If the rear, you can remove the rear dome assembly. I did this to check for interference before I drilled. You should be able to reach in there. If that doesn't work, I've had great luck with calling Yakima Tech support and telling my problem. They can get the needed piece, I'm certain.

 

Darrell,

I'm really interested in towing a sportsrig behind my prius. Can you talk a little bit about your experience? It seem like you're about the only person doing this. What hitch do you use, has it been held up well? Does the car struggle up hills? Brakes ok etc.?

 

Nice work! I'm glad it all worked out. Sorry you couldn't get that little bugger out of there! I'm happy when I can offer some assistance, no matter how small.

 

Read all about my hitch experience here:
Prius Hitch

And probably my mods page can answer many questions. Has more on the trailer, wiring, etc.
Prius Mods

I've had zero problems with the hitch, the trailer or the car. No problem up hill, down hill or with brakes - provided you drive it like you're towing a trailer and not like you haven't a care in the world - like I see most trailers being towed. (long enough sentence??)

Quite simply, there are no problems, and I love having the option of the trailer on every big trip. Do I take the tandem and the cargo box and firewood? Or do I take the mountain bike and the kayak?

 

Is there really a problem with Q-towers (and kayaks) coming off the Prius? My Q-towers seem very solid - but now you guys have me worried.

 

had to thank you AT LEAST twice! just gooood info! Was thinking yakima just today for bikes...and after seeing your trailer getup- am finding that very interesting for small road trips.

good stuff