Can Two Kayaks Be Carried Hull Down On Subaru Outback

Updated 07/26/2022 | Published 07/25/2022

Question:

Hi There! I have a Subaru Outback 2014 with 56inch Thule Aeroblade cross bars. Trying to figure out if it would work to transport 2 kayaks side-by-side using Thule Hydro-Glide 875XT and Thule Set-to-Go 878 XT. The kayaks can be put side-by-side but are about 60inch across. So they would end up hanging off the bars about 2-3inch on each side. The bars are also maybe 1 - 2inch wider than the Subaru on each side. Is this a good idea or not a good idea? Seemed like an easy loading system but not sure if this would work well. Any advice? recommendations? thank you!

asked by: Renee

Expert Reply:

The best option for hauling two kayak together on the roof of a vehicle would be on their side using j-style carriers like the etrailer J-Style Kayak Carrier part # e98878. This option will ensure you don't run into issues with crossbar space like you would carry them on their hull