Will the Yakima Q Tower Roof Rack Support an Extension Ladder on a 2013 Scion xB

Question:

Would I be able to carry a 28foot extension ladder closed approximately 14 on this rack and vehicle?

asked by: Todd

Expert Reply:

You can carry an extension ladder on your 2013 Scion xB with the Yakima Q Tower Roof Rack, but there are a few factors you will want to take into consideration. Once this roof rack is installed, you will have a crossbar spread of 45 inches. The crossbar spread is the distance from the center of the front crossbar to the center of the rear crossbar.

The most important factor to consider is the weight of the ladder. The Yakima Q-Tower crossbars have a weight capacity of 165 lbs, however, the weight capacity of your roof could be lower. I recommend contacting your local Scion dealer or checking your owners manual to verify the weight capacity of your vehicle's roof. If the ladder exceeds the roof weight capacity, then you should not carry the ladder.

Also, if you center the ladder on the crossbars, it will extend approximately 5 feet forward and rearward from the crossbars. I strongly recommend tying the ends of the ladder down along with securing it to the crossbars. I recommend using the Thule Hood Loops, # TH529, or the Malone Quicklash Hood Loops, # MPG308, as tie-down points for the ends of the ladder. If you need a set of tie-down straps, you can use part # E98876-4.

expert reply by: John H