Do you have a Jeep wrangler and are not sure how to put a Kayak on its soft top? As most racks suit hardtops, carrying kayak racks in soft tops can be a bit tricky.
But no worries. It won’t be as difficult as you are expecting. And this article has covered most of your queries on how to carry a kayak rack on a soft-top Jeep Wrangler.
We have a step-by-step guide for you to help set up the jeep wrangler kayak rack soft top. All you need to do is just follow the procedures as suggested. In addition, to help you enjoy a safe journey, we have also detailed guidelines for you about some factors.
Let’s get started.
Can You Put A Kayak Rack On A Soft Top Jeep Wrangler?
This is one of the most asked questions among the Jeep Wrangler owners. Although kayak racks are mostly suitable for hardtops, it is also possible to carry kayaks on soft tops as well.
But before carrying the kayak rack, you have to keep some considerations in mind. Ensure that your rack is safe on top. You may entitle a rooftop tent to the Jeep.
Yet, there are two ways by which you can mount kayaks to your Jeep Wrangler. That is, you can put it on the roof or mount it to the hitch. Hitch-mounted kayak racks are for larger kayaks. And if you have a smaller kayak, you have to use a roof-mounted kayak rack.
Now let’s take a look at how to put a kayak rack on a soft top jeep wrangler. And also what are the tools that you will need.
Tools And Materials Required To Carry Kayaks Rack On A Soft Top Jeep Wrangler?
To do it yourself, you will need some tools and materials. You can buy the recommended items from any local store or from online. Let’s take a look at the required tools that you will need.
Tools & Materials:
- 2′ x 2′ kayak foam cushion
- 12′ ratchet straps (Rubberized handles & coated hooks)
- Paracord (Not mandatory)
- 2 sewing shears
How To Carry Kayaks Rack On A Soft Top Jeep Wrangler? (Easy Steps)
Being an outdoor adventure enthusiast, you must want to give a deep dive into the wilderness. But before that, you have to carry a kayak rack on your soft top. Go through our step-by-step guide on how to carry a kayak rack on a soft-top Jeep Wrangler.
Step 1: Placing the multipurpose 2′ x 2′ kayak foam block
Pick a kayak foam cushion and place a piece of it at the rear support bar of the soft-top roof. At the same time set the other piece above the windshield brace. Keep the kayak foam cushion in a manner that it stands hung over slightly from your jeep.
Step 2: Remove the side and rear window panels
You have two options out there. One is removing the side and rear window panels. You can also zip up the back and a few inches of the window. However, I recommend pulling out the windows completely. Though if you are comfortable unzipping the back, you may do it.
Step 3: Slide the kayak toward the backside foam
Now, you have to slide the kayak toward the backside foam. And keep the front side of the kayak up to the windshield. While doing so, don’t slide the kayak on the soft top right away.
Step 4: Strap the rear edge of the kayak with a ratchet strap
Next, it’s time to use a ratchet strap. Just strap the rear end of the kayak with it. If your kayak comes with a curve between the seat and the water-proof well, strap between the two portions.
Step 5: Tightening the Kayaks with straps
This time you have to stretch the kayak with a ratchet strap. Crank the straps fastened with the front doors.
Step 6: Drive on and have fun!
Finally, it’s time to drive. Don’t rush, enjoy and be safe. After all, if you follow the suggested steps accordingly, it would not be tiresome work to accomplish.
Things To Consider When Carrying Kayaks Rack On A Soft Top Jeep Wrangler?
You can now mount a kayak right? However, it’s not the end of your journey. You surely don’t want your kayak to fly off while driving on the highway. There are some factors that you should consider when carrying a kayak rack on a soft-top Jeep Wrangler.
1. Prepare Your Tools And Materials
Tools are the most important thing that will help you mount the kayak rack on top of your jeep. As mentioned in the previous section, prepare all the essential tools.
Buy quality kayak foam cushion and the ratchet straps must have rubberized handles and coated hooks. Also, check whether the sewing shears are in the right shape or not.
2. Load the Kayak Securely
If the weight is not evenly distributed throughout the vehicle, then there might be trouble in driving.
So you should check the stability of your kayak on top of the Jeep Wrangler. Keep the broader portion of the kayak which would be tied down. Thus, you can securely maintain the kayak setup.
3. Tie Down the Kayak rack properly
Tying down your kayak rack is another important aspect here. After loading it on the soft top, you have to keep it secure with straps. Use Rubberized straps there.
Follow our instructions carefully and properly in the step-by-step guide.
4. Adjust the Tension
While mounting the kayak rack, you have to tie it with straps to your jeep. The perfect amount of tension varies depending on the kayak type.
Ensure that you are not strapping it too tightly. Rather just keep it screwed up with a required amount of tension. That means, not too tight, not too loose.
5. Give a Final Check
After finishing the whole procedure, it’s time for the final check. Consider giving a final check throughout the jeep wrangler top, check the straps thoroughly. Last but not the least, inspect the whole kayak rack once again before you drive. And here you go!
Conclusion
At the end of this article, we hope that you can now transport a jeep wrangler kayak rack soft top. All you need to do is to maintain the simple procedures as mentioned.
Plus, consider the factors we noted while mounting your kayak rack. Finally, we suggest you be more cautious while setting up kayak racks on soft tops. If you still have any queries, feel free to get in touch with us. Safe journey!
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