Weight Capacity for a Kayak Carrying Roof Rack System on a 2015 Nissan Rogue

Question:

I have a 2015 Rouge with the moon roof package, I cant find anywhere if using crossbars reduces the 150lb weight limit from the owners manual. If not what would be good cross rails to put a couple of pair of j brackets to hold two 37lb kayaks?

asked by: Kevin T

Expert Reply:

Roof rack systems are always limited by the weakest point, be it the rack or the vehicle roof. In your case, 150 pounds is about the same as most roof systems, so you'll have a lot of options with your rack.

I tend to recommend aero bars for these applications because they support the weight more evenly than other bar types because of their width.

For your vehicle I recommend the Rhino Rack Vortex kit, consisting of:

Rhino Rack Vortex Aero Crossbars, 46 inches, part # RRVA118B-2
Rhino Rack 2500 Legs for Vortex, part # RRRLKVA
Fit Kit for Rhino Rack 2500 Legs, part # DK396

This rack will be limited to the 150 pound capacity of your roof, but provides a good base for carrying your kayaks on the 2015 Nissan Rogue.

For a carrier, I recommend the Malone DownLoader, part # MPG114MD. These racks are designed to carry kayaks up to 75 pounds, and up to 36 inches wide. The Malone Loaders include all of the tiedowns and straps needed to secure the kayak, and quickly bolt to the rack. These racks include an integrated loading ramp to help support some of the weight of the kayaks as you get them up onto the roof of the Nissan Rogue.

If you want to improve your loading experience, the Malone 2 pack Quick-Lash, part # MPG308 and Thule Quick Draw Tie-Down Ropes w/ Ratchets, part # TH855XT add a few great features that make loading the kayaks a little easier. The Quick-Lash are removable loops that go into the hood or trunk of your car to provide a point to hook the bow and stern tiedowns to, so you don't have to risk damage to your paint with the hooks on the tiedowns included with the Loader.

The Thule Quick Draw Tie-Downs replace the included bow and stern lines with a pulley system that is easier to tighten than the ropes, letting you quickly and easily get the right tension for the best ride. Additionally, they stay relatively the same length when removed, letting you quickly reattach them. If you're using them with the Quick-Lash loops, they can remain hooked and easily removed from the vehicle at a destination.

I've included video reviews of these products so you can get an idea of what they do and how they work in practice.