by Rack Magic Woman on December 27, 2011
Q: I would like the dual kayak system as shown in the picture below for my 2010 GMC Canyon 4 Door Crew Cab. Can you please provide a required material list?
A: Here is what you will need for this set up on your 2010 GMC Canyon 4 door crew cab:
Thule 480 Traverse Half Pack Rack (includes 480 Traverse half foot pack, single LB58 load bar & 1461 fit kit) – This will be the single bar that will mount to the top of your truck cab.
Thule 997 GoalPost T-Bar Hitch Rack – This is the rear bar that will attach to your receiver hitch.
Thule 883 Glide & Set Kayak Rack x 2 – These are the kayak saddles and tie downs.
by Rack Magic Woman on November 29, 2011
Q: I am planning on buying a 2011 or 2012 subaru outback. I have the Thule 45050 Complete railing rack with feet, locks and 50″ bars
I hope to buy a hullavator for my kayak,the thule says it will work on this car but I can’t figure out how I can get the hullavator far enough apart to properly fit around my cockpit. The racks need to be 36″ apart. From the pictures I’ve seen, the rack seems “fixed” and unable to accommodate rack placement this far apart and, I can’t find any dimensions on line.
Do you have any experience mounting a thule hullavator system on a 2010 subaru or newer?? If so, what rack combination worked for you? How far apart were you able to place the Thule crossbars?
A: We do not necessarily have any direct experience installing the 45050 on the vehicle you mentioned, but we do know that is does fit and as you stated the Thule Fit Guide states the Hullavator will work on this car.
Here is a link to the Hullavator Instructions to maybe help clear things up a little.
Please note on page 2 that “Load bars must be at least 24″ (610mm)apart for safe use.”. But you do not need to clear the boat’s cockpit in order to use the rack.
Also note on page 2, the first step in #1 states that “Load bars must extend equally between 4″ and 8″ beyond foot. Adjust as necessary. In rare instances, longer load bars then those recommended in the Thule Fit Guide may be required for your vehicle.” This is to make sure the kayak and rack do not make contact with the car when the rack is pulled out and down. There is no way to know in advance if this will be an issue. Often times it is best to buy longer bars and then cut them down if they are too long or there is not risk of interference with the side of the car.
by Rack Magic Woman on November 11, 2011
Q: I’m wondering does anyone (either Thule or Yakima or whoever) sell a carrier that supports surfboard/kayak/bike all-in-one? I’m going to be buying a new SUV soon and wanted to find out this info first and would rather just get it all-in-one. If not, what’s the best product for just surfboard/kayak?
A: The INA-444 is a great carrier for kayaks, stand-up paddleboards or surfboards. It works very well with plastic recreational boats, but probably isn’t the best choice for Kevlar or fiberglass touring kayaks.
And with a base rack system by Thule, Yakima or Inno, you could simultaneously use both the surf/kayak carrier and any of a number of bike carriers offered on our site. With wide enough crossbars, it will likely be possible to carry two bikes alongside your watersports carrier.
by Rack Magic Woman on September 7, 2011
Q: I am looking for a replacement knob for a a Thule 520 Kayak Stacker. If you can help me with this part, I’d appreciate it.
A: The current part number for the Thule 3 wing knob is 753 0745 and we do have them in stock. You may view/ order this item on our site here, http://www.orsracksdirect.com/thule-7530745-knob-3-wing-high-m6-x-1-nut-spare-part.html The 3 wing knob is Thule’s jack of all knobs, as it works with most of their accessories.
by admin on September 2, 2011
Q: We have a Honda CRV 2011 with factory installed roof rack. We would like to get a J style kayak rack for two sea kayaks. Yakima has always worked well for us — we have also had some Thule products. We like the Yakima Bow Down Kayak Rack (and it folds) but wonder if it will work on our CRV racks. Before ordering, I’d like some confirmation that they will work.
Also, what is your experience with Rack and Roll trailer for kayaks — we’ve heard mixed reviews.
A: I confirmed, through the Yakima fit guide, that the Yakima Bow Down will fit on your 2011 Honda CRV with factory rack and cross bars. The only thing you will want to double check whenever you are using factory cross bars as a base set up is the maximum load for the bars. Besides the weight of the kayaks, the Bow Downs weigh 15 lbs each.
