🚣 Thule 854 Kayak Carrier Accessory Mat - Black, One Size: Water Slide Upgrade for Enhanced Performance Review

After reading the comments that the straps would come loose I took preventative measures when I received this. I drilled a very small hole through the lining and the strap at the edge of the attachment around the perimeter of the lining. I then pushed the thin/pointy end (1/4"-5/16" wide) of the cable tie/zip tie through the hole. My tie was wider than the actual hole, except for the sharp end. I wanted everything to be neat as I pulled the main part of the tie through the small hole. The tie…

I tested the waterslide to make sure it was value for money and found an added benefit. I use it under the roof rack rails to keep the KMS J Rack kayak holder from scratching the paintwork during installation. I used a fabric that moved in the slightest breeze but not on a water slide, it stayed in place until I could tighten the J-Racks. We actually used it as advertised and it took away the fear of scratching the paintwork. We put 2 kayaks on the roof so we have to load them on the edge and…

Most of the time I have to load and unload my WS Tarpon 140 or Tarpon 130T myself most of the time. Discoverer is 2012. I've tried all the options to make this task easier. The water slide was the perfect solution. I simply insert the waterslide on top of the tailgate spoiler, take and place one end of the kayak on top, and then slide the kayak into the mounts on the roof rack. Takes little time and energy, saves me from scratching my car and makes me look like a loading and unloading pro. A…

Very surprised and disappointed in Thule for this product. Usually their products are well made and designed. Unfortunately this pillow seems late. The straps (as many have mentioned) are fitted very loosely and in fact fitted in such a way that they can't help but separate. Linear tension on the straps or mat will delaminate them as they are sewn backwards in the direction of the force. Clear design flaw. Also, the mat has no weight at all to keep it on the sloping surface of the car. It's so…

Give me "+1" for belt failure! Having recently bought a "new to me" SUV, I'm in the process of customizing it to tow a couple Yaks on the roof. This is my first experience with Thule products and apart from the shock of the decals I've been very impressed with them for the most part (I've also bought handlebars and saddles for kayaks). I didn't mean to buy this product but bit through a $36 bullet instead of spending the time it takes to make something myself. Well it seems some of the…

I bought this a few years ago to make loading and unloading my 10ft 6in Trophy 126 fishing kayak easier, especially when the kayak is wet. I have a 2004 Rodeo SUV with a roof rack that is about 5ft 6in off the ground. The empty kayak weighs 47 pounds and I usually go out by myself so I can't rely on anyone else to help me load and unload the kayak. This mat allows me to slide my kayak onto the crossbars of my roof rack without tearing the rear edge of my SUV's roof. How to load and unload my…