I am getting close to having it done. I finished the brackets and the struts. I then started on the rack for my kayaks. My plan was to be able to use the same struts and just swap out the hardware for the top vs. the kayak rack. I did get sidetracked as my wife wanted me to create a way for her to take her kayak by herself... Anyway, I will provide pics as I get those done. Eventually, I will paint the kayak rack when it is finished. Here are the first pictures of the U bracket attached to the rail system and also a strut configured for the kayak rack.
For the U brackets, I used strut nuts (1/2") that I ground down to fit in the rail system. I removed the springs as they were not necessary. I then fabricated from 1.5" aluminum flat bar a spacer for the front side between the U bracket and the rail for stand off and spreading the load. I also incorporated two washers between the aluminum bar and the U bracket to allow the strut to slide more freely. Bolt is 1/2". Strut is 1 5/8 by 1/5/8" approx 2 feet long. top of strut is set up for Kayak rack.
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