Recommended Roof Rack And Trailer Hitch For 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid Sedan

Question:

I have a 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid LE. I have been told by dealers that there is no roof rack system that will fit my vehicle properly. I plan on purchasing a 13 foot canoe next spring, and restarting my research. Is this true? Also with hybrid, I was also told no tow hook/set up is available. The cover would need to be removed and would be a complicated application. Any thoughts? It would be only for bikes. No heavy towing .

asked by: Robert L

Helpful Expert Reply:

I have to contradict the other retailers that said there is no roof rack designed to fit the roof on your 2012 Camry Hybrid.

We offer several roof racks that will work for you. I recommend the Rhino-Rack roof rack, part # RR42MR.This roof rack features a vehicle specific fit kit that is designed to fit the contour of your roof. The roof rack has clamps that fit the door jambs and has custom crossbars that will match the width of your vehicle roof. The crossbars are aerodynamic elliptical crossbars that are designed with Vortex rubber strips to help reduce wind noise and drag. This roof rack also includes locks that secure the roof rack to your vehicle and help deter theft.

For a kayak carrier I recommend the Rhino-Rack Nautic Roof Kayak Carrier, part # RR570. This system clamps on the crossbars and also includes tie-downs that secure your kayak to the crossbars and includes tie-down bow/stern ropes as well.

We also offer trailer hitches that will work with your Camry, especially for bike carriers. The trailer hitch I recommend is the Draw-Tite, part # 36540. This is a Class l hitch and it has a 1-1/4 inch receiver opening. The installation can be done by a qualified and trusted mechanic if you do not feel like undertaking this installation. There is some drilling and trimming of the fascia required for installation.

A bike rack I recommend for your Camry is the Kuat Beta, part # B202-114. This is a very light bike carrier at a little over 12-1/2 lbs. This bike carrier has a 40-lbs per bike capacity and has a tilting feature when empty to allow rear cargo access. To help keep the bike carrier secure on your Camry I recommend the Kuat lock, part # HL1.

If you are planning on carrying bikes with alternative frames like women's or kids bikes I recommend the bike frame adapter bar, part # UB01. This attaches to the seat post and the handlebar stem and lets you carry the bikes evenly in the carrier which means better ground clearance.