Thule DockGlide Kayak Rack
A flexible kayak carrier with felt-lined saddles, the Thule DockGlide kayak rack is easy to load and unload, and accommodates kayaks up to 36 in. (90cm) wide and 75 lbs. (35kg).
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- Large, flexible, cushioned pads protect the hull
- Pivoting, felt-lined rear saddles help glide and center the kayak on the rack and vehicle
- Fits a variety of Thule rack systems, round bars and most factory racks thanks to the T-track and FlipFit brackets (bars sold separately)
- Quickly secure the kayak using the center load straps with car-protective buckle bumpers and quickdraw bow and stern tie-downs
- 2 independent pivoting saddles with angle-setting lever conform to limitless range of hull shapes
Imported.
| Best Use | Kayaking |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 8 x 5.75 x 4 inches |
| Weight | 6 lbs. 12.8 oz. |
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Easy to use, enables solo load/unload
The "glide" portion of the Thule DockGlide Kayak Rack is key. Once I get one end of my 'yak onto the rear glide section, it's easy as pie to slide it forward onto the front racks. Much smoother than rollers. When I let the front end down onto the front racks the kayak stops moving immediately, giving me control when I need it. It makes loading and unloading a snap, even as a solo, 5'7" woman. (Admittedly I have a very light kayak.)
Poorly Engineered - Returned
I ended up returning this after trying it out on my touring kayak. The rear saddles are basically flat boards that don't conform to the hull shape. As such, as soon as you put your kayak on them the boat wants to roll, especially if your boat has hard chines. Very difficult to keep the kayak from rolling. If you keep the spacing close it avoids the rolling problem but then the kayak just slides side to side. The rear really needs to have some sort of concave shape to keep the kayak in the right area, both during loading/unloading and transit. Returned.
Front Saddles Flop Around on the Highway
When you're not carrying a kayak, the front saddles flop around with a loud thump when driving on the highway, particularly when there is a cross-wind is blowing. The older version of this product, which I also owned, had a locking nut which held the saddle in place. Unfortunately, I could not use the old system with my new car, as Thule wasn't making 'Fit Kits' for my car. Spent a lot of money on a new system only to find this glaring shortcoming. My solution is to velcro down the front saddles whenever I'm not hauling my kayak. This is a major inconvenience. I hope Thule revises the product to bring back the locking nut for the front saddles.
Hello George, Thank you for sharing your feedback on the Thule DockGlide. It sounds like you may have a slightly loose front cradle bolt. This can usually be very easily tightened using a standard screwdriver to increase the tolerance of the hinge. Additionally, Thule recommends removing any accessories from the vehicle when not in use. This reduces unnecessary wear and tear on the carriers, and ensures a long operational life.
Difficult install on newer Wingbars
I bought these thinking that they would be a seamless install on the rubber T-slot of the newer Wingbar. It is really difficult to slide the T-bolts through/between the T-Slot rubber strips. You have to release both T-Bolts multiple turns to be able to slide it at all. Once positioned, the T-bolt with the knob can be tightened but the other T-bolt can't be tightened at that point, so that leaves it somewhat loose which is not ideal. You could remove the rubber strips first, install the supports properly, then cut the rubber strips to fill in the slots. That defeats the design of the 2 rubber strips since that would be like the old design with one rubber strip.
Easy to install and easy to load
I purchased two sets after originally trying the Thule Compass model and realizing that I needed a rack that was easier to load our two kayaks. The DockGlide makes loading a breeze and the installation on my AeroBlade bars was quick and simple. The tie down straps and ratcheted bow and stern ropes are of excellent quality.
Great One Person Loading Rack
Bought this rack with the hope of loading my 16' kayak onto the roof of our Toyota RAV4 without assistance and so far, so good. Back of the car extends past the rear rack so I need to place a pad on top of the car, lift the bow onto the pad, then push the boat onto the rack, but the process goes easily. Once the boat is on the rear felt pads it slides along like its resting on ice. Rack is well made, it was easy to install, but is not locked to the roof rack and that might be a theft risk so I remove that rack between kayak trips. Once I figured out the correct position for the pads, removing and re-installing them is fast and easy so it's not a problem to remove them between outings. My only complaint is that the instruction manual is written in hieroglyphics which are a bit tough to figure out.
Doesn't fit on it's own bar
I put a LEER camper shell with a Thule rack system on my truck. Bought a Kayak and the Thule DockGlide to carry it. The brackets that connect to the bar and support the kayak will not tighten enough to firmly secure to the bar. I am currently just using the brackets to hold the kayak in place and during high winds the brackets will move. Just surprised since both products are Thule. Disappointed? Yes, yes I am.
Awesome loading/transport system!
Until about 2 weeks ago, I had to do a clean-and-jerk type move to hoist my 70 lb. Hobie Revo 13 on and off the roof of my Corolla. Always 1 lift away from an injury to a 60 year old back, till now! I should have gotten this system a couple of years ago.
One size fits some...
The main complaint is the claim that this fits round bars. No, there is not an actual provision for a round bar. You just install it with vigor, and it will stay on and probably not fall off, but that is only because everything is attached to everything else. Maybe that is the life lesson: "we are all connected''. Just Kidding. The second complaint is that some threads are rough, and some require considerable energy to even screw together. Lame.
Wanted to love, but...
I agree with MysticSeaKayaker. The rear paddles have no flexibility to cradle and hug the kayak, resulting in movement, even with the tie-down straps snug. The whole setup, on my car at least (Toyota RAV 4 with factory racks), also produces considerable noise when driving. I really wanted to love this rack, but after two years of fussing and hoping, I've concluded I much prefer my old foam blocks, and I've returned to using them.