Recommended Roof Rack and Kayak Carrier for 2017 Honda HR-V

Updated 05/02/2017 | Published 05/01/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Rhino-Rack Vortex Aero Crossbars - Aluminum - Black - 46" Long - Qty 2

(2754)

$239.98

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

(3341)

$129.99

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

(8964)

$234.99

Swagman Contour Kayak Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs - J-Style - Fixed - Clamp On

(51)

$118.27

Question:

Hi! I have a 2017 Honda HR-V and am in the market for a great roof-rack for mostly kayaking. The trouble is that this car model is so new that there arent many tips and the roof is naked. I have been considering the Yakima Baseline towers and Jetstream bars. I fear the clips will damage my car or that this isnt the best rack to put on. Its a big purchase for me and this is my first car owned and the face that the clips can damage paint scares me. I also dont know if this is the best rack given the lack of info about my car. Suggestions on cost-friendly kayak racks are welcomed too! Any help is GREATLY appreciated. Ive been researching and stressing for weeks.

asked by: Kristen D

Expert Reply:

I do have a couple of solutions for you, however we do not currently have a Yakima roof rack that is confirmed to fit the naked roof on your 2017 Honda HR-V.

I recommend looking at the Rhino Rack Vortex Roof Rack System, which consists of parts # RRVA118B-2, # RRRLKVA and # DK454. This roof rack is confirmed to fit your vehicle and it features two 46 inch aerodynamic crossbars that have a weight capacity of 165 pounds. I also recommend checking your vehicle's roof capacity as listed in the owner's manual, as this will likely be the limiting factor. The molded-rubber pads on this Fit Kit are custom designed to fit the contours of your roof and will protect it from scratches or abrasions. The sleek crossbar design will help to reduce wind noise and drag.

I have attached a demonstration video of this roof rack on a similar vehicle for you to check out.

For a kayak carrier to use on the roof rack, I recommend looking at the Swagman Contour Rooftop Kayak Carrier System with Tie-Downs # S65148. This is a nice but cost-efficient kayak carrier that is compatible with aero-style crossbars and can support 1 kayak of up to 100 pounds. It features a simple clamp-on installation with built-in hand knobs to let you tighten the brackets around the roof crossbars. This system also includes 2 tie-down straps with cam buckles and 2 bow/stern anchor ropes to secure your kayak to the roof rack and vehicle.

I have attached a video demonstration of this kayak carrier as well as a link that will take you to our available selection for you to look through.