Color | Black |
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Brand | Thule |
Item Dimensions LxWxH | 24.25 x 3.75 x 3.75 inches |
Is Foldable | No |
Mounting Type | Strap |
Item Package Dimensions L x W x H | 24 x 3.5 x 3.5 inches |
Package Weight | 0.43 Kilograms |
Brand Name | Thule |
Suggested Users | mens |
Number of Items | 1 |
Manufacturer | THULE |
Part Number | 854 |
Style | Thule Waterslide Loading Mat |
Size | One Size |
Sport Type | Cycling |
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95% positive over last 12 months
92% positive over last 12 months
Thule 854 Water Slide Kayak Carrier Accessory Mat
Purchase options and add-ons
Color | Black |
Brand | Thule |
Item Dimensions LxWxH | 24.25 x 3.75 x 3.75 inches |
Is Foldable | No |
Mounting Type | Strap |
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About this item
- Covers vehicle below rear kayak saddles to protect your paint jobs when loading a canoe or kayak onto a roof rack
- Non-skid underside and two bar straps hold mat in place while loading and unloading
- Smooth top surface protects the boat and vehicle in case of contact
- Universal straps wrap around any and all styles of roof rack bars
- Dimensions: 36" L x 24" W; Thule Racks Lifetime Warranty
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From the manufacturer
Thule WaterSlide
Vehicle/ Kayak Protection
Smooth top surface protects the boat and vehicle in case of contact
Non-Skid for easy Loading
Non-skid underside and two bar straps hold mat in place while loading and unloading
Product Description
Product Description
The Thule 854 Water Slide Mat is an ingeniously simple way to protect your vehicle’s finish when you’re loading and unloading a boat from a canoe rack or kayak rack. The Thule 854 Water Slide Mat has a non-skid underside and two bar straps that hold the mat in place while the smooth top surface allows your canoe or kayak to slide easily onto a car rooftop canoe rack or kayak rack. When you’re finished, the Thule Water Slide quickly rolls and stows away
Amazon.com
The Thule 854 Water Slide Kayak Carrier Accessory Mat is a simple, yet important accessory to any kayak roof mount carrier. Designed to cover the exterior vehicle panels and/or windows directly below the rear saddle of your kayak roof mount carrier, this accessory mat both protects against scrapes and scratches and allows you to safely rest kayaks to be loaded against vehicles, using them as leverage as you push your boat onto its saddles. Additional features include: a nonskid underside, two bar straps to hold the mat in place while loading and unloading, and easy roll up storage.
Protection from scrapes and scratches during kayak loading.View larger. Makes loading by a single person easy and quick as you safely use your vehicle as leverage.
View larger. Nonskid underside allows for extra traction to get boats onto the saddles.
View larger.
Protect Vehicles from Scrapes When Loading
As well-designed as many rear loading kayak carriers are, the fact that a kayak must be lifted up to the level of a vehicle roof rack to reach the kayak saddles can lead to dropped boats or boats rested against vehicles, which can cause scratches and scrapes. This possibility is magnified further when kayaks are loaded by a single paddler. The Thule Water Slide Kayak Carrier Accessory Mat does away with this by negating the need to keep kayaks from physically touching the car transporting it.
The Thule Water Slide Kayak Carrier Accessory Mat is a technical mat that protects your vehicle while you load your kayak. Designed to drape over the upper rear of your vehicle, it utilizes two universal straps that wrap around any and all styles of roof rack bars. Its underside is covered with a nonskid coating that gently sticks to the smooth surface of your vehicle. These two features combined with a slick top coat allows for safe contact between boat and vehicle as the bow is pushed forward to move onto rear saddles. This creates easy, non-straining leverage that allows a single person to get their boat quickly into its saddles and secured for transport. The Water Slide is also quick-drying, easy to roll and stow and is the perfect complement to your Thule boat carrier.
Features and Specifications
- Ingeniously simple and very affordable way to protect your vehicle's paint job when loading a canoe or kayak onto a roof rack
- Nonskid underside and two bar straps hold mat in place while loading and unloading
- Smooth top surface protects the boat and vehicle in case of contact
- Universal straps wrap around any and all styles of roof rack bars etc.
- Dimensions: 36" L x 24" W
- Thule Racks Lifetime Warranty
What's in the Box
Thule 854 Water Slide Kayak Carrier accessory mat, use and warranty information.
