Thanks Jerry for this phenomenal video and answers. Im in the market for the Travato and the price of the ladder is about $800 plus $1500 for the rack as quoted to me by the local dealer. I think Im going with your ladder at 138.00 at Amazon and cough up the money for the rack. I can try to tie up the ladder to the bike rack which Im also getting.
Yes - the roof rack option on the Travato comes with two sets of J-hook kayak mounts and also a rear ladder. In the new models the rear ladder can be detached and clipped on to the side rails of the roof rack on the driver side of the van. This would let you load a kayak as per my video on the driver side without carrying the collapsible ladder which would be great. I haven't seen the new model in person so don't know how that would work on the passenger side where the awning would prevent the ladder from clipping onto the roof rack.
Lol that’s exactly how I was planning to get my kayaks on the roof of my van right down to the ladder and yakima loader. It’s even the same model of kayak my wife has. Great to know it will work. Can you get two up there?
It would certainly be possible to put two kayaks on top using the same method, but I would have to install a second Yakima loader and, in my case, move a solar panel that I added which is attached to the roof rails on the other side.
Hi Jerry Thank you for solving my problem. I was thinking of putting a roller on the back of the roof? I was thinking of a fixed ladder but you have solved that question as well. Thank you Rgds Peter
Peter Simmons - glad this helps. I too first assumed I would put a roller on the back and load from there, but realized it would take two people (one at the front with a bow rope) and there was still too much room for things to go wrong. I have been using this setup for a year now. I don't use the front security rope any more , but definitely feel the rear security rope is essential to keep the kayak from sliding out while loading.
Hello Jerry. I'm having the same issue as David below. The Travato I'm looking at does not take the standard factory rack due awning being on the way. I see the back bracket on the video, but not sure how the front one attaches with the awning on the way. Is yours an aftermarket solution or did you buy it factory installed?
I have a factory roof rack. My solution would require that you attach the Yakima boat loader cross bar to something like a roof rack - no easy way to attach it to the roof otherwise.
One more question Jerry. Is your factory rack the Fiamma or the Summit rack? Either way it seems to be bolted to the roof. This would help me track down the exact model I might use.
Great video and it was instrumental in my purchase of a new Travato. My questions are: 1) What make of cargo bar did you choose? 2 ) Is the bar long enough to load one kayak on each side of the vehicle? 3) It looks like you've used a metal clamp to affix the cargo bar to the roof rack. Any special type? Thanks
David - The bar is a standard 48" Yakima rooftop cross bar (the Yakima boat loader is designed to go inside a Yakima cross bar). The one I have is not long enough to load a kayak on each side of the vehicle, but you should be able to use standard galvanized pipe the length of the full width of the van. You would have to confirm that the inside diameter of the pipe works with the boat loader. I simply used hose clamps (worm drive type) to attach the crossbar pipe to the roof rack - should be plenty strong enough for this application.
p.s. Great to hear that you got your new Travato. I highly recommend you join the Facebook Travato group, which is very active and has lots of great tips for maintenance and modifications.
Various questions Kyle: What do you use for foam padding? Looks like floating noodle pieces. Did you glue it on the ladder? Looks like the 10 foot 760p ladder, can the 8 foot 750p also work? Not sure which to get would like to minimize weight and bulk. Thanks, Alrod
I initially used foam noodle pieces to protect the van paint from being scratched by the ladder, but since this video was made I have found I do not need the foam since I can set the ladder against the awning on one side or the roof rack on the other. You are correct - the 8 foot ladder would be tall enough for this usage on the Promaster van (would probably not be tall enough on a Sprinter van). I wanted the taller ladder for the flexibility of using the ladder for other applications.
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Thank you Jerry this is beutifly obvious
Thanks Jerry for this phenomenal video and answers. Im in the market for the Travato and the price of the ladder is about $800 plus $1500 for the rack as quoted to me by the local dealer. I think Im going with your ladder at 138.00 at Amazon and cough up the money for the rack. I can try to tie up the ladder to the bike rack which Im also getting.
The Travato has been perfect for us. Be sure to join the Facebook Travato group - it will provide the best source of info on the Travato. A fun group.
Jerry, thanks for this video. Does the Travato roof rack come with the J-hooks for kayaks?
