Roof Rack Recommendation for Thule Thule Portage on a 2016 Toyota Camry

Updated 05/20/2020 | Published 05/18/2020

Products Featured in This Question

Thule Portage Canoe Carrier w/ Tie-Downs - Gunwale Brackets - Side Loading

(44)

$229.95

Yakima CoreBar Crossbars - Steel - Black - 50" Long - Qty 2

(314)

$209.95

Yakima JetStream Crossbars - Aluminum - Black - 50" Long - Qty 2

(602)

$269.95

BaseClip Fit Kit for Yakima BaseLine Roof Rack Towers - Qty 2

(887)

$71.95

BaseClip Fit Kit for Yakima BaseLine Roof Rack Towers - Qty 2

(887)

$71.95

BaseLine Towers for Yakima Crossbars - Naked Roofs - Qty 4

(88)

$274.95

Question:

I need to get a good roof rack and the kayak is a hybrid model ascend that is deeper than some and thus its like a kayak/canoe. The weight is around 60lbs. So I was looking at the Thule Portage canoe carrier as I will have to lay the kayak hull up. upside down , flat So which roof rack system can I get by with that would allow me to use the Thule Portage Carrier? Or do you recommend something completely different? With the camry Ive been looking at Thule, Rhino-rack, and Yakima. Can u recommend something I can get by with that will be good for my set-up and not cost too much?

asked by: John S

Expert Reply:

I recommend using a Yakima roof rack with the Thule Portage Canoe Carrier w/ Tie-Downs # TH819 on your 2016 Toyota Camry. Yakima products have great quality and give you a very fine-tuned fit due to the adjustments in the legs that are made for the initial installation.

Yakima offer their aero-style crossbars in 2 different options; the steel CoreBar which is a more cost-effective way to get aero-style crossbars, and the JetStream which is made of aluminum and is an upgrade to the CoreBar as it has the T-Slot channel that can be used to mount some accessories. I recommend the JetStream simply because it's nicer but if you're looking more at price-tag then the CoreBar is a great option too. Below is a list of the parts you'll need for either setup.

Yakima CoreBar Roof Rack:
50" Crossbars - # Y00421
BaseLine Towers - # Y28TR
Fit Kit - # Y06119
Fit Kit - # Y06125

Yakima JetStream Roof Rack:
50" Crossbars - Black - # Y00425
BaseLine Towers - # Y28TR
Fit Kit - # Y06119
Fit Kit - # Y06125

Attached is an installation video of the CoreBar setup on a 2016 Camry that you can check out.