Roof Rack For 2016 Toyota RAV4 w/ Raised Rails For Kayak Carrier & Lift Assist

Question:

I have a 2016 Toyota RAV4 (it has raised rails front to back) I would like to know the easiest way to load two kayaks onto my roof I am a female 100 pounds 5 foot tall so some assistance is needed also need to know what kind of crossbars I would need and if I need to purchase two Or if any of the systems would allow for two kayaks to be loaded

asked by: D

Expert Reply:

We can get your 2016 Toyota RAV4 with raised side rails set up with a roof rack and a kayak carrier for two kayaks with some lift assistance, and let's go ahead and start with the roof rack. For that you will need a pair of crossbars as well as the feet that attach to your side rails to mount the bars. The best option for this is a rack from Rhino-Rack because it is the best value for a roof rack; Rhino-Rack's quality is equal to similar brands, but at a better price point because you aren't paying extra for a specific brand name printed on the crossbars. The correct fit for your '16 RAV4 is the following:

- Rhino-Rack Vortex Aero Crossbars # RRVA126B-2

- Rhino-Rack SX Series Legs # RRSX100

With the rack we can move onto the kayak carrier, and there is an option for a load assist for a pair of kayaks, and what you would need for two kayaks is a J-style carrier and lift assist:

- Malone DownLoader Kayak Carrier and TelosXL Load Assist # MPG114MD-351XL

- Malone DownLoader Kayak Carrier # MPG114MD

The DownLoader is the carrier and the TelosXL attaches directly to it on the side and allows you to ratchet up your kayaks. For a pair of kayaks you'd need the extra DownLoader so you'd have one on both sides of your RAV4.