Kayak Carrier Recommendation for Toyota RAV4 with Factory Roof Rack

Updated 07/30/2020 | Published 07/23/2014

Products Featured in This Question

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

(151)

$238.95

Rhino-Rack Nautic Roof Kayak Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs - Saddle Style - Clamp On

(80)

$141.49

Question:

Recommended Kayak Carrier for a RAV4 with factory rack?

asked by: JohnB

Expert Reply:

When it comes to a kayak carrier, I personally like the Rhino-Rack Nautic Roof Kayak Carrier w/ Tie-Downs, # RR571. This carrier allows one person to easily load a kayak from the rear of the vehicle.

If at some point you plan on carrying more than just one kayak on your roof, I would recommend going with Yakima's JayLow Kayak Carrier, # Y04073. This carrier has grooved cradles with integrated, side-loading ramps that hold the kayak to sit on it's side to free up space on your roof for additional gear.

You may also want to take a look at the other kayak carriers that we have available. I have included a link to those that are compatible with the factory crossbars on your Toyota RAV4.

expert reply by: Leah S

Lisa M.

7/26/2020

Can I mount 2 hullavators on a 2019 Toyota RAV4

Chris R.

7/30/2020

The issue with mounting two Thule Hullavators # TH898 on your RAV4 (and any vehicle, really) is that they take up so much crossbar space. Each assembly requires about 38" of space - so you'd need to have crossbars that measure at least 76" long, which just isn't feasible. If you need two carriers and would like some load assistance for each, I recommend taking a look at the Malone DownLoader # MPG114MD-351XL with an extra carrier set # MPG114MD. The load-assist mechanism doesn't stay permanently fixed to the roof, so when you're not actually using it you will only have two standard J-style cradles secured to the crossbars.