What Load Assist Can be Used with Thule J-Style Kayak Carrier

Updated 09/10/2020 | Published 08/13/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Telos XL Load Assist for Malone Kayak Carriers - Side Loading

(24)

$404.95

Malone DownLoader Kayak Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs - J-Style - Folding - Clamp On

(142)

$179.95

Rhino-Rack Universal Load Assist - Crossbar Mount - Side Loading - 132 lbs

(123)

$199.99

Question:

I have Thule J-racks for two kayaks that fit on top of my 2017 Outback. This outback is a lot taller than my last car and its difficult getting our kayaks on top for two short people. Will this lift-assist work with other manufactures j-racks?

asked by: Darian

Expert Reply:

For use with your Thule J-style kayak carriers we have the Rhino Rack load assist part # RR-RUSL that will work great and make loading the kayaks easier, but the Malone Telos XL Load Assist part # MPG351XL that you referenced only can be used on the Malone carrier # MPG114MD.

The Rhino Rack # RR-RUSL allows you to lean the kayak on it and then lift bottom up and in doing so brings the kayak to the same height of the crossbars which will make sliding the boat onto the carrier easy.

I attached a review video for this for you to check out as well.

expert reply by: Jameson C

click to enlarge

Robert H.

9/7/2020

I don't see how the Rhino helps turn the boat sideways for the J-Rack. I have 2 sets. I'm thinking I might need to get a Malone rack to use their Telos load assist, which seems to work better.

Jon G.

9/10/2020

The arm of the Rhino-Rack Load Assist # RR-RUSL is really there just to extend the load bar out so that you aren't hoisting the entire weight of the kayak above your head at one time. The Telos XL would be easier to load onto a J-Style carrier since it essentially lifts the kayak in the same position that you'll use when you load it into that cradle.