Kayak Roof Carrier Recommendation With Easy Load Assist For One Person

Question:

Looking for kayak racks that I can load myself. I just got a 2016 Rav4, it has roof racks and crossbars. My kayak is an Inuvik, probly 11-12 feet.

asked by: Janelle B

Expert Reply:

If you are looking for a saddle style kayak carrier with load assist like the Rhino-Rack Roof Kayak carrier that you referenced part # RR571, I recommend Yakima Kayak Carrier with Tie-Downs part # Y04083-04082. It is a rear loading roller system that clamps to your cross bars and allows you to easily load the kayak onto the roof into the saddles from the rear of the vehicle. It also comes with with 2 Bow/stern tie-downs that anchor the kayak to your vehicle. I recommend adding the lock cylinders part # Y07204 to lock the saddles and rollers to your cross bars to protect your investment.

If you want an even easier load assist option, I recommend Malone DownLoader Kayak Carrier and TelosXL part # MPG114MD-351XL that comes with 2 J-style carriers and 2 load assist bars that allow you to walk the kayak up the side of the vehicle and up into the J-style carriers. A lot of our customers find it easier to load the kayak from the side of the vehicle compared to the rear of the vehicle which is usually a farther reach and awkward to get the kayak up to the rollers. The Malone allows for a single person loading process. I have attached a video of both style kayak carriers for your reference.

expert reply by: Heather A