Recommended Roof Rack and Kayak Carrier for 2018 Toyota Camry with Sunroof
Published 09/22/2021
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Question:
I am looking for a roof rack system, with an easy load system! Is a rear load or side load system best for me I am 5’3”? I have nothing on the roof now.
asked by: Sandra D
Helpful Expert Reply:
It sounds like you're wanting to carry a kayak on the roof of your 2018 Toyota Camry and have a naked roof; I recommend starting with the Thule Roof Rack for Toyota Camry that uses parts # TH711520, # TH710501 and # TH145082. This gives you a very nice looking and durable roof rack that will allow you to add a kayak carrier and since it uses the 60" bars instead of the 53" bars # TH711420 that would normally be used on the 2018 Camry, it allows you to use a kayak carrier with a load assist and not damage the side of the vehicle. It's unlikely that you will be able to open the sun roof with your roof rack attached, but this is not uncommon when adding a roof rack; when it's not in use and the weather is nice you'll want to consider removing the roof rack altogether.
When it comes to a kayak carrier with lift assist, the best available kayak carrier for this is the Thule Hullavator Pro # TH89, which is a side loading carrier that will do most of the work for you once the kayaks are in the clamps. The Hullavator Pro has gas struts to make lifting the kayak onto the roof a breeze and it comes with tie down straps included so that you've got everything you need to secure the boat to the vehicle. To add security for your roof rack and Hullavator I do recommend adding Thule lock cores # TH450600, which is a 6 pack of locks that all use the same key, so you won't need to worry about carrying a bunch of different keys to unlock everything.
If you're looking for a kayak carrier that's a little more pocketbook friendly the Malone SeaWing Kayak Carrier and Load Assist w/ Tie-Downs - Rear Loading - Clamp On # MPG113MD has rear-loading assistance that will help get your kayak up on the roof as well. The SeaWing is compatible with the Thule aero bars but I recommend going with the # TH711420 bars instead of the # TH711520 since the extra length isn't required to use this system. This might be a little more difficult a solution to load up the kayak, but it's a significant savings and the Camry is a bit shorter vehicle so it should be manageable.
I've linked some review videos of these parts for you to check out as well.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Yakima SweetRoll Kayak Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs - Saddle Style - Clamp On
- Watersport Carriers
- Fishing Kayak
- Kayak
- Paddle Board
- Roof Mount Carrier
- Saddle-Style
- Fixed
- Aero Bars
- Factory Bars
- Round Bars
- Square Bars
- Rear Loading
- Clamp-On
- Load Assist
- Yakima
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