How To Carry Two Kayaks On a VW Factory Roof Rack with Channels

Updated 04/08/2020 | Published 04/07/2020

Question:

Hello all you great folks at etrailer! Ive been buying hitches and racks from you all for years now. I have a 2012 Golf Base model 2-door with the VW factory by Thule roof racks, model 1K0-071-126. This rack has the T-Slot system by Thule. Id like to carry two kayaks on top, about 50lbs each. Will this T-Slot rack work? Online shows it is not compatible, but it really looks like it should be. As always, Id like to buy it from your company. Thanks!

asked by: Mike W

Expert Reply:

In order to carry two kayaks on a roof they need to be carried on their side as there isn't enough room for them to be laid flat. In order to carry two kayaks on their side you'll need a j-style carrier. Furthermore, if you have a factory roof rack that then limits the list of compatible j-style carriers because of the size of the crossbar and limited space under the crossbar and above the roof.

I recommend the Thule Hull-A-Port Aero Kayak Carrier part # TH849000 because it mounts inside the channels that you said you have so the above two issues won't be a problem. The channels inside the roof rack crossbars are all pretty much the same size so there should not be any issues.

expert reply by: Conner L