Foam pad for 2" bars.

[Photobug]

My truck has a large over the shell lumber rack. I am going to be adding an inbetween bar to put kayak racks in the middle of the tuck. I would like to have the most rear cross bar to have a foam pad like a surfboard pad to be able to roll the kayak across till it hits the kayak saddles. I would like to have some also to put on SUPs and other paddle equipment on the other bars. It is hard to find things to fit with 2" bars.

Any suggestions to get a surboard like pad for 2" bars.

 

[DaveInDenver]

Grainger sells foam pipe insulation that seems like it would work. It's $11.24 for a 6' long length, 3/8" thick EPDM.

3/8" Thick, Flexible EPDM Pipe Insulation, 6 ft. Insulation Length

Pipe Ins., EPDM, 2-3/8 in. ID, 6 ft.

www.grainger.com

 

[rayra]

That pipe insulation is kind of soft / not very durable. You'll want to wrap it heavily in a good tape, or have someone sew up something like a pleather sleeve with velro.
'Pool noodle' foam would be more durable, but never seen any that wasnt' in garish colors. I recall roll bar and cage foam and tape wrap being all over in the 80s, but no idea where to find it now. Got to be around still somewgere for class racing vehicles. Ask @pappawheely

 

[DaveInDenver]

Pool noodles I think are polyethylene, right? I don't know if the I.D. is 2" or even standard but they're usually a couple of buck I assume.

There's, of course, a more expensive industrial version. It's $4.84.

3/8" Thick, Pre-Slit Polyethylene Pipe Insulation, 6 ft. Insulation Length

Pipe Ins., Poly, 2 in. ID, 6 ft.

www.grainger.com

 

[vintageracer]

Race car specific roll bar foam tubes are very durable.

 

[Photobug]

Grainger sells foam pipe insulation that seems like it would work. It's $11.24 for a 6' long length, 3/8" thick EPDM.

3/8" Thick, Flexible EPDM Pipe Insulation, 6 ft. Insulation Length

Pipe Ins., EPDM, 2-3/8 in. ID, 6 ft.

www.grainger.com

Thanks for that link. Once I knew I was looking for insulation for 2" iron pipe, it was easy to go to my local plumbing supply place.

 

[Photobug]

Pool noodles I think are polyethylene, right? I don't know if the I.D. is 2" or even standard but they're usually a couple of buck I assume.

There's, of course, a more expensive industrial version. It's $4.84.

3/8" Thick, Pre-Slit Polyethylene Pipe Insulation, 6 ft. Insulation Length

Pipe Ins., Poly, 2 in. ID, 6 ft.

www.grainger.com

Wow, this same foam roll cost me $13 locally. Since nearest Grainger is 4 hours away, it is worth the markup. When I build a cover I would upgrade to the better foam. For now, I just cut this to size and installed it with a backup of Gorilla tape. From experience I know this setup has a limited lifespan but I think the exposed open cell foam would help the kayak I plan to use it for would track better. I should be able to test out the new setup in a day or two.