Limited Lifetime Warranty
Thule will warranty all Thule brand car rack systems and its accessories manufactured by Thule during the time that an original retail purchaser owns the product. This warranty terminates if a purchaser transfers the product to any other person. No warranty is given for defects caused by normal wear and tear, cosmetic rust, scratches, accidents, unlawful vehicle operation, or modification of, or any types of repair of a load carrier system other than those authorized by Thule.
About Thule
Thule was founded in 1942 by the Thulin family, when Eric Thulin, a true lover of the outdoors, put the Thule name on a pike trap he designed and began to sell in Scandinavia. It wasn't long before he added other practical items to the company's portfolio. By the 1960s, the company began to concentrate on car-related products, including its first roof rack. The Thulin family sold Thule to the publicly listed company Eldon in 1979, and it has continued to grow both organically and through acquisitions ever since. The Thule Group is a world leader in providing transport solutions for an active life.
Product information
Technical Details
Additional Information
ASIN | B001PQQGFG |
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Customer Reviews |
4.5 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #105,678 in Sports & Outdoors (See Top 100 in Sports & Outdoors) #32 in Kayak & Canoe Car Racks |
Date First Available | March 23, 2004 |
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Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers like the quality, ease of use, and stability of the transport rack. For example, they mention it works well, protects the vehicle from scratches, and is easy to install and remove. That said, some complain about the straps.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers like the quality of the transport rack. For example, they say it works well with their Honda CRV, helps them guide their kayak onto the car, and performs better than expected. Customers also say it's very useful and easy to use. They mention that the water slide works well when loading a kayak from the back of the SUV. Overall, customers are satisfied with the product's quality and durability.
"Quality item. Works great." Read more
"...Durable and strong, this is well made and after years of use it STILL is in great condition." Read more
"...I gave the product 3 stars as the concept is solid...." Read more
"Very useful and easy to use product - without it, we would tear up the back edge of the overhang on the mini-van's rear window while putting kayak on..." Read more
Customers like the paint protection of the transport rack. They mention that it protects the vehicle from scratches, and is easy to use. Some say that the pad is thick enough to prevent scratches. Overall, most are happy with their purchase and recommend it to others.
"...seasonal use the mat is still as good as new and I have no scratches on my SUV roof from loading/unloading my kayak...." Read more
"...Takes little time and energy, keeps me from scratching my vehicle, and makes me look like a pro loading and unloading...." Read more
"Easy to install and remove on my Gobi rack and protects the kayak and Jeep when loading and offloading." Read more
"...The Thule pad protects my car and allow me to concentrate on guiding and sliding my two kayaks into position without having to bear the full weight..." Read more
Customers find the transport rack easy to use. They mention it works well, is easy to install and remove, and is well made. Some say it takes little time and energy to hook up and store. Overall, most are happy with their purchase and recommend it to others.
"I'm on my 3rd Water Slide. I like that it's really easy to use to load my kayak on the tail gate of my Subaru Outback, but the soft fabric layer..." Read more
"...Takes little time and energy, keeps me from scratching my vehicle, and makes me look like a pro loading and unloading...." Read more
"Easy to install and remove on my Gobi rack and protects the kayak and Jeep when loading and offloading." Read more
"...mat is a paint-saver for the back of my Xterra and makes loading/unloading my kayak so easy...." Read more
Customers like the stability of the transport rack. They say it holds fast and the boat slides very nicely into place on the rack. The fabric side of the rack allows the kayak to slide easily. Customers also mention that it holds the kayak in place and does not move around.
"...The rubber on the back side of the mat helps hold it in place, and the nylon on the front side allows the kayak to easily slip, especially when the..." Read more
"...I guess so... it cleans up after use quickly and rolls up compactly. Much easier than using a rug with rubber bottom." Read more
"...The 854 Water Slide has a rubber/tacky bottom which keeps it nicely positioned on the vehicle. I can rest my boat on the Water Slide...." Read more
"...The rubberized side does not move once you lay it down and the fabric side lets kayak slide easily A little pricey for what it is - ie.,..." Read more
Customers like the concept of the transport rack. They say the premise is great, but the attached velcro straps are not well-made.
"...I really like the overall concept, and design, however one of the velcro straps used for securing the mat to the rack already ripped off...." Read more
"Although the premise is great, the attached velcro straps are not well-positioned for our kayak foam pads...." Read more
"The idea is great but whoever designed it didn't take into consideration hatchback cars with the rear end a long way from crossbars on top of the car..." Read more
"Great idea. Great product." Read more
Customers are mixed about the value of the transport rack. Some mention it's well worth the cost, useful, and cheaper than full rack bar add-ons. However, others say that it'll be a total waste of money.
