Directions for a Thule 830 "The Stacker" Kayak Rack

kayak image by Lovrencg from Fotolia.com

Kayaking enthusiasts know that getting a kayak on good white water typically means transporting the boat for several miles. Getting from point A to point B with a kayak can be challenging unless you are using the right system for transporting. Several companies, including Thule, manufacture racks under various names. The Thule 830 kayak stacker is one such rack that is used in conjunction with a factory or after-market roof rack. Attaching the 830 stacker is designed to be a simple process easily accomplished by most paddlers.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Factory or after-market roof rack
Stacker Assembly (2)
Metal Bracket (4)
Bolt Knob (8)
Carriage Bolt M6 x 50 mm (8)
Carriage Bolt M6 x 60mm (8)
Strap (2)
Buckle Bumper (2)
1/4" Rope (2)
Rachet with Hook (2)
Hook (2)
Attachment Strap (2)

Step 1

Insert a 50- or 60-mm bolt through the bolt-tightening knob. The bolt you use will depend on the type of crossbars you have on your vehicle. This is important, as the right bolt must be used to securely attach the rack to the crossbars.

Step 2

Position the metal bottom mounting bracket on the bottom of the 830 rack. Insert the 50- or 60-mm bolt and tightening knob through the bracket and into the 830 stacker assembly. Turn the knob and bolt to the right to thread the bolt into the assembly. Only insert the bolt far enough to hold the bottom bracket in place, do not tighten.

Step 3

Place the Thule 830 kayak stacker on a crossbar on top of your vehicle. Center the stacker rack and pull the bottom bracket under the crossbar. Secure the free end of the bottom bracket to the 830 stacker assembly with another carriage bolt inserted through a tightening knob.

Step 4

Alternate tightening the carriage bolts so that they are both turned down and tightened evenly against the bottom bracket. Before completely tightening the stacker assembly, make sure the assembly is located in a position on the cross bars that you can easily reach when loading and unloading a kayak.

Step 5

Repeat the steps for assembling the second Thule 830 kayak stacker, place it on the next crossbar so it is located the same distance from the side of the vehicle as the first kayak stacker. Tighten the stacker assembly securely in place.

Step 6

Raise the Thule 830 stacker rack bars until they lock in place. Locate the kayak side tie-down straps in the packaging. With the logo side up, feed the free end of the strap across the kayak, through the hole in the top of the 830 rack and back across the kayak. Pull the strap under the roof rack crossbar and back to the buckle attached to the end of the strap.

Step 7

Feed the free end of the strap through the buckle attached to the strap, making sure that the bumper cover is in place. This will help protect the kayak and vehicle finish during travel. Pull the free end of the strap securely through the buckle until it is tight. Repeat the process using the second strap and the next stacker rack upright.

Tips & Warnings

It is always a good idea to tie down the front and rear of the kayak. The ratchet rope S hooks and nylon web straps can be used to secure the front and back of the kayak to the front and rear bumpers or other secure tie-down point.

Article Written By Keith Dooley

Keith Dooley has a degree in outdoor education and sports management. He has worked as an assistant athletic director, head coach and assistant coach in various sports including football, softball and golf. Dooley has worked for various websites in the past, contributing instructional articles on a wide variety of topics.

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