Author Topic: Soft SUP Rack ?  (Read 4394 times)

Kip

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Soft SUP Rack ?
« on: July 26, 2020, 09:43:25 PM »
Wondering if anyone has any recommendations on a soft SUP rack or way to transport on the cab/canopy of a truck.

I’ve got a quad cab Pickup with a 6.5 foot bed and snug top canopy, but I’m trying to avoid drilling to install a roof rack and cross bars.
My 14’ is fairly secure in the bed with straps, but it sticks out a ways which makes me nervous. And if I wanna put my wife’s board and my touring board back there + the kids in the can, then the dog can’t come. So I’m wondering if there’s a safe system anyone uses to strap to the top of their rigs.

Cheers,

surfcowboy

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Re: Soft SUP Rack ?
« Reply #1 on: July 26, 2020, 11:15:57 PM »
There’s no need to drill to use Yakima or Thule racks.

LoudounSUP

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Re: Soft SUP Rack ?
« Reply #2 on: July 27, 2020, 03:42:34 AM »
Hey Kip. I purchased the below pads off Amazon for $40. They're fine for my 2-mile trip; however, I wouldn't trust them for a long highway trip because the strap mechanism is fairly weak.

https://www.amazon.com/Neolife-Wrap-Rax-Surfboard-Paddleboard-Snowboard/dp/B0888CZ89M
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Windwarrior

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Re: Soft SUP Rack ?
« Reply #3 on: July 27, 2020, 05:42:05 AM »
I’ve got a quad cab Pickup with a 6.5 foot bed and snug top canopy

Quad cab not crew cab?
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krash

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Re: Soft SUP Rack ?
« Reply #4 on: July 27, 2020, 06:27:30 AM »
I used Soft racks for years and they work well, althought I use them on a 2dr Civic... they last a few years before the foam has given up its useful life. The first set was Dakine double surfboard racks, (long before there were SUP's). meant to carry up to 4 surf boards, currently have hard Thule aero racks, but carry a set of soft SUP racks  made by FCS.

The FCS soft SUP racks are more pricey than many others, but they have, mpo, the best and easy to use tie down FCS D-ring system. The ones I have now came with a soft bag and stow easily in the trunk for emergency use, you never know when someone might steal the hard racks off the roof of your car.

One note, if you drive in any rain, every soft system I;ve had, the web straps that go thru your vehicle will wick water and drip at the lowest poingtwhich is usually right in someones lap or you're seats...

I would suggest that you also use a bow and stern line for additional security when travelling, I take many 1-2 hour drives to get to a fishing hole, at hi-way + speeds.

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Kip

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Re: Soft SUP Rack ?
« Reply #5 on: July 27, 2020, 06:57:50 AM »
There’s no need to drill to use Yakima or Thule racks.

I don’t have factory  tracks in the cap, so you either have to install the stand alone bases or the tracks on top. Both require drilling.

Kip

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Re: Soft SUP Rack ?
« Reply #6 on: July 27, 2020, 06:58:56 AM »
I’ve got a quad cab Pickup with a 6.5 foot bed and snug top canopy

Quad cab not crew cab?

Yea I yell about that a lot as I’m trying to wrestle the 6 month old’ scar seat out of there 😂

Kip

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Re: Soft SUP Rack ?
« Reply #7 on: July 27, 2020, 07:00:43 AM »
Thanks Krash!
I’ll look into those.

Windwarrior

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Re: Soft SUP Rack ?
« Reply #8 on: July 27, 2020, 07:00:53 AM »
I’ve got a quad cab Pickup with a 6.5 foot bed and snug top canopy

Quad cab not crew cab?

Yea I yell about that a lot as I’m trying to wrestle the 6 month old’ scar seat out of there 😂

I'm eyeballing the crewmax and know 5.5' is as long as they go. At least on the Tundra.
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gcs

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Re: Soft SUP Rack ?
« Reply #9 on: July 28, 2020, 07:05:49 AM »
I’ve had them and honestly you’re better off with some quality straps and a couple of foam blocks and run the straps through the vehicle much more secure blue planet has a video on this if you go to the YouTube channel other than that Thule have been good for me on multiple cars and trucks. I also favor a safety strap through the vehicle regardless of rack at highway speed
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gcs

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Re: Soft SUP Rack ?
« Reply #10 on: July 28, 2020, 07:22:28 AM »
This set up versatile
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Bulky

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Re: Soft SUP Rack ?
« Reply #11 on: July 28, 2020, 03:44:43 PM »
There’s no need to drill to use Yakima or Thule racks.

I don’t have factory  tracks in the cap, so you either have to install the stand alone bases or the tracks on top. Both require drilling.

What's your reservation about drilling.  You might have good reason, but pretty easy to do it with a fiberglass cap.  I'd be leery of drilling through the metal roof into the passenger compartment, but I've put yakima tracks on my last two trucks with caps (Snugtop and Leer).  Yakima is well designed and easy to do if you take your time.  Never had any problem with leaks, etc.  My 14' pretty much lives on the top of my truck.
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Kip

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Re: Soft SUP Rack ?
« Reply #12 on: July 28, 2020, 03:57:59 PM »
There’s no need to drill to use Yakima or Thule racks.

I don’t have factory  tracks in the cap, so you either have to install the stand alone bases or the tracks on top. Both require drilling.

What's your reservation about drilling.  You might have good reason, but pretty easy to do it with a fiberglass cap.  I'd be leery of drilling through the metal roof into the passenger compartment, but I've put yakima tracks on my last two trucks with caps (Snugtop and Leer).  Yakima is well designed and easy to do if you take your time.  Never had any problem with leaks, etc.  My 14' pretty much lives on the top of my truck.

Thanks for sharing your experience man ! My only reservation is that the cap cost about as much as my SUP and I would hate to mess it up! But I've got some friends at work who've done it and you've done it twice with no issues, so maybe I'll just go for it. I can get a pretty good deal on a rack system.

Kip

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Re: Soft SUP Rack ?
« Reply #13 on: July 28, 2020, 04:06:18 PM »
This set up versatile

Nice! You ever do a 14' on the cab crossbars?

gcs

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Re: Soft SUP Rack ?
« Reply #14 on: July 29, 2020, 03:48:38 AM »
Frequently. Two on bars. One through cab.  Very secure.  Dakine Baha best cam buckle straps i have had.  Thule make a thicker one too. Most are pretty good though.  Avoid dangerous bungies  rail crunching ratchet straps. If a lot of sun and salt exposure let them go at any sign of wear. Cheap insurance for your boards and especially those around you. Board on top is a 14
« Last Edit: July 29, 2020, 03:50:49 AM by gcs »
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