![]() |
|
Home | Forum | Online Store | Information | LJ Webcam | Gallery | Register | FAQ | Community | Calendar | Today's Posts | Search |
![]() |
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
![]() |
#1 |
Junior Member
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 1
|
How I made loading a kayak onto a sedan easy for $20
First I needed a way to mount the wheels so that they would be in the perfect position for loading onto the roof - in my case the trunk of my sedan was a good option (it could also be a good option to use the hood). But how to protect the paintwork? I decided rubber suction cups but where could I get them cheaply? A trip to Home depot got me all the parts - belive it or not I used 3 sink plungers, a pvc T junction and 2 worm clips from plumbing. The pictures tell most of the story - FIRST the parts: ![]() next a close up of the sophisticated suction cup system : ![]() Now a close up of the T bar and worm clips - these were needed to attach a 3rd "leg" to wheeleze that could be easily pulled apart. ![]() some slight modifications to the parts were needed to make it all work . The two Rubber suction cups for the wheeleze have a rubber thread to attach the wooden handles - you may need to remove some of the rubber thread on the inside using a thin sharp knife to get a nice fit on the wheel struts. The next modification involved the PVC T junction - cut a slot in the side that does not have the junction (see photo) - this is needed to get it onto the wheeleze cross bar as it is welded in place. ![]() The T junction after cutting with a hacksaw: ![]() The T Bar is going to be used to house the handle end of the third plunger so that the wheeleze will have 3 suction cups on the trunk in a triangle formation for stability. Attach the T Bar to the wheels using the two s/steel worm clamps: ![]() The new device is now ready to use but needs bracing to stop it from sliding around because these suction cups weren't really made for this job. The final result - loader in place. I found the best bracing was obtained by using 3 or 4 straps with rubber coated hooks (Home depot $9.95 for set of 4) to hold the frame in place1 or 2 straps forward, hooked on the rear bar of the roof rack and the other two straps to the towing hook under the back of the car - you may get away with one forward and one rear strap. ![]() ![]() ![]() I think you get the idea - it was cheap and easy to make - under $20 including straps - It took after 15 minutes to make - and it does not interfere with the normal usage of the wheeleze and there is nothing that will rust. I use bungee cord to keep the T junction centered on the bar - there is probably an easier way to do that. With this arrangement I just lift the front edge of the kayak onto the wheeleze and push from behind - it is so easy to do. I like to carry the kayak upside down on the rack so once it is on there I flip it but that is not necessary. hope some of you find this interesting and helpful. Happy yakking
__________________
A Boat can be considered a hole in the water where you throw money. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#2 |
Guerro Grande
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 629
|
Ingenious. Very nice work.
__________________
Douglas Gaxiola |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#3 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,921
|
Holy Carp! Maybe one of the best uses of 3 plungers that I have ever seen.
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#4 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: LJ
Posts: 201
|
You got skillz !!!
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#5 |
I eats what I kills
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: San Diego
Posts: 393
|
Very clever.
![]()
__________________
Please release bill-fish. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#6 |
Ancient Member
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: On The Water
Posts: 935
|
Nice original thinking and application! It has been awhile since I have seen such an original idea!
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#7 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,563
|
Creative innovation at is best!
![]() Thanks for sharing.
__________________
![]() <)))< ....b-a-a-a-a |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#8 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: OC
Posts: 397
|
Pretty cool! What are you going to do with the left over plunger handles though?
1. Cord up a handle and a gaff hook....Cheapo Calcutta Gaffs x3 2. Tie them all together and use it as a fish bat for your next 'butt that gets OOC. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#9 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Lahina (I Wish)
Posts: 272
|
What a brilliant IDEA…
![]()
__________________
![]() Malibu Johnny must catch fish
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#10 |
Member
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: San Diego
Posts: 51
|
Sedan
Shoot, I wish I had seen this before I scratched up my truck area. Thanks for sharing, I will definitely need to get 3 pluggers.
Thanks Jimmy Malibujohnny funny toilet cleaner. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#11 |
Work Sucks!
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: San Diego
Posts: 559
|
"Go go gadget kayak rollers!"
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#12 |
Mad Yakker
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: La Mesa
Posts: 38
|
Great idea!! I work at Dixieline if anybody wants a deal on plungers
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#13 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: San Diego
Posts: 279
|
Multi tasking at it's finest.
![]()
__________________
Don't try to confuse me with facts! I hereby reject your reality and submit my own. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
|
|