Greetings,
I picked up my new Hawk last week and have been getting it prepped for our first camping trip. I installed my Yakima rack which includes two 78" cross bars, two bike carriers and a large basket with kayak rollers. I would estimate the weight of the entire rack set-up (unloaded) at about 75 pounds, and I should add that I also have the roof mounted 160W solar panel and the standard 30 pound roof struts. Once installed, I discovered that it is really hard to lift-I am not a weak person, but it still took me and my son to get the roof up. . I don't think I could do it by myself without killing my back. So a couple of questions: First off, would an upgrade to 40 pound struts make any noticeable difference? Second, I discovered that I could use my old truck bed cargo securing bar that has a ratchet mechanism to "jack" the roof up. It has rubber feet on each end that are about 2" x 3". Would this possibly cause any damage if placed in the middle of the lift support board on the roof? Also if anyone else reading this carries gear (bikes, kayaks, etc) on top, I would love some ideas on the best type of ladder or step system to get and how to carry it without being too obtrusive.
Thanks,
David
I picked up my new Hawk last week and have been getting it prepped for our first camping trip. I installed my Yakima rack which includes two 78" cross bars, two bike carriers and a large basket with kayak rollers. I would estimate the weight of the entire rack set-up (unloaded) at about 75 pounds, and I should add that I also have the roof mounted 160W solar panel and the standard 30 pound roof struts. Once installed, I discovered that it is really hard to lift-I am not a weak person, but it still took me and my son to get the roof up. . I don't think I could do it by myself without killing my back. So a couple of questions: First off, would an upgrade to 40 pound struts make any noticeable difference? Second, I discovered that I could use my old truck bed cargo securing bar that has a ratchet mechanism to "jack" the roof up. It has rubber feet on each end that are about 2" x 3". Would this possibly cause any damage if placed in the middle of the lift support board on the roof? Also if anyone else reading this carries gear (bikes, kayaks, etc) on top, I would love some ideas on the best type of ladder or step system to get and how to carry it without being too obtrusive.
Thanks,
David