Can I Attach 2 Seaghost 130 Kayaks on a Gobi Roof Rack on My 4Runner?

Question:

Hello I currently have 2 Seaghost 130 kayaks which weigh in at around 90 pounds each. This seems to be over the capacity that the factory roof rails the 4Runner will support 165. I am also interested in attaching 2 Thule Hullavator racks for both of these. Gobi now sells round cross bars that hang over the rack as part GT4RELEVCB Would the mounting hardware allow me to mount the Hullavator on a round cross bar to basically achieve carrying 2 Seaghost kayaks on my 4Runner Gobi stealth rack?

asked by: Nathaniel M

Helpful Expert Reply:

I have an answer for you. I went ahead and looked up the Gobi GT4RELEVCB that you mentioned, and while I cannot confirm for sure, it looks like you will have the required 4 inches of crossbar space after the feet of the rack in order to mount 2 Thule Hullavators # TH898. However, it is important to note that this is only judging by the product pictures alone. The fitment of the rack on your 4Runner may be different than the product photos.

Also, another thing to consider is the thickness in diameter of the bars themselves. We know that the Hullavator works great with the Yakima Roundbars like the # Y00408. Just to give you an idea, these bars are 1-1/8 diameter thick. If the diameter of the bars are substantially thicker than that, it is unlikely that the Hullavators will be able to clamp around them.

With all this being said, another issue is the weight capacity. In your answer, I am assuming you mean factory crossbars instead of factory roof rails. Since your factory roof rails can only support 165 pounds, the Hullavators alone (without the Seaghost kayaks) will bring your roof weight to 78.4 pounds. With the kayaks, it is a total of 258.4 pounds. This greatly exceeds the 165 pound capacity of your rails.

The best option would be a kayak trailer like the Malone EcoLight Sport Trailer with V-Style Carriers for 2 Kayaks # MAL43FR. With this option, you will need a hitch receiver/ball mount and a 4-way wiring harness. If you need those components, feel respond to this answer with your model year of your 4Runner and I will be happy to recommend those parts.

However, we may have an option that works for you. Feel free to respond to this answer with the year of your 4Runner as well as what rails you have installed (if you did indeed mean roof rails), and I will be happy to recommend you some options.