Lift Assist for Heavy Kayak on 2019 Toyota Highlander with Factory Racks
Published 04/26/2021
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
Purchased Malone Saddle Up Pro, but the Yakima Showboat 66 doesn't seem to work with the position of the roof racks that appear to not be able to move to the farthest back position due to the width of the vehicle narrowing as it goes back?? I really need a lift assist for when I'm alone, help?? Toyota Highlander Limited with factory roof racks -want to carry one 95# kayak and need lift assist
asked by: Christine C
Expert Reply:
As a 5' 2" girl that has to load kayaks to test carriers here at etrailer, I understand the struggle. Here are my recommendations based off my experience.
Your crossbars are set to fixed mounting points like the Rhino-Rack bars # RRRVP31 that fit your 2019 Toyota Highlander. Even if you could mount them to the rear points, I would not recommend the Yakima Showboat 66 # Y04073 anyways since it is rated for up to 80 lbs and even at that it has a maximum roller extension of 24" which might not be as far out as you were hoping.
I recommend using the Rhino-Rack Universal Load Assist # RR-RUSL. It will make it easier since your bars are more towards the center. You can tilt the Malone SaddleUp Pro # MPG110MD carriers backwards for side loading. The downside is that you will have to readjust the carriers once the kayak is on there, so it is a little bit of moving around and adjusting.
Here in the etrailer bays, I use the Rightline Gear Moki Door Step # RL100660 whenever I need to load kayaks and strap them down. It might be extra useful for you if you're loading them by yourself. Especially since the Highlander is so tall, I remember having to go up and down a lot to strap things down on the roof. I attached a video below if you want to see how it works.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Yakima JayLow Kayak Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs - J-Style - Folding - Clamp On
- Watersport Carriers
- Fishing Kayak
- Kayak
- Roof Mount Carrier
- J-Style
- Post-Style
- Folding
- Aero Bars
- Factory Bars
- Round Bars
- Square Bars
- Side Loading
- Clamp-On
- No Load Assist
- Yakima
more information >
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Rhino-Rack Universal Load Assist - Crossbar Mount - Side Loading - 132 lbs
- Video: All You Need to Know About the Rhino-Rack Universal Load Assist
- Search Results: j~style watersport carriers
- Search Results: j~style kayak trailer
- Shop: Rhino-Rack T-Load Hitch Mounted Load Assist and Support Bar for 2" Hitches - 49" Long
- Video: All About the Inno Kayak Lifter Load Assist
- Search Results: locking hitch pin
- Search Results: roof rack
- Search Results: roof bars
- Q&A: Will the Rhino-Rack Universal Load Assist Work With Factory Crossbars On a Toyota RAV4
- Q&A: Will the Rhino-Rack Universal Load Assist Fit Factory Crossbars on a 2015 Toyota Highlander XLE
- Q&A: What Kayak Load Assist Can I Use With My Lockrack For My 2016 Subaru WRX
- Shop: Inno Kayak Lifter Load Assist - Clamp On - Side Loading - 90 lbs
- Shop: Height Extension for Yakima LongArm Load Extender - Aluminum - 165 lbs
- Shop: Roof Rack
- Q&A: Best Trailer Hitch for 2018 Toyota Highlander With Full Size Spare Tire Under Vehicle
- Q&A: Toyota Highlander LE Plus 2019 FWD Trailer Hitch
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: Tire Chains
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Shop: Rightline Gear Moki Door Step - 400 lbs
- Video: 2020 Mazda CX-5 etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver: Complete Installation
- Video: Setting up the Konig Commercial Truck Tire Chains on your 2019 Toyota Highlander
- Video: Beginner’s Guide to Installing the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver on a 2018 Toyota Highlander
- Shop: Rhino-Rack RVP Roof Rack for Fixed Mounting Points - Vortex Aero Crossbars - Aluminum - Qty 2
- Shop: Yakima SkyLine FX Roof Rack for Fixed Mount Points - JetStream Crossbars - Aluminum - Black - Qty 2
- Video: How to Choose a Trailer Brake Controller
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
on Watersport Carriers
