Options for Carrying Two Hobie Kayaks with a 2009 Toyota Venza

Updated 08/30/2012 | Published 08/28/2012

Products Featured in This Question

Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(180)

$228.97

T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

(154)

$58.38

etrailer Ball Mount Kit for 2" Hitches - 7,500 lbs

(1375)

$93.56

Yakima LongArm Bed and Roof Load Extender for 2" Hitches - Aluminum - 165 lbs

(162)

$387.90

Yakima Rack and Roll Trailer - 78"

(82)

$2598.95

Question:

I have a 2009 Toyota Venza with factory roof rack. I want to carry one to two hobie kayaks. One is the Hobie Pro Angler 14 with a load of 138 pounds. I am 62 years old and need an easy way to load a very good roof rack system with this kayak. I like your roller system but the Venza does have a rear air spoiler with tail light. The other kayak would be a single hobie or tandem one.

asked by: Charles H

Expert Reply:

I may have a solution that will allow you to load your Hobie Pro Angler 14 kayak on the roof rack of your 2009 Toyota Venza, but before you select a kayak carrier for your vehicle, I strongly recommend checking the weight capacity of your vehicle's roof. The weight capacity of most vehicle roofs is not very high and this information should be located in your owners manual.

It is likely that you will not be able to safely load both kayaks on your roof due to the weight of both kayaks. Overloading a roof rack can cause damage to your roof rack and the roof of your vehicle. If you find that you can carry one or both kayaks on the roof of your vehicle, then I recommend using the Yakima LongArm extender, # Y01149-1150, to prevent the kayak from hitting your rear spoiler.

This does require you to have a trailer hitch installed on your vehicle. If you do not have a trailer hitch, then I recommend installing the Draw-Tite Class III Trailer Hitch, # 75663.

We have installed this hitch on a 2009 Toyota Venza so I attached the installation video for you to check out. I also attached demonstration videos of the T-Load for you.

Another option that I would recommend is using the Yakima Rack and Roll Trailer, # Y08107. This is going to be more of an investment than just a kayak carrier for your roof, but it will be a much easier and safer way to haul both of your kayaks. This is a lightweight trailer that is easily maneuverable and would allow you to carry other items such as bikes or cargo carriers if the situation arose.

I have attached two videos of this trailer for you to check out.

If you chose to use the Rack and Roll trailer, you will also need a wiring harness, # 118482, and ball mount kit, # 989900, to complete the towing set up.

I have attached the installation instructions for the wiring harness for you to check out.