Cross bar, kayak rack recs for 2015 Trail

[Ambros]

Just got my first 4Runner, a used 2015 Trail Premium.

There will be a million questions but I'm starting with this.

Any specific recs for cross bars or kayak recommendations?

I'll be looking on paddling.org for info too.

I guess I was wondering if there was a specific cross bar for the
4Runner since mine doesn't have any. Like a Toyota brand or anything else I should be aware of, stay away from.
Otherwise I'll probably end up with Yakima or Thule. All of this will only make the kayak rack so much taller. I'm short. Really short.

Also - that little antenna thing on the roof that is higher than the racks?
Anyone else think that thing is really stupid? Like the rear spoiler wasn't already in the way of a rear kayak load. I mean, where is the utility in SUV here? Sorry. But these things bug me.

 

[crazydad42]

Just got my first 4Runner, a used 2015 Trail Premium.

There will be a million questions but I'm starting with this.

Any specific recs for cross bars or kayak recommendations?

I'll be looking on paddling.org for info too.

I guess I was wondering if there was a specific cross bar for the
4Runner since mine doesn't have any. Like a Toyota brand or anything else I should be aware of, stay away from.
Otherwise I'll probably end up with Yakima or Thule. All of this will only make the kayak rack so much taller. I'm short. Really short.

Also - that little antenna thing on the roof that is higher than the racks?
Anyone else think that thing is really stupid? Like the rear spoiler wasn't already in the way of a rear kayak load. I mean, where is the utility in SUV here? Sorry. But these things bug me.

The stock setup isn't great for loading a kayak for sure. I know the Yakima adds some height but it protects the vehicle a little better. And makes side loading easier. You can hold on the those bars easily while you stand on the tire to position, tie down, etc. Running boards or sliders help with the height problem too. And lastly, it's looks cool. I've used the 66" round bars and can load 4 kayaks (two side by side double stacked). I've just purchased a 4Runner and think I'm switching to the new aerodynamic bars that are 70". Gonna cost about $500 for the setup...money always a factor.

 

[Liquidmantis]

Yakima crossbars on the OEM raised rails is a great solution if you want something simple and relatively inexpensive. I ran Railgrabs and 66" round bars for about 9 months until "upgrading" to a Gobi at the end of 2016.

 

[infinitedev]

Yakima Timberline towers with jetstream

Here is my 4runner running the Yakima Timberline Towers and Medium 60" Jetstream bars. Much sturdier than the stock crossbars I removed, but the whole rack system starts to get a little tall as you add accessories.

I think you could get away with running the small bars instead of the mediums, and I may cut these down at some point.

 

[Ambros]

Thanks for the info and pics everybody.

I will probably go with the Yakima. Will try for the smalls as I
will probably leave them on unless I find they are designed to
go on and off.

Here is my 4runner running the Yakima Timberline Towers and Medium 60" Jetstream bars. Much sturdier than the stock crossbars I removed, but the whole rack system starts to get a little tall as you add accessories.

I think you could get away with running the small bars instead of the mediums, and I may cut these down at some point.

 

[Liquidmantis]

The Railgrabs sit lower, but are round bar only. They put the crossbar just on top of the rails.

 

[4runnin4mylife]

I would get factory cross bars as they sit inside the side rails and not on top, keeping a lower profile. Then buy the Yakima Jaylow kayak holders and mount them to rack. Fit awesome and do the job perfect. Don't have to worry about the antenna in the rear causing issues with any of the setups mentions as the kayak racks will sit the kayak up enough to miss the antenna.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk

 

[taco7]

Also look at Rhino Rack. Amazing customer service (guy called me back on a Sunday after I emailed with an issue). They sit low, and come off very easy, allowing a much lower profile.

Also, the Toyota bars are not flat. The middle sits higher than the edges. Sucks *ass for mounting a RTT for example.

 

[Eryan36]

I would get factory cross bars as they sit inside the side rails and not on top, keeping a lower profile. Then buy the Yakima Jaylow kayak holders and mount them to rack. Fit awesome and do the job perfect. Don't have to worry about the antenna in the rear causing issues with any of the setups mentions as the kayak racks will sit the kayak up enough to miss the antenna.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk

Having used the Jawlow rack, I second this with a couple caveats. First, try it out before you buy it to make sure the Jaylow will clear the roof. Factory cross bars sit pretty low. Second, I didn't have great luck using the Jawlow with two kayaks.

 

[4runnin4mylife]

Having used the Jawlow rack, I second this with a couple caveats. First, try it out before you buy it to make sure the Jaylow will clear the roof. Factory cross bars sit pretty low. Second, I didn't have great luck using the Jawlow with two kayaks.

I have 2 kayaks so I just bought 2 sets of Jaylows... One for each kayak. I like the kayaks each sitting inside the cradle. Don't think too many work well if you are trying to put 2 kayaks on one kayak mount.... Even though they state that you can stack them like that! A little more money, but your kayaks will be with you when you get where you are going.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk

 

[Liquidmantis]

I'll agree that 2 kayaks 1 Jaylow is not a good time. I'll have to grab another Jaylow before I break myself.

 

[csmith83]

I run 60" Thule aeroblades with a Thule Hullavator to haul around my Coosa HD. This system works great for heavy boats and short legs but does stick way up there. For hauling the Kilroy LT I'm a big fan of the Yakima even keel. They are cheap, hold the boat well and don't make much noise.

 

[RAD4Runner]

I run 60" Thule aeroblades with a Thule Hullavator t

I also use the Hullavator on my first-gen.

Thule cross-bars with the appropriate hardware fit most factory raised-rails. Then the Hullavator mounts on the cross-bars.

Kayak is 13 feet long and weighs 55 pounds. The weight is no big deal. I carry that up frozen mountains. However, it's rather unwieldy; A wrong step, a little distraction could cause a fall/accident, resulting in injury or equipment damage. So I need something the help with that. The Thule Hulluvator is rather pricey but I found a set for $300 on CL so I got it. Otherwise, the "crossbar extension" system is pretty good for much less cost.

To load, Put the kayak on its side on the "J" hooks..

Unlatch the loader arms and push the kayak and arms up while keeping kayak horizontal and keeping front and back of boat even... The Hullavator has a 40-pound hydraulic assist, so I'm only pushing the 15 pounds up.

Finally, tilt it over and unto the crossbars and strap down properly...

My roof rack is mounted only on the fiberglas cap so the boat sticks out in the back of the truck... Provide the appropriate flag Courtesy of Adventure Copan

that little antenna thing on the roof that is higher than the racks? Anyone else think that thing is really stupid... rear spoiler... I mean, where is the utility in SUV here?

yes, those fancy things are friggin' stupid and get in the way. That's why I have a first-gen; and even with that there are still things I like to get rid of.

 

[cctt]

i have a 60 thule aeroblade with two set of hullavator to carry my kayak. It has been awesome and would highly recommend it if you kayak as much as I do (2-3 times a week). I have a hobie outback that is almost 75-80 lbs yikes!!

If its only for occasional outing, I would go cheaper. Two sets of hullavator (600 for one) plus thule bar (200) and thule legs can add up fairly quick

RAD4Runner:

you are missing the other j bar...