hi . I use the factory cross bars on my 2004 Tahoe for my pa 14. I bought the cheapest hobie roof rack pads just as a temporary solution but its been going good for a year and a half. I wanted to upgrade but I don't want to have higher clearance. the cross bars do flex a little under the weight but it springs back. the only time I had any slightly scary hull deformation was after I lazily left it strapped tight for a couple days in hot weather. But that also went right back to shape shortly after.
The worst thing that ever happened was once part of the pad came loose and the kayak hull was rubbing directly on the crossbar, leaving a small black mark on the bottom of the hull.
And I think I really push the limits. I live almost 2hrs from my favorite fishing grounds. sometimes my kayak will live on my truck for 2 to 3 weeks at a time. flying back and forth every other day after work, and basically living on the road on my days off. a lot of highway driving, and a lot of beach driving, on some pretty rough beaches too.
I used 4 ratchet straps, one on the bow, 2 in the middle, and 1 on the stern. and a long thick bike cable padlocked to my hitch receiver for security.
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