2 Kayak Carrier Options For A 2019 Toyota Highlander Factory Rack

Updated 09/27/2019 | Published 09/26/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Malone DownLoader Kayak Roof Rack w/ Lift Assist and Tie-Downs - J-Style - Clamp On

(147)

$611.90

Malone Channel Loader Kayak Load Assist

(43)

$69.95

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

(147)

$179.95

Malone MicroSport Trailer - 78" Crossbars - 800 lbs

(115)

$2195.10

Yakima DeckHand Kayak Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs - Saddle Style - Clamp On

(27)

$337.90

Question:

Hi, I just bought a 2019 Highlander with a factory rack. I find it to hard to hoist the kayaks onto the j racks with this new vehicle. I would like to carry 2 kayaks both Pungo 125, 29 inches wide flat on the roof, side by side, with a Yakima showboat roller. Are there any saddles I could use to do this without removing/replacing the factory crossbars? I wouldnt have gotten the factory bars if Id known how much space is wasted on the width of them by the way they are mounted. If this cant be done, can the Showboat be used to load j racks? It doesnt look like that would be possible, but Im hoping! Or, as a last resort, what after market crossbars would you recommend for my vehicle if I have to replace the factory ones?

asked by: Heather

Helpful Expert Reply:

One key consideration here is if you have enough crossbar width on top of your 2019 Toyota Highlander factory crossbars to lay 2 kayaks side by side. Thule recommends 53 inches of crossbar width for example, which is well beyond what most factory rails provide. Yakima recommends new aftermarket crossbars for a scenario like this usually. It's possible to use 2 sets of Yakima DeckHand Kayak Carriers with Tie-Downs # Y04083-2 on the same vehicle and use the Malone Channel Loader Kayak Load Assist # MAL48FR.

My recommendation would be to use a different loader solution to get 2 kayaks on top of your 2019 Toyota Highlander. While not mounting the kayaks flat on top, a great integrated kayak loader and carrier solution that makes rooftop loading easier is the Malone DownLoader Kayak Carrier # MPG114MD-351XL. You would need an additional carrier # MPG114MD in order to carry both your Pungo 125s on top of the Highlander. These carriers are compatible with factory bars and it's innovative design can save you time to help you make the most of your time on the water.

Another option to more easily load and carry two kayaks is the Malone MicroSport Trailer # MPG460G pulled behind your Highlander. If you don't already have a hitch setup that would be an additional item to pickup but this solution would allow you to bypass the roof kayak carrier challenges altogether. You would need to have storage space when not in use but an attractive option for a less labor intensive kayak carrier experience.

I have included some video resources for your review.