Need ideas for carrying kayaks on a Hyundai Santa Fe
 

Need ideas for carrying kayaks on a Hyundai Santa Fe
 

On 29 Aug 2003 15:10:30 -0700, (SherriT) wrote:

I have a Sante Fe with factory installed racks. The weight limit is
75lbs. Even if I get a Thule or Yakima kit and J-Racks, the weight
limit is 75 lbs. We just bought two Heritage Sea Darts, each weighing
58 lbs. We are approx 45lbs over the limit.

Any ideas for options? We need to get these home.
If you are close to home, you can make two trips. For long term
options, I can only think of two. Both Yakima and Thule make
attachments that you can use, but the weight limit is still the
factory rack 75 pounds, so they are out. If you have a hitch, or can
get one installed, then use a trailer! You can get trailers in
various capacities from one to 10+ kayaks. Loading is actually easier
because it is so low. Your other possible option is to remove your
factory rack completely, then use foam blocks to carry the kayaks next
to each other. CHECK WITH HYUNDAI BEFORE DOING THIS - TOO MUCH WEIGHT
ON A BARE ROOF CAN DEFORM OR DAMAGE THE ROOF!! Good luck.
Dan

Need ideas for carrying kayaks on a Hyundai Santa Fe
 

Don't be too paranoid about factory ratings. I installed Thule racks on my
subaru wagon and they are rated at about 150 lb and I have often hauled 4 boats
that weighed roughly 250 lb total. Think about it . That is about the weight
of one large person. Could your racks and roof hold you up?
Rick

Need ideas for carrying kayaks on a Hyundai Santa Fe
 

RickPB wrote:

Don't be too paranoid about factory ratings. I installed Thule racks on my
subaru wagon and they are rated at about 150 lb and I have often hauled 4 boats
that weighed roughly 250 lb total. Think about it . That is about the weight
of one large person. Could your racks and roof hold you up?

Thats a bad analogy. Kayaks, especially long sea kayaks impose large wind created
torque and shear stresses on a rack. Luggage (or bodies) carried within the
confines of the rack don't.

--
Regards

Brian

Need ideas for carrying kayaks on a Hyundai Santa Fe
 

Thats a bad analogy. Kayaks, especially long sea kayaks impose large wind
created
torque and shear stresses on a rack. Luggage (or bodies) carried within the
confines of the rack don't.

Regards

Brian

Good point, I was just thinking about gross weight. But I still think that
factory ratings are a bit "overly cautious". I keep a close eye on my roof and
haven't had a problem even after cruising at 75 mph carrying a canoe and two
kayaks. And I've been doing it for 5 years now with this set up. Also wind
shear should be minimized by good ropes in a V to the front and rear tie downs.
Rick

Need ideas for carrying kayaks on a Hyundai Santa Fe
 

Thanks for all of the advice. I did find a solution to my problem. We
traded in our other vehicle for a Chevy Blazer that can carry the
kayaks. We plan to use the kayaks a lot and wanted something
reliable. Most of the places we will be going paddling are 45 minutes
to 2 hours away, so two trips would not quite work. I considered just
trying the Santa Fe to bring them home, but with my luck I'd ruin both
my car and the kayaks (yup, I'm a bit of a chicken). Thanks again, see
you out there paddling.

Need ideas for carrying kayaks on a Hyundai Santa Fe
 

Need ideas for carrying kayaks on a Hyundai Santa Fe
 

RickPB wrote:

Thats a bad analogy. Kayaks, especially long sea kayaks impose large wind
created
torque and shear stresses on a rack. Luggage (or bodies) carried within the
confines of the rack don't.

Regards

Brian

Good point, I was just thinking about gross weight. But I still think that
factory ratings are a bit "overly cautious". I keep a close eye on my roof and
haven't had a problem even after cruising at 75 mph carrying a canoe and two
kayaks. And I've been doing it for 5 years now with this set up. Also wind
shear should be minimized by good ropes in a V to the front and rear tie downs.
Rick

True. One other thing to consider is that the weight rating is also likely the
maximun load that the rack will support without damage to the sheet metal of the
roof. The vehicle's structure must be much stronger than that, but there are no
minimum standards for resistance to cosmetic damage.

--
Regards

Brian

Need ideas for carrying kayaks on a Hyundai Santa Fe
 

SherriT wrote:

We plan to use the kayaks a lot and wanted something
reliable.

So you bought a Chevy??? ;-)

--
Regards

Brian