How To Carry Two Sit On Top Kayaks On a 2005 Honda Element

Question

Question:

Hello, I have 2005 Honda Element with factory roof rail and 2 cross bars. I have installed a 2” hitch on back as well. I’m currently looking to transport 2 sit on top kayaks the feel free corona and feel free maken 12.5. The vehicle manual states not to exceed 165lb max on roof rack and factory cross bars state 75lbs which seems low. I have been looking at either upgrading rack system or just adding a hitch goal post to distribute weight and add bar due to narrow distance between cross bars on Element. Would goal post option work for 2 yaks factory set up or do I need to upgrade cross bars to longer width and strength? I really don’t want to mess with saddles or J as always used foam blocks but would consider stackers. Thanks

asked by: Dan R

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Expert Reply:

The best option for you to haul both the Feelfree Corona and the Feelfree Moken 12.5 on your 2005 Honda Element is with an upgraded roof rack that will allow you to retain the full weight capacity of your vehicle's roof, 165 lbs. For this, I recommend the Yakima CoreBar Crossbar System which is composed of part # Y00422, part # Y53TR, and part # Y00229. The Yakima CoreBar Crossbar System is an excellent option for you because it has aero crossbars for decrease wind noise, overhang past the mounting feet so there is more room for your kayaks, and it will retain the full 165 lb weight limit of your roof. The crossbar spread of this system once installed will be 30" which is sufficient for the above kayaks.

In order to secure both kayaks to the above system, you should be able to fit them side by side using the Rightline Gear Kayak Carrier with Tie-Downs part # RL100K10 (2). However, the foam blocks are not designed to be a permanent kayak carrier option as they just don't support the kayaks as well. In order to protect your kayaks and secure them properly you really want to look into the Inno Kayak Carrier System part # Y04041 which I have attached a review video of.

The issue you are going to have with using a t-load like the Yakima LongArm Bed and Roof Load Extender part # Y01149-1150 is that it won't take much weight off the actual roof and it will be hard to secure the stern of each kayak to it. The Yakima LongArm Bed and Roof Load Extender will however be more cost effective than the above so if this is a priority then you can use both the Crossbar Pad for Yakima LongArm Load Extender part # Y07417 and the Yakima Cinch Straps w/ Padded Cam Buckles part # Y05006 to secure you kayaks to it.

expert reply by: Conner L

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