Stock Roof Rack weight limit-kayaks

[jminz]

My roof rack searches are returning a lot of aftermarket roof rack inquiries but none that address the weight capacity of the stock roof rack. What is it? 06 sport.

I will be carrying two 10' kayaks, approx 40lbs each. I want to buy the "J" brackets and attach them to the stock roof rack if that is possible. Would be traveling at speeds of 70mph plus. Any input is appreciated.

 

[HokieRunner]

I'm pretty certain the owners manual states 120 lbs. A quick google search confirmed that too.

The crossbars are the weakest links but a couple 40lb kayaks shouldn't be an issue. If you have doubt and don't trust the OEM crossbars - get aftermarket crossbars to bolt on the side rails. I'd think the siderail construction combined with more stout crossbars would up the load rating a a good deal.

 

[jminz]

I'm pretty certain the owners manual states 120 lbs. A quick google search confirmed that too.

The crossbars are the weakest links but a couple 40lb kayaks shouldn't be an issue. If you have doubt and don't trust the OEM crossbars - get aftermarket crossbars to bolt on the side rails. I'd think the siderail construction combined with more stout crossbars would up the load rating a a good deal.

Yeah, you're right, aftermarket crossbars are the way to go I think. I think the stock would be fine but its the cross wind I'm worried about.

Wit the aftermarket cross bar and the J brackets, do you still need secure the kayaks with a rope?

 

[HokieRunner]

Yeah, you're right, aftermarket crossbars are the way to go I think. I think the stock would be fine but its the cross wind I'm worried about.

Wit the aftermarket cross bar and the J brackets, do you still need secure the kayaks with a rope?

You'll want at least a front tie down (from the bow to the front bumper) and I'd recommend a rear tie down as well.

I personally use the Malone Stax (stacker vs. j rack style) and a front and rear tie down. Even though the J rack straps will snug it down, the front tie down keeps it from shifting back or up (due to wind/tractor trailer drafts/acceleration) and the rear tie down would keep it shifting forward in the case of emergency braking.

Here's what can happen when you don't at least tie the bow down (notice J rack is still attached!)
Free-way kayaking

 

[radlynx]

Trust me, that crossbars are pretty strong. Just make sure to tie each tip of the kayak to the front and back of your car so it does not bounce up and down.

I'm pretty certain the owners manual states 120 lbs. A quick google search confirmed that too.

The crossbars are the weakest links but a couple 40lb kayaks shouldn't be an issue. If you have doubt and don't trust the OEM crossbars - get aftermarket crossbars to bolt on the side rails. I'd think the siderail construction combined with more stout crossbars would up the load rating a a good deal.

 

[Johnny4runner]

Trust me, that crossbars are pretty strong. Just make sure to tie each tip of the kayak to the front and back of your car so it does not bounce up and down.

I have driven long distance with two large double kayaks using J-racks and the stock rack. So in my experience the crossbars are plenty strong, just use a little common sense and take a look at the kayaks while you are driving to see if they have shifted. Cross winds with the J-racks are definitely a little scary, but other than slowing to 55mph, I have not had any problems. If you can stack your kayaks upside down (instead of using a J-rack), that definitely lowers your profile in the wind (in hindsight now that I own 2 sets of J-racks). But the J-racks are fine too, just make sure you strap the kayaks down through the side rails too.

The only time I had a problem was using a J-rack was with a large kayak on a smaller car. I tried to carry one of my double kayaks on a Lexus RX400 and it started shifting around because the crossbars were too close together. But I have not had any problems on my 4Runner. With the RX400 I took the J-rack off and strapped the kayak directly to the crossbars and it worked fine.

A typical day kayaking w/the family: