Truck Carrier

[fourboat]

Ok, just purchased my first paddle board. Now to find a rack system to fit on my Ford pickup.  Any suggestions as to which manufacturers and or which brand of rack system to purchase?  Thanks all in advance...... frank

[Wilverine]

Congratulations; which board did you end up going with?

[ZilkerPaddle]

Me too. Thule looks to have nice system for the bed but is close to $500. anything cheaper or better???

[SoCalSupper]

Fourboat-just got the new Thule Sup Taxi system for my 12-6 Race boards-clamps onto the existing cross bars on top of my Tahoe-you can lock the clamps to the crossbars and you lock the boards to the rack-sweet system-check out their website for mo info!

[WaterDog]

I have the same thing - overall great system, helps that my brother gave me his Thule truck bed rack, saved me some money.

Overall great for traveling, you can lock your boards on top of your truck - the only down side is that I have a really loud whistle when I drive on the hwy, also I keep losing the rubber bumpers that are on top of the Sup taxi.  Lost 2 so far...   

Do you have the same problem Socal?

I definitely recommend it though.

[pguidry]

I saw this custom rack when I was surfing in Jacksonville.  I liked it because it let you get 2 level's of boards on it (you can fit 2 on the bottom and multiple on the top).  Also, the racks are at the level of the top of the bed and not like some I've seen that are at the top of the cab level.  You can still use your bed for lot's of other things (you can keep it opened or closed too).  Finally, I think the fin shape really sets it off as it's a surfboard rack.

[SoCalSupper]

I have the same thing - overall great system, helps that my brother gave me his Thule truck bed rack, saved me some money.

Overall great for traveling, you can lock your boards on top of your truck - the only down side is that I have a really loud whistle when I drive on the hwy, also I keep losing the rubber bumpers that are on top of the Sup taxi.  Lost 2 so far...   

Do you have the same problem Socal?

I definitely recommend it though.

No whistles yet but i am aware of the flying rubbers!-not cool-i heard that the new model coming out will fix that prooblem-think i will put some Gorilla Glue on mine and see if they hold?

[WaterDog]

Flying rubbers = BAD.     Love Gorilla glue, may have to break some out.

pguidry - that's a pretty cool home made set up.  I was planning on using a tube setup similiar to those since I keep losing my rubber bumpers.

[fourboat]

Wilverine, got the SUP ATX 12 footer.......

[Wilverine]

Fourboat, cool... that's the same board I got.  Be careful with it cause it dings easily but for the $$$ I think its a good first board.  Paddle on!
Wilverine

[PonoBill]

I saw this custom rack when I was surfing in Jacksonville.  

Nice rack! I'm inspired, I might have to pull out the spoolgun and whack something similar together. I modified my Yakima rack to plug into the bed stake holes so I can use my bed cover, but it feels and looks kind of wimpy. Won't go anywhere, but it's not my finest work.

[werkSUPrider]

Great question, I just bought A new Ford Pick-up and was looking at the Thule's as well. Do you leave the racks on the truck all the time or just when you're loading a board?

I like that they are adjustable, i was wondering if they create a lot of noise when there's not a board mounted?

Finally, what rubber flies off? is this rubber on the rack or on the board (sorry dumb question, I'm a bit slow sometimes).

[WaterDog]

I leave mine on all the time, but I lower them when not in use.  I do get the loud whistle - had to listen to that whistle for a 6 hour drive from my dads house, kept me awake   - but I do like the fact that you can lock your boards on to the rack.   guess if someone really wanted to take your boards they could cut the tie downs and then take your boards.  Oh well, nothing is guaranteed... except taxes and death.

Here is a picture, it would look similar to your Ford, just in a smaller scale  :

[bing]

I have the TracRac T-Rac for my Dodge Ram.  It works great.   You can pick up the racks for
around $425 on line.

[melonhead]

A friend has the Yakima Outdoorsman 300 and it works well for him - he can fit multiple boards and 2-3 kayaks on his truck at the same time.

I don't know about the rest of the Thule products, but at the store I work at we recently sold a Thule hullavator (a rack that helps you lift a kayak on to your vehicle) and it left rust stains all over the roof of their car.  Apparently Thule doesn't use stainless steel screws.  Seems strange to me that a rack designed to hold boats (and that sits on top of your vehicle, exposed to the elements) is susceptble to water damage.

 Any other Thule owners seen this?