Cutting out bed rail stake pockets

[Bubba1120]

I am interested in the Adarac system for hauling kayaks. What have other members done to remove the plastic from the stake pockets? Did you just simply use a sharp blade and trace it out?

Thanks!

 

[LaxDfns15]

Dremel with a plastic cut wheel then exacto knife for the corners to finish it off. I was covering with the Bull Rings so I knew it didn't need to be super clean.

 

[Bubba1120]

Thank you, I found one a harbor freight

 

[vinnieloo]

I have the ADARAC pro. Can carry 4 kayaks. I cut the bed rails with a utility knife. For the front ones I started with 1/2" hole in the middle of the square to find the edges of the metal. Installed Bull Rings that I take out when I install the rack. For the rears i left the "downward" portion in order to install the plastic amazon stake pocket plugs when the rack is out.

 

[Bubba1120]

I have the ADARAC pro. Can carry 4 kayaks. I cut the bed rails with a utility knife. For the front ones I started with 1/2" hole in the middle of the square to find the edges of the metal. Installed Bull Rings that I take out when I install the rack. For the rears i left the "downward" portion in order to install the plastic amazon stake pocket plugs when the rack is out.
View attachment 185652 View attachment 185653 View attachment 185654

That's the model I am looking at. Is it very difficult to uninstall?

I don't want to leave the rails on over the winter and would like to take down the uprights when not hauling kayaks. What accessories do you use as a kayak cradle?

Thanks!

 

[vinnieloo]

I install and fully uninstall all the time. After the first install i leave the uprights and crossbars connected to each other. I use 2 Thule J cradles on the outsides and a Malone Stax in the center. I also leave the racks on the crossbars. Stand in the bed to strap them in. Takes a little contorting to reach them all but do-able. Now it's about 20 minutes to swap on or off. Long dowel to pop out the stake pocket plugs. Bull rings probably the trickiest.

 

[Bubba1120]

Thank you!