Kayak Roof Rack

[raxel]

Hi All,

I'm looking into getting a roof rack for a 2014 4Runner. I want to be able to keep 2 kayaks on the roof, both of them weighing roughly 60-70 pounds each. They will have to be stored on their side. I've looked through a few of them but I wanted to see if any one here has had a rack like this before and what they though.

Something like this or this keep coming up, but I assume I'll need those bars that go across the middle, so I guess I'd need 2 bars as well as two of any kind of roof rack. They seem way more expensive than necessary so I just wanted opinions.

Thanks!

 

[scanny]

When I was looking for kayak rack I decided not to store them on side because if 2 reasons. First is that I expected that in strong crosswinds 2 kayaks on their side would make my drive ... let's say not really enjoyable especially on highway. Second is that if I got under rain by any chance my kayaks would be half filled with water, roof rack would probably handle it, but center of gravity would be way too high and it would be hard to unload kayaks. So I went for 58" Thule bars with Thule kayak saddles: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/116054-carrying-2-wide-kayaks-question.html . A little bit pricey, but they are built to last. Another thing that if kayaks mounted flat you feel better on old logging roads to remote lakes - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1a7WMWJkVgg : )

If you absolutely have to carry kayaks on their side, I would suggest to use Thule rack, I got an impression that It would be harder to load Kayak on Sportrack and it doesn't seem as strong as Thule one. Besides I like Thule quality and they have great customer support.

 

[CatskillsRunner]

Hey there,

I just bought the Evenkeel from Yakima to replace my Hully Roller/ Mako Saddle combo that were 15 years old. Do you have to have them on their sides because their hulls are really wide? I could easily fit 2 Evenkeels side by side on the factory cross bars but I have sea kayaks.

 

[Run4TheWoods!]

Kayak Racks 5th Gen.

Just installed Yakima Whispbar system on my 4R.......I used the S16 Through Bar System, with the K328 Fit Kit. I choose the WB400 J-Cradles. Had the same set up on my Infinti EX35. Withstood speeds of 90 plus MPH for long periods of time with no problem. Yakami says that the S16 are not wide enough, but they have room to spare.:thumb3: Also the kayaks don't hit rear hatch when open!!!

Have pictures.......But new to this and haven't figuered out how to post them yethwell:WIll work on it.

Great Forum!