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Hauling Bikes, Kayaks or Boat
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98 Posts
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December 23, 2010 - 7:46 am
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We would like to haul the kids bikes or maybe other things but don't have a roof rack.  What does everyone else haul, do you have pictures?

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333 Posts
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January 5, 2011 - 4:36 pm
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Doesn't the Utah have slots in the roof for mounting a rack?  I'm pretty sure mtn_bikers has the same model and possibly year and I know they have a rack in slots.

If so, you can get something that works from either Yakima or Thule.  I installed Thule racks on top of our pup last spring.  I used the 430 Tracker II kit with the 96" load bars and TK1 mounts.  ORS racks direct which seems to have persistent sales as well as 10-20% off coupons if you do a search  I have a set of Thule 599XTR Big Mouth bike racks to go on the rails, and they fit anything from my mountain bike to my younger son's 16-inch bike with training wheels. 

A center support comes with the factory rack, but I couldn't find it anywhere.  I cut some 5" diameter foam swim noodles to the right length, cut a notch in the top, punched a hole through and ran a zip-tie up and over the rail to keep it from flying away if it should get loose.  It supports the center really well.

As far as Kayaks go, just get the cheapie foam roof mounts which have notches to slip over the rails.  Put your kayak on those, and ractchet strap it to the rails.  Also run some rope through the handles at both ends to keep it from slipping forward if you have to stop suddenly.  There's no reason to buy expensive kayak mounts, especially if you're only going to use it periodicially.  The foam mounts are like these: http://www.rei.com/product/672423 but I've seen them for less elsewhere.

No pictures at the moment, sorry.

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348 Posts
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January 5, 2011 - 5:58 pm
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I have the Thule cross bars and racks on the Jeep.  When we had the pop up the bikes went on the Jeep and the yaks were strapped to the roof of the camper with foam blocks under them.

We usually only take either the bikes or the yaks for a weekend trip but we will take both for a longer trip, so its not often I'll bring both (maybe 2 times a season).

I haven't figured out what I'm going to do now that I have the hybrid.

Here's a pic of us loaded down heading for Cape Cod, MA last June for 10 days.

[IMG]http://inlinethumb07.webshots.com/47814/2274928840101641168S500x500Q85.jpg[/img]

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15 Posts
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February 6, 2011 - 1:33 pm
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We're similar to DaveS.  We normally plan to canoe or bike for a weekend, but we can haul both on the car top for extended trips.
[Image Can Not Be Found]

I prefer the car top since we frequently bike or canoe without camping so I'm not dependent on the camper to haul any of that gear.  I know Thule and Yakima systems are expensive, but IMHO worth every penny.  They are durable, easy to mount, extremely secure and they can transition to a new vehicle with just a new set of mounting brackets.

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175 Posts
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February 6, 2011 - 1:56 pm
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Here's the previous pup loaded and ready to hitch-up. That's a Radisson  canoe boat, has a transom rear and a canoe front, and it just the right size to carry on  the camper roof (used foam blocks). Easy handling boat and light weight to carry. Must have been going alone that trip as there is only one bike. That rack would carry two adult bikes onlly.

[img width=640 height=414]http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h226/dww0825/DSCF0313.jpg[/img]

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33 Posts
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February 6, 2011 - 8:34 pm
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Well, I've already posted pictures in this thread. We just about always plan our camping trips around both kayaking and cycling so they both go all the time. As mentioned in the other thread, I prefer to keep the bikes on the TV so I don't have to mess with them until after the PUP is setup. The main reason I still haul the kayaks on the PUP is because it is easier on my back to take them on and off the PUP.  By using all Yakima components. I can switch things around easily if I want to by moving a few rack componets around. I use 58" load bars on the TV and I can mount three bikes and the two kayaks on them.  Like Steve mentioned, You won't regret getting a good Thule or Yakima system. I bought most of my rack componets off Craigs list or at garage sales for a whole bunch less than normal retail.

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20 Posts
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February 7, 2011 - 6:28 pm
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How much weight is "comfotable" to carry on the PUP roof?
I'm sure wieght distribution is the key.

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348 Posts
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February 8, 2011 - 7:53 am
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It varies depending on manufacture.  My old Viking was 200lbs and the Coleman I had before that was 150lbs.

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253 Posts
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February 9, 2011 - 9:55 am
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Thule rack up the tow vehicle and you never have to worry about removing the units from the pup.  You can also use them 98% of the time you are not camping 😉

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50 Posts
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February 9, 2011 - 12:46 pm
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we use this set up, that attaches to the rear bumper, but I will not recommend for PU's.  It is a Swagman and I got it at etrailer.com  http://www.etrailer.com/RV-and.....l?feed=npn

http://i534.photobucket.com/albums/ee347/MJJPS/DSC01369.jpg

http://i534.photobucket.com/albums/ee347/MJJPS/DSC01370.jpg

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4 Posts
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11
August 8, 2013 - 9:53 am
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I have seen people just but the bikes upsided down (so resting on handlebar and seat) on the pup then just rachet strap it to the camper. No rack, just straps and tension.

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