From the category archives:

Rack Issues Solved!

Yakima 8890176 Hitch Bolt for Toyota Tundra Trailer Hitches

by rackdawg on July 13, 2010

Yakima Racks 8890176 mounting hardware hitch bolt for toyota tundra trailer hitches

Yakima Racks 8890176 mounting hardware hitch bolt for toyota tundra trailer hitches.

The OEM receiver hitch on the Toyota Tundra is too large for most hitch bolts, due to excessive gussetting on the Toyota Tundra trailer hitch. The answer is to use the extra long Yakima 8890176 Hitch Bolt mounting hardware to properly mount your hitch bike rack. Sold separately as a Yakima Racks replacement part – spare part so you can use it with your hitch bike rack to properly install it on the Toyota Tundra OEM trailer hitch. It is also included with Yakima SwingDaddy, FlipSide and Doubledown hitch bike racks etc.

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2005 Nissan XTerra Roof Bike Rack System

by Rack James on May 18, 2010

Customer install photo of 2005 Nissan Xterra with Yakima Highroller bike racks mounted to factory crossbars using Yakima Universal Mighty Mounts.

Customer install photo of 2005 Nissan Xterra factory roof rack mount bike racks using the Yakima Highroller bike racks mounted to factory crossbars using Yakima Universal Mighty Mounts.

Yes, the Nissan Xterra has large sized factory crossbars, but the Yakima Universal Mighty Mount clamps work just fine to accommodate carriers that are designed to only fit Yakima and Thule bars.  Using one set of Universal Mighty Mounts for each Yakima Highroller bike rack, which replace the Yakima Universal Snaparounds that are included, this rig is ready to carry two bikes in style. 

2005 Nissan XTerra factory rack bike rack  install details

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2010 Subaru Outback Wagon Roof Rack Complete Information

by rackdawg on May 6, 2010

Image above shows the Thule 450R Rapid Crossroad roof rack mounted to the 2010 Subaru Outback wagon factory rack side rails.

Image above shows the Thule 450R Rapid Crossroad roof rack mounted to the 2010 Subaru Outback wagon factory rack side rails.

view original 2010 Subaru Outback wagon roof rack posting

The 2010 Subaru Outback factory rack is a radical departure from previous year models. There is much confusion regarding what is and isn’t compatible with the new 2010 Subaru Outback roof rack. While it looks and performs differently than many other factory rack systems, the 2010 Subaru Outback roof rack still offers excellent configuring flexibility for all your transport needs. And if you are considering purchasing a 2010 Subaru Outback, rest assured you will be able to transport all kinds of gear.

You can use the factory crossbars or an aftermarket multi-purpose roof rack system from Thule Racks or Yakima Racks to transport all but the very longest of equipment (i.e. long canoes or very long ocean kayaks, and in these cases you have additional transport options, see bottom of this blog posting). However, for 2010 Subaru Outback roof mount bike racks, ski-snowboard racks, cargo roof boxes, surfboard racks, stand up paddle board racks, most kayak racks, roof baskets, luggage roof bags etc. you can attach them to the 2010 Subaru Outback factory rack cross bars. Additionally, if you are attaching several gear carriers and/or need longer crossbar length you can attach an aftermarket multi-purpose base rack system to the side rails. For this option the best system is any of the Thule Crossroad roof rack models (Thule 450 Crossroad, Thule 450R Rapid Crossroad, Thule 45050 Crossroad Kit, Thule 45058 Kit) as they offer 24 inches of distance between the front and rear crossbar, while the Yakima RailGrab roof rack system offers slightly less at 21 inches. The 24 inch crossbar spread, when using the Thule Crossroad roof racks on the 2010 Subaru Outback side rails, has been tested rigorously by Thule Racks and is determined to be thoroughly safe for gear transport, even when using two 897XT Hullavator carriers mounted to the Thule Crossroad base rack cross bars to transport 2 kayaks!

