Quote:
Originally Posted by Martha
I would like to be able to carry the kayak on top of the MH, but would need some sort of lift system to get it on and off with any ease.
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Martha,
"Larry" on the LifeWithALazyDazeRV yahoo group had built a lift system for the kayak.* You might want to check it out.* Here's a message from him describing it.
Sam
Msg # 16850
Date: 2002-10-29 08:08:00
Subject: Re: kayak rack
Sender: lw5315us
Sally
The kayak rack is a home brewed design. The side mounts to the walls
were built according to Lazy Dazes suggestions. Ed actually drew a
picture of how he wanted it built. This way there is no weight
carried on the roof, only the walls. Ed was very much opposed to
increasing the roof loading. He said that drilling through the roof
would eventually cause damage since the roof does not have the proper
internal re-enforcement's to support the extra weight.
Occasional walking on the roof is OK. I have marked the location of
the internal framing on the roof so I can always step on a
crossmember.
We have uses the rack for eight years, carrying two 17-foot Necky Sea
kayaks (about 50-55 lbs. ea.). We use the kayaks as cargo pods on our
trips to British Columbia. The racks have easily supported 300+
without any damage to the rack or motorhome. The racks are presently
on my garage floor, being refitted for the new LD due to arrive soon.
The new version will have the crane assembly fold down to prevent
damage to the cover that we will be using during storage
I attempted to lift the boats by myself and could not do it. My
wife, being a very small person, was not able to help me in the
lifting process. The movable cranes make it easy and safe to load and
unload the boats with one person. The operation takes less than ten
minutes and usually attracts an audience.
If you are handy, the racks can be homebuilt and the parts are
readily available. If you would like more information, please contact
me at lrrw at earthlink dot net.
Larry