Recommended Roof Rack And Kayak Carrier For 2011 Honda Odyssey With Naked Roof

Question:

Hello, youve been great about answering a previous question. Before I asked about a 16 Accord, but I am considering using our minivan as a kayak transport instead. The kayak is roughly 104 pounds and 142inch long. Im looking for the most capable combination of roof rack/kayak carrier for our 2011 Honda Odyssey with no rails. A list of several options would be wonderful so we can compare quality and cost. Thank you so much for your time!

asked by: Eugene G

Helpful Expert Reply:

I have attached a link to all of the roof racks we offer that are designed to fit the roof of your 2011 Odyssey. Each of these roof racks require drilling into the roof of the vehicle so tracks can be mounted.

I recommend the Rhino-Rack Vortex Roof Rack for your Odyssey. This roof rack has aerodynamic silver crossbars that help reduce wind drag and noise. The roof rack has a 165-lb weight capacity which can handle your 104-lb kayak. To order this roof rack you need part # RRVA137B-2, part # RLTP-2, part # RTC12JW, and part # RRVA-FK2-2.

The kayak carrier I recommend is the Rhino-Rack Nautic Roof Kayak Carrier, part # RR570. This rack allows you to load the kayak from the side of the vehicle and has pivoting heads which make loading the kayak easier. This carrier will work with either of the roof racks I mentioned. The tie-downs straps to secure the kayak to the rack are included and this system also includes bow and stern ropes to secure the kayak to your vehicle.

It can be tough to find tie-down points on a vehicle for the bow and stern ropes so I recommend using the Malone Hood Loops, part # MPG308. You just attach your tie-downs to these straps and slip the loop under the hood and one under the hatch. This saves you time when securing the kayak and keeps you from crawling under the vehicle to find an attach point.

Since you plan on putting the kayak on your van you may be interested in a tire step like part # HE4040. This slips over any tire and lets you get to those hard-to-reach spots on the roof of your van. This step has a 400-lb capacity and folds flat for easy storage when not in use.