Solution for Carrying 2 Kayaks on 2018 Mazda CX-5 With Factory Roof Rack

Published 06/14/2022

Products Featured in This Question

Malone SeaWing Kayak Roof Rack w/ Load Assist and Tie-Downs - Saddle Style - Clamp On

(115)

$242.95

Custom Fit Kit for Inno XS300, XS350, XS400, XS450, INTR, and INXR Roof Rack Feet

(5)

$125.99

Inno Kayak Lifter Load Assist - Clamp On - Side Loading - 90 lbs

(18)

$148.42

Inno Aero Crossbars - Aluminum - Black - 45" Long and 48" Long - Qty 2

(332)

$269.98

Inno Through Feet for Aero Crossbars - Fixed Mounting Points - Qty 4

(211)

$219.94

Malone DownLoader Kayak Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs - J-Style - Folding - Clamp On

(142)

$179.95

Malone DownLoader Kayak Roof Rack w/ Lift Assist and Tie-Downs - J-Style - Clamp On

(142)

$584.90

Thule Compass Kayak Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs - J-Style - Folding - Clamp On

(60)

$349.95

Question:

Thanks for your response to my question. It's a huge help figuring this out. Two follow-up questions: If I plan to use the Thule Compass Kayak and SUP Carrier w/ Tie-Downs to haul two kayaks, should the carrier be centered on the longitudinal midline of the roof? Considering the height of the Mazda CX-5, getting the yaks onto the carrier seems like a challenging reach. How do you do that? Load one from each side? (our kayaks weigh 47 and 39 lbs) Many thanks again for your help

asked by: Pete P

Expert Reply:

You can use a carrier with load assist like the Malone SeaWing Kayak Carrier # MPG113MD or the Malone DownLoader Kayak Carrier # MPG114MD-351XL with your factory crossbars that do not extend beyond the feet. The problem you have is the lack of space to use two.

The best solution for carrying two kayaks on your 2018 Mazda CX-5 would be to use the Thule Compass Kayak and SUP Carrier w/ Tie-Downs # TH890000. Although it does not have load assist, it will fit on your existing crossbars and be able to handle both kayaks on their side. This measures 32" long with a 75 lb single watercraft capacity and an overall capacity of 130 lb.

Something else to be mindful of is the capacity of your roof rack. This carrier weighs 20 lbs and then you will have the weight of both of your kayaks. Make sure you do not exceed the capacity of your factory roof rack.

expert reply by: Robin H

2018 CX-5 Roof Rack.
(click to enlarge)

Pete P.

6/14/2022

Robin H.

6/14/2022

Yes, I would center it to keep the weight distributed evenly. That will also make it easier to access the kayaks from either side. The placement can vary on the crossbars but some of that is dependent on the configuration and what you are carrying. Since you will be carrying 2 kayaks on their side the middle is the way to go. I would suggest loading one from each side like you said. That shorter crossbar keeps you from adding something like the Inno Kayak Lifter Load Assist # INA453 to help out. If it will be too much trouble to load both kayaks, your only option would be to upgrade your roof rack so you can use a carrier with load assist. If you decided to upgrade your roof rack you could add the Inno Aero roof rack using the # INXB115-123, # INXS350, and # IN53FR. Once installed, you would be able to use the # MPG114MD-351XL along with the # MPG114MD to load and carry both of your kayaks.