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Below is the testimonial from Nick LeFort, chief fitting specialist for Thule Racks:

“As the Fit Specialist for Thule North America, I design, test and engineer most of the rack components throughout North America, and in some cases world wide. There has been a lot of noise regarding the construction of the factory roof rack on the 2010 Subaru Outback wagon. Though the design – having side rails that can convert to crossbars – is innovative, many people feel that it fails when it comes to durability and stability. With that being said, Thule decided to do some in-depth homework and “over test” the rack. The results, we feel, were remarkable…

BASE RACK SYSTEM:
Thule 450 Crossroad roof rack (with 58 inch cross bars) mounted to 2010 Subaru Outback roof rack side rails

ACCESSORIES:
Two Thule 897XT Hullavator kayak racks mounted to the 450 Crossroad 58 inch cross bars

BOATS CARRIED:
Liquid Logic Sylva / Wilderness Systems Tempest 165

Testing the limits of the rack, we loaded and unloaded the kayaks on the Hullavators – and made sure to cycle the Hullavators with the boats on them multiple times. During this phase of the test, there was no deflection in the factory rack.

For the second phase of the test, we drove the vehicle – fully loaded – at the recommended driving speeds, and at speeds upwards of 85 mph. At the end of this phase of the test, the boats and racks were:

1. Still fully intact.
2. Had not shifted on the vehicle.
3. Still fully functional.

For the third and final phase of the test, we removed the kayaks, Hullavators, and Crossroads system and cycled the factory rack; making sure to switch the side rails to the crossbar position, lock them in place, and then return them to the side rail position and locking them in place. We did this numerous times – in the end, the rack still functioned as it was designed to.

PLEASE NOTE: It is important to adhere to the suggested weight rating of 150 lbs. on this factory rack. For testing purposes we over loaded the rack and tested it in conditions that it usually wouldn’t be used for, thus eliminating our concerns – and hopefully yours.

Our goal in re-testing this rack was to not only try and disprove some of the noise that has been going around the industry regarding this factory rack – but to also instill a level of comfort and confidence in this rack system. In 15 years of selling, modifying, designing, and repairing racks I have seen it all and though the design of this rack leans towards a level of extreme – I can confidently say that the factory rack on the 2010 Subaru Outback Wagon exceeded my test expectations and is more than suitable to be used with our Thule Crossroad base rack systems and gear carrier accessories.”

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Finally, if you are transporting ultra long items such as canoes, the longest of kayaks etc., you have a couple additional options. Your first option is to use the Thule 997 GoalPost on a rear 2 inch trailer hitch (you may alrady have on your 2010 Subaru Outback wagon, and they are also easy to install). You will use the Thule 997 GoalPost in combination with a Thule Crossroad roof rack mounted to the side rails. This provides a great platform for carrying ultra long equipment. Your second option is to use a canoe-kayak trailer. This is a superb alternative to roof mount gear carriers because the convenient low level of the trailer makes it easy to load and unload gear. Trailers work on all types of trailer hitches, 1.25″ and 2″ hitches included.

Hopefully all this information has been helpful for you in selecting the proper rack system for your 2010 Subaru Outback wagon and gear transport needs. However, if you have any additional questions whatsoever do not hesitate to contact us at ORS Racks Direct.

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Q & A: Installing Thule 480 Traverse on Saab 9-2x

by rackdawg on February 9, 2010

Q: I’m trying to install the Thule 480 Traverse car rack system on my Saab 9-2x but having issues. Specifically, the Thule 1210 Fit Kit clip is not long enough to reach from the Thule 480 Traverse Foot to the correct position on the Saab 9-2x door well. Any help?

A: Check out the photo below that troubleshoots this issue…

thule 480 traverse roof rack troubleshoot
Image A depicts grey screw on the Thule 480 Traverse Foot in the fully tightened position and clip positioned at highest point (the Fit Kit attaches to the clip). If you find that the Fit Kit does not reach down far enough to be positioned correctly on your doorwell, simply fully loosen the grey screw and the clip will lower to its lowest position as depicted in image B. You can then attach the Fit Kit to the clip in this lowest position, allowing the Fit Kit to be properly positioned on the doorwell.

