View Full Version : Back pain- what is the best way to load onto an SUV with no pain??


Jersey_Jim
04-15-2012, 06:21 AM
I would love to use the yak a lot. But i have tweaked my back loading in onto my Explorer(L3&L5 are bulging discs).

I know about those expensive hullivators. Is there a no or low cost way to load it ?
Links to videos are appreciated. TX

blondterror
04-15-2012, 06:41 AM
I would love to use the yak a lot. But i have tweaked my back loading in onto my Explorer(L3&L5 are bulging discs).

I know about those expensive hullivators. Is there a no or low cost way to load it ?
Links to videos are appreciated. TX

I found a set of used Hullivators on Craigs list for $150 and they are worth every penny ... i use them with my Hobie which is not lightwt.

Raven
04-15-2012, 07:21 AM
i bought a winch and i winch my boat in during tough days

Sea Dangles
04-15-2012, 07:49 AM
percs

Mr. Sandman
04-15-2012, 09:51 AM
Yaks are killer on the back and in general pretty uncomfortable for any length of time for anyone over the age of 12. They are awkward to pickup and a PIA to store. I have several single and tandem and I use them less and less each year. I keep trying but I just don't get pleasure having a wet salt-itchy ass all day anymore.

striperman36
04-15-2012, 11:32 AM
I found a set of used Hullivators on Craigs list for $150 and they are worth every penny ... i use them with my Hobie which is not lightwt.

You sux. A pair!
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

BigFish
04-15-2012, 12:10 PM
Have someone load it for you??? :rotf2: Seriously if you are in the market for a trailer I know where there is a used trailex just like the one I have...$500 in great shape??? Trailer is an easy load....easy on the back!! Let me know?

Tagger
04-15-2012, 07:17 PM
I think I have loading and unloading down now but it aint easy,,, even with a healthy back .. I'm using a water slide ,,
Amazon.com: Thule Water Slide Kayak Carrier Accessory Mat: Sports & Outdoors (http://www.amazon.com/Thule-854-Water-Carrier-Accessory/dp/B001PQQGFG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1334535094&sr=8-1)

Saddles
Amazon.com: Yakima Mako Boat Saddles: Sports & Outdoors (http://www.amazon.com/Yakima-Mako-Boat-Saddles/dp/B003EV3JC8/ref=sr_1_27?ie=UTF8&qid=1334535175&sr=8-27)
and
Amazon.com: Yakima Hully Rollers: Sports & Outdoors (http://www.amazon.com/Yakima-HullyRoller-Rooftop-Carrier-Straps/dp/B000Q5G82I/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1334535248&sr=8-1)

I put an old towel down on the ground and put the nose of the yak on it while leaning the arse end against the water slide . Yup ... I load it arse first ,, rudder up .. Then I pick up the nose and slide it up on the rollers and onto the saddles .. It still some work ,, but way better than J hooks ,,, took those suckers back ..

Tagger
04-15-2012, 07:19 PM
forgot ,,, I do load my yak on a ford explorer .

zerolimit
04-20-2012, 11:11 PM
The Hullivator rack is expensive but well worth it when you consider the costs of screwing up your back. I have a hobie revolution and a healthy back, but I was having a very difficult time loading it on top of my truck especially with a little wind. I wasn't getting the use out of my kayak because loading and unloading was such a process that I dreaded. Now, I have no problem getting it on and off the truck. Good luck. Hope you can find a used set of racks.

Tagger
04-29-2012, 05:53 AM
Not sure of the best way ,, but a heavy yak like a Hobie the worse way is J hooks .

The Dad Fisherman
04-30-2012, 05:25 AM
I tried a new way to load mine this weekend and it worked well. Got tired of trying to lift it onto the roof of my cap. Took the cap off, flipped out the bed extender and put in a Cargo Bar (http://www.etrailer.com/merchant2/graphics/00000001/pics/0/8/08910.jpg).....then I just strap the yak to the Bar and the Extender and off I go.

Worked pretty pissah and made it a hell of a lot easier to do by myself.

Cargo Bar installed....http://www.autoaccessoriesgarage.com/img/group/main/42/4242_1_lg.jpg

hooked
05-10-2012, 09:15 AM
I tried a new way to load mine this weekend and it worked well. Got tired of trying to lift it onto the roof of my cap. Took the cap off, flipped out the bed extender and put in a Cargo Bar (http://www.etrailer.com/merchant2/graphics/00000001/pics/0/8/08910.jpg).....then I just strap the yak to the Bar and the Extender and off I go.

Worked pretty pissah and made it a hell of a lot easier to do by myself.


Do you have any pictures of your truck with the kayak strapped in? I went from a SUV with roof racks to a pickup with no cap. Anything over 12' feels awkward.

Rockport24
05-10-2012, 09:28 AM
Yakima has some options that aren't as expensive of the hullavator
something like this could help a lot:
Yakima Racks & Carriers Shop Water Lift Assist BoatLoader (http://www.yakima.com/shop/water/lift-assist/boatloader)

The Dad Fisherman
05-10-2012, 10:05 AM
Do you have any pictures of your truck with the kayak strapped in? I went from a SUV with roof racks to a pickup with no cap. Anything over 12' feels awkward.

Next time I load it up I'll take a couple....