Camry Wagon Roof Rack

[rebar]

Iv been looking for a roof rack for my Camry wagon which doesn't have a factory one. My second camry wagon and a bit disappointed. need some parts and contact Does anyone know if a aftermarket rack is available so I can temporarily transport a 16' tandem kayak? http://www.backcountry.com/old-town-...-rudder-tandem

Thanks

[ErikS]

If you only need to transport the kayak several times, a

foam block system

foam block system

may fit the bill. If you choose this option, you must tie down both bow and stern of boat, as well as the middle (through the car doors). For hood (and trunk, for sedan owners) tiedown points, home-made versions of http://www.discountramps.com/thule-hood-loop-strap.htm or http://www.discountramps.com/thule-tie-down-loops.htm can be made.

For longer term use, even the factory rack is not good. I bought a Camry wagon with a factory rack, and ended up taking it off, and installing a Yakima rack system. If you're concerned about the appearance of the vehicle, you may not want to do as I did, but if you want a rock-solid rack system for hauling boats, lumber, and anything else you can lift onto the roof, this is what you want to do:
1) remove headliner inside the car
2) remove factory rack, and plug holes where factory rack sidebars attached. I used SS bolts, fender washers, and neoprene gaskets.
3) install Yakima toploader brackets by drilling holes throught the roof, and permanenetly mounting the brackets.
4) purchase and install Yakima racks with 1A towers. (Thule probably offer similar bolt-down brackets for their racks)

I installed three pairs of brackets on my wagon, so I can carry both short whitewater boats/bicycles, and long canoes/sea kayaks.

PM me if you'd like to see pics.

[O_loung1]

what about a non permanent roof rack for surfboards on a 98 sedan?
the search results i have seen in general are:

$300 to $400 for thule or yakima base system
plus
$100 to $250 surfboard rack attachments..

any ideas where i can get them cheaper?

[ErikS]

maybe something like this?

Yakima and Thule are pricey for sure, but will last longer than the vehicle.

[rebar]

Originally Posted by ErikS

maybe something like this?

Yes Im leaning more towards the foam blocks. I have a bunch of foam locking play mats I will hack and glue together to lock onto the kayak spray skirt cockpit coaming lip and conform the shape of the roof.

Any idea which glue to use to stack the foam? Epoxy?

[ErikS]

Epoxy is probably overkill, but will give you a stiffer finished product, if that's what you want.

Suggest using solvent based Weldwood contact cement - which comes in red cans, and is available at most hardware stores. If the foam has a smooth surface, rough it up before gluing. This stuff is also good for gluing hip and thigh pads inside your kayak.

Don't use the more environmentally friendly water-based version of the contact cement - in green cans. It doesn't stick and your glue joints will peel apart.

[O_loung1]

i read the reviews from ErikS' car top universal carrier for the kayak application and it seems
that the problem wont be the distance traveled but rather the quantity used.

so for occasional use - even with long distance travel (200+ miles), foam might work,
but for repeat use, the foam will break down and deteriorate (10+ loads).