Roof Rack/Kayak Carrier For A 2017 Ford Explorer And A 2014 Subaru Forester

Question:

2017 Ford Explorer Limited 4dr with Factory side raised rails that run front to back and 2014 Subaru Forester 2.0XT Touring also with Factory side raised rails that run front to back. Will MPG217 65inch Malone Airflow2 Roof Rack Aero Crossbars fit on both these cars? The width not including the side mirrors on the Forester is 70.7inch and on the Explorer is 90.2. Will I be able to fit two 30inch wide kayaks 44 lbs each, 88 lbs total side by side on MPG217 65inch Malone Airflow2 Roof Rack Aero Crossbars. I plan to load my two kayaks side by side on two sets of Y04074 Yakima Sweet Roll Kayak Roof Racks. Will the Yakima Sweet Roll Racks fit on the MPG217 65inch Malone Airflow2 Roof Rack Aero Crossbars?

asked by: Donna G

Expert Reply:

Good morning, Donna. So, according to Malone, the # MPG217 roof rack does not fit the factory raised side rails on a 2017 Ford Explorer. I would have to offer you a different roof rack for this vehicle like the Rhino Rack # RR98VE.

You can use a Malone rack on the factory raised side rails on the 2014 Subaru Forester, but the 65" bars are too long. The longest bar recommended for this vehicle is a 58", the # MPG216.

You can definitely carry two kayaks using this setup. The Yakima Sweet Roll # Y04074 should work just fine, but it will depend on the width of your kayaks. Usually for two kayaks I would recommend using a different carrier like the Malone FoldAway-5 Kayak, Canoe, and SUP Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs # MAL38FR. This can hold two kayaks weighing up to 75 lbs apiece or 150 lbs total, so more than strong enough for your 44 lb kayaks.

This Malone kayak carrier clamps on to the crossbars and is a universal fit, so it will work with really any brand of roof rack including the Rhino Rack and Malone racks I recommended. The same will be true for the Yakima Sweet Roll.