How Best to Carry 2 Kayaks on Roof of 2005 Ford Explorer

Published 01/06/2015

Question:

Found your site while doing research. Great job guys! Selling product while providing information, feedback, and videos. Awesome! Im trying to find the easiest way to transport 2 kayaks about 250 miles to the water. Seen several brands for crossbars and holders for the kayaks. Trying for the best setup possible without breaking the bank. Question: All the vehicles around town, guy at the local auto part store, my assumption was that most crossbars were more universal than Im starting to realize. Is there a specific crossbar for my 2005 Ford Explorer has factory luggage rack that will just about any work? Thanks again.

asked by: Craig

Expert Reply:

For transporting two kayaks on the roof of your 2005 Ford Explorer you can choose between two different strategies. One option will save you a lot of money. As you note, many roof rack crossbar shapes can have compatibility issues with a specific kayak carrier. Adding a roof rack also can represent a significant additional cost.

If you do not need a roof rack for other purposes then absolutely your lowest-cost option is to use a foam block kayak carrier that requires no roof rack at all. Another advantage of foam block carriers is light weight. A quality roof rack and two kayak carriers could easily weigh 40 - 50 pounds without the kayaks! Some vehicles can have limited roof weight-carrying capacity. Depending on the size and type of kayaks you use, you could easily approach or exceed the vehicle's weight limit. Check your vehicle owner's manual for a roof weight rating. If your total kayak weight is close to the Explorer's limit then a foam carrier is the way to go.

The link at right will take you to our main page for all foam block kayak carriers like the Malone # MPG152. While these are all roughly similar, there are various sizes that will allow you to select one that suits your particular kayaks.

If you do prefer to install a roof rack and select rack-mounted kayak carriers you can use the other links provided at right. One will take you to roof racks for your 2005 Explorer with factory installed rails that run front to back. The other link takes you to our main page for kayak carriers; simply select the crossbar type used on the rack you select to see carriers that will fit those crossbars.

expert reply by: Adam R