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Q & A: Ski Rack for a 2009 Ford Fusion?

by Rack James on November 11, 2009

Q:  I want to carry skis, but I cannot find the roof rack for my car. My car is a business style car which doesn’t have a fixed rack on roof.  So, It looks a little bit difficult to implement the roof rack without the rack. Could you recommend one for my style vehicle?

Thank you very much in advance

Q for you: What kind of car are driving?

A: 2009 Ford Fusion

Solution:  Your vehicle has what we call a naked roof, and you need a multipurpose base rack system that will provide you with the crossbars you need to mount your ski rack, or any other attachment for that matter.   I would suggest a Yakima Q-Tower System for your base rack and the Yakima Fat Cat 6 for your ski rack.  To lock everything down, make sure you get yourself a Yakima SKS 6 lock pack, which will protect your base rack, your ski rack, and of course your skis from theft, and all with one key.

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Q & A: Surfboard Rack for 2007 Saturn Ion?

by Rack James on October 27, 2009

Q:  Hi. I’m trying to buy an Inno Board Locker Roof Rack for my 2007 4-Door Saturn Ion. I have a longboard surfboard. Not trying to go the soft rack route so I gotta fork a little extra more, but I’m hoping not that much more? Don’t know if I have rain gutters or not. I might but I don’t know for sure. How would I know?

A:  If you want to go with the Inno BoardLocker, which is a sweet surfboard rack that I would definitely recommend, you are going to first need a base rack system.  Sticking with Inno, you would need the IN-SU system, which is designed for cars without raingutters and attaches to the roof with thin metal clips that fit under the doors.  It is an excellent base rack system that is comparable in quality to Thule and Yakima but unlike Thule and Yak, it comes with free locks.  Once that is installed, you are free to mount your BoardLocker or any other attachment for that matter.  Compared to a soft rack, such as the SteelCore Surf Rack, this is a much more pricey option, but one that is way more secure, safe, and versatile and you don’t have to deal with straps running through the interior of your car.

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Q & A for Rooftop Car Rack for 2008 Land Rover Range Rover

by Rack James on October 21, 2009

Q: Does anyone make a rooftop car rack system for a 2008 Range Rover?  I’ve checked both Yakima and Thule and nothing is coming up.  They only offer racks for Range Rovers with factory racks and mine has none.  I want to carry two bicycles and maybe a kayak.  Thanks!

A: You’re right, Yak and Thule don’t provide a fit, but Inno does makes a base rack system that will attach to the naked roof of your Range Rover.  It is the Inno IN-SU complete base rack system.  It is a great rack system with corssbars that are identical to Thule’s.  With the IN-SU system installed, you are free to mount virtually any bike carrrier or kayak carrier you like.  A few good examples: Inno INA383 Fork Lock II and Inno INA450 Kayak Rack.

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How to Install Yakima Control Towers to Mazda 3 with Factory Mounting Points

by Rack James on October 2, 2009

Q: I have a 2006 Mazda 3 Hatchback with factory mounting points.  Yakima offers the Q Tower System and the Control Tower system as options for a base rack.  I’d prefer to use the Control Towers, but in order to use the factory mounting points, I’d need to remove the molding that fits in the channel running from front to back.  I’d rather not do this if possible.  Seems that molding is there for a reason.  Is there any solution?

A: We’ve run into this before and there is a solution.  All you need to do is drill a hole right through that molding big enough for the Yakima Landing Pad 11 mounting bolt to fit through.  To find out where to drill, just pull back the molding enough to peek underneath.  The mounting points are located over the front and rear doors and are easy to find.  Once you’ve located them, mark the drilling point on the molding with a marker.  To prevent drilling into the mounting point, we place the lip of an old Yakima Q-clip under the molding.  If you don’t have an old Q-clip lying around, you can use any thin, metal object.  The handle of a spoon would probably suffice.  Drill slowly into the molding until you are through.  It won’t take long.  Once the mounting points are exposed, you can proceed with installing the Landing Pad 11 and then the Control Towers.  When you are done, you’ll have a nice clean looking system and your molding pieces will be no worse for the wear.

