Roof Rack Recommendation for a 2013 Honda CR-V Carrying Multiple Kayaks

Products Featured in This Question

Rhino-Rack Vortex Aero Crossbars - Aluminum - Black - 54" Long - Qty 2

(2738)

$239.98

Custom DK Fit Kit for 4 Rhino-Rack 2500 Series Roof Rack Legs - Naked Roof

(3321)

$129.99

Rhino-Rack 2500 Series Legs for Vortex Aero Crossbars - Naked Roofs or Fixed Mounting Points - Qty 4

(8957)

$234.99

Yakima JayLow Kayak Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs - J-Style - Folding - Clamp On

(144)

$238.95

Question:

I am seriously looking at buying the Rhino Vortex 2500 Black 2 Bar Roof Rack for my naked roof 2013 Honda CRV. What I want to do is strap two Ocean Kayak Scupper Pro kayaks, bottom down, side by side, and then an Ocean Kayak 11 ft. Venus bottom down on top of the two in the middle, strapping all to the bars, and tying down in the front and back. This is what I did with them on my Nissan Extended Cab truck I used prior to this, and it worked well. The two kayaks are 55 lbs each, and the Venus is 45, and the capacity of the roof is 165 lbs. I like the Rhino Vortex 2500 Black 2 Bar Roof Rack due to the aerodynamics, low sound when driving, and the extension of the poles to better fit the kayaks. They are 26inch wide each, and 14.9 inch long. Do you have any suggestions? This sounds like the best setup for my needs. I currently have special ropes made up with loops tied in them to strap and tighten the kayaks to the bars and to tie front and back, as well as tie the Venus to the two bottom boats.

asked by: Michael J

Helpful Expert Reply:

Even though your roof rack is rated for 165lbs you will want to check to see that your roof's capacity is equal to the combined weight of the roof rack plus your kayaks.

We typically recommend a kayak carrier like the Yakima # Y04073 for any kayaks over 10 feet.

The Rhino Roof Rack # RRVA137B-2, # RRRLKVA, and # DK284 is a fit for your CR-V. It sounds like the noise of traveling with a roof rack has been an issue for you before, because of Rhino Rack's aero dynamic design and vortex strips they are able to reduce the noise of passing air unlike a standard square bar.

I have linked all the products mentioned above to this page as well as a video of the J-style Kayak carrier for your convenience.