Recommended Roof Rack to Use the Yakima ShowDown on a 2013 Toyota RAV4 with Raised Rails

Updated 01/21/2019 | Published 01/19/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Malone SteelTop Roof Rack - Square Crossbars - Raised, Factory Side Rails - Steel - 50" Long

(512)

$152.95

Malone SteelTop Roof Rack - Square Crossbars - Raised, Factory Side Rails - Steel - 58" Long

(512)

$161.95

Yakima JetStream Crossbars - Aluminum - Black - 60" Long - Qty 2

(602)

$269.95

Yakima ShowDown Kayak or SUP Roof Rack and Lift Assist w/ Tie-Downs - Saddle Style - Clamp On

(23)

$648.95

Yakima Same Key System (SKS) Lock Cores (QTY 6)

(464)

$89.95

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

(29)

$238.95

Question:

I just bought a used Kayak and it included a Yakima Showdown. I need to add crossbars to my 2013 Rav 4 to to accommodate the Showdown. Will the MPG201 be the best fit for this?

asked by: Brian H

Expert Reply:

If you are interested in the Malone square bar roof rack then I recommend going with the 58" bars # MPG202 over the 50" bars # MPG201 for your 2013 Toyota RAV4. Reason being that the Yakima ShowDown # Y04081 requires that the crossbars extend at least 3-1/2" beyond the towers and I don't think you will achieve this with the 50" bars.

As far as best goes, the Malone roof racks are good but they are entry level roof racks so they aren't quite as nice as other name brand options. In my opinion your best option is to go with the Yakima JetStream roof rack. This consists of the 60" bars # Y00426 Black , and the TimberLine Towers # Y33TR. This gives you aluminum crossbars that won't rust and they have an aerodynamic shape which will reduce both wind noise and drag when compared to the Malone square bars.

Another perk to using the Yakima bars is that you can also get the Yakima same Key System # Y07206 which allows you to use the same key to lock both your roof rack and the ShowDown. The Yakima roof rack option does cost a bit more but you do get your money out of it.

I have attached some review videos for you to check out. Please note that in both cases I have recommended crossbars that are a bit longer than what is featured in the video so as to accommodate the ShowDown.