If you like the Yakima then stick with that. There are other similar options from Thule (Hull-a-Port Pro) and Malone (DownLoader) with similar features and pricing. You can learn more by using the links.
And lastly, yes, we have had excellent experience and feedback with the Rack and Roll Trailers. One thing to consider whether you plan on using the trailer at higher speeds on the highway and/or for long distance trips. If this is the case then you would want to go with the Rack and Roll Trailer with 72” bars as it will be more stable.
by rackdawg on August 25, 2011
Picture of the all-new INA446 Inno SUP / Kayak / Canoe Locker for use as a stand-up paddleboard rack, kayak rack, canoe rack and more. Universally fits factory roof rack crossbars as well as base rack systems from Inno, Yakima, Whispbar, Thule and more.
Image of the INA445 Inno SUP / Kayak / Canoe Locker - an economical version of the INA446 and does not include the car rack cross bar pads.
Now available from Inno Racks dealers in the United States and Canada are the new, improved versions of the famously popular Inno INA444 SUP / Kayak / Canoe Locker – the Inno Racks INA446 SUP / Kayak / Canoe Locker and the Inno INA445 SUP / Kayak / Canoe Locker – both feature innovative updates that allow for even more factory roof rack cross bar fits, more robust theft prevention and better protection and stability of equipment during transport. Instead of a pair of foam blocks (included with the INA444), the INA446 version now includes a pair of crossbar pads that deliver superior ease of loading and unloading and wear-restistance that’ll last a lifetime. The INA445 version does not include rack pads and is targeted as a more value priced option for users that do not need rack pads for added equipment protection, ease of loading / unloading or increased prevention of lateral shifting of gear during transport (also a great option for users that already own a pair of car rack cross bar pads or foam blocks). Both models feature redesigned locking rack straps that deliver increased protection from theft of gear or the rack itself when left unattended. They also feature universal clamp hardware that fits even more factory racks as well as any after-market base rack system crossbars from Inno Racks, Yakima Racks, Whispbar Racks, Thule Racks and more. The Inno INA446 Locker and Inno INA445 Locker are the most versatile watersport carriers available on the market today and work equally well for hauling any canoe, kayak, stand-up paddleboard ( SUP ), surfboard (both short and long boards), windsurfer, wakeboard etc. Works great as a ladder rack as well. The integrated ratcheting mechanism makes it an effortless process to tighten the straps around the gear, and the included Inno locks and keys ensure everything is safe and secure from anyone stealing your gear or the rack itself. They both also adjust to any width along the cross bars to custom fit the item(s) you are carrying.
Tagged as:
canoe rack,
factory rack carrier,
Inno INA445 SUP Kayak Canoe Locker,
Inno INA446 SUP Kayak Canoe Locker,
Inno Racks,
kayak rack,
kayak roof rack,
ladder rack,
rack pads,
stand-up paddleboard racks,
SUP rack,
surfboard rack
by Rack James on August 16, 2011
Nice image of a Scion Xa kayak rack system using the Yakima Q Tower base rack system with Q120 and Q7 Q-Clips. One kayak is being carried with the Yakima HullRaiser J-Style kayak rack and the other is using the combo of the Yakima Mako Saddles kayak saddles and the Yakima HullyRollers kayak rollers.
Here is a great example of how even a smaller car can carry the gear you need, even if it is two full size kayaks. This Scion Xa kayak rack system is using the Yakima Q Tower base rack system with the recommended 48″ crossbars and one set of Q120 Q Clips and one set of Q7 Q clips. One kayak is held in place with the Yakima HullRaiser kayak carrier which tilts it on its side in a J-style cradle. This allows for the other kayak to be carried flat using the Yakima Mako Saddle and Yakima HullyRoller kayak rollers combo.
by Rack James on August 8, 2011
Great shot of a Honda fit kayak rack with roller system using the Yakima Q-Tower base rack with Q99 Q-Clips and the Yakima Showboat kayak/canoe roller system.
