Recommended Roof Rack And Kayak Carrier Recommendation For 2007 Lexus RX 350 With Roof Rack

Question:

My Lexus RX 350 has factory installed roof rack with crossbars. I need to transport two kayaks. One is a 15foot tandem and the other is 12 feet. What racks would you recommend? Can the factory installed crossbar handle the weight?

asked by: Clarkson M

Expert Reply:

The 15 ft tandem kayak can weigh from 75 to 100-lbs and a 12 ft kayak will typically weigh around 35 to 40 lbs, so you want to make sure your vehicle has the roof weight capacity for the two kayaks and the carriers they are used with. I was unable to find the roof rack capacity for your Lexus. You may be able to find it in the owner's manual or check with your dealership.

If your tandem kayak is 36 inches wide or less and weighs 75 lbs or less I recommend the Thule Hull-A-Port Kayak Carrier, part # TH834. this carrier comes with tie-down straps to hold the kayak on the carrier and bow and stern tie-downs to secure the kayak to the vehicle. To use this carrier with the Thule AeroBlade roof rack system you will also need the Thule Watersports Adapter, part # THXADAPT11.

When securing the kayaks to the vehicle it can many times be difficult to find a good place to tie them down. You can use the Thule Quick Loops, part # TH530. These attach tot he tie-down ropes on the kayaks and you simply close the Quick Loops in the hood and rear hatch on the vehicle.

expert reply by: Jeffrey L