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How to Remove a Thule Lock from a Thule Atlantis Cargo Box

by rackdawg on October 1, 2009

Q:  I can’t figure out how to change a Thule lock cylinder on a Thule Atlantis roof box. I want to change my lock but cant take the key out to put the removal key in. As you know Thule boxes wont let you take the key out unless it is locked.

A: This is a fantastic question. To get a Thule lock cylinder out of a Thule box requires that you have the dedicated locking key and a master or control key.  You would insert the dedicated key into the Thule lock cylinder on the cargo box and turn only 10 degrees, now pull the dedicated key out and insert the control key.  You can now use the control key to wiggle a bit and the cylinder will pop out.  I know it sounds weird but this is truly how its done!

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Q and A for 2010 Lexus RX350 Bike Rack, 2007 VW Passat Rack, 2007 Hummer H3 Rack and 2008 Toyota Highlander Bike Rack

by rackdawg on September 29, 2009

Q: I really wanted to use the Saris Bones 3 bike trunk rack on my 2008 Toyota Highlander. But it looks like it is not compatible with this vehicle? Can you confirm this? Also, are there any other trunk bike rack models you could recommend? I’m open to bike rack options for the  2008 Toyota Highlander factory rack if no trunk mount bike rack options are available.

A: Unfortunately there are no trunk bike racks compatible with your 08 Highlander. You do have some great options for factory rack mount bike racks however. A very popular model is the Yakima ForkLift bike rack. This carrier offers the industry’s best factory rack mount engineering and has a host of features for easy bicycle loading and unloading. If you are looking for more economical options we recommend the SportRack ABR611 Nomad bike rack and SportRack ABR622 Nomad bike rack models.

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Q: I have a 2007 Hummer H3 and it appears to have some type of side rails on them. But they are not typical siderails I don’t think. It doesn’t look like I can just attach a roof rack to the siderails so that i can have crossbars to then attach gear carriers for carrying bikes and snowboards. What system do I need for a 2007 Hummer H3 roof rack systemthat would include crossbars?

A: You are right. You would not install a typical roof rack system designed to attach to factory side rails. In fact your 2007 Hummer H3 has factory installed fixed-points located on the side rails. You can attach a roof rack to the fix-points. We recommend the Thule 430 Tracker II with the TK12 Tracker Kit. The Thule TK12 Tracker Kits connect to the fixed-points on the siderails. Then snap the 430 Tracker II Feet to each TK12 Kit. The Thule 58inch load bars are the recommended length for your roof top. You can then mount any gear carriers to the load bars.

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Q: I need a 2007 VW Passat wagon roof rack. The Volkswagen Passat currently only has the factory rails on the sides of the roof. What do you recommend?

A: The complete Thule 450 Crossroad roof rack system is engineered to fit your vehicle perfectly and is very quick to install. Attaches directly to the 2007 VW Passat factory rack side rails, converting your factory rack side rails into a sturdy base rack system capable of safely transporting all your gear. Includes a set of four Thule 450 Crossroad Feet and a pair of load bars. The 50″ load bars are the recommended length for your vehicle.

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Q: I don’t want to spend a lot of money on a 2010 Lexus RX350 hitch bike rack for the 2 inch receiver hitch that is already installed on the 2010 Lexus RX 350. I need to carry 3-4 bikes at a time and I will be transporting both adult and kids bikes. What do you recommend?

A: A great 2″ hitch mount bike rack option that is both economical and easy to install and use is the Sportrack A30902 4EZ hitch bike rack. Holds up to 4 bikes and will make a great 2010 Lexus RX350 bike rack for your receiver hitch.

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Q and A for Mercedes S550 Roof Rack Fairing, 2008 Ford Taurus X Roof Bag and 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Car Rack

by rackdawg on September 29, 2009

Q:  Hello, I am looking for a complete bike roof rack system for a 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer. So far, it looks like no car rack companies have had any 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer roof rack systems as of yet. Can you recommend any? Thanks.

