How To Carry Two Kayaks On a 2007 Toyota RAV4 With Factory Roof Rack

Updated 03/10/2020 | Published 03/09/2020

Products Featured in This Question

Yakima JayLow Kayak Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs - J-Style - Folding - Clamp On

(158)

$248.95

Yakima Bow/Stern Tie-Down Ropes w/ Ratchets and Strap Loops - 1/4" x 12' - 150 lbs - Qty 2

(38)

$48.95

Question:

We have a 2007 Toyota rav 4 with factory roof rack open side bars with cross bars. Are the cross bars strong enough to hold 1 kayak weighing 60 lbs? How about 2 kayaks weighing 90 lbs total? The manual states that up to 100 lbs is ok, but some of the forums indicate the cross bars in particular may not be strong enough to safely carry kayaks due to combined weight and wind resistance. Do you recommend new cross bars to be safe with 1 kayak? How about 2?

asked by: Kim

Expert Reply:

The factory roof rack on a 2007 Toyota Rav 4 is capable of holding up to 100 lbs so you would be absolutely fine using this to carry two kayaks. If you like, you can upgrade to aftermarket crossbars but that doesn't mean the roof weight capacity increases as the crossbars themselves are just one of the many factors that go into determining roof weight capacity.

In order to carry two kayaks you will need to use a j-style carrier due to the limited space with a factory roof rack but this is still doable. I recommend the Yakima JayLow Kayak Carrier w/ Tie-Downs part # Y04073 which are a top of the line option with folding uprights so you won't have issues with pulling into a garage, padded arms to protect the kayaks surface, and easy to use mounting clamps which cuts down on install time. In order to secure the second kayak you will need the Yakima Bow/Stern Tie-Down Ropes part # Y04031 as well. There won't be an issue with factory Toyota crossbars.

expert reply by: Conner L