Suggestions for tie down for tandem on Truck?

We have a Tundra (6 foot bed) with extender with tail lights and bungees and belts with rachets and had a GREAT first outing for our yellow Oasis tandem on a local lake No scuffs getting in a dock of 45 degrees with moss /algae on the boat ramp . When we were in the water, Hobie folks have thought of every detail it seems. Our only issue was getting it tied down in the truck bed The nose wiggled sideways We would appreciate tips on better tie down and if folks have modifications for more secure tie downs
Thanks
David
yellow jacket

I always tried to 'capture' the bow in one corner or the other. Just for the reason you mentioned. It would try to work itself there if I didn't. Solution? Not really, but I'd think some sort of loop around the bow carry handle that would keep the kayak in the corner. Then snug the other end somewhat centered. Now, with the bed extender, you can trap bow in the center and same aft. The less length I had extending out the back unsupported the better I liked it. A bungee might be enough to stop the slipping around. Still take precautions that the hull doesn't get light and possibly stand up or try to at least. Or, two bungee's at the carry handle forward to the hooks on either side of the truck bed. Still make sure it's kept from rising up in gusty winds and cross-winds with something other than bungee's..
Let us know what you come up with. We've all pretty much been in that position. I think my method has kept mine stable.

_________________
Yakkingaway
Portsmouth, VA

I just picked up a new oasis tandem from the dealer. I have an F-150 with a 6 foot bed and a bed extender. Here is what they did. They removed the Mirage drives exposing the slots where they fit in. They placed the bow of the boat (upside down) into the truck (in the middle) with the rudder extending over the bed extender (in the middle). They did this so that the weight of the boat is not on the rudder area. Using ratchets and belts they hooked one belt into the beds tie down (closest to the cab) and ran it over the top of the kayak down through the mirage drive slot to the other tie down in the bed (closest to the cab). They did this again with another ratchet and belt using the tie downs closest to the gate and the rear mirage drive slot. Lastly, they used some rope and tied the front of the kayak to the Bed Extender. I would say the ratchets were moderatly tight but not as tight as you would expect when ratcheting down a piece of furniture. Kayak did not move for 95 miles. Hope the above helps.

_________________
2010 Oasis

What yakking said. Works great, no slipping, shortens overhang.

Be very careful with the ratchet type straps. Too tight and cracked or warped hull... ???

Thanks for the tip re pointing the front end to the side of the truck to secure it.

I notice that you haul your Hobies around with the keel down. For short hauls to and from the launch sites, is this okay for the Hobies. Our dealer was very adamant about hauling our Oasis upside down on our Malone trailer, where it is also stored.

viewtopic.php?f=11&t=24331&p=105246&hilit=Truck+Bed+Extender#p105246

As usual thanks for sharing your expertise!

_________________
2009 Oasis
2012 Freedom Hawk Pathfinder

I have a Revo and a Tundra (6" bed). I simply use 2 ratchet straps (cheap thin orange ones from HF). Yak goes in bow first. I put the srtap through the mirage hole and ratchet it down to the front truck hold down loops. In the back I wrap the other strap completly around the yak and ratchet to the rear hold down loops. Never moves at all. The Dealer recommended this easy way. Obvioulsly, you could over pressure the straps but not much of a concern with a click or two.

Johnny

Hi Grampa Spey,

For the short distances I go, I trailer my Oasis right side up. I try to be very aware to not apply too much pressure to the straps across the hull. I also store mine upside down on the trailer with no straps at all. If I plan on going any distance at all the boat will go upside down on the roof rack of our Buick. So far I've had no issues with this system and the hull shows no signs of warping. I think the main thing is to remain aware of the potential for damage and don't allow pressures that exceed the materials limits. Happy Yakking!! - Roger

_________________
Roger
2010 Oasis
Lucie Belle

Thanks. Most of my river trips with an Outfitter or Outback in the back of my Ridgeline with a load extender would be short 10-15 minutes each way. The lake trips would be 30 minutes to under and hour each way.

We leave our Oasis on our Malone Trailer to store it. We run steel cables through the mirage holes to the trailer to eyebolts attached to our house for security. We leave the straps on but not very tight to be able get out of the driveway fast on the next trip.

On the next trip out, I disconnect the steel cables, take off the cover, release the wheel cables, tighten the straps and put the hitch on my Ridgeline. In the meantime my wife is bringing out the AMAs, Mirages, paddles, dry bags and clothing.

She checks the lights on the trailer after I hitch it up. We can be out on the road in about 5-10 minutes with this system from start to out the driveway.

When we return, I back the trailer up, secure it and the yak with the steel cables, put the cover on, rinse off the Mirages, my wife has put on the driveway by the hose. While I'm rinsing the Mirages, my wife locks up the paddles and AMAs in our shed. We keep the PFDs in the black box on the Malone trailer which are taken off and put into the box at the lake.

We then take the Mirages into our back yard and out sight to dry. Later after they dry, I spray Silicone on the gears/chain, we put the units into big fabric shopping bags and both Mirages into a big zip duffle bag which goes into a chest into our hallway to wait for the next trip.

My wife jokes that she can be showering and shampooing in 10 - 15 minutes after I back up the yak/trailer into the driveway when we get home.

_________________
2009 Oasis
2012 Freedom Hawk Pathfinder

Thanks, Roger. That makes it easier at the launch site. You can pull the Hobie off and into the water without having to flip it or attach the Trax wheels if needed without flipping the yak.

_________________
2009 Oasis
2012 Freedom Hawk Pathfinder

This is exactly what I do with my Outfitter if I am using my Crewcab to transport it. I've made several 300 mile trips in this manner with no issues. Just make sure to tie a red ribbon at the back, which is usually required by law.

Keith