A: Good news, Inno Racks now has the Inno IN-SU roof rack system engineered to work as a 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer car rack multi-purpose base rack system. The Inno IN-SU system includes four Inno IN-SU Stays, four Inno K336 Fit Hooks (these Fit Hooks are specific to your 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer) and two cross bars (please note the B127 50″ cross bars are the recommended length for your vehicle). You can then attach any Inno, Thule or Yakima gear carriers directly to the front and rear cross bars.  This car rack also comes with locks included to lock the rack to the roof top.

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Q: I have the 2008 Ford Taurus X and it does have the side rails. I really want to use the Thule 867 Tahoe roof bag on the roof top. I love how this roof bag is waterproof and has a ton of room for all our luggage gear. But i’m confused whether it works directly on the Ford Taurus X roof rack side rails or if i have to install a base rack system with crossbars on the side rails first. The Thule 867 Tahoe luggage bag says it even mounts to cars with just side rails. But I used the Thule fit guide and it says I have to get a rood rack first? What do I need? I also want to lock the roof bag, what is the best option for a roof bag lock?

A: Roof bags will not work directly on your side rails. You will need to install a 2008 Ford Taurus X roof rack on the siderails first in order to get the crossbars that you can then attach the Thule 867 Tahoe roof bag to. We highly recommend the Thule 450 Crossroad car rack system for mounting to the side rails. THe 58 inch load bars are the length you will need for the 2008 Ford Taurus X roof top. An excellent option for roof bag locks is the SteelCore Lock Straps.

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Q: I am using the Yakima Control Tower roof rack system with the Yakima LP11 Landing Pads as a 2008 Mercedez S550 roof rack setup. I then have the Thule 897XT Hullavator kayak rack attached to the Control Tower crossbars. My question is what would I want to use for a wind fairing on this setup? Would the Yakima Wind Jammer work on the crossbars?

A: Both the Yakima 50″ extra-large fairing and the Yakima WindJammer will work on your 2008 Mercedes S550 roof rack Yakima crossbars.

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Q and A for Fishing Rod Racks and 2010 Toyota Corolla Roof Rack Kayak Stacker

by rackdawg on September 21, 2009

Using Inno Fishing Rod Racks for 9″ Fly Rods

Q: Regarding the Inno ZR352 / ZR353 fishing rod racks, how far do the forward racks extend from the back rack on these fishing rod holders? Is this compatible/do you recommend for 9 foot fly rods?

A: The forward racks are fully adjustable to accommodate whatever length fishing rods you are carrying. So the 9′ fly rods will transport well with these holders.

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Items Needed for 2010 Toyota Corolla Kayak Roof Rack to Stack Kayaks

Q: If I used the Inno INSU car rack system as a 2010 Toyota Corolla roof rack, would it be good for stacking kayaks?

A: You’re going to want to attach a kayak stacker style kayak carrier to the INSU roofrack crossbars. Several good kayak stacker options that are compatible with the IN-SU car rack cross bars are the Inno INA450, Thule 830 Stacker, Yakima BigStack and Malone Stax Pro.

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Q and A for Thule Bike Storage Rack, Ford Focus, Inno Fairing

by rackdawg on September 21, 2009

Mounting the Thule Storage Bike Rack to the Wall

Q: Can the Thule BSTK2 bike storage rack be mounted on the wall to get the bikes a little higher and out of the way? Does the base come apart I could wall mount?

A: Yes the base is removeable, so it is possible to custom install to the wall providing you have the skill to drill and mount etc. This is not something recommended by Thule Racks, of course, and would invalidate the warranty. Other easier options can be found using some of the Delta bike storage racks such as the Leonardo or Chagall models.

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Using Yakima Q Tower Roof Rack as a Ford Focus Car Rack System

Q: Can the Yakima Q Tower car racks cause rain to seep into around door? I am think of using this as a Ford Focus roof rack.

