Kayak Carrier Recommendation for a 2004 Ford Explorer with Factory Crossbars

Question:

My 2004 Ford Explorer XLS has factory side rails and factory cross bars. Is the J rack compatible and easy enough to install with the factory crossbars? I’m considering the J bars via etrailer but it would be great to avoid the cost of purchasing the thule crossroad kit on top of it. What kayak products are compatible with only the 2004 Ford Explorer XLS has factory cross bars?

asked by: PJ

Expert Reply:

I checked with Thule and the Hull-A-Port Kayak Carrier part # TH834 will fit directly to the factory crossbars of your 2004 Ford Explorer. This would be a good choice for a kayak carrier, check out the review video I attached for this carrier as well.

expert reply by: Jameson C