Reddit reviews SportRack Replacement Foam 18-Inch Kayak Block, Pack of 2, Grey
We found 3 Reddit comments about SportRack Replacement Foam 18-Inch Kayak Block, Pack of 2, Grey. Here are the top ones, ranked by their Reddit score.
Replacement Foam for 18" Kayak CarrierTwo durable 18"-long closed cell foam blocks to protect kayak and vehicleNon-skid underside to prevent movement on the vehicle
Toss my Vibe on top of my Wrangler Sport as well. Not always the easiest thing to load solo.
I bought these guys to make it a little easier on my top:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BCLL52I/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
It's worked out pretty well so far.
This rack doesn't require it, as it has a rubber strip that runs along the top. But they do make some thick foam pads if you're concerned about it. I bought these for my trailer and they work well:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BCLL52I/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
You can place them on top of the car, or fit around an "aero" style rack.
I have a Chevy Cruze and an 11 foot kayak, what I do is first unscrew the antenna at the center of the roof. Most cars this can just screw and unscrew no problem.
I have 2 foam blocks like this Centering it as best I can. I try to put them right before the windshield and rear window, the area with the most support. When I load my kayak there is a small part that actually touches the roof so I just put an old towel under it to prevent scratching. The towel is pinned by the kayak and not going anywhere.
Next I put these things under the trunk and hood so I can use a rope to tie down the front and back. I have tried running this system without tying down the front and back and I would not feel comfortable driving more than a couple miles going <30 MPH.
Now I use straps like this and open all my doors and loop it over the kayak and through my car. Again trying to stay close to the front for more strength.
Then I just tighten the front and back ropes to make sure its not going to move left to right, and double check the straps across the kayak.
It seems like a lot but the whole process of loading and tying down takes maybe 10 minutes and that's alone. Quick drive around the block to make sure its good and I'm okay with driving for a couple hours before I want to check it.
This system has worked well for me and the only damage to my car has been the straps will move around a little near the door and leave marks but those are easily buffed out.