Which Style Kayak Carrier Is Best For My 21 Foot Tandem Kayak On My 2021 Toyota Rav 4?

Published 04/21/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Malone Rack Pads for Crossbars - Surfboard or Kayak - 25" Long - Qty 2

(53)

$24.53

SeaSucker Monkey Bars Roof Rack - Round Bars - Vacuum Cup Mount - 48" Long

(48)

$499.00

etrailer Kayak Tie-Down Kit

(61)

$37.55

Rhino-Rack Vortex Aero Crossbars - Aluminum - Black - 49" Long - Qty 2

(2753)

$191.33

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

(602)

$215.95

Landing Pad 23 for Yakima SkyLine and Control Towers - Qty 4

(906)

$114.95

Question:

Just bought a 2021 RAV4 and a 21foot tandem kayak. Suggestions?

asked by: John A

Expert Reply:

First, you'll need a roof rack for your 2021 Toyota Rav 4. If you already have factory crossbars then you should just get the Malone Pads # MPG314 and our strap kit # e36ZR. I like the pads for larger kayaks since you won't have to worry about angling it up. This will just allow you to put your kayak upside down on the rack which is easier and it won't fill up with water if you run into rain on the way to or from kayaking.

If you don't have a roof rack and have raised side rails, get the Rhino-Rack Vortex Aero Crossbars - Aluminum - Black - 49" Long - Qty 2 # RRVA126B-2 and The Rhino-Rack SX Series Legs for Vortex Aero Crossbars - Raised Factory Side Rails - Qty 4 # RRSX100.

If you have flush rails get the Yakima JetStream Crossbars # Y00425 with the SkyLine Towers # Y00148 and the Landing Pad 23 # Y98FR.

If you have a naked roof on your 2021 Toyota Rav4 then you'll need to get a SeaSucker Roof Rack # 298-SX6000B. The Malone pads are compatible with all of these roof rack systems. The best thing about these SeaSucker rails is that you can put it on any other Vehicle you have that has a hard top! SO you're not bound to only using your Rav 4 to haul your kayaks. If your friend offers to drive, you can swap these bars out in no time and the pads can stay on the bars since they weigh practically nothing.

Check out my videos using and installing these roof racks to see which one you would like the best!