How to Carry a Kayak on a Roof Basket
Question:
Hi.... I have a 2017 Toyota Highlander. I would like a roof basket that is large in size and has the option of being able to carry a kayak or a sup or whatever else whim hits me, without having to take the roof rack off! I already have a thule trailer hitch bike rack, so bikes are taken care of. What are your suggestions? I was looking at the vagabond because it does give the option for the bike on top and honestly, I really like the aggressive look of it, but .... I just need your HELP! Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated!
asked by: Amy W
Expert Reply:
The Yakima OffGrid Roof Cargo Basket # Y07138-08 is a good middle-ground option at 62" long. It also comes with crossbars to attach a kayak or ski carrier. It doesn't come with fork mounts but you can attach a roof bike rack to the crossbars. I think this one looks really good but if you prefer a more aggressive look I would go with the Kuat basket.
The Yakima has a slightly higher weight capacity of 165 lbs compared to the 160 lbs for Kuat. The difference between the crossbars is Kuat uses a square crossbar and Yakima uses a round crossbar. Both styles will accommodate many different carriers with the exception of t-slot style carriers.
If you are looking for a kayak carrier the etrailer J-Style Kayak Carrier # e98878 is a good option for a folding carrier to save height clearance. It comes with a good set of straps too. If you sometimes haul a SUP picking up a set of crossbar pads like the Rhino-Rack SUP and Surfboard Pads # RRRWP05 will fit both baskets crossbars. If you're switching back and forth between your boats often I would go with a saddle style carrier that accommodates both kayaks and SUP. The Thule DockGrip # TH895 can carry a kayak or SUP so you don't need to swap carriers depending on what you want to carry. Since this will be on top of your basket I like the saddle style because your kayak wont stick up as high.
If you need a roof rack I have attached a link to all of the fits for your 2017 Toyota Highlander.
Products Referenced in This Question
etrailer Kayak Carrier w/ Tie-Downs - J-Style - Folding - Clamp On
- Watersport Carriers
- Fishing Kayak
- Kayak
- Roof Mount Carrier
- J-Style
- Folding
- Aero Bars
- Elliptical Bars
- Factory Bars
- Round Bars
- Square Bars
- Side Loading
- Clamp On
- No Load Assist
- etrailer
more information >
Rhino-Rack SUP and Surfboard Pads w/ Tie-Downs for Crossbars - Universal - 33-1/2" Long - Qty 2
- Watersport Carriers
- Canoe
- Kayak
- Paddle Board
- Surfboard
- Roof Mount Carrier
- Crossbar Pads
- Aero Bars
- Elliptical Bars
- Factory Bars
- Round Bars
- Square Bars
- Rear Loading
- Side Loading
- Hook-and-Loop Mount
- No Load Assist
- Rhino Rack
more information >
Yakima OffGrid Roof Cargo Basket - Steel - 62" Long x 40" Wide - 165 lbs
- Roof Basket
- Cargo Basket
- Aero Bars
- Factory Bars
- Round Bars
- Long Length
- Steel
- Large Capacity
- Black
- Yakima
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Thule DockGrip Kayak and Paddle Board Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs - Saddle Style - Clamp On
- Watersport Carriers
- Kayak
- Paddle Board
- Roof Mount Carrier
- Saddle-Style
- Aero Bars
- Elliptical Bars
- Factory Bars
- Round Bars
- Square Bars
- Side Loading
- Clamp On
- No Load Assist
- Thule
more information >
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on Watersport Carriers
Amy
7/22/2020
Ahhh... thank you so much for all of your helpful information! Thanks also for making it easy to click on the options and quickly compare everything! I have just placed an order going off of your recommendations and I can't wait to get all this gear hooked up and get on the road! I will leave a review once I have had a few months using everything! Thanks