Here is a shiny red Honda Fit kayak rack system with an extension roller for easier loading and unloading using the Yakima Q-Tower base rack system with Q99 Q-Clips and the Yakima Showboat kayak roller with what I assume (I didn’t have my tape measure on me!) are 58″ extension bars, but could possibly be 66″ bars. If you have a Fit, you can measure and decide which bars will allow for enough extension so that the roller overhangs the bumper and feel free to let us know which size worked for you. Thanks!
by Rack James on July 22, 2011
Image of a Nissan Frontier 2 Door bed mounted truck rack kayak rack system using the Outdoorsman 300 Compact truck rack with LB58 58" cross bars and two Yakima HullRaiser kayak J-cradles.
This Nissan Frontier 2 Door truck rack for kayaks is sporting the Yakima Outdoorsman 300 Compact truck rack and two Yakima HullRaiser kayak racks. Sadly, in this picture, the Yakima kayak rack system for trucks is not sporting any kayaks.
The Yakima Outdoorsman truck racks are available in two sizes–Full Size and Compact–and are sold as half sets without cross bars. This allows you to select the appropriate cross bar length to suit you needs and to order a single set of towers and a single cross bar to be paired up with a cab mounted crossbar using the Yakima Q-Tower Half Pack system. In this image, we see two half sets of Outdoorsman 300 Compact towers and a pair of 58″ cross bars.
by Rack James on July 20, 2011
Great shot of a Toyota Tacoma hitch bike rack and roof top kayak rack system using the Yakima SwingDaddy hitch mount bike rack. The rooftop rack system consists of a set of Yakima 42" tracks, the Yakima Control Tower System with Landing Pads #1, two sets of Yakima Mako kayak saddles, and the Yakima BoatLoader kayak lift accessory.
Here is a nicely racked up rig that I recently spotted on my way to somewhere. This Toyota Tacoma hitch bike rack and roof kayak rack system is using the Yakima SwingDaddy hitch bike rack mounted to the 2″ receiver and is ready to carry up to four bikes.
On the roof, a set of Yakima 42″ tracks has been installed and is supporting the Yakima Control Tower system which uses two sets of Landing Pads #1 to connect to the tracks.
For transporting kayaks, two sets of Yakima Mako saddles are attached to the Yakima crossbars, and the Yakima BoatLoader kayak lift assist accessory, which integrates into one of the crossbars, is ready and waiting to help with the job of loading and unloading the kayaks.
by Rack James on July 12, 2011
This 2010 Toyota Tacoma truck cap cargo rack and bike rack system is using the Yakima 1A Raingutter rack system and a Yakima SkyBox Pro 12 cargo/luggage box and a Rocky Mounts Pitchfork bike rack.
Even with a truck, you can always use more gear storage space. In the case of the owner of this nicely racked up Tacoma, he is moving to Montana and ran out of room, so he just simply needs more space. Now thanks to a cargo box, he doesn’t have to leave anything behind with a “Free” sign on it. This 2010 Toyota Tacoma truck cargo rack and bike rack is using the Yakima 1A Raingutter Complete roof system to work with the raingutters on his Leer cap. Attached to the crossbars is a Yakima SkyBox Pro 12 roof cargo box and a RockyMounts Pitchfork bike rack. He even has room left over on his crossbars for a rooftop kayak carrier.
by Rack James on July 6, 2011
2004 Nissan Titan Crew cCb pickup permanent mount rack system using the Thule TP54 54" roof tracks and the Thule 430 Tracker II rack system with TK1 Tracker Kit.
Sometimes your best option for a rack system requires a bit of drilling. While drilling into the roof of your vehicle may seem less than ideal, once you wrap your head around the idea, the end result is a clean, secure, factory-installed looking system. Plus, you can tell all your friends that you yourself drilled, yes drilled, into the roof and installed the system yourself. This 2004 Nissan Titan permanent mount rack system is using the Thule TP54 54″ tracks with the Thule 430 Tracker II base rack with the TK1 Tracker Kit and LB58 58″ load bars. Although we are thoroughly impressed with this job, we may suggest proper kayak carriers for those kayaks. Sure, tying a boat directly to crossbars will do the job, but your boat will be much happier with something like the Thule 883 Glide and Set kayak saddles.
