Recreational Vans
Kayak stacker pads are protective sleeves or blocks that cushion contact points between your boats and the rack. They typically wrap around a vertical stacker post or along a crossbar to spread pressure and add friction. The goal is simple: keep hulls from scuffing, keep boats from rotating in crosswinds, and quiet the vibration that can wear finish over time. When carrying more than one kayak upright, pads help each hull settle against the post and neighboring boat without hard plastic on metal contact.
Pads come in several formats. Some are slit tubes that snap over a bar. Others are molded blocks that Velcro or strap to a post. You will also see low profile rubber sleeves designed for aero bars and dense foam cuffs shaped for round or square bars. Stacker specific pads are usually higher density and slightly tacky at the surface to resist sliding when wet.
Choosing pads that match your rack geometry is critical. Aero bars need a sleeve that conforms to the tapered profile. Round bars benefit from waffle or ribbed interiors that resist rotation. For vertical posts, measure the post width and the clearance under your crossbars to avoid interference when you cinch straps.
Closed cell foam is the most common pad material because it resists water absorption, holds shape under compression, and stays light. Look for UV stabilized foam to avoid chalking and softening in summer sun. Rubberized surfaces increase grip and are helpful in rain, but they can trap grit if not cleaned. Neoprene wraps are comfortable on hulls and quiet, though they may compress over time with heavy loads.
Size pads to your typical boat mix. Wider pads distribute pressure across thin composite touring kayaks and reduce dings at chines. Narrower, firmer pads work well for rotomolded whitewater boats that tolerate point pressure better. If you often stack three to four boats upright, consider pads with a square shoulder so boats nest consistently against the post.
Match your pads to the right strap system. Cam buckle straps are preferred for kayaks because they provide precise tension without the over tightening risk of ratchets. Use two cam straps per boat, one forward of the stacker and one aft, both angled slightly downward toward the centerline. Finish with bow and stern lines to fixed points on the vehicle to stop fore aft flex at highway speeds.
Start with pads centered on the stacker posts and bars, then set the first boat hull against the padded post with its cockpit facing out. Run the forward strap from the vehicle side over the hull, down around the crossbar, then back to the buckle on the near side. Repeat aft. Tighten until the boat stops moving when you tug at the cockpit rim. Load the second boat on the opposite side of the post and mirror the strap layout. For a third boat, set it on the first side and use the same strap pair, threading between boats so each hull gets direct contact with a strap, not just pressure from its neighbor.
Add bow and stern lines to solid tow points or frame mounted loops. Keep lines just taut enough to stop bounce without pulling the bow down into the roof. After five miles, stop and recheck strap tension. Foam settles and airflow can shift loads slightly, so a quick retension is normal on the first leg.
Common mistakes include crossing straps in a way that scuffs coamings, wrapping straps only around boats without capturing the bar, and overtightening to the point of oil canning thin composite decks. If you hear drumming, move a strap a few inches forward or back to change tension frequency. If boats creep toward the post, clean both pad and hull to remove grit that reduces friction.
Stacker pads shine when you need to carry multiple short to medium length boats upright on limited bar space. They are compact when not in use and let you mix hull shapes. Alternatives include J cradles that cradle one boat per side with a supportive angle, and saddle systems that carry a single boat hull down. Foam block kits that strap through the doors can work in a pinch but lack the lateral support of a dedicated rack and stacker pads.
Any upright load increases frontal area. Pads help by damping micro movement that turns into noise, but plan on some added wind sound and a small fuel economy drop. Fairings on the front crossbar can reduce buffeting. Tidy strap tails and keep them from fluttering by tying off loose ends against the strap body.
Rinse pads after beach use to remove sand. Let them dry before storage to prevent mildew on fabric backed versions. Inspect stitching or Velcro for wear, and replace pads that become glossy or brittle. Sun sleeves or periodic removal extends life for foam exposed to summer heat.
Once you know how pads protect hulls and stabilize upright loads, the next step is building a rack layout that fits your life. That means the right crossbar width, reinforced mounting points, and secure tie down anchors placed where they work with your boats. It also means enough roof access to load without risky reaches, and lighting that does not clash with strap paths. A well planned system keeps your kayaks quiet on the highway and easy to load at sunrise at the put in.
If you want to skip the guesswork and have a pro layout, OZK Customs designs and installs van rack systems that pair the correct stacker pads with reliable tie down hardware and weather ready mounting. We plan crossbar spacing for your hull lengths, add bow and stern anchor points, and integrate ladders or side steps for safer loading. For families or crews hauling multiple boats, we can configure upright capacity, bike mounts, and storage so everything travels tidy and quiet.
Our team builds adventure vans that carry kayaks, bikes, and camping gear without compromise. We handle the structural details behind the scenes so your boats ride stable in crosswinds and your roof remains leak free. When you pick up your rig, we walk you through the strapping sequence and pad care so every trip feels dialed in.
Tell us how many boats you haul, how often you travel, and what van you drive. We will recommend stacker pads, strap kits, and a rack layout that matches your routes and conditions, then install and test the setup so you can focus on the water.
Ready to carry kayaks with confidence and zero drama. Share your goals and timeline, and OZK Customs will design and install a roof rack system with the right stacker pads, anchors, and tie downs for reliable transport.
Ready to carry kayaks with confidence and zero drama? Tell us about your van, boat count, and routes. OZK Customs will design and install a secure rack system with the right pads, tie-downs, and mounting points so your gear rides quiet and safe. Start your build today.
ADDRESS:
6159 E Huntsville Rd, Fayetteville, AR 72701
PHONE:
(479) 326-9200
EMAIL:
info@ozkvans.com