Kayak Carrier Recommendation for Carrying up to 3 Kayaks

Question:

Hi We have a 2009 Honda Pilot. We installed crossbars that are just like the factory ones. My question is we are trying to decide on kayak carriers. We have 3 lifetime sit on top kayaks, a 10 ft, 8.5 ft and 6 ft we may get another one at some point My husband thought we could use the J-style - such as the Thule Hull-A-Port Kayak Carrier w/Tie-Downs - J-Style - Fixed - Side Loading - TH834. But I am not sure we can use 3 on our car. I was researching your website I love your website and I came across the Thule The Stacker - Rooftop Multi-Kayak Carrier - TH830 and the Yakima JayLow Kayak Carrier w/ Tie-Downs - J-Style - Folding - Side Loading - Y04073. What would you recommend? Im trying to decide which would be easier to use and more versatile. Thanks!

asked by: Alicia B

Helpful Expert Reply:

Since you need to carry up to 3 kayaks and the longest one you have is 10 feet in length the Thule Stacker part # TH830 would be your best option.

Any of the other racks mentioned would require a second or third rack to carry all three at the same time since they aren't designed for carrying 3 kayaks like The Stacker is.

expert reply by: Jameson C

Petey

5/16/2020

I have a 2007 Honda Pilot, would I be able to fit 3 recreational kayaks on my roof using Thule The Stacker TH830? If so how many extra strap sets TH855XT would I need? I only have rails, what crossbars do you recommend?

Chris R.

5/19/2020

As long as you stay under the Pilot's roof capacity (check your owner's manual) and the kayak's aren't terribly large, you could secure 3 of them using the Thule Stacker # TH830. For crossbars I like the Yakima JetStream setup that includes the 60" bars # Y00426 and the Mounting Feet # Y00147. You'll need two extra sets each of the Thule Straps # TH855XT and # 753-2030-02.

Nikki

4/26/2020

On a follow up to Alicias original question - when using the kayak stacker approach for 3 recreation type kayaks, would you need more than one set of the stackers? Ive heard that when using multiple kayaks on either side, they tend to want to slide down... so getting two together on a side can be difficult. Do you recommend using the stoppers in addition? If so, would that work with 3 kayaks? Thanks for answering!

Chris R.

4/27/2020

You shouldn't need an additional Stacker to safely secure 3 kayaks. You will need to add a couple extra strap sets with part # TH855XT, but nothing else should be needed to create a tight and secure setup.