Roof Rack Needed to Carry a Kayak and Paddleboard with a 2015 Subaru Forester

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Question:

I am shopping for a kayak/ paddling board roof rack for my 2015 Forrester. I just realized I must need cross bars first

asked by: Karen

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Expert Reply:

Although we do have options for carrying a kayak or paddleboard without a roof rack, these options utilize foam pads that would sit directly on top of your 2015 Subaru Forester and are really only supposed to be used when you are transporting your kayak or paddleboard a short distance (like across town).

I recommend going with aero style bars which look much better and help prevent wind noise and drag. If your Forester doesn't have raised rails along the top then I recommend using the Thule roof rack which consists of the AeroBlade Edge Crossbars # TH7602-TH7602 for silver or # TH7602B-TH7602B for black, along with the Fit Kit # THKIT3079. To add locks to this roof rack you need part # TH450400.

If you do have raised rails then I recommend using the Rhino-Rack system which includes the Vortex StealthBar # JA7954 for silver or # JA7953 for black. These come with integrated locks.

If you don't already have a carrier one of the most popular ones on our site is the Thule DockGrip Kayak and SUP Carrier # TH895. It features saddles that hold your watercraft and comes with everything you need to secure your equipment. These use a T-Bolt that will install in the track on either of the roof racks mentioned above for more security. I have linked a review video for this carrier that you can check out.

To carry both at the same time would require you to get a different carrier for your kayak like the cost effective J-Style Carrier # S510 from Rhino-Rack but I am not sure if you would have enough room on your roof for both carriers.

expert reply by: Jon G

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Answer 1

There are several kayak carriers that will fit the factory crossbars on your 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek. One option is the Thule DockGrip, #TH895. This carrier holds the kayak by the hull using 4 saddles. For a similar carrier that loads from the rear…

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Answer 2

For your 2017 Subaru Crosstrek, I recommend the Thule WingBar Load Bars - Aluminum - Black - 53" - Qty 2 #TH711420 along with the Thule Evo Roof Mounted Railing Foot Pack #TH710401. This will mount to raised factory side rails on your vehicle. I…

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Answer 3

As long as you had the crossbar width to accommodate your 2 kayaks on the roof of your 2015 Subaru Forester with factory bars and the roof capacity for them as well I would recommend the Thule DockGrip part #TH895.

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Answer 4

I would love to help you upgrade the suspension on your Twilight 2800 travel trailer. The MORryde Rubber Equalizers for Tandem Axle Trailers #MR87ZR that you referenced are a great solution but we do need to double check a few things. First is that…

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Answer 5

The Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly part #AKHD-545-35-K is the correct replacement for an AL-KO 7230. In regards to the braking assemblies, I suggest getting a new pair, the Electric Trailer Brake Kit part #AKEBRK-35-SA. This option will save you some…

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Answer 6

If your current springs have 5 leaves then going to a 7 leaf spring will increase the height of the trailer a little and make the trailer more susceptible to sway. Regarding capacity if you go with springs rated higher than what is required it will…

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Answer 7

Aside from a slight change in the appearance of the crossbar (the WingBar Evo has some boxed edges as opposed to the completely smooth front of the AeroBlade) the biggest differences are the rubber strip on top of the crossbar and the weight…

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Answer 8

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 9

For a roof rack to be compatible on your 2020 Jeep Wrangler with Sky One-Touch Power Top, it can't be mounted on the top of the roof and it needs to be high enough for the folding roof to clear. What you need are tall gutter-mounted roof racks.…

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Answer 10

There are a couple of differences between the two. The JetStream bars like #Y00425 are made of extruded aluminum while the CoreBars such as the #Y00421 you've looked at are constructed of galvanized steel. As you've mentioned, the CoreBar has…

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Answer 11

Yes, I have listed for your below the roof rack systems from Rhino-Rack, Thule, and Yakima that will fit the RetraxPRO XR Hard Tonneau Covers like part #RTT-80243 for your 2019 Ram 1500. Rhino-Rack Vortex Crossbar System part #RRVA180B-RRRLT600…

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Answer 12

The Malone Universal Crossbar System #MPG201 is a more economical choice but it still does a good job. The design and quality of Thule's system is why they have such a large difference in price. Whether you go with the Thule Crossroads system…

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Roof Rack Needed to Carry a Kayak and Paddleboard with a 2015 Subaru Forester

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