What is the Difference Between Crossbar Length and Spread

Updated 03/20/2021 | Published 03/18/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Malone MicroSport Trailer - 78" Crossbars - 800 lbs

(117)

$2195.10

etrailer Kayak Carrier w/ Tie-Downs - J-Style - Folding - Clamp On

(223)

$129.99

Question:

I am looking at possibly investing in a malone low sport trailer. I see the cross bars are 78 . It give a different, adjustable measurement for crossbar spread. Can you explain what the spread is vs ceossbar length?

asked by: Grover W

Expert Reply:

I can see why this might be confusing. The crossbar length is the length of the actual crossbars and thus the usable space that you have to mount carriers on the bars. The crossbar spread is the distance the crossbars are apart on the trailer; this is important since some accessories require a maximum or minimum crossbar spread for the distance the mounts are apart or for weight distribution purposes.

The Malone MicroSport Trailer - 78" Crossbars - 800 lbs # MPG460G does have 78" long crossbars like you've mentioned and they can be adjusted to have a spread between 44" apart and 63" apart. You can use the etrailer J-Style Kayak Carrier # e98878 carriers on the square bars on the trailer and you should be able to fit up to 4 kayaks on the 78" long bars so it's a great solution if you're taking the whole family out on the water.

I've linked some review videos of these parts if you're interested.

expert reply by: Erik B