Availability of Roof Rack Crossbars To Carry Kayaks on 2006 Pontiac Vibe With Factory Side Rails

Question:

Hi, I have a Pontaic Vibe 2006 with a factory roof rack without the cross bars. I would like to buy the good cross bars for my car and I would like to know if this model is the right one for me. In fact, I would carry two kayaks about 45 lbs each with this rack. Regards,

asked by: Francois N

Expert Reply:

The Rhino-Rack SXBS Roof Rack for Raised Factory Side Rails, part # SXBS4-SILV, you have referenced, is a correct fit for your 2006 Pontiac Vibe with the factory installed side rails. These roof rack crossbars have an elliptical shape which will make them very aerodynamic and help reduce drag and cut down on wind noise.

To carry two 45-lb kayaks on the roof of your Pontiac Vibe you will want to first check the weight capacity of the roof on your vehicle. If it is lower than the 175-lb weight capacity on the Rhino Rack then you will need to go by the lower weight capacity as your guideline.

I have done some research and cannot verify the weight capacity of the roof on your Vibe, but it seems to be mentioned that it has a very low weight capacity.

If you have enough weight capacity for two kayaks I would recommend the Rhino-Rack J-Style 2 Kayak Carrier, part # S511-S511X. This carrier will carry two kayaks on their sides and has a weight capacity of 110 lbs, but again you will want to use the vehicles roof capacity if it is the lower capacity of the two.

I am including a link to an installation video of the Rhino roof rack being installed on a vehicle and a link to the instructions on the kayak carrier.

expert reply by: Jeff D