Options for Loading 2 or 3 Kayaks on 2016 Subaru Outback

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Question:

Im in my 70s. Love to kayak w my 6 yo gdaughter, but hate loading kayaks inside car. Can I stow 3 (2 kids, 1 adult) kayaks on roof? I need an assist, and the Rhino rack w telescoping pole looks good. Think I might manage. I looked at Thule assist, but looks like two is limit, and that Id have to buy for both sides of car. Thanks

asked by: Linda

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Expert Reply:

It is possible that you will be able to carry 3 kayaks on the roof of your 2016 Subaru Outback, but it will depend on the length of the crossbars on your vehicle and the depth of your kayaks.

The SportRack Kayak Carrier # SR5511 you referenced is a good, economical solution to carry the kayaks on the roof. J-style carriers typically take up approximately 17-1/2 inches of space. This means you would want around 53 inch crossbars to accommodate 3 kayaks in J-style carriers. If you typically only carry 2 kayaks, the J-style cradles will take up less than 40 inches of space and work well.

An option that will require less space on your vehicle's crossbars is a Post-Style carrier such as the Rhino-Rack Nautic Stack Kayak Carrier # RRS520. This carrier will allow you to stack the kayaks side-by-side on the roof and has a capacity of up to 4 kayaks. This carrier takes up minimal room on the crossbar, leaving more room for your kayaks to sit. As long as the depth of your kayaks and the width of the Nautic Stack carrier is not more than the length of your crossbar, you will be able to carry your 3 kayaks on your vehicle's roof. The carrier comes with tie-downs to secure 2 kayaks, so for additional kayaks you would want additional straps, such as the Rhino-Rack Cam-Buckle Cinch Strap and Anchor Kit # RRRBAS-RTD55P-RTD45P.

The Rhino-Rack Universal Load Assist # RR-RUSL is a great option as long as you have a Rhino-Rack Vortex Aero, Euro Square, or Heavy-Duty crossbars; Whispbar Flush, Through, Rail or HD crossbars; or Thule AeroBlade or Square crossbars. This load assist is not confirmed to fit with Subaru Outback factory crossbars.

If your Outback has factory crossbars, the Inno Kayak Lifter # INA453 is the only load assist similar to the Rhino-Rack Load Assist that is also designed to work on factory crossbars. A review video of this load assist is attached for you.

expert reply by: Victoria B

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Answer 1

You are correct that the Thule WingBar Evo Crossbars 50" part #TH711320, 47" bars part #TH711220 and the 53" part #TH711420 will all work on your 2016 Toyota RAV4 with the raised factory side rails. To accomplish this the…

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Answer 2

To add aftermarket crossbars to your 2017 Toyota RAV4 that are compatible with your Thule Hullavator #TH898 you will need both the bars and towers compatible with your raised side rails. I recommend using the Thule Roof Rack system for 2017 RAV4…

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Answer 3

Aside from a slight change in the appearance of the crossbar (the WingBar Evo has some boxed edges as opposed to the completely smooth front of the AeroBlade) the biggest differences are the rubber strip on top of the crossbar and the weight…

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Answer 4

As long as the crossbars you use aren't wider than the widest part of the vehicle (usually the mirrors), which could be a safety problem or even illegal in some areas, you could certainly use longer crossbars than the 58 inch crossbars. Since…

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Answer 5

So what Thule was waiting on was the release of the proper fit kit for the 2019 Toyota Rav4, which is now available as part #TH78RE. You would also need the #TH460R roof rack feet. In order for this rack to work with your Hullavator, the crossbars…

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Answer 6

I have a couple different options for you. You are correct that you are not going to be able to get 2 kayaks on the roof of your 2022 Kia Telluride with the Thule Hullavator #TH898 because of space and weight. And honestly you will probably have a…

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Answer 7

You have a great range of options with the 2017 Toyota RAV4's factory roof rack. You'll want to ensure that the weight of the carrier plus the weight of the kayak. My research shows that your RAV4 is rated for 100 pounds on its roof, though…

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Answer 8

I wouldn't say that you're missing anything; the Curt Roof Rack for Raised Side Rails #C18118 are a solid, low cost roof rack option that looks great. When you look at them compared to something like the Thule Roof Rack with Evo Raised Rail…

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Answer 9

There is not a general restriction from Thule that says two Hullavator Kayak Carriers #TH898 can't be used on a Thule roof rack. As long as the crossbars on your Ford Escape have the required length for two sets and a sufficient weight capacity…

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Answer 10

You will be fine transporting your second kayak on the stacker. It is a recreational kayak, so it will be fine on its side. It will also save you from purchasing a second accessory. But if you want to transport your kayak laying flat you will only be…

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Answer 11

In order to carry two kayaks on a roof they need to be carried on their side as there isn't enough room for them to be laid flat. In order to carry two kayaks on their side you'll need a j-style carrier. Furthermore, if you have a factory…

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Answer 12

In order to mount a j-style kayak carrier on a TracRac Truck Bed Ladder Rack you must use one that mounts inside channels, the Thule Hull-A-Port Aero Kayak Carrier part #TH849000. The reason for this is because the TracRac Truck Bed Ladder Racks have…

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