Hauling my kayak on my 1999 EB (stock roof rack)

[Zack1978]

Hi everyone,
I need a diversion from dealing with the vibration on my 99, so a discussion about my kayak will help!
I only need to transport one kayak (Pungo 120) at a time so I assume that the stock roof rack will work fine. What do I need to purchase in order to use the stock rack? I am thinking that I need foam pads that cover the stock cross bars, what brand/style/size should I buy? Tie down straps? Again what brand/size/style is best?
Do I need to tie the bow and stern down, or will the straps around the stock cross bars be enough? When I was on Amazon, there were a myriad of choices that led to much confusion, any and all help would be appreciated.


Thanks,
Zack

 

[colintrax]

I use the kayak poles intended for tieing down multiple kayaks. No foam or anything else needed.

IMO invest in an aftermarket rack. Our stock racks were strong in the 90s, but 20 years of sitting in the sun is not good for plastic. Mine broke with 2 kayaks on it while driving down the interstate, $200 for Yakima bars would've prevented a **** day.

 

[Zack1978]

I use the kayak poles intended for tieing down multiple kayaks. No foam or anything else needed.

IMO invest in an aftermarket rack. Our stock racks were strong in the 90s, but 20 years of sitting in the sun is not good for plastic. Mine broke with 2 kayaks on it while driving down the interstate, $200 for Yakima bars would've prevented a **** day.

You make a great point about the racks being old and perhaps brittle. With that in mind however, don't the aftermarket rack still mount to the factory rack? The kayak cradles that I have seen are simply mounted to the the factory rack. What style/brand/model aftermarket could I use that would totally bypass the factory rack?

Thank you!