Recommended Roof Rack and Kayak Carrier System for 3 Kayaks on Mini Van With Raised Side Rails
Question:
I need a roof rack system to carry three kayaks. I looked on your site and found the Thule Stacker - Rooftop Multi-Kayak Carrier. The pictures on your site though show a roof rack that has cross bars on it. We have a mini-van that has a standard roof rack. The kayaks are only 10 feet long. Can you help with this?
asked by: Jeff
Expert Reply:
For your mini van with standard roof rack, I assume you are referencing that you have the raised side rails and no crossbars since you were wondering what you need. You will need to have crossbars for your kayaks, so I recommend the Malone AirFlow2 Roof Rack # MPG217 which has bars 65 inches long, the 58 inch long # MPG216, or the 50 inch long # MPG215 depending on your roof width. Without knowing your mini van year/make/model, you will need to determine the best fit and remember the crossbar length is not the same as the raised rail width because the integrated clamping feet need to connect. You can have crossbars wider than your roof, but they can't legally extend past your side mirrors.
All of these roof racks are compatible with the Thule Stacker # TH830 you mentioned for 3 kayaks and they are rated for up to 165 lbs capacity. You will simply need to add additional straps and tie-downs for multiple kayaks. I recommend the etrailer.com Cam Buckle Cinch Straps w/ Buckle Protectors - 1" x 13' - 293 lbs - Qty 4 # E98876-4 for your two additional kayaks and then the Thule Quick Draw Tie-Down Ropes w/ Ratchets and Strap Loops - Qty 2 # TH855XT for each of the two additional kayaks. Finally, I recommend the etrailer Tie Down Kit # e36ZR. This has soft tubes that close inside of your hood or trunk to secure your straps without vehicle damage.
Products Referenced in This Question
etrailer Cam Buckle Cinch Straps w/ Buckle Protectors - 1" x 13' - 293 lbs - Qty 4
- ATV-UTV Tie Downs
- Trailer
- Truck Bed
- Padded Buckles
- 4 Straps
- Manual
- 11 - 20 Feet Long
- Cam Buckle Strap
- Cinch Strap
- 0 - 1 Inch Wide
- 176 - 350 lbs
- etrailer
more information >
Malone AirFlow2 Roof Rack - Aero Crossbars - Raised Side Rails - Aluminum - 50" Long - Silver
- Roof Rack
- Complete Roof Systems
- Aero Bars
- 50 Inch Bar Space
- 2 Bars
- Overhang
- Silver
- Malone
more information >
Malone AirFlow2 Roof Rack - Aero Crossbars - Raised Side Rails - Aluminum - 58" Long - Silver
- Roof Rack
- Complete Roof Systems
- Aero Bars
- 58 Inch Bar Space
- 2 Bars
- Overhang
- Silver
- Malone
more information >
Malone AirFlow2 Roof Rack - Aero Crossbars - Raised Side Rails - Aluminum - 65" Long - Silver
- Roof Rack
- Complete Roof Systems
- Aero Bars
- 65 Inch Bar Space
- 2 Bars
- Overhang
- Silver
- Malone
more information >
Thule Quick Draw Tie-Down Ropes w/ Ratchets and Strap Loops - 13' - Qty 2
- Accessories and Parts
- Watersport Carriers
- Bow and Stern Straps
- Thule
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Thule Stacker Kayak Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs - Post Style - Folding - Clamp On
- Watersport Carriers
- Kayak
- Roof Mount Carrier
- Post-Style
- Folding
- Aero Bars
- Elliptical Bars
- Factory Bars
- Round Bars
- Square Bars
- Side Loading
- Clamp On
- No Load Assist
- Thule
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Q&A: Thule Roof Rack that Fits 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee with Flush Rails
- Q&A: Alternative for Landing Pad Covers for Roof Rack in Car Wash
- Q&A: How Do I Clean And Maintain My TruxEdo Sentry CT Hard Tonneau Cover
- Q&A: Can I Use a SUV Tent w/ the Yakima Swing Away System
- Q&A: Can Cargo Box of Yakima EXO Swing Away Bike Rack be Removed and What Hitch Does it Fit
- Article: How to Strap a Kayak to a Roof Rack in 4 Steps (With Pictures)
- Q&A: Can I Use Two Thule Hullavators # TH898 For My Two Kayaks On My 2020 Subaru Outback Wagon?
- Q&A: Can The Thule The Stacker TH803 Be Used To Carry A Surfboard On The Roof?
- Article: Roof Rack Information
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Article: How to Install a Roof Rack
- Article: Rooftop Cargo Carriers
- Article: Performance Chips and Modules
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)