Recommended Paddleboad Carrier And Kayak Carrier For 2012 Audi Q5 With Factory Crossbars

Question:

I need advice about watersports rack options. I have a 2012 Audi Q5 with the Audi aero crossbars - which I believe are made by Thule. Id like to be able to transport both a standup paddleboard SUP and a kayak at the same time. The SUP is 31.5inch wide. If I use paddleboard pads and tie-downs for the SUP, will I still have enough room on the crossbars for a J-style kayak carrier? How much cross-bar space does a Thule or Yakima or other J-carrier need? Or can I simply strap a kayak on top of the SOP? I dont expect to have to transport the SUP and kayak together frequently, but when I do, I will be driving for 3-4 hours, partly on interstate highways. Thanks in advance for your guidance.

asked by: Phil F

Expert Reply:

I went out to our warehouse to measure for you and the Thule Hull-A-Port Kayak Carrier w/Tie-Downs - J-Style - Fixed - Side Loading # TH834 will take about 14 inches of your crossbar space and about 19 inches overall. I recommend using this with the Thule SUP Shuttle Stand-Up Paddleboard Carrier with Tie-Downs - Roof Mount - 2 Boards # TH811XT. This paddle board carrier has telescoping width from 23 inches to 35 inches to fit your needs when used with the kayak carrier.

You have the option of using the Thule Xadapt12 Watersports Adapter for AeroBlade and AeroBlade Edge Bars # THXADAPT12 if your factory bars have the t-slots.

Another option for you to save space is the Thule The Stacker - Rooftop Multi-Kayak Carrier # TH830 which can be used for a single kayak. You will want to make sure you say within the weight capacity of your roof rack and roof capacity which you should be able to find in your owners manual.

expert reply by: Jason S