Roof Rack for 2006 Honda Pilot with Raised Side Rails to Haul Four Kayaks

Question:

my Honda pilot has factory raised side rails only. I am wanting to get 4 kayaks. Two 10 ft, and two kids 6 ft kayaks. To have them up on their sides I have the width of it all would be 48.5 inches. I am looking at getting Item # RRSX022, Rhino-Rack SX Series Legs for Vortex Aero Crossbars. And Item # RRVA137B-2, Rhino-Rack Vortex Aero Crossbars - Aluminum - Black - 54 inch Long. It says these aren't confirmed to fit my 2006 Honda Pilot, but cant I go as long as I need to? I would think the 54 inch would be a safer bet to fit 4 kayaks on top rather than the 49? Does this sound like a good set up?

asked by: Lauren

Expert Reply:

While we have an option for your 2006 Honda Pilot with raised side rails, the longer 54 inch bars of the Rhino Rack are not confirmed to fit because the way they mount is via channels under the bars, and the Rhino Rack bars have channels that do not go all the way under the bar. If you take a look at the photo you can see the difference between the Rhino-Rack bars and Yakima JetStream bars that are the better option for longer crossbars because their channel runs all the way underneath. So if you want to use Rhino-Rack you would need:

- 49 Inch Rhino-Rack Vortex Aero Crossbars # RRVA126B-2
- Rhino-Rack SX Series Legs for Vortex Aero Crossbars # RRSX100

For longer bars, what you need is the Yakima JetStream bars, and you can use 60 inch bars for optimal space for your kayaks. The rack that fits your 2006 Honda Pilot with raised side rails is:

- 60 Inch Yakima JetStream Crossbars # Y00426 - TimberLine Towers for Yakima Crossbars - Raised, Factory Side Rails # Y33TR

Then, to carry four kayaks, the most budget-friendly option is the Rhino-Rack Nautic Stack Kayak Carrier with Tie-Downs # RRS520.

This comes with enough tie-downs for a pair of kayaks, so to carry four you'll need extra tie-downs, the Rhino-Rack Cam-Buckle Cinch Strap and Anchor Kit # RRRBAS-RTD55P-RTD45P.