A: No chance of rain getting in. Car rack manufacturers invest much time and money engineering systems to prevent any possible water issues. The Q Towers roofrack is no exception. The Q clips provide a seemless fit so they don’t impact the car doors.

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Inno Car Rack Fairing on 2010 Subaru Forester X Factory Rack

Q: Thinking about an Inno fairing for my 2010 Subaru Forester X. I have the factory crossbars only, with a Yakima Powderhound ski rack on top and am getting CONSIDERABLE wind noise at 50+ mph. The sizing guide says to use a 32 inch, but it seems like the 39 inch would be more appropriate (as the “silver part” of the crossbar itself is 38.5 inches). Which size do you think is best, and will this Inno Fairing be compatible with what I have/solve my wind noise problem?

A: That sounds like a very tight fit, and this is probably why Inno Racks decided on the small size in this situation. But if the total measurement of the crossbar from the inside of each side rail is at least 39″ then this should fit. You can always trim the fairing edges if that what it takes to make a perfect fit. Fairings are designed to eliminate that rack noise that can randomly occur. You’ll be happy with how effective the fairing takes care of this issue.

http://www.orsracksdirect.com/inno-roof-rack-farings.html

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Q and A for Canoe Rack, 2002 Nissan Maxima, Truck Rack & Kayak Trailer

by rackdawg on September 21, 2009

2009 Toyota Highlander Kayak Rack for Bell Northstar Canoe

Q: I watched the Malone BigFoot Pro canoe rack video and it looks like a great solution as a factory rack mount canoe rack for that particular Old Towne canoe. I’m concerned with my canoe (32″ wide) there won’t be enough room between the L brackets on my 2009 Toyota Highlander factory rack for my canoe( Bell Northstar 32″)?

A: Yes that is a concern. You do need to measure how wide your factory bars are and compare that to the width of your canoe. Some configurations that have very wide canoes will be too wide , as the L-Brackets widest setting will be limited to the width of your factory crossbars. In your case you would need to install a base rack system such as the Inno INFR roof rack or Thule 450 Crossroad carrack to your 2009 Toyota Highlander roof rack side rails. You can then attach a canoe rack to the base rack crossbars.

http://www.orsracksdirect.com/malone-bigfoot-pro-canoe-rack-mpg112md.html

http://www.orsracksdirect.com/inno-in-fr-car-rack-system.html

http://www.orsracksdirect.com/thule-450-complete-car-roof-rack.html

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2002 Nissan Maxima Roof Rack using Yakima Q Tower Car Rack System

Q: I want to now use my Yakima Q Towers system for a 2002 Nissan Maxima roof rack (I have Q Towers from another vehicle). What Q clips do I need?

A: For a 2002 Nissan Maxima you will need 2 pairs of Q106 clips. You can select them from the dropdown menu on the Yakima Q Clips product page here…

http://www.orsracksdirect.com/yakima-qclips.html

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Yakima Racks Work on Thule 422XT Xsporter Truck Rack

We have tested and verified that the Yakima universal mounts, that come with Yakima kayak racks and upright mount bike racks, will fit nicely to the Thule Xsporter bars. Great news for anyone with Yakima carriers currently or interested in purchasing these carriers for use on this truck rack.

http://www.orsracksdirect.com/thule-422xt-xsporter-truck-rack.html

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Installing a Custom Kayak Trailer on Current Cargo Trailer

Q: I already have a multi-purpose cargo trailer (not a kayak specific trailer like the Malone or RackandRoll trailers). My trailer has steel side rails and wondering if I can attach a truck rack or something to these trailer side rails. This would allow me to carry kayaks, canoe, bikes etc. over top of the trailer and free up space for my other gear on the floor of the trailer. Any advice?

A: You can absolutely add truck rack towers to your trailer. Check out this custom kayak trailer setup. This guy simply mounted 2 pairs of Yakima Outdoorsman Towers to his trailer side rails and used a pair of Yakima crossbars. You can then mount any gear carriers to the crossbars!

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