Complete install details for 2004 Nissan Titan Crew Cab pickup permanent roof rack system.
by Rack James on June 22, 2011
Image of a (hidden) 2009 Subaru Legacy kayak trailer for 2" receiver hitch using the fantastic Malone MPG460G Microsport trailer with two Malone MPG106MD AutoLoader kayak racks.
You’ll just have to take our word that this is a 2009 Subaru Legacy kayak trailer for two kayaks. Have we ever lied to you? Of course not. Regardless, what is certain, is that it is carrying a very, very nice kayak using the Malone MPG106MD AutoLoader kayak carriers mounted to the crossbars of the Malone MPG406G Microsport kayak trailer. But it could be any vehicle as long as that vehicle has a 2″ receiver hitch and it could be set up to carry a canoe, bicycles, a cargo box etc. The bottom line is that the Malone Microsport trailer is a great solution for carring gear and loading and unloading, especially when it comes to kayaks, is much easier than on a roof top.
More info and installation details for 2009 Subaru Legacy kayak trailer.
by rackdawg on June 15, 2011
Picture of the all-new MPG116MD Malone Racks J-Pro j-style kayak carrier, a cheap kayak rack that still manages to accomplish what other more expensive carriers normally are only able to do... fit any roof rack including factory rack crossbars, Whispbar, Yakima, Thule, Inno car rack cross bars etc., transport any kayak up to 34" wide and 75 lbs. and be covered under the Malone Auto Racks lifetime warranty program.
Photo of the MPG117MD Malone Racks J-Pro2 j-style kayak carrier, a mid-level kayak rack that includes all the same features as the Malone J-Loader j-cradles kayak rack except that it does not offer the boarding ramp integrated into the base of each of the cradles for easy kayak loading. Fits factory racks and any Yakima, Whispbar, Inno, Thule roof rack crossbars etc. Holds boats up to 36" wide and 75 lbs.
Rounding out the recreational-level and entry-level kayak rack offerings in the Malone Auto Racks new series of j-cradle style kayak carriers, the MPG117MD Malone J-Pro2 kayak rack and MPG116MD J-Pro kayak rack are superb options for anyone focused on a well balanced blend of solid features and value pricing. The Malone J-Pro2 kayak rack is in fact very similar to the more expensive Malone J-Loader kayak carrier and lacks only the integrated boarding ramps at the bottom of each cradle to allow for easily sliding the boat onto the cradles. It also is not compatible with the MPG351 Malone Telos Lift-Assist device (Malone Telos works on the DownLoader, J-Loader and AutoLoader kayak racks only). Other than that it serves as an excellent carrier that will last for years and years of reliable use. The Malone J-Pro j-cradles are available as a cheap kayak rack option and will meet any budget minded consumer. Will never rust or corrode and includes adjustable pads on the upright cradles. Both the J-Pro2 and the J-Pro include the proprietary Malone Racks JAWZ universal mounting hardware so they work on any factory roof rack cross bars as well as car rack crossbars from Thule, Inno, Yakima, Whispbar and more. The J-Pro2 fits boats up to 75 lbs. and 36″ wide while the J-Pro works with any kayak up to 75 lbs. and 34″ wide.
Tagged as:
factory rack carrier,
kayak j-cradles,
kayak rack,
kayak roof rack,
MPG116MD J-Pro kayak rack,
MPG117MD Malone J-Pro2 kayak rack,
truck kayak rack
by rackdawg on June 13, 2011
Picture of the MPG114MD Malone Racks Downloader fold-down kayak carrier, a premium j-style kayak rack with cradles that can fold down when not in use. Fits all roof racks including factory rack crossbars and any cross bars from Whispbar, Yakima, Thule, Inno etc.
Photo of the MPG118MD Malone Racks J-Loader kayak rack, which other than lacking the convenient folding down kayak cradles, is exactly the same as the Downloader model.
