Minivan to Pick-Up Truck for Yak Hauling

[moc]

Yeah you are right but there are some really creative conversions out there. I like the smaller ones bc the roof is lower and they get better gas mileage. I think it would be a one person kinda thing so there would be room for fishing stuff. On camping trips you don’t bring the other gear. I think a rooftop box for the seat, drive, crate, and other wet stuff with room for a kayak next to it would work out well. A cheaper option I found vs a second vehicle is a small camper by runaway. I don’t really want to tow one but we saw a guy in MA with one and he had taken it all over the country! Leave the yak loaded on top, hook up and head to the water!

Good to hear you’re doing well and back in the saddle Efren!

I was looking at these Runaway campers last year as a possibility to extend summertime camping/fishing when I go away. I would just use the minivan, but I like the AC that comes with the Runaway to keep me nice and cool when I go to sleep and the campsite with electric.

[Mark]

Very interesting Martin.

I checked the prices online.

Much cheaper than a pickup or van and an excellent option for kayak anglers who camp.

[ronaultmtd]

I use my pickup truck to haul composted horse manure for my garden...go to the county landfill for loads of free mulch and on occasions carry my Outback to the fishing hole...it is a 2007 Ford Ranger crewcab 4X4 with the heavy-duty tow package four speed standard shift with the 4.0 OHC V-6 engine...I have 105,000 miles on it and it runs like a scalded Dog....I bought it used at 65,000 miles for $16K...love it, plan on keeping it until...the cradle I built out of 4x4 landscaping timbers and 5/4 round deck boards covered with indoor/outdoor carpet allows me to just lift the bow in between the two landscaping timbers, grab the rear lifting handle of the Outback and lift, pushing forward to slide the Kayak up and in the bed of the truck...never lifting more than twenty five or so pounds...It is extremely quick and easy to load and unload...

[silasvirus82]

I was looking at these Runaway campers last year as a possibility to extend summertime camping/fishing when I go away. I would just use the minivan, but I like the AC that comes with the Runaway to keep me nice and cool when I go to sleep and the campsite with electric.

Pretty cool and seems like a great value. Just looking at their options I’d say you’re better off doing those yourself, but the base trailer is reasonable. One thing not included in the price is a generator, and to power an A/C it might take something more than the small/quiet 2000k. My dad has a larger RV and has to use two Honda 2000k. He runs one for the lights and fridge, but needs the second one to run the a/c. Just something to consider. The bigger the generator the more noise.

I’ve got a 8x12 cargo trailer I bought for my move to NC and a left over a/c from when we lived somewhere else. This has got me thinking...


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[baynovice]

Great comments on the pros and cons of kayak transport options. Adding my 2 cents to the thread. I drove a GMC Yukon when I first purchased my kayak a few years ago. I loved that SUV but boy was it a pain loading onto the roof which was probably 6'4" minimum onto the kayak saddles. After reading multiple recommendations on this site ranging from minivans to trucks to trailers, I took the first opportunity to switch to a crew cab truck when it came time to change cars. My tandem kayak is 14.5' long so I use a cheapo bed extender and it has been a great setup for me. I have plenty of room in the crew cab to transport my equipment and I transport my rods in the kayak itself. I did consider the Hullivator type of assist rack, but my tandem is over 90lbs and exceeded the "recommended" weight limit of the assist racks. A guy at REI told me that the weight limit was likely conservative and would be able to support my kayak but obviously, this would be at my own risk and liability. My truck has also come in handy for moving furniture and other things that I wouldn't want to put inside a vehicle so there have been additional benefits to the truck option for me.

[moc]

I the options that I read and was presented are valid options. It just comes down to what meets your requirements and physical ability. I use an SUV and I will be getting a minivan for multiple reasons. I do have some back issues, but the key for me is the rack on the car. I do not use stationary saddles. I use a Thule Slipstream. This rack allows me to only lift half the weight of the kayak onto a minivan, SUV or car. So my 80 pound kayak feels like 40 pounds to me when putting it up on top of my car. The rack also slides away from the vehicle before you put it up on your car or take it down, which is nice.

[Redfish12]

Here you go Martin, https://www.reconcampers.com/envy