Best Way to Carry Kayak and SUP on 2018 Toyota Highlander With Factory Roof Rack

Question:

Thanks. The racks are 36 across. Is that enough space to accommodate both?

asked by: Dianne S

Helpful Expert Reply:

Since you have very limited room on the flush roof rack of your 2018 Toyota Highlander, there is only one way to carry both a kayak and a SUP at the same time,and that is with a J-style kayak carrier for the kayak and a saddle-style carrier for the SUP, assuming your SUP isn't particularly wide.

- Yakima JayLow Kayak Carrier with Tie-Downs - J-Style # Y04073

- Yakima SweetRoll Kayak Carrier w/ Tie-Downs - Saddle Style # Y04074

The SweetRoll says kayak carrier but it's a saddle style which means it can also be used for SUPs because they will lay flat. The JayLow takes up about 7 inches of space so you need to measure your crossbars to ensure you can fit carriers on the roof of your '18 Highlander.

I've added links to video reviews for you to check out as well.

expert reply by: Kyle S

Dianne S.

5/17/2020

Thanks. The racks are 36 across. Is that enough space to accommodate both?

Kyle S.

5/17/2020

It depends on how wide your SUP is; 36 inches is really narrow for a roof rack. So with the 7 inch width of the JayLow # Y04073, assuming it is exactly on the edge of your Highlander's rack, and taking into account some overlap of the SweetRoll # Y04074, to be safe your SUP would have to be about 26 or maybe 27 inches at most to be able to carry both.