What Do you Recommend for 3 Kayaks, Exterior Storage, and 12 Fishing Rods?

Question:

Hello, I am looking for the best options for our exterior storage on a 2020 Toyota Highlander XLE AWD. We have cross bars that came on the vehicle. We are a family of 5 and need all the space inside the car we have. We have a large cooler that doesn’t fit unless the seats are folded down. We also have an adult sized Kayakpelican brand that you sit in we have 2 small child kayaks that you sit on top off. We have 10-15 rods/reels with travel with and then bags and luggage accordingly. I am looking for the best combo of things to make all of this happen. So far I was thinking something like a trailer hitch, with a basket that a cooler could fit on. Or maybe a hitch basket that can fit a smaller cooler and collapsable/waterproof luggage bag. Then something to hold all three kayaks on the roof. We also need Something similar to a Rhino Rack for the rods and reels transport. We usually take 10-15 with us at one time. Then I need a collapsable and waterproof luggage bag, either for the roof or the hitch basket.

asked by: Nicole G

Expert Reply:

I have a solution for you. For 2 of your kayaks, your fishing rods (maximum of 12), and a covered 18 cu. foot cargo box, I recommend the Malone Ultimate Angler MegaSport Trailer with Saddle Style Carriers - Fishing Rod Tubes - 1,000 lbs # MPG550-AU. The reason why you should go with a trailer as opposed to a hitch cargo carrier and a roof rack is because those options will not allow you to transport all the accessories you want to transport. The great thing about having the Angler MegaSport Trailer is that it comes for a place to store wet cargo (which would serve as a cooler). It also comes with a basket where you can store additional accessories. Unfortunately, we do not carry storage containers that are 100% water-tight. If you want a cover for the basket for waterproofing purposes, I recommend the Erickson All-Purpose Blue Tarp # EM57000 and the Erickson Bungey Ball Bungee Cord Tie-Downs # EM06650. For securing the kayaks to the trailer, I recommend the Erickson Re-Tractable Ratchet Straps w/ Push-Button Releases # EM04418.

For the third kayak, I recommend a roof rack setup with the the Yakima JayLow Kayak Carrier w/ Tie-Downs # Y04073. For a recommended roof rack system, I suggest the following parts:

- Yakima CoreBar Crossbars - Steel - Black - 60" Long - Qty 2 # Y00422
- BaseLine Towers for Yakima Crossbars - Naked Roofs - Qty 4 # Y28TR
- BaseClip Fit Kit for Yakima BaseLine Roof Rack Towers - Qty 2 # Y06153
- BaseClip Fit Kit for Yakima BaseLine Roof Rack Towers - Qty 2 # Y06132
- (Optional for extra security) SKS Lock Cores # Y07204

For the trailer hitch receiver on your 2020 Toyota Highlander, I recommend the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # C45CR. The Curt Hitch will give you the tow capacity and tongue weight you need to transport the MegaSport trailer with mounted accessories. Along with the hitch, you will need the Curt Towing Starter Kit for 2" Hitches - 2" Ball - 3/4" Rise, 2" Drop - 7.5K # C45534 and a Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector # C76CR.

With this setup, you will be able to transport a cooler, some extra luggage, 3 kayaks, and 12 fishing rods on your 2020 Toyota Highlander.