Already a leader in the kayak transport industry with a full line of car roof mount kayak carriers and trailer hitch mount tow trailers for hauling kayaks, Malone Auto Racks has launched a new series j-cradle style kayak carriers. Two noteable models are the Malone MPG114MD DownLoader fold-down kayak carrier and the Malone MPG118 J-Loader kayak rack. Both are essentially the same carriers with the one exception being the J-Loader model does not feature the folding down cradles for when there is no boat on the rooftop. Otherwise, they are exactly the same and can carry any size, style, or shape kayak up to 75 lbs and 36 inches wide. They also include the proprietary Malone Racks JAWZ universal mounting hardware that allows the carriers to attach directly to virtually all roof rack styles including factory racks and any car rack cross bars from Yakima, Whispbar, Thule, Inno and of course Malone. The folding down cradles feature on the DownLoader model serves to improve fuel efficiency while driving around town with no kayak on the car top. It also enable access to garages without having to first remove the carrier.
Tagged as:
factory rack carrier,
kayak j-cradles,
kayak rack,
kayak roof rack,
Malone Auto Racks,
MPG114MD Malone DownLoader fold-down kayak carrier,
MPG118MD Malone J-Loader kayak rack
by Rack Magic Woman on June 1, 2011
Q: I have a 2008 Honda Civic Coupe and wish to carry a kayak on the roof. I know I can use the Inno IN-SU Rack system for the base rack - I understand this consists of the Cross bars and attachments to the car. What rack would I attach to this to carry my kayaks?
A: You are correct: the Inno INSU Complete System will work on your Civic Coupe. However, in addition to this rack you also need the IN-JK Short Roof Kit. Also worth noting, the maximum weight limit on your vehicle is 80 lbs.
Onto this system you could then attach a kayak carrier. Some of the best options are the Inno INA444, the Thule 835Pro, or the Thule 883 Glide and Set.
by Rack James on June 1, 2011
by Rack Magic Woman on May 12, 2011
Q: I have a 2011 Toyota Sienna with factory siderails – I’d like to be able to carry kayaks, bikes and a cargo basket. Please let me know some dimensions as well as I realize this needs to fit when I pull into the garage!
A: Here are the roof rack options that will work on your 2011 Toyota Sienna with factory siderails:
*Thule 450 Crossroads Complete System
*Yakima RailGrab Complete System
*Inno IN-FR Complete System
All three actually measure the same height of 3 ½ “ tall (this measurement is to the top of the cross bar).
You can attach the Yakima HighRoller onto any of these systems. The Highroller measures 5 ½” tall (folded down without a bike).
As for cargo baskets, I’m not sure you’ll have the clearance you need with the 11” height limitation you referenced. All of our cargo baskets—the Yakima MegaWarrior, Yakima LoadWarrior, and Thule MOAB—are 6 ½” tall without including the attachment hardware. With the hardware the basket height is more like 7” or 7 ½”, which puts you just about at 11”, and too close for us to guarantee you’ll clear the garage!
Lastly, in terms of a swing-away hitch bike rack, we’ve had great feedback about the Yakima SwingDaddy.
by Rack Magic Woman on May 5, 2011
Q: I am researching an appropriate rack for my 1998 Mitsubishi Monterro Sport with a factory rack. I am looking to mount 3 kayaks, typically 16″ or shorter, all plastic sea kayaks. Is the 830 Thule Stacker a good choice, or is there something better? I noticed some stopper guards to keep the kayaks upright when mounting are in order as well. Any recommendations are welcome.
A: A kayak stacker, such as the Thule 830 Stacker, will do the job, and may be your only option for use on your factory bars, since the bars most likely aren’t long enough to accommodate three individual kayak carriers, such as the Thule 835Pro Hullaports. Depending on the weight of the kayaks, you may be exceeding the maximum weight limit of your factory bars, so you’d want to check with your vehicle’s owner manual to make sure.
As far as a stacker, we generally recommend those for smaller boats, such as whitewater boats. With bigger boats, a stacker makes for more difficult loading due to the fact that you need to hold the boat up against the upright while you strap it down. The Inno 451 cradles certainly help to hold the boat upright, but in general, the stacker design is the least supportive type of kayak carrier, so not the best choice for larger boats.
If you like the idea of individual carriers more like the 835s, you could install a new base rack system, which for your vehicle is the 460 Podium System. It will attach to the tracks on your roof and will provide a 110 LB weight limit. You could choose one size longer bar length (58”) than what is recommended (50”) and you should be able to mount three individual carriers.
by Rack Princess on May 2, 2011
Image of 2001 Infiniti QX4 roof mounted kayak racks on factory rack crossbars. Consists of 2 sets of Yakima HullRaiser Aero (yakima 8004038) kayak rack j-cradle kayak racks.
