Can Yakima ShowBoat 66 Slide-Out Load Assist Roller Install Underneath Crossbars
Updated 07/21/2020 | Published 07/18/2020
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Question:
I own a 2015 Toyota Sequoia SUV that I need to mount a 12 ft tandem kayak. The kayak weighs about 70 pounds and is too heavy for my wife and I to hoist to the top of the roof rack. I was interested in ordering the Yakima Showboat 66 assist roller to enable us to lift the kayak from the rear of the car onto a kayak roof mount. I was looking at installing two Yakima crossbar pads on my existing crossbars on my Sequoia to rest my kayak in the upside down position and secure the kayak to the crossbars using ratchet straps. The Showboat 66 looked like a good solution to my problem, but I was curious to know if I could mount the Showboat to the underside of the rack instead of the top in order to give me more vertical space for the kayak to clear the Showboat mechanicals and rest on the crossbar pads with no interference. My question is: can I mount the Yakima Showboat 66 assist roller to the underside of my Sequoia crossbars? Thank you in advance for your help. Best regards
asked by: Michael D
Expert Reply:
Yes, you can use the underside of the rack in order to install the Yakima ShowBoat 66 Slide-Out Load Assist Roller # Y04068.
This is something that is actually recommended by Yakima for using this carrier when loading canoes because they are wider, and it will work for you. I have added a snippet from the directions which show the clamps being installed this way.
As for holding the kayak, instead of using crossbar pads, I highly recommend a stand-alone kayak carrier. This will give your kayak much better stability on the roof of your Sequoia. A large, heavy kayak definitely needs that added support to ensure it stays on your roof. For this, I recommend the Yakima DeckHand Kayak Carrier with Tie-Downs # Y04083-2.
This carrier has enough capacity (80 lbs) to handle your kayak as well as felt padding to not only make it easier to push the kayak onto the carrier, but also protect it from damage. I have added a link to a video review for you to check out of the carrier.