Yes - the roof rack option on the Travato comes with two sets of J-hook kayak mounts and also a rear ladder. In the new models the rear ladder can be detached and clipped on to the side rails of the roof rack on the driver side of the van. This would let you load a kayak as per my video on the driver side without carrying the collapsible ladder which would be great. I haven't seen the new model in person so don't know how that would work on the passenger side where the awning would prevent the ladder from clipping onto the roof rack.
Lol that’s exactly how I was planning to get my kayaks on the roof of my van right down to the ladder and yakima loader. It’s even the same model of kayak my wife has. Great to know it will work. Can you get two up there?
It would certainly be possible to put two kayaks on top using the same method, but I would have to install a second Yakima loader and, in my case, move a solar panel that I added which is attached to the roof rails on the other side.
Hi Jerry Thank you for solving my problem. I was thinking of putting a roller on the back of the roof? I was thinking of a fixed ladder but you have solved that question as well. Thank you Rgds Peter
Peter Simmons - glad this helps. I too first assumed I would put a roller on the back and load from there, but realized it would take two people (one at the front with a bow rope) and there was still too much room for things to go wrong. I have been using this setup for a year now. I don't use the front security rope any more , but definitely feel the rear security rope is essential to keep the kayak from sliding out while loading.
Thank you again, my kayak weight is approx 28 kgs yours seems a lighter ?
Good luck and safe touring. Peter
My kayak is 55lbs / 25kg. I would want help loading if it was much heavier.
Hello Jerry. I'm having the same issue as David below. The Travato I'm looking at does not take the standard factory rack due awning being on the way. I see the back bracket on the video, but not sure how the front one attaches with the awning on the way. Is yours an aftermarket solution or did you buy it factory installed?
I have a factory roof rack. My solution would require that you attach the Yakima boat loader cross bar to something like a roof rack - no easy way to attach it to the roof otherwise.
One more question Jerry. Is your factory rack the Fiamma or the Summit rack? Either way it seems to be bolted to the roof. This would help me track down the exact model I might use.
Mine is the Fiamma. Either roof rack should work the same for this purpose.
Great video and it was instrumental in my purchase of a new Travato. My questions are:
1) What make of cargo bar did you choose?
2 ) Is the bar long enough to load one kayak on each side of the vehicle?
3) It looks like you've used a metal clamp to affix the cargo bar to the roof rack. Any special type? Thanks
David - The bar is a standard 48" Yakima rooftop cross bar (the Yakima boat loader is designed to go inside a Yakima cross bar). The one I have is not long enough to load a kayak on each side of the vehicle, but you should be able to use standard galvanized pipe the length of the full width of the van. You would have to confirm that the inside diameter of the pipe works with the boat loader. I simply used hose clamps (worm drive type) to attach the crossbar pipe to the roof rack - should be plenty strong enough for this application.
p.s. Great to hear that you got your new Travato. I highly recommend you join the Facebook Travato group, which is very active and has lots of great tips for maintenance and modifications.
what is the weight of the kayak and length, do you have tested also with much bigger kayaks (more weight)?
phalanxtrader That kayak is 15 feet and 45 lbs and is easy for me to do solo. I also have a 60 lb tandem kayak which I like to have help with.
Ah, so that's how it's done! Next question would be... where in the world do ya store the ladder?! :) Cool looking ladder though. Lowes or Home Depot?
Kyle Kesterson I attach the collapsible ladder to the permanent ladder on the back of the van. Works fine.
Hi Jerry, What brand of collapsable ladder do you have?
Hi Nancy. Mine is an Extend-And-Climb classic (Red). I have used it regularly for three years now with no problems.
Sorry, question meant for Jerry Rigel
Various questions Kyle:
What do you use for foam padding? Looks like floating noodle pieces. Did you glue it on the ladder? Looks like the 10 foot 760p ladder, can the 8 foot 750p also work? Not sure which to get would like to minimize weight and bulk.
Thanks,
Alrod
I initially used foam noodle pieces to protect the van paint from being scratched by the ladder, but since this video was made I have found I do not need the foam since I can set the ladder against the awning on one side or the roof rack on the other. You are correct - the 8 foot ladder would be tall enough for this usage on the Promaster van (would probably not be tall enough on a Sprinter van). I wanted the taller ladder for the flexibility of using the ladder for other applications.