Recommended Roof Rack and Kayak Carrier for 2015 Ford Explorer with Raised Side Rails
Question:
I have a 2015 Ford explorer with side bars only. Looking to transport a 16 foot kayak. What would your recommend?
asked by: Lisa D
Expert Reply:
In order to transport a kayak on your 2015 Ford Explorer you'll want to start with some roof rack crossbars, which provide a mounting point for a kayak carrier; for that I recommend using the Thule Roof Rack for 2015 Ford Explorer that uses parts # TH711520 and # TH710401. This system will attach to your raised side rails and provide you with a reliable roof rack that's capable of carrying your 16-foot kayak, but also cargo boxes, platforms and bike racks.
Because this is a larger kayak, I recommend getting a kayak carrier with load assist like the Malone DownLoader Kayak Carrier and TelosXL Load Assist w/ Tie-Downs - J-Style - Side Loading # MPG114MD-351XL. The DownLoader works with kayaks that weigh up to 75-lbs. If you've got a kayak that's heavier than that, you'll need to use regular J-Style carriers like the # MPG114MD and a load assist like the Rhino-Rack Universal Load Assist - Crossbar Mount - Side Loading - 132 lbs # RR-RUSL.
I've linked some review videos of these parts for you to check out.
Products Referenced in This Question
Malone DownLoader Kayak Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs - J-Style - Folding - Clamp On
- Watersport Carriers
- Kayak
- Roof Mount Carrier
- J-Style
- Folding
- Aero Bars
- Elliptical Bars
- Factory Bars
- Round Bars
- Square Bars
- Side Loading
- Clamp On
- No Load Assist
- Malone
more information >
Malone DownLoader Kayak Roof Rack w/ Lift Assist and Tie-Downs - J-Style - Clamp On
- Watersport Carriers
- Kayak
- Roof Mount Carrier
- J-Style
- Folding
- Aero Bars
- Elliptical Bars
- Factory Bars
- Round Bars
- Square Bars
- Side Loading
- Clamp On
- Load Assist
- Malone
more information >
Rhino-Rack Universal Load Assist - Crossbar Mount - Side Loading - 132 lbs
- Accessories and Parts
- Watersport Carriers
- Load Assists
- Rhino Rack
more information >
Evo Raised Rail Feet for Thule Crossbars - Factory Raised Rails - Qty 4
- Roof Rack
- Feet
- 4 Pack
- Thule
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Thule WingBar Evo Crossbars - Aluminum - Black - 60" Long - Qty 2
- Roof Rack
- Crossbars
- Aero Bars
- 60 Inch Bar Space
- 2 Bars
- Overhang
- Black
- Thule
more information >
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