Carry 2 kayaks on your 2001 Infiniti QX4 with 2 sets of 8004038 Yakima HullRaiser Aero kayak racks. These j-cradle style kayak racks attach right to the factory rack crossbars of the Infiniti QX4 and are compatible with most kayak shapes and sizes. These 2001 Infiniti QX4 kayak racks can also be used on Yakima, Thule and Inno cross bars.
Complete info on Kayak Rack for 2001 Infiniti QX4…
by Rack Magic Woman on April 28, 2011
Q: I have a 2007 Ford Focus wagon with factory roof rails and crossbars. What would I need in order to haul two kayaks? I have an Ocean Kayak Malibu 2XL, 13.4 feet long, 34” wide and weighs 61 pounds, and a Heritage Redfish 12, 12’3” long and 30” wide, 55 pounds.
A: Although your Ford Focus has factory crossbars, they are not designed to carry that much weight. To properly carry your kayaks, you will need a new base rack system. The Thule 450 Crossroads base rack system attaches to your side rails and can support up to 165 lbs. Once that is installed, I would recommend two sets of the Thule 835XTR Hull-a-Port Pro kayak racks to carry your boats.
by Rack Princess on April 28, 2011
Image of Upright Kayak Carrier for 1994 Toyota 4Runner with factory rack. Rack consists of Inno INA450 upright kayak rack which attaches directly to 4Runner factory bars.
This Kayak Rack for a 1994 Toyota 4Runner can carry 2 kayaks upright on top of a 4 Runner with factory rack crossbars and can also be used with almost any factory rack cross bars or Inno, Thule and Yakima bars. The Inno INA450 upright kayak carrier comes with cradles and everything you need to carry 2 kayaks on the roof of your 4Runner.
For more photos and 1994 Toyota 4Runner Kayak Rack information…
by rackdawg on April 25, 2011
Photo of the Thule 803 Surf Pads and Thule 804 Surf Pads, designed specifically for use on factory racks, Thule Rapid Aero load bars, Thule 422XT Xsporter truck rack bars etc. Ideal cor carrying SUP's, surfboards, windsurf boards etc.
- Picture of the Thule 801 Surf Pads and Thule 802 Surf Pads, Thule Racks new rack pads designed for carrying surfboards, sailboards, stand-up paddleboards and other gear on Thule square load bars, Yakima round cross bars etc.
Thule Racks has gone back to the drawing board and completely redesigned and released a new series of roof rack pads for carrying stand-up paddleboards, windsurfers, surfboards, canoe, kayak and more. The rack pads are available in two different styles, the Thule 801 Surf Pads / Thule 802 Surf Pads and the Thule 803 Surf Pads / Thule 804 Surf Pads. The 801 (18 inches in length) and 802 (24 inches in length) are designed to mount to the standard Thule rack square load bars, Yakima round cross bars, Inno cross bars etc. The 803 (18 inches in length) and 804 (24 inches in length) are meant for using on factory racks, Thule Rapid Aero bars, Thule 422XT Xsporter truck rack crossbars and other ‘aero’ shaped cross bars. Using the surf pads in combination with a pair of rack straps or the Thule 531 Express surf straps is a solid, economical way to carry standup paddle boards, surfboards, windsurfers, kayak, canoe etc.
Tagged as:
factory rack carrier,
foam blocks,
rack pads,
stand-up paddleboard pads,
stand-up paddleboard racks,
surfboard pads,
surfboard rack,
Thule 801 Surf Pad,
Thule 802 Surf Pad,
Thule 803 Surf Pad,
Thule 804 Surf Pad,
windsurf board rack
by Rack Magic Woman on March 24, 2011
Q: At the suggestion of a friend who ordered the Hullavator from you, I am interested in purchasing two sets of the Thule Hullavator assisted lift system for transporting kayaks on a SUV. I just purchased a 2011 Toyota RAV 4 and want to see what I need to purchase to get up and running. My RAV 4 comes equipped with factory installed cross bars.
