Can I Carry 2 Kayaks Without a Carrier on Malone AirFlow2 Crossbars

Published 09/03/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Malone AirFlow2 Roof Rack - Aero Crossbars - Raised Side Rails - Aluminum - 58" Long - Silver

(1746)

$251.95

Malone Stax Pro2 Kayak Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs - Post Style - Folding - Clamp On

(17)

$154.57

Question:

Folks, Interested to know if I can tie down directly onto the 58inch wide Malone rails to accommodate two 34inch Old town Sportsmen Kayaks side by side. Would rather not place them into side carriers as Its easier to slide them up onto the rails. Thank you

asked by: Guy W

Expert Reply:

I can't say that it's not possible, because with enough tie down straps, I've seen plenty of people do worse. However, it's not something I would advise you to do because you're not going to be able to properly stabilize the boats on their sides without a carrier.

The very least thing I would recommend using with the Malone AirFlow 2 # MPG216 is a setup like the Malone Stax Pro2 Kayak Carrier w/ Tie-Downs - Post Style - Folding - 2 Kayaks # MPG115MD. The Stax Pro2 gives you a post style carrier to stabilizer the boats on their sides and the foam blocks will help protect the boats from getting dinged up during travel. I also really like that this carrier comes with tie-down straps, so you'll have everything you need to carry your boats on the Malone # MPG216 bars.

When it comes to laying boats directly on the crossbars, it's generally only an option when you're carrying a single boat flat; since you're needing to carry 2 boats, some sort of carrier would be the best and safest solution and the Stax Pro2 still allows you to load the boats from the rear.

expert reply by: Erik B