So I recently leased a 2013 Fit Sport thinking I could carry my kayak on it with my foam blocks setup (small rectangular foam blocks that sit between the car roof and the kayak).

However, when I did this the roof flexed inward from the weight of the kayak. No damage was done, but it means I cannot use this setup.

I was wondering if there is any other way I could carry my kayak? I don't want to buy a full Yakima or Thule system because they cost 200-300 dollars and thats more than what I paid for the kayak itself, plus I'll only be needing it for 2 more years.

Has anybody tried these inflatable roof bars? Or do they also damage the roof?

And are there like temporary roof bars? Like these I think?: 44" to 60" Telescoping Roof Rack Cargo Cross Bars 150 lb. Capacity - Walmart.com

The kayak I have is small and cheap (less than 10 feet long). I'll only be needing to carry the thing to a small lake outside of town at speeds of roughly ~50mph so its not like I need a cross-country setup.

Going from a Trailblazer to a fit and its something I didn't think about before leasing as I thought the foam blocks would cover it

 

Thats a GK Fit but I've seen it done on a GE too.

You definitely need a roof rack system as it keeps the weight off the metal roof of the car. It keeps it in the pillars which are reinforced.

Check out the classifies section here I remember seeing a few used ones for sale.

 

https://www.fitfreak.net/forums/3rd-...ggestions.html


https://www.fitfreak.net/forums/3rd-...ggestions.html

 

These are not recommended for the fit, due to the fit having side airbags, the inflatable rack latches inside the vehicle and many reviewers complained of water wicking the straps and leaking in the car. Check out sport rack- Thule makes it - and its way cheaper- you will have to secure the kayak to an eyebolt in the bumper, there's a knock out that allegedly exposes a tapped hole that utilized in transporting the vehicles to the dealership, I don't have a kayak but this is what I've read

 

How long is your kayak-- I have a short one- 8' 3" and I can fit it inside my 2010 GE. You might be able to manage a 9 foot, but not longer. However, there is no room for a passenger when I do this.

 

Thank you all for your replies!

Could you provide a link for that Thule sport rack? And would the Walmart one I posted also work?

I have a 9.5 foot kayak.

My other concern is strapping down. I can't afford to scratch the paint as its a lease.

 

http://mobile.walmart.com/ip/23578463?wmlspartner=wlpa&adid=2222222222801759500 7&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=m&wl3=40838817272&wl4=&wl5=pla&wl 6=78652058072&veh=sem

 

The best way to do it will be to use a real rack like the sport rack by thule that was mentioned.
Let me google that for you

The EVIL-Mart Rack has two issues (same as the inflatable one). it blocks the side airbags and also has a strap that enters the car (allowing water to make it's way into the car).

Remember, you can always offload the sportrack when you don't need it anymore for probably half the price of new which makes it relatively inexpensive. you could also move it to a new car or use a cargo box with it on the current one.

As for tying it down, use the tow hook provided with your car in the Jack kit at the front and tie a nylon strap to it. you can always wrap a towel or get a piece of foam (maybe a pool noodle) to protect the paint from a strap up front. Also, a tiny bottle of touch-up paint would take care of any minor scratches. (that said, I've never had scratches with the Yakima or Thule racks I've had in the past.) FYI, leases expect basic wear on the vehicle so a little scratch (however not desirable) is not going to cause a problem with a lease. They don't expect it back in brand new condition (stones, shopping carts, and other things that ding cars happen - they know this.)

~SB

 

Hmm okay, thank you!

I did some measurements and figured I could put the kayak through the car, but the hatch would have to be open during this as its 9.5' long.

I was thinking of using one or two of my straps to secure the kayak inside the car with the steel loops in the frame/cargo bay, then anyother strap to wrap around the hatch and keep it closed -- a foam noodle to rest the edge of the hatch on my kayak without scratching?

Anyone ever try this? Does it put too much strain on the hatch and supports?

I've done this similar thing before with my SUV, hanging the kayak through the back and using a strap to keep the hatch down and it seemed to work fine. In this case, the hatch would be almost closed.


As I began looking through more of the prices, a new option dawned on me today. What if I simply buy an inflatable?

