How to Strap a Kayak onto a Thule J-Style Rack

kayak image by Lovrencg from Fotolia.com

The Thule J Stacker is a popular car mount for kayaks that comes with all the hardware you need to secure the kayak to your car. The Stacker can be mounted to existing factory mount crossbars or to a Thule system. The J Stacker is designed to cradle the boat securely in an off-vertical position that won't let it get scratched or damaged while being transported from your home to the river.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

J Stacker
Kayak
Buckle straps
Hook ropes

Step 1

Place the kayak in the J cradles, with the cockpit centered between the fore and aft J cradles and facing out from the back of the J cradles.

Step 2

Take the buckle straps and loop them through the top of the J cradles, laying the buckle over the the top of the kayak.

Step 3

Adjust the tube pads around the J cradles so that they fit the kayak securely.

Step 4

Loop the long end of the buckle strap at the front through the lower part of the J cradle and route it back up, sliding it through the buckle and pulling it so that it is tight. Repeat with the back strap.

Step 5

Secure the front of the boat to the car by placing the hook in the loop at the bow of the kayak and tying the rope to the front of your car by the license plate.

Step 6

Use the second hook rope to secure the rear of the kayak, putting the hook through the loop at the stern of the kayak and tying the other end of the rope to the back of the car.

Step 7

Rock the kayak to make sure it is secured and does not move. If necessary, retighten the buckle straps.

Tips & Warnings

Do not transport the kayak by securing it only with the buckle straps through the J carriers. Without tying down the bow and stern of the kayak to the car, the kayak could potentially slide out of the J carriers.

Article Written By Candace Horgan

Candace Horgan has worked as a freelance journalist for more than 12 years. Her work has appeared in various print and online publications, including the "Denver Post" and "Mix." Horgan holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and history.

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