Can you Carry a Kayak on the SportRack Frontier Roof Rack on a 2011 Acura TSX Wagon

Question:

Can I just put my kayak on this roof rack and use regular type tie down straps, or will I need some sort of special straps or adaptors? My 2011 TSX Wagon has factory installed roof rails which run along the full length of the roof.

asked by: Don C

Expert Reply:

Typically we recommend using a kayak carrier when hauling a kayak on a roof rack, but you can certainly load your kayak directly on the SportRack Semi-Custom Roof Rack, # SR1099, on your 2011 Acura TSX wagon. If you will not be using a kayak carrier, then you will want to be sure the kayak is strapped to each crossbar and be sure you are using bow and stern tie downs to keep the kayak from sliding forward and backward.

I would recommend using a kayak carrier like the Rightline Gear Kayak Carrier, # RL100K10. This is an economical carrier that includes 2 foam blocks to protect the finish of your kayak from the metal crossbars, 2 extra long ropes for the bow and stern tie downs and 2 polypropylene straps to secure the kayak to the crossbars.

Before you load your kayak or any other cargo on the roof of your vehicle, it is important to check your owners manual for the weight capacity of your roof. The crossbars of this roof rack have a 130 lb weight capacity, but you should still verify that your roof can support the weight of your cargo.

expert reply by: John H