THULE 830 The Stacker Kayak Rack

Comments about THULE 830 The Stacker Kayak Rack:

We bought these stackers after having read many good reviews for the item. Once we got the stackers on the car, they didn't seem very sturdy. One tap and the kayak slid out from the straps. We returned them and were told they are brought back often - they are for the white water kayaks, not recreational kayaks. Switched them for the Hull-a-Port, which works great!

Comments about THULE 830 The Stacker Kayak Rack:

is a great unit i have been able to haul 3 kayaks on top of our Grand Cherokee a 14.5, a 14, and a 12 foot kayak. haven't been able to haul four though, had to put one more kayak in our camper, but other then that they work great, and would recommend the stacker to anyone.

Comments about THULE 830 The Stacker Kayak Rack:

It's what I expect from Thule-- a functional product with decent directions that make it easy to mount and use the rack.

My only gripe is-- if you're going to call it a stacker, please include a second set of straps for a second kayak. The straps are long, but not long enough for double boats.

Comments about THULE 830 The Stacker Kayak Rack:

It seems the only way to transport 4 kayaks on your car, or the cheeper way to transport 2 kayaks.
I had a problem when I tried to mount kayak by myself: I had to use one hand to hold kayak upright, while with the other hand I tried to tie it in - not an easy job and not a safe one.
I returned it and got Thule Hull-a-Port instead. More money, but so-o-o easy to use. Love it.
For the second kayak I got THULE SlipStream. It is big and expensive, but it allows my wife to mount her kayak by herself.

Comments about THULE 830 The Stacker Kayak Rack:

The old model seemed much more sturdy. The knob that you twist to lock the stackers in position must be stripped on one of my stackers, because when I put the stackers in an upright position and attempt to lock them, the stackers will still fold down. A friend of mine has a crack in the plastic tip of the stacker from the force of tightening down straps. The new model stackers are still functional, and I still prefer Thule over yakima (all attachments slide on round bars). I believe the older model is the 510 or 520(?). If you can find the older model new, I would certainly recommend them over the 830. Other factors: The 830 looks better. The old model rusts. We'll see if the 830 rusts!

Comments about THULE 830 The Stacker Kayak Rack:

Was inexperienced when purchased, the first couple of times using product, kayaks slid off car while trying to tie down. Once tied down, kayaks are secure. Had to make modifications to make adding and tie down easier. Takes about 20 - 30 minutes to add two kayaks. should have purchased something else.

Comments about THULE 830 The Stacker Kayak Rack:

definately serves its purpose. I went out and bought stainless steel hardware for it, some of my bolts were already used beleive it or not and crossthreaded. i think stainless should standard for the price of this stuff. +30 bucks or so

Comments about THULE 830 The Stacker Kayak Rack:

The Thule Stacker is a great rack for carrying up to four kayaks. I was using the Thule Hullaport J racks, but switched to the stacker when I went from 2 to 4 kayaks. I use the stacker with 4 Perception Swifty Kayaks. The use of this product to carry more than one kayak per side requires a second person to stabalize the first on a side while the second is loaded, but it is very quick and not a hassle. To use with the Perception Swifty Kayaks, all four boats must be placed with the keel towards the center of the car. I also highly recommend an extra 15' strap to go around all boats to better stabalize the load from shifting. These racks make loading and unloading multiple kayaks very quick and easy and are very stable for long trips when properly secured.

Comments about THULE 830 The Stacker Kayak Rack:

I had no problem using the stacker for old style river runners or newer play boats. Easy to use strap slots at the top make it simple loading. If you are putting multiple boats up on there side, you need a second set of hands to keep the more rounded boats steady as you load the second boat.

Comments about THULE 830 The Stacker Kayak Rack:

I am looking to by this product in the near future. I noticed that it said that the rack only comes with enough straps and buckles to hold one kayak. Am i going to need extra straps to secure the second kayak or will the ones that come with the rack be enough. I am looking to mount two 9ft 6in kayaks. thanks.