Solution For Carrying Two Kayaks On Top Of A 2014 Subaru Outback

Question

Question:

I would really like to get 2 kayaks side by side on my 2014 Subaru Outback. The J style roof racks increase height and appear subject more to windshear. We have not purchase kayaks yet....but are looking at standard 10foot by 30inch wide...weighing roughly 39 lbs.

asked by: Darryl

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Expert Reply:

The J-style kayak carriers will certainly add a little more wind drag as opposed to the kayaks resting flat against the roof rack. For a flat-style carrier you could look into the Malone SeaWing Kayak Carrier # MPG107MD or the Rhino-Rack Nautic Roof-Mounted Kayak Carrier # RR581. You will need 2 of whatever carrier you decide on, as these carriers are setup for one kayak.

I really like the Malone SeaWing because it has a load-assist on the back end which will help out tremendously. I also think the overall design makes it much easier to use along with it being a more sturdy mount compared to the Rhino-Rack Nautic. Make sure you have a roof rack for these carriers to attach to. If you do not, then the Malone AirFlow2 Roof Rack - Aero Crossbars # MPG216 will work well. I attached a few demonstration videos for you to check out.

expert reply by: Andrew N

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Answer 1

While there is a way to use a lift assist to carry kayaks on your 2018 Honda CR-V with a factory roof rack, I checked with Yakima and their Yakima ShowDown Kayak or SUP Carrier and Lift Assist #Y04081 will not work. Instead, I strongly recommend the…

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Answer 2

Since the Yakima Showdown part #Y04081 hangs over the crossbars quite a bit when installed and they are 42 inches long the best bar length for two of them would be 60 inch like you mentioned. So for that you'd want the #Y00426 if you had the…

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Answer 3

For your 2021 Toyota Highlander with flush mounted rails I recommend the Roof Rack by Yakima which includes: Yakima HD Crossbars - Aluminum - Black - 55" Long - Qty 2 #Y01156 SkyLine Towers for Yakima Crossbars - Fixed Mounting Points, Flush…

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Answer 4

The Yakima Showdown #Y04081 can fit on bars up to 1.69" tall and 3.54" wide, and Thule doesn't publicize the dimensions of the bars on the Xsporter Pro 500 XT so you'd need to get some rough measurements to see if the Showdown will…

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Answer 5

This will be an extremely tight fit, but you should be able to put two Yakima ShowDowns, part #Y04081 on a pair of Thule 78 inch crossbars equipped to your 2014 Dodge Grand Caravan. If you actually have a set of 80 inch bars, you won't have any…

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Answer 6

Your 2021 Subaru Outback Wagon needs Yakima Landing Pad 27 for Yakima SkyLine And Control Towers - Qty 4, part #Y46VR. This Landing Pad provides the mounting points for your Yakima Skyline or Control towers. If you are using the SkyLine Towers for…

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Answer 7

The Yakima ShowDown kayak carrier part #Y04081 can fit your 2014 Subaru Outback Wagon but would require an aftermarket roof rack as it won't fit the factory bars. So for that Yakima recommends the Jetstream bar roof rack #Y00425 and #Y33TR which…

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Answer 8

I reached out to Yakima and they told me that the Yakima ShowDown Kayak or SUP Carrier and Lift Assist with Tie-Downs #Y04081 will be just 9 inches above the roof rack on your 2020 Subaru Outback Touring. If you take a look at the accompanying photo…

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Answer 9

The Yakima ShowDown Kayak or SUP Carrier and Lift Assist part #Y04081 requires about 42" of crossbar space. Therefore, you'd wouldn't be able to realistically fit two side by side. I'd suggest using the etrailer J-Style Kayak Carrier…

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Answer 10

For your 2012 Subaru Outback with factory racks I really like the Yakima JayLow part #Y04073 which would work well. It's cushioned to protect your kayaks and can fold down when not in use. I attached a review video for the carrier for you to…

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Answer 11

I contacted my rep at Yakima and he told me that sometimes the red locking handle will become loose on the locking cam. They suggested to take all the tension off the carrier and before reattaching and setting the lock, you should turn the red handle…

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Answer 12

The Yakima JayLow Kayak Carrier w/ Tie-Downs - J-Style - Folding - Side Loading Item #Y04073 is an excellent option to carrier up to 2 kayaks on your 2015 Toyota RAV4. If you bought the factory roof rack then the JayLow fits for sure. Otherwise the…

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