Am I Able to Use the Full 165 Pound Capacity of the Malone AirFlow2 on My 2015 Toyota RAV4?

Published 03/10/2022

Products Featured in This Question

Malone AirFlow2 Roof Rack - Aero Crossbars - Raised Side Rails - Aluminum - 50" Long - Silver

(1773)

$242.95

B&W Tow & Stow 2-Ball Mount - 2" Hitch - 3" Drop, 3-1/2" Rise - 7.5K - Black

(4856)

$239.00

etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"

(1538)

$182.25

Malone EcoLight Sport Trailer with V-Style Carriers for 2 Kayaks - 400 lbs

(73)

$1597.50

Question:

I purchased the #MPG215 for my 2015 Toyota Rav4 for the 165lb weight capacity for transporting 2 kayaks. Since the 2015 Toyota Rav4 roof weight limit says around 103lbs I think, is that only for cargo/luggage placed directly on the roof? So if you install the MPG215 aerobars you can have up to 165lbs on them correct?

asked by: Matt

Expert Reply:

If you purchased the Malone AirFlow 2 # MPG215 for your 2015 Toyota RAV4, the 165 pound weight limit is the maximum weight limit of the rack as long as your roof weight limit of your vehicle allows for such weight. Since your roof can only accommodate up to 103 pounds of maximum weight capacity, this applies to any weight of any kind that is on the roof. Unfortunately, with that being said, the 103-pound weight limit of your roof limits the weight of the AirFlow2 to 103 pounds.

With that being said, I did some research on your 2015 Toyota RAV4 and discovered that the vehicle has a gross tow capacity of 1,500 pounds. With that limit, the best route for transporting kayaks is by using a small kayak trailer like the Malone EcoLight Sport Trailer with V-Style Carriers for 2 Kayaks # MAL43FR. The EcoLight is compatible with kayaks or canoes up to 14' long.

If you decide to go with the trailer, you need a hitch receiver and a wiring harness. For the hitch, I recommend the etrailer Hitch - 2" # e98864. This hitch provides you with the full capacity of 1,500 pounds of your vehicle and involves an easy installation that takes only about 50 minutes. For the wiring harness for the brake lights, if you do not have one already, the part you need is the T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness - 4-Way # 118578.

If you go with the etrailer hitch, the hitch measures 10-1/2 inches from the ground. In order to have a level coupler connection with the coupler's 14-inch height, you need the B&W Tow & Stow 2-Ball Mount - 2" Hitch - 3" Drop, 3-1/2" Rise # BWTS10035B for a perfect, level connection. The Tow & Stow also comes with a 2-inch ball that is required for the EcoLight trailer.