Any ideas/websites/places where to get a Kayak rack for Jeep Wrangler while we tow? Calling Wrangler Nation! 

What year Wrangler do you have? I have seen a few for different years in the Quadratec catalog.

 

 

--kev

I haven't used one, as I like to take the top off... often. ;)  That's a bit harder with the 2 door Unlimited, because it has an extra "bar" in the top.  Most of the overhead racks don't work as well with the Unlimited.  But, I do know a few people who have added kayak racks, there are a number of options, especially if you have a shorter Jeep (YJ/TJ/JK)...

The KargoMaster Congo rack is probably the easiest, although you'd have to add crossmembers and the actual kayak "baskets" from Thule or Yakima or smthng...  http://www.quadratec.com/products/12138_000.htm

Garvin is pretty heavy duty and probably overkill if all you need it for is kayaks...  http://www.quadratec.com/products/12041_002_07.htm

Lange is the cheap way to go, but I wouldn't trust it on the spare tire... I've seen what 33" tires can do to the tailgate...  I expect a couple kayaks on the stock tire would do about the same.  http://www.quadratec.com/products/12031_00_07.htm

 Hope that helps...  You didn't mention what model Jeep or if you have a hard top.  Having the hard top opens up some cheaper options, as you generally don't need to get an entire frame mounted first.

Thanx all! I have a 2010, hardtop, two door & I'd have to look to see length. I have Thule "baskets" already, so I'm thinking I may need some sort of system for the bars. My hardtop is a freedom top: panels or the whole top can come off. I got in December, so have not even had a chance to try the panels out of the top yet (snow) Kayaks are 14/16 ft.long too - can we have a more challenging problem? 

Ah - fellow JK owner :) We have an '08 Unlimited Sahara. LOVE IT!!

 

smthng mentioned the Garvin rack, which I have liked. I think this is the one that you can rotate off of the top so you can remove the top. I also thought it would be cool to use as a shade structure when off road and stopped for a picnic :) Here is the 2-door version. 

 

Have you considered mounting them on the RV, then slipping them in the Jeep for short transport to the water? I have seen a few rigs with them mounted on the back, or on the roof of shorter RVs. Something to consider if you think they may be too long to lug on the Jeep top. Another thing to consider is that if you have them mounted to the Jeep, when you stop and un-hook, they will still be on the Jeep. If you are just going to run into town or something, may be a hassle. I only thought of this because a fellow NuRVer told me about his woes with a roof-mounted bike rack, and them always being in the way. 

 

 

--kev

Thnx Wrangler Nation! I'll have to check out the options you all have suggested. I can't wait to get out of this 15 degree weather we are having to fly with the roof off !