Re: [Paddlewise] Kayak Trailers

> ...We got a 4Runner.  When my wife and I went to pick up my
> new QCC 600 kayak from the terminal, the two of us had problems
> getting it on the rack.  We're both a little over 5'6" and we had a
> heck of a time loading and unloading.  Since she doesn't kayak I'm
> really concerned if I'll be able to do this by myself.  ...> 

Hi Rod,

While I do have a couple trailers that I haul multiple kayaks on for
shuttles, etc (one is homebuilt racks over a steel-deck trailer,
another is unauthorized rain gutter clips on a pop-up tent trailer), I
have another comment...

Before you think trailer, try a couple loading options onto your
4Runner first.  I have a QCC 600, am 5'7 (and not terribly macho) and
routinely load the thing by myself onto my wagon.  One thing - it's a
LOT easier loading the boat once you unpack it!  Loading the box onto
my car was indeed an experience.  

I put a carpet piece behind the car, rest the stern on it, and lever
the bow onto the rear glides (I use thule glides but the Yakima rollers
work as well).  Then I pick up the stern and slide it into place.  This
works for any vehicle that you can get the rear bar far enough back. 
To make it even easier, you can get a bar extender for the rear bar as
a place to rest the bow while you're loading.  I can actually load it
w/o using the stern rest _before_ the paddle, but after, well, I use
the carpet.  This is way more convenient that hooking up a trailer,
IMHO.

enjoy your QCC
Jennifer
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