Thule Kayak Rack Instructions

Many people love the freedom and excitement of being out on the water in a kayak, but not everyone has a truck that can carry the boat back home. Thule offers several styles of kayak racks to fit various vehicles. Installation time is moderate, and is easier with two adults.

Things You'll Need

  • Kayak rack
  • Hardware
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Instructions

    • 1

      Lay the roller assembly on the rear bar; hold the tubes together. Remove the warning label. Attach the bolts and knobs loosely. Line up the location stickers with the roller ends. Position the assembly in a convenient location on the bar. Tighten the knobs with your hand.

    • 2

      Put the Hydro-Glide saddles inside the roller assembly. Attach the bolts and knobs.

    • 3

      Attach the 60-mm carriage bolt and knob to the Thule square-load and round-load bars.

    • 4

      Put the front kayak-saddles on the front bar; attach the bolt and knob loosely. Tighten both knobs.

    • 5

      Loosen the saddle-side knob and adjust the saddle angle for full hull contact. Re-tighten the saddle knobs.

    • 6

      Wipe off the bottom of the kayak hull before mounting it on the rack. Set the front of the boat on the roller, holding it in place. Raise the back of the kayak, and slide it forward until the front is over the front saddle. Lower the front of the kayak into the front saddles.

    • 7

      Confirm that all knobs are tightened securely, and that there is equal space between the bracket and the saddle.

    • 8

      Guide the free end of the strap, logo side up, though the buckle bumper. Pull the bumper over the buckle to protect the kayak and vehicle while fastening straps.

    • 9

      Distribute weight evenly from the front to the rear of the vehicle. Guide the straps under the bar. Take the buckle bumper off the buckle; put the strap through the buckle. Tighten the strap and replace the bumper buckle over the buckle.

    • 10

      Tie the hook to the end of the rope.

    • 11

      Guide the free end of the rope up from the bottom into the ratchet spool. Rotate the spool clockwise until the rope comes out of the bottom.

    • 12

      Tie down the stern. Secure the kayak by attaching the ratchet spool to a tie down strap. Hook the bottom hook to the vehicle bumper or a tow hook.

    • 13

      Pull on the free end of the rope until it is tight, being careful not to over-tighten.