Roof Rack Compatible With Carrying Two 17 Foot Canoes On A 2017 Toyota Highlander XLE

Updated 06/19/2017 | Published 06/16/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Rhino-Rack Vortex Aero Crossbars - Aluminum - Black - 54" Long - Qty 2

(2754)

$239.98

RCH Legs for Rhino-Rack Crossbars and Pioneer Platforms - Fixed Mounting Points - Qty 4

(131)

$214.23

Custom RCP Fit Kit for 4 Rhino-Rack RC and RV Series Roof Rack Legs - Fixed Mounting Points

(299)

$139.99

RLCP Leg Adapters for Rhino-Rack Vortex Aero Crossbars - Fixed Mounting Points - Qty 4

(17)

$39.98

Thule Portage Canoe Carrier w/ Tie-Downs - Gunwale Brackets - Side Loading

(44)

$229.95

Thule Xadapt12 Watersports Adapter for AeroBlade, AeroBlade Edge or WingBar Evo Crossbars

(20)

$39.95

Question:

I would like to carry 2 17-foot canoes and was looking at a Yakima rack with round bars, either the 60 inch or the 78 inch. Or perhaps a Thule of similar width.toyota highlander xle 2017 But the problem with the Highlander seems to be that the two attachment points in the flush rails are spaced very close together. This only gives a 28 inch or 27.5 inch spread between the bars, which seems to be too short to carry 17-foot canoes safely. Yakima says the Highlander can only carry a 14 foot canoe... Do you have any recommendations/suggestions? I havent bought the Highlander yet, and wont do so unless I can carry my canoes. Thanks!

asked by: Tom S

Expert Reply:

For your 2017 Toyota Highlander, I recommend the Roof Rack by Rhino Rack. This vehicle's suggested roof rack includes the Rhino-Rack Vortex Aero Crossbars - Aluminum - Black - 54" Long - Qty 2 # RRVA137B-2, the RCH Legs for Rhino-Rack Crossbars and Pioneer Platforms - Fixed Mounting Points # RRRCH4, and the Custom RCP Fit Kit # RRRCP31-BK. I also recommend the metal lock cores # RRVA-LEC4. This rack has a rated capacity of 175 lbs and is not restricted by canoe length with the 28 inch spread between the bars.

To help you fit 2 canoes, you will need to use longer crossbars . . . way longer. With this system I recommend the 65 inch # RRVA165B-2 if your canoes are narrow or the 78 inch # RRRB2000B-2 if they are normal width. This will be wider than your vehicle so you will only want to use them when you are carrying both canoes. Some states have restrictions on roof racks that extend beyond the side mirrors of your vehicle, so you will want to check your local regulations.

For your carriers, I recommend the Thule Portage Canoe Carrier w/ Tie-Downs - Gunwale Brackets - Side Loading # TH819 along with the Thule Xadapt12 Watersports Adapter for AeroBlade and AeroBlade Edge Bars # THXADAPT12.