Roof Tie-downs

[Rtivy53]

Is there any document that shows the best places to install tie downs (d-rings) on the roof of a Solitude 344GK? I need to secure my kayak up there.

[GeoffnCheri]

I have not seen any one do that with a 5th wheel due to the added height. I have seen some nice racks that mount on the truck roof with an extension/support bracket/mount coming up from the front bumper. Have you considered some type of hitch rack with the kayak in the upright position at the rear of your Solitude. You may have to do some type of custom fabrication.

[PHMadness]

Is there any document that shows the best places to install tie downs (d-rings) on the roof of a Solitude 344GK? I need to secure my kayak up there.

Putting a kayak up there is likely to put you over 13'6" unless it's really shallow. Measure carefully before you make any holes to be sure. It may make it under the limit but I would hate for you to find that 1 bridge that's 13'7" and tear a bunch of stuff up.

[Rtivy53]

Putting a kayak up there is likely to put you over 13'6" unless it's really shallow. Measure carefully before you make any holes to be sure. It may make it under the limit but I would hate for you to find that 1 bridge that's 13'7" and tear a bunch of stuff up.

the top of the kayak is level with the top of the AC units.... so I'd BETTER BE ok!! (LOL). thanks!

[Rtivy53]

I have not seen any one do that with a 5th wheel due to the added height. I have seen some nice racks that mount on the truck roof with an extension/support bracket/mount coming up from the front bumper. Have you considered some type of hitch rack with the kayak in the upright position at the rear of your Solitude. You may have to do some type of custom fabrication.

Thanks GnC. I had it on top of the pickup, but no front support, so it got kinda wiggidy in the Wyoming 'breezes'. I'll probably do the same thing tomorrow, then fab a bracket later on.

Cheers,
S&R

[Second Chance]

IMHO, bad idea due to the roof structure and the fragility of the roof membrane. As others have suggested, a well-supported rack on top of the truck would be better (or get inflatable kayaks like we have...).

Rob

[geotex1]

How about a hitch mounted vertical carrier?

[lorend]

IMHO, bad idea due to the roof structure and the fragility of the roof membrane. As others have suggested, a well-supported rack on top of the truck would be better (or get inflatable kayaks like we have...).

Rob

HI Rob, I came across this post of yours from last year and was wondering which inflatable kayaks you have. I have followed a lot of your post and find your information to be quite helpful and was figuring you had done your research before the purchase. I have done lots of looking but there are so many options. It always seems better to get first hand information from someone who has actually used them.

[Second Chance]

HI Rob, I came across this post of yours from last year and was wondering which inflatable kayaks you have. I have followed a lot of your post and find your information to be quite helpful and was figuring you had done your research before the purchase. I have done lots of looking but there are so many options. It always seems better to get first hand information from someone who has actually used them.

We had a Sea Eagle two-person Kayak (three with a grandkid). It had inflatable seats and everything packed up in it's own wrap-style carrier. It's at the grandkids house in Maryland now... they use it more than we did. It's very high quality and we were quite pleased with it.

Rob

[lorend]

We had a Sea Eagle two-person Kayak (three with a grandkid). It had inflatable seats and everything packed up in it's own wrap-style carrier. It's at the grandkids house in Maryland now... they use it more than we did. It's very high quality and we were quite pleased with it.

Rob

Rob, thanks for that info. Once again, this forum is going to cost me money. lol. But, as usual, it will be money put to good use.