Will the Rubber Pads on the Rhino-Rack Side Load Kayak Carrier Help If Rear Loading Kayak

Updated 01/25/2016 | Published 01/24/2016

Products Featured in This Question

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

(125)

$169.99

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

(82)

$139.99

Question:

I have a Eddyline 12foot 55lb kayak. I was looking at the RR570 and the 571rear loading model. It seems the 570 offers more support than the felt pads. I was wondering if this type of kayak can slid very easily on the rubber pads if I wanted to load the kayak from the back instead of the side.

asked by: Mike

Expert Reply:

The rubber pads on the Rhino-Rack Nautic Roof Kayak Carrier, Side Loading # RR570 are designed to help grip and secure your kayak, not to help slide the kayak onto the roof. You may be able to load the kayak from the back with the # RR570 carrier, but the rubber pads will not help you easily load the kayak.

The felt pads on the Nautic Roof Kayak Carrier, Rear Loading # RR571 will help you easily load the kayak from the rear of your vehicle. The front brackets of the # RR571 carrier are the same as the saddles in the # RR570 carrier. The rubber on these saddles help grip the kayak once it reaches the saddles so that you do not push the kayak too far forward when loading and so the kayak doesn't move while in transport.

Choosing between these systems really comes down to deciding if you want to load your kayak from the side or from the rear of your vehicle.I personally prefer the # RR571 carrier that allows me to load my kayak from the rear of the vehicle. It is much easier for me to push the kayak onto the roof into the carrier than it is for me to set the kayak in the carrier from the side.

Both the # RR570 and # RR571 carriers are designed to match the weight capacity of your vehicle's roof. They will fit to round, square, aero, elliptical, and most factory crossbars.

I have attached product review videos for both of these carriers that will show you how each carrier functions.