Dropracks kayak roof loading system
A summer of increasingly long days on the water in 2021 led us to conclude that there had to be an easier way than pushing through post-paddle fatigue to get two kayaks on top of a van. Initially in denial about needing a little dynamic assistance, we came to the reluctant conclusion that was precisely what we needed. The search led us to Dropracks, a Norwegian company that specialises in one product, an elevating roof rack. It uses the extreme conditions of Nordic winters as its testing ground for the product.
waist-height platform
It’s a straightforward system that replaces standard roof bars with a rack that allows you to bring the roof loading space down to a horizontal waist-height platform. Once the load is securely in place, a few turns of a crank returns the platform to the top of the vehicle, and the video on the company website demonstrates this with compelling ease.
Created to be used in conjunction with cars or vans, it can be configured for work or leisure use. It will carry up to 80kg depending on size and meets the international standard DIN 75302 for roof racks.
Set up is simple; the Droprack works with your existing vehicle fittings to attach to the roof and then whatever accessories are used to customise the space for the load; bike rack, kayak cradle, roof box; even a roof tent, fit as they would to regular bars. We use Thule-Hull-a-Port Aero racks and just moved them from our existing bars and tested both the spacing adapter (that allows straps to pass underneath) and eyelet option for securing.
Our recommendation is to have all the parts ready in front of you and make use of the fitting video before assembling the rack. Even though it is designed to be used by one person, set-up is infinitely easier with two. The rack is sturdy, which makes it on the heavy side to fit. However, the process is easy and uses only a single Allen key. A final piece of advice is to get the rack in position before making the last adjustments and tighten it because it needs to be set square for smooth running.
We have a long wheelbase T5 that morphs between work and leisure use, and for weekend warrior activities, it regularly carries bikes, sea kayaks or a mix of both. The rack carries our sea kayaks’ combined weight (about 50kg) easily and with room to spare. Loading is a cinch; having tried both the spacer adaptor that allows the straps to pass underneath the Hull-a-Port and the eyelet fixing, we’d say both are equally secure, although the eyelet is slightly less faff and faster in a way that’s welcome on freezing days. Our experience has been that the rack is solid with no rattles or whistles – either fully loaded or empty.
The drop bars sit neatly flush with the body, and driving locks prevent lateral movement. They are unlocked with a press click that allows the bars to slide out horizontally, where they will stay until the crank arm is engaged, so there is no danger of rack and contents descending before you’re ready. We’ve been known to slide out the unloaded rack to hang wetsuits and kit on to dry on campouts.
To drop the rack, the crank arm is pulled out and turned towards the user; it comes down slowly and perfectly under control. If at any point the operation is paused, even if the rack hasn’t fully descended, it stops and won’t move until the crank starts up again. To return the rack to the roof, the crank is turned in the opposite direction, and again, it won’t slide back down if it is paused on the way up. We have fallen into the practice of having one person with a hand on the back of the rack, the other turning the crank to raise it, but it is reassuringly solid and safe to use just by one person. Once the rack is pushed in at the top, the driving locks engage automatically, and then you’re good to go.
Getting two kayaks onto the roof of a T5 always takes some commitment, and this has been a game-changer. Weekend getaways are faster and loading after a full day on the sea, while not ever looked forward to, is at least now not anticipated with dread. There’s no question that the Droprack isn’t cheap and something of an investment. However, the quality of the construction, together with its versatility and ease of operation, makes it a worthy one.
Product tested: Dropracks XL 160cm
Price as tested: £1500