"...Is the Slide worth the price for only 2 yrs of use? I guess so... it cleans up after use quickly and rolls up compactly...." Read more
"I tested the Water Slide to verify that it is worth the cost and I found an additional benefit...." Read more
"...You cannot have any wing coming off the back of your roof or this item is useless. I didn't realize this until I got the product so I returned it." Read more
"Absolutely worth the purchase. Item is rolled an in a simple mesh tube/bag for easy storage...." Read more
Customers are dissatisfied with the straps of the transport rack. They mention that the strap broke off or pulled loose after only a few uses. The stitching on the Velcro straps is weak and the strap needs to be longer. Customers also say that the slide has awkward velcro strap that don't come together as expected.
"...load my kayak on the tail gate of my Subaru Outback, but the soft fabric layer tears after about 2 yrs of use...." Read more
"Great idea. I have used the mat for the first time. Straps are too short to go over the spoiler and onto the back window...." Read more
"...was just my destiny as in the TESTING PHASE in my driveway one of the straps pulled loose the SECOND time I removed it from the bar!..." Read more
"Having read in comments the straps would pull off I took preventitive measureswhen I recieved this...." Read more
Customers are dissatisfied with the width of the transport rack. They mention that it's narrower than expected, too small, and short for their kayak. Some say that the pad could be a lot longer and that it doesn't fit the tailgate.
"...My only wish is that the mat was a little wider, as it's not quite as wide as my kayak, but that's not a big enough issue to take a star away...." Read more
"...It is not wide enough to cover the whole back of your vehicle so you will have to move it for each kayak...." Read more
"I didn't measure before buying, but this pad could be a lot longer, enough to cover the back window too...." Read more
"...When loading a kayak onto J-bars, the pad is not big enough...." Read more
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I have a 2004 Rodeo SUV with a roof rack that is about 5' 6" off the ground. The kayak weights 47 pounds empty and I typically go out alone so I can't depend on having someone else help me load and unload the kayak. This mat makes it possible for me to slide the kayak up onto the roof rack crossbars without tearing up the back edge of my SUV roof.
The way I load/unload my kayak; I lay out a strip of old carpeting on the ground behind my SUV then setup the mat by strapping it to the rear crossbar of my roof rack, letting the mat hang down the edge of the roof and over the rear window. I carry my kayak to the SUV and place one end up against the mat (resting on the rear edge of the SUV roof) and the other end on the carpet laying on the ground. From that point, all I have to do is grab the lower end, lift, and slide it up onto the roof rack. I strap the kayak down, remove the mat and carpet, throw them into my SUV, and I'm ready to roll. (Note: Most places where I take my kayak I'm loading/unloading on an asphalt surface. The carpet helps keep the ends of my kayak from being torn up when resting on the ground.)
After two years of pretty regular seasonal use the mat is still as good as new and I have no scratches on my SUV roof from loading/unloading my kayak. For as many times as I've used this mat, the Velcro straps still grip properly and hold the mat in place.
I consider this a must-have kayak accessory for car-top transport.
Durable and strong, this is well made and after years of use it STILL is in great condition.
The Water Slide made the perfect solution. I just unroll the waterslide on the top of the spoiler on the lift gate, pick up and rest one end of the kayak onto it, then slide the kayak into the cradles on the roof rack. Takes little time and energy, keeps me from scratching my vehicle, and makes me look like a pro loading and unloading.
The Explorer factory plastic or fiberglass spoiler on the lift gate above the rear window that sticks out horizontally behind the vehicle. I was afraid using the Water Slide to load and unload might damage it due to the kayak's weight being on it. (My boats are in the 70lb range.) I've loaded and unloaded about a dozen times now and no damage. In fact, less damage than the scratches I got on it when trying to load before I got the water slide.
The price seems high for a little bit of fabric, padding, rubber and Velcro, but trust me, you will thank yourself for this purchase.
It is my understanding that Thule stands behind their products and I'm sure I could have returned it but, unless the manufacturing has changed, they are ALL going to do this. I sewed the strap back on myself using 30 pound braided fishing line for thread. Seems stout enough for now. If that fails, I am sure I can come up with something else.
I gave the product 3 stars as the concept is solid. The mat does its job and plays an integral roll in me being able to load an 85lb, 13 foot angling 'yak atop my Grand Cherokee by myself. Fix this clear flaw and it is a 4-5 star product all day long.