Roof Rack, Kayak and SUP Carrier for a 2009 Pontiac Vibe  

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Helpful Expert Reply:

I have a solution for you, however the Yakima Q-Tower system is being discontinued. Instead, I recommend using a Rhino-Rack square bar kit for your vehicle, which will provide similar mounting options as the round bar. Frankly, I prefer the square bars because they are easier to fit to on the whole.

Remember to check your vehicle's roof capacity before adding a roof rack. This capacity will include your roof rack, accessory carriers, kayak and SUPs.

The square bar kit for your vehicle consists of:

Aero Bar Crossbars # RRVA126B-2
Legs # RRRLKVA
Fit Kit # DK185

I recommend when carrying similar items like SUPs and Kayaks together, staying within a brand because of the ability to key-alike your accessories, making for easy one key access to the entire cargo assembly. Additionally, since the Traverse kit includes an integrated tool, it's strongly recommended to at least add locks to them.

For your carriers, I recommend using Yakima's SUPDawg, part # Y04075 and the Yakima JayLow, part # Y04073.

The Thule SUPDawg is a great carrier that is easy to use and will install directly to your vehicle's rack. I particularly like it because it does include its own locks already, and lets you quickly secure your SUPs directly to the carrier.

I also recommend going with the Yakima JayLow because of its pricing and ease of use. Its handy, quick installation clamps plus ability to convert to a two-kayak carrier is a wonderful "Just in case" feature that isn't matched by other carriers.

As far as add ons, I recommend Thule's locking straps, part # TH832 to add security to your kayak carrier. These rubber housed locking straps will add security to your kayak if you need to step away from the vehicle.

I also recommend Thule Quick Draw Tie-Down Ropes w/ Ratchets and Strap Loops # TH855XT and Speed Link, part # MPG308 as great add ons if you want to make the bow/stern tie down of your SUPs and Kayaks easier. The Quick-Loop is a two pack of reinforced nylon loops that install to your hood or trunk and let you connect to them rather than putting the hook directly in contact with your finish. It's also a lot easier to drop these loops onto your vehicle than fixing the hooks.

The Quick Draw Tie-Down replaces one bow or stern tie down kit with ratcheting hook and lines, letting the straps "remember" their length and letting you quickly and surely tighten the straps down to the vehicle before departing.

I've included videos of all of these parts so you can get familiar with their installation and performance.

expert reply by: Jacob W

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