Recommendation for Two 90 lb Kayaks on 2018 Toyota Highlander

Question

Question:

I was looking at the lock rack water sport carrier and the Thule wing bar evo roof rack system. It’s for a 2018 Toyota Highlander and I want to transport kayaks. Are these two systems compatible together and what is the weight rating for the Thule wingbar evo? Separate question: is there any way to transport 2 - 90 Pound kayaks on the highlander roof. I’m afraid that it will exceed the roof capacity of the vehicle which is probably 165lb. Is my proposed situation more suitable for trailering the kayaks which I’m trying to avoid? Any recommendations? Thanks

asked by: Frank V

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

For your 2018 Toyota Highlander, the two 90 lb kayaks will exceed the weight your roof can safely carry. If you were to only carry one you would be fine and the combination you referenced would work well but two does require a trailer as you stated.

My recommendation is to use the Malone MicroSport Trailer for 2 Extra Heavy Boats - 13' Long - 800 lbs # MPG461B2 or the Malone MicroSport Trailer for 2 Heavy Kayaks - 13' Long - 800 lbs # MPG461GS. This gives you the strength you need as well as the supports for your kayaks.

I've linked videos of these to assist.

expert reply by: Jason S

1

Answer 1

Both the Yakima Rack and Roll Trailer #Y08107 and Malone MicroSportXT Trailer #MPG460XT will work for you to carry your two Hobie kayaks, but I recommend the MicroSport XT because it is the better value of the two trailers. The biggest difference…

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Answer 2

I spoke with my contact at Yakima and found that the tires on the Rack and Roll trailer, #Y08106, are DOT rated. Trailer tires are tested to 65 miles per hour to meet DOT standards, so we cannot recommend towing the Rack and Roll trailer faster than…

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Answer 3

If you are referring to the tail lights on the Yakima Rack and Roll Trailer like part #Y08107 then you must replace the entire assembly using the Replacement 4" LED Tail Light for Yakima Rack and Roll Trailer part #8880212. The tail lights are…

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Answer 4

Yakima states that the Rack and Roll trailers like the part #Y08107 can be towed at posted speed limits as long as it's properly loaded and road conditions are good. So basically you can go the speed limit anywhere and be fine. I attached a…

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Answer 5

I don't see any reason the Yakima Rack and Roll Trailer part #Y08106 could not be used for a rooftop tent. The crossbars are adjustable, they are a standard size, and it has an adequate weight capacity. I think most people would like to be off…

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Answer 6

The Yakima Rack and Roll Trailer #Y08107 referenced in your question can be easily folded for storage in numerous positions, however the wheels themselves cannot fold flat. The wheels though can be easily removed along with folding the trailer to…

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Answer 7

One of the many nice things about the Rack and Roll Trailer is that Yakima did a really good job of designing it so that it doesn't require a lot of maintenance. - Yakima recommends checking the wiring connections, beginning with the trailer…

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Answer 8

With the 78 inch Yakima Rack and Roll Trailer #Y08107 the Heavy Duty Shocks #Y08110 will give you a 350 lb capacity. I confirmed this with Yakima.

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Answer 9

Your Old Town Sportsman 136 kayak is 158 lbs, so for two of them I recommend the Malone LowBed MicroSport Trailer #MAL25FR. This comes with the kayak bunks for 2 kayaks and has the crossbars with integrated d-rings. This has a per boat restriction of…

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Answer 10

You are absolutely right that for your 16-1/2 foot canoe the best option is a trailer because this is going to make it much, much simpler for you to haul your canoe; you'll be able to spend a lot more time in the water and a lot less time loading…

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Answer 11

The retractable tongue kit part #MPG494 that you referenced works perfectly fine with the Malone Microsport Lowbed part #MAL25FR that you also referenced.

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Answer 12

The Malone LowBed MicroSport Trailer #MAL25FR and Malone MicroSport Trailer #MPG461B2 are very similar as they are both built on the same platform. This allows them to both carry the same weight and size kayaks. The #MPG461B2 has a 30" height to…

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