How to Carry a Kayak on a Jeep

Jeeps are suited for carrying kayaks, particularly jeeps with canvas tops that can be removed. The roll bars substitute for a rack nicely. Whether you use the roll bars or have a kayak rack mounted to the hard top of your jeep, the method for carrying a kayak on a jeep is the same. While loading a kayak is not difficult to master, it is critically important. If you lose a kayak off the top of your Jeep on a busy highway or interstate, the consequences can be dire.

Things You'll Need

  • 2 straps with cams
  • Roll bars or kayak rack
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Instructions

    • 1

      Center the kayak hull perpendicular over the two cross bars -- be they roll bars or kayak rack bars -- the stern and bow hanging over the cross bars an equal distance. Slide the cam of the strap through the grab loop of the bow from the far side -- opposite the side of the kayak you are standing on -- and hold it there. By holding the buckle in place, you will assure that you have enough length to tighten the strap without interference from the cross bar.

    • 2

      Loop the tail of the strap under the far side of the cross bar and wrap it around the bar once. Bring the tail of the strap over the bow of the boat -- not through the grab loop -- down, and under the near side of the cross bar. Wrap it around the bar once. Bring the tail of the strap up and slide it through the buckle. Tighten the strap a little, but not snugly.

    • 3

      Put the cam of your second strap through the far side of the stern grab loop just as you did on the bow of the kayak. Again, down to the cross bar, around it once, over the stern, but not through the grab loop, down, around the near side of the cross bar once and back up to the cam.

    • 4

      Tighten one strap, then the other, then back to the first, alternating between straps as you snug the boat down to the Jeep. Grab the kayak and yank back and forth on it. If the kayak remains in place, it is secure and you are ready to travel. If not, go back and snug the straps down some more.