Recommended Roof Rack and Kayak Carrier for Lexus GX460 2019

Question:

Hi, I have factory installed roof rack cross bars and am looking for a setup to transport 2 kayaks. The kayaks Perception Hook Angler are 106inch in length, 29.5inch wide, 51 lbs each. The maximum roof carry weight is 176 lbs. Im looking at buying two Yakima Sweetrolls and was wondering if it was worth getting a new roof rack system so I can get the Yakima Showdown LiftAssist? Would that even be an option? I would love to get the Thule 898 Hullavator Pro but it doesnt look like that is possible due to the weight. I have no prior knowledge in this area and any assistance/recommendations you can provide would be helpful. Thank you in advance for your help.

asked by: Lori L

Helpful Expert Reply:

I do have a solution for you, but the type of lift assist like the Yakima # Y04081 ShowDown or the # TH898 Thule Hullavator are too wide to be able to fit two of them on a roof rack crossbar. Unfortunatley, there really isn't a good load assist option that would allow you to easily load up kayaks of that size but there is an option that would allow you to use your current crossbars.

Initially I thought that the # Y04074 Yakima SweetRoll saddle-type system you'd mentioned would be a good choice of carrier, but given the combined almost 60 inch width of the kayaks and the lack of an available roof rack system with crossbars that would be long enough, you wouldn't be able to carry those side by side on your roof. The best alternative would be a carrier that holds the kayaks on their sides, like # S512-S512X. The carrier has a 110 lb capacity, which would work well with your kayaks. Straps for securing the kayaks to the carriers and the bow and stern of the kayaks to the vehicle are included.

It will be awkward getting the kayaks up on the high roof of that vehicle, but there are some options that would make it easier. The Rightlinee Door Step, part # RL100660 installs in the door striker, providing a boost that would make it easier to access the roof. Tire steps like # ALL647596 are also available.

There are also trailers that are purpose built for carrying kayaks, a lightweight option such as # MAL43FR that could also be a good alternative. It would certainly make loading the kayaks easier. If your GX460 didn't already have a hitch and a trailer wiring harness for towing a trailer, # C13043 would be a good hitch option and for wiring, # 119250KIT is what I'd recommend.