Everything You Need to Carry Everything on a Roof Rack on 1997 Toyota Camry
Question:
Hi team, I need an aerodynamic, aluminum roof rack system that’s easily removable and fits a 1997 Toyota Camry with a naked roof. I’ll be carrying 2 kayaks. But I also want to be able to carry furniture, boxes, bikes, a mattress just all kinds of crap. I’m new to the world of roof rack systems. Any advice or links to suitable items on your site would be appreciated.
asked by: John
Helpful Expert Reply:
Welcome to the world of roof racks! I attached some faq articles you might be interested in. They're on using your roof to carry kayaks, luggage, and ladders. Carrying a mattress is like carrying a ladder - it must be done wisely.
Next, we need to get you a roof rack. A Rhino Rack Roof Rack is a solid system and worth the investment. You usually can reuse the bars and towers on a future vehicle of a similar size, just make sure to get a new custom fit kit for that car. Consists of parts: # RRVA118B-2, # RRRLKVA, # DK110. I've used them on my vehicle and have gotten pretty quick at taking them on and off as long as I have the key and tool handy.
For watersports, you're going to need a post-style kayak carrier due to limited roof space. I myself drive a Prius and the first thing I did was see if I could carry two kayaks. I did with the Malone FoldAway-5 # MAL38FR. Attached below is my video review of the carrier on my car.
For bikes, we have roof bike racks like the Rhino-Rack MountainTrail Bike Carrier - Fork Mount # RBC035. or the Rhino-Rack XTray Pro Cargo Basket AND Bike Carrier # RRRMCB03 if you want to carry your gear at the same.
As you can see, the equipment you need can add up really quick as you need to carry more stuff. If you want to start small, I recommend getting the crossbars and some straps like # 288-05852 then build up from there. Also, double check your roof weight capacity on your 1997 Toyota Camry to make sure it's not overburdened. Hope the articles and links are enough to get you started.
Products Referenced in This Question
Ratchet Tie Down Straps w Push Button Release - 12' Long x 1-1/4" Wide - 830 lbs - Qty 2
- Ratchet Straps
- Trailer
- Truck Bed
- S-Hooks
- 2 Straps
- Manual
- 11 - 20 Feet Long
- 1-1/8 - 2 Inch Wide
- 1501 - 2000 lbs
- etrailer
more information >
Malone FoldAway-5 Kayak, Canoe, and SUP Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs - J-Style - Folding - Clamp On
- Watersport Carriers
- Canoe
- Kayak
- Paddle Board
- Roof Mount Carrier
- J-Style
- Folding
- Factory Bars
- Oval Bars
- Round Bars
- Square Bars
- Side Loading
- No Load Assist
- Malone
more information >
Rhino-Rack MountainTrail Rooftop Bike Carrier - Fork Mount
- Roof Bike Racks
- Fork Mount
- 9mm Fork
- Bike and Rack Lock
- Aero Bars
- Factory Bars
- Round Bars
- Square Bars
- Disc Brake Compatible
- Clamp On - Quick
- Black
- Rhino Rack
more information >
Rhino-Rack 2500 Series Legs for Vortex Aero Crossbars - Naked Roofs or Fixed Mounting Points - Qty 4
- Roof Rack
- Feet
- 4 Pack
- Rhino Rack
more information >
Rhino-Rack XTray Pro Cargo Basket and 2 Bike Carrier - Steel - 58-1/4" x 41" - 165 lbs
- Roof Bike Racks
- Fork Mount
- 15mm Thru-Axle
- Locks Not Included
- Aero Bars
- Factory Bars
- Round Bars
- Square Bars
- Disc Brake Compatible
- Clamp On - Standard
- Black
- Rhino Rack
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Rhino-Rack Vortex Aero Crossbars - Aluminum - Black - 46" Long - Qty 2
- Roof Rack
- Crossbars
- Aero Bars
- 46 Inch Bar Space
- 2 Bars
- Overhang
- Black
- Rhino Rack
more information >
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