What Kayak Carrier and Roof Rack do You Recommend for My 2015 Honda Odyssey with Bare Roof?  

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Expert Reply:

If you have a naked roof on your 2015 Honda Odyssey, all of our available traditional roof racks for your vehicle require drilling into your roof for installation. For that route, I recommend the following:

- Rhino-Rack Vortex Aero Crossbars - Aluminum - Black - 49" # RRVA126B-2
- Roof Rack Leg Spacer Blocks for Rhino-Rack Vortex Aero Crossbars - 10 mm Thick # RRQMVA10
- Rhino-Rack RT-Style Roof Rack Tracks - Rivet Mount - 66" # RRRTV168
- Rhino-Rack Quick Mount Legs for Vortex Aero Crossbars - RTC and RT Roof Rack Tracks # RRRLT600
- All-Metal Locks # RRVA-LEC4

With this system, you receive 165 pounds of total weight capacity and you receive the benefit of the aerodynamic design of the crossbars for decreased wind resistance. I went ahead and attached a video that shows this system being installed on 2014 model Odyssey. The installation on your 2015 model will be nearly identical.

If you wish to avoid drilling into your roof, a great option is the SeaSucker Monkey Bars # 298-SX6000B. The Monkey Bars include the easiest installation/removal process of any roof rack we carry here on etrailer. Also, the rack has an impressive 150 pound weight capacity. It is also great for transporting kayaks. I attached a video that shows the Monkey Bars being used with a kayak carrier. For extra security, I recommend using the SeaSucker Window Cable Anchor # 298-BA0010 along with the etrailer Cable Lock # e98891.

For the kayak carriers for your 2 12-foot kayaks, I recommend the Yakima JayLow Kayak Carrier w/ Tie-Downs - J-Style or Post Style # Y04073. The JayLow will clamp around both the Rhino-Rack Vortex crossbars and the Monkey bars. It also 110 pounds of max weight capacity with 2 kayaks loaded. For adding a second kayak, you need the Yakima Bow/Stern Tie-Down Ropes w/ Ratchets and Strap Loops # Y04031. For added theft-deterrence, I recommend the Yakima Same Key Lock Cores # Y07202.

As with all roof-mounted applications, I recommend confirming with your Honda owner's manual to make sure your roof can handle the weight you wish to transport.

expert reply by: Bob C

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