Question RE: 2005 4runner Factory Racks

[roikiller]

Sorry, new to the forum and have this one question.

I have a 2005 4runner and it came with factory racks. No problem with loading on top surfboards as they are light and all.


However, my friend and I go kayak diving and need to load 2-70lb kayaks on top. We always use his tacoma with racks, but I want to take turns driving also. Will the cross bars handle or will I end up having like two 70lb blue and yellow torpoedoes hurdling forward if I were to make a sudden stop or if the bars are too weak.

If they are too weak, what would be your suggestions to address this problem?

Thanks!

 

[Uneek]

I believe the max weight is 120 or 130lbs for the factory cross bars.

 

[Merle]

70# kayak? Holy cow, I thought my 16' was heavy at 55-60#.

The racks are there to keep the weight up and above the roofline. If you're worried about fore/aft shift, buckles and straps will help. The hard part are the lateral shifts with insufficient support.

You can do some pretty serious stops with a line at the rear to your bumper. Strong enough rope and those 'yaks may break your racks, but they're not flying forward.

 

[roikiller]

so maybe i should get separate racks like from yakima?
any thoughts?