This might be entering territory outside of this forum, but I've seen 2-person inflatable kayaks under 100 dollars. I feel like simply getting another vessel would be the way to go? Given it could fit in my car and also carry an extra person, while at the same time being cheaper than having to retrofit my car to carry my single-man kayak.

 

Update: I found the metal ring trick for driving with the hatch slightly open. I think I'll just do that, but my only concern is wearing out the gas hatch struts.

 

If one of your main goals is to move to a 2-person kayak, that will definitely be the cheapest route (inflatable). I don't know much about the inflatables but some quick research should net you some good info. If the cheapest solution is the way you want to go, I'd still consider the sportrack as it's only $145 and you will get at least half (if not 2/3) of that back in a few years if you decide to sell it. (granted it isn't the cheapest upfront, but in the long run, the most beneficial and cheapest.)

As for the hatch, I wouldn't see an issue tying it down. as long as it is secure enough so that it isn't bouncing all over the place, you should be fine. It's the constant compression/release that will wear out the struts. You also will want to drive with the front windows down a bit so you aren't sucking in exhaust while driving. This is definitely the cheapest option but (as stated) limits the capability to carry a 2nd person in the car.

It really depends on what you are looking for. I like the added benefit of hauling my bike or whatever I want on the roof in a cargo box.

Take a pic once you fit it in.

~SB

 

Isn't the one sold by Walmart the SportRack by Thule?comparing photos it appears to be the same.Walmart may be a distributor.

 

I have a friend who has an inflatable kayak that she puts in her Fiat Abarth. It is a really good quality one from REI and probably cost as much as a good rack system.
She has used it a couple of seasons, but it sprung a leak this past summer. It can be easily patched, wonder how durable an inexpensive inflatable would be

 

Thank you all for your help!

If the secured open hatch doesn't wear out the struts then I think I will be going with that option and passing on the inflatable! Given my kayak is a single person anyway I usually don't -if ever- carry a second passenger when I go out.

Even so, I think that I might actually be able to carry two more passengers in the rear even with the kayak. The kayak will go over the folded front passenger seat and through the single folding seat in the back out the hatch, but I think the middle and driver's side seat should be able to stay up.

I won't know until I head back home next week on spring break, but when that comes I will post pictures!

Thanks so much for the help everyone, with any luck I'll be able to head out on the water again this summer!

 

Please post a photo with your configuration. Would love to be able to take a passenger. There is no way I can fit a passenger without them being crunched and not in a regular seat. If the US Fit were designed like the Japanese model with the 60% split seat on the passenger side, I could fit a passenger in the rear behind me, but as it is--I have to fold both back seats down.

 

It looks like it is. I'd buy online though through Orsrackdirect as the rack itself is cheaper with free shipping, you don't have to pay tax and you can avoid wallyworld. you can also use their fit guide to make sure you have everything you need.

~SB

 

ok so the day I bought my kayak, I got the hideous look from all staff members that I was about to attempt to transport that kayak inside my Fit. Yes you can do it, but there is no good way to tie it down like that and it is a pretty frightening ride.

If you don't want you're roof flexing, unfortunately, there is no cheap substitute for a proper roof rack. I have the nice thule rails, and while I could probably rig up a way of properly strapping it down directly to that.... I'm also a solo kayaker so having the proper kayak attachment so I can trivially load and unload by myself in a few minutes, is pretty killer.

If you take your kayak out more than a few times a year and anticipate doing it for a while, do your self a favor and get a proper rack.

 

I've noticed a couple of steel cargo tie downs in back of the vehicle. I think that if I simply take two pull straps and wrap it around the kayak, it should stay in without trouble. Like what you would do for a pickup truck hauling a kayak in it's bed.

The funny thing, I actually used this same setup with my old SUV that had an actual roof rack (I got lazy).

Tomorrow - maybe even tonight - I hope to finally test this. Standby for pictures!

 

no simply NOT safe. the forward and aft tie downs are what keep your kayak in place. they are NOT optional.

 

People like this are why we can't get a factory roof rack, or towing specifications on US Fits- if you had no intention of doing it right, you shouldn't have traded in your other vehicle