Fitting a 2012 Honda Pilot With 78 Inch Roof Cross Bars to Carry a Canoe and Stand Up Paddleboard

Updated 08/14/2017 | Published 08/12/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Yakima RoundBar Crossbars - Steel - Black - 78" Long - Qty 2

(15748)

$157.22

Malone SteelTop Roof Rack - Square Crossbars - Raised, Factory Side Rails - Steel - 65" Long

(512)

$176.00

Swagman Exo Aero Rooftop Kayak Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs - Saddle Style - Clamp On

(44)

$119.13

Yakima RoundBar Crossbars - Steel - Black - 66" Long - Qty 2

(15748)

$152.88

RoundBar SL Adapter for Yakima BaseLine, SkyLine, TimberLine, and RidgeLine Towers - Qty 4

(750)

$29.95

Yakima SUPDawg Stand-Up Paddleboard Carrier w/ Tie-Downs - 2 Boards

(32)

$378.95

TimberLine Towers for Yakima Crossbars - Raised, Factory Side Rails - Qty 4

(29)

$238.95

Question:

Hi - my goal is to carry a canoe and SUP side by side, so I want to replace my current crossbars with the widest yakima round crossbars for my 2012 Honda Pilot that the law allows in Oregon. I have a hex drill bit so I can remove the racks in 5 minutes before / after each use... I spent 20+ minutes on the google machine and yakimas fit guid but couldnt figure it out. Is this my max - or would you do something different: Round 78inch CrossBars for Yakima Roof Rack System QTY 2 Item # Y00411. Thanks!!!

asked by: Timothy T

Expert Reply:

78" bars on a 2012 Honda Pilot is possible. You will need a specific kit to do so and check your local laws and ordinances for any requirements for flagging your load.

If the 78 inch bar, part # Y00411 isn't legal in your area, you can use the 66 inch bars, part # Y00410. To complete the roof rack you also need the TimberLine Towers # Y33TR along with the SL Adapter Kit # Y03536.

Your best combination is going to be using two saddle-style mounts that carry the canoe hull side down, as its curved bottoms will allow for the most space to be freed up. Most SUP carriers are very low-to-the-rack and both canoe and SUP carriers tend to be adjustable on the bars, letting them be positioned to maximize space.

For the canoe, I recommend the Swagman Exo Aero Rooftop System, part # S65145. This carrier can mount to any point on the bars and support up to 100lbs, letting it adjust to your canoe. It also includes all straps and tie-downs to secure your watercraft.

For the SUP, you need more space overall than the canoe, as well as a little more security because of its flat, wing like construction. I recommend the SUPDawg, part # Y04075.

I recommend verifying the way that your weight is applied to the crossbars, and try to space the watercraft to make the weight distribution as even as possible.

I've included videos of both racks in action, so you can get an idea of how they install.