How To Install A Kayak Carrier Onto The Thule Xsporter Pro Ladder Rack

Question:

Hi, Im planning on carrying my kayaks on our new Xsporter pro bed rack. Unfortunately, the bases on our old J-racks are too small for the bigger crossbars on the Xsporter. Are there adapters for the Xsporter?

asked by: Enrique C

Expert Reply:

If your J-style kayak carrier clamps are too small to fit around the Thule Xsporter Pro Ladder Rack then you will likely need a new kayak carrier, unless there is an option to use T-bolts to install the kayak carrier into the Xsporter crossbar tracks. If you can tell me which kayak carrier you have then I can verify if T-bolts can be used. For example, the Malone DownLoader Kayak Carrier # MPG114MD has the option to add Truck Rack T-slot # MPG8287 to secure it to the top channel. But if you have the Sportrack or Curt J-style kayak carriers then you will not have that T-slot option.

If you don't have the Malone DownLoader Kayak Carrier # MPG114MD then I recommend getting two of them so that you can install them onto the top channel of the Thule Xsporter Pro with two of the T-slot kits # MPG8287. I attached a demonstration video for you.

expert reply by: Andrew N