A:You would first need a base rack system as the Hullavators cannot be mounted to factory crossbars. The Thule 450R Rapid Crossroads Complete system with RB53 53” bars is a great choice for your vehicle. The feet will attach to the side rails and support the Rapid Aero bars. You will then be able to mount the Thule 897XT Hullavators, one on each side. If you want secure your investment, you would need a 588 lockpack (four lock cores for the 450R system, and two lock cores for each Hullavators).
by Rack Princess on March 17, 2011
by Rack Magic Woman on March 16, 2011
Q: I have a Nissan Xterra 2006 and would like help selecting a roof rack system.
I like the Yakima BowDown Kayak Rack. This one is appealing to me because it might allow for up to 2 kayaks to be mounted on top my SUV. Also, I like the extended rod that will allow for the easier lift up of the kayak by one person. Can you recommend all the parts I need?
A: In order to use the Yakima Boat Loader accessory with a 2006 Nissan Xterra, you will need a base roof rack system that includes a set of Yakima crossbars. The system that is compatible with your vehicle is the Yakima Railgrab system with 48” bars.
With that in place, you can mount the two Yakima Bowdowns and the Yakima BoatLoader.
Tagged as:
kayak rack
by Rack James on March 16, 2011
Nice looking shot of a 1999 Subaru Legacy Outback kayak racks system for two kayaks using two sets of Yakima Bowdown J-Cradle style kayak racks.
Thanks to R.M in Chapel Hill, NC for this great customer install photo of a 1999 Subaru Legacy Outback wagon kayak rack system for two kayaks installed on factory crossbars using two set of the Yakima Bowdown folding kayak cradles. The Yakima Bowdown kayak J-Cradles attach directly to Yakima, Thule, Inno, and virtually any factory crossbars. The upright support can be folded flat when not in use.
See full details for 1999 Subaru Legacy Outback wagon kayak racks.
by Rack Magic Woman on March 10, 2011
Q: I have a 2010 nissan frontier quad cab (4 real doors with a fiberglass cab) with no roof rack at all. i am looking into buying 2 kayaks and i would like to see about buying a rack for on top of my truck to haul them. perfer not to have to drill any holes if possible.
A: Unfortunately there is no top of car system (at least no easy snap on option) for your Nissan Frontier without the Nissan factory siderail. We’ve checked all three of our roofrack vendors (Thule, Yakima and Inno) and without drilling we have no options!
You could consider a drill in system (like the Thule 430 System with TK 14 for sheet metal roofs) or if you would consider a bed mounted truck system like the Thule 422xt?
by Rack James on March 10, 2011
Great shot of a graduated Rack-It Scientist and her 2006 Honda Accord 4 Door kayak rack with lift assist using a Thule 480 Traverse Complete Base Rack System with the Thule 1304 Fit Kit and the Thule 897XT Hullavator lifting roof kayak rack.
Here’s a great photo showing a 2006 Honda Accord 4-Door Sedan lift-assisted kayak rack using the Thule 480 Traverse base rack system with 1304 Fit Kit and 544 pack of 4 locks with keys shining in the sun. The Thule 897XT Hullavator lift assist kayak rack extends the boat cradles out and down for easier loading/unloading. Gas shocks help to raise your heavy boat into rooftop position. Comes ready to attach to Thule, Yakima, or Inno loadbars and will carry one boat (ratchet straps and bow/stern tie downs included).
Complete details for 2006 Honda Accord Rooftop kayak rack with load assist.
by Rack Magic Woman on March 8, 2011
Q: I have a 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse. Will the Yakima Q Towers Roof Rack System work for this vehicle? I would carry one or two kayaks.
A: No, the Yakima Q Towers Roof Rack System will NOT work for this vehicle. You could go with the Yakima Control Tower System but this would involve drilling into the roof of your vehicle.
Thule’s option for a 2001 Mitusubishi Eclipse would be the 400XT Complete – this would also require purchase of the Thule 477 adapter kit BUT this would only allow you to carry bikes, skis and snowboards on your roof NO KAYAKS.
THERE IS A SOLUTION! If you purchase Inno’s IN-SU Complete Roof Rack system and the Inno IN-JK short roof adapter kit which will increase the distance between the front and rear cross bars you will be able to carry long items such as kayaks using kayak carriers from Inno, Yakima or Thule.
