How to Carry Up to 4 Kayaks on a 2020 Ram 1500
Updated 04/25/2020 | Published 04/24/2020
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Question:
I am interested in a cross bar system for my new Ram that is aerodynamic and compatable with the Rhino Rack J style folding kayak carrier S512. I contacted Rhino Rack and they responded that they do NOT currently have a cross Rack system for the 2020 ram 1500. What system do you recommend? If possible, I would like to carry up to 4 kayaks on top my truck. None would weigh more than 55 pounds. My truck has a bare roof. It does have a channel or ditch which has a heavy black rubber/plastic fill in it to make the entire top more or less level.
asked by: Sally L
Expert Reply:
Thank you for all of that info!
So currently, as of April 2020, the only manufacturer to have a roof rack fit for your 2020 Ram 1500 New Body Style is Yakima which means that you're looking for the JetStream system. This consists of the 70" Bars, # Y00427, the Baseline Towers # Y28TR, and Fit Kit # Y06135.
The Yakima JetStream crossbars are some of the best on the market and they are compatible with your Rhino-Rack Folding J-Style Kayak Carrier # S512. With that being said, all of the Yakima roof racks (and most other roof racks) have a weight capacity of 165 lbs so if you're wanting to carry 4 kayaks that weight about 55 lbs each then we need to find you a different solution.
To transport that heavy of a load you'll need a ladder rack. Since you plan on using this mainly for recreational purposes I recommend the Yakima OverHaul HD which is a no-drill installation (one of the easiest that I've found) and comes with either 68" HD Bars # Y01151-58 or 78" HD Bars # Y01151-59.
This ladder rack has a weight rating of 500 lbs and has integrated height adjustment so you can have it sitting below the height of your cab or right at the height of your cab (or above it) for a really clean look. The HD bars are a little too big for the clamps that come with the S512 but if you use the Crossbar Adapters # KC-FK8 you'll be able to install your carrier(s) in the T-Slots of the crossbars.
I've attached videos of both the JetStream roof rack and the OverHaul HD systems on older models of Ram pickups for you to check out.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Yakima JetStream Crossbars - Aluminum - Black - 70" Long - Qty 2
- Accessories and Parts
- Roof Rack
- Crossbars
- 70 Inch Bar Space
- Aero Bars
- 2 Bars
- Yakima
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