How To Carry Two Canoes On a 2012 Honda Pilot with Raised Side Rails

Updated 06/04/2020 | Published 06/02/2020

Products Featured in This Question

Evo Raised Rail Feet for Thule Crossbars - Factory Raised Rails - Qty 4

(224)

$264.95

Malone BigFoot Pro Canoe Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs - Gunwale Brackets - Clamp On

(28)

$103.95

Thule ProBar Evo Crossbars - Aluminum - 79" Long - Qty 2

(45)

$199.95

Question:

I have a 2012 Honda Pilot with installed roof rails located on the rear third of the vehicle. I would like racks to transport my 17 boats mostly centered over the car. Could I buy one roof rack for installation over the drivers door, and one rack to fit the installed rails over the rear of the vehicle? Also, as my canoe is 34 wide, and I want to carry 2 boats, could I fit these with two 72 square cross bars? I have been happy with the Thule product, but if another quality brand could accommodate my needs, that would be fine also. Thanks for any help you can give me.

asked by: Kenneth A

Expert Reply:

In order to carry boats on the roof of a 2012 Honda Pilot you'll need to first start with a roof rack. If you have the raised side rails which shoulds like what you described then the best option to get the longer crossbars is with the Evo Raised Rail Feet for Thule Crossbars part # TH710401. These will then allow you to use the Thule ProBar Evo Crossbars like part # TH713700 which are 79" long but can be cut to fit. In regards to mixing a roof rack for bare roof and raised side rails, I cannot recommend this.

Then for the carrier, the Malone BigFoot Pro Canoe Carrier part # MPG112MD would work well. I'm sure this idea has already crossed your mind but a trailer will be a much better option for carrying two long canoes but it is possible on the roof with the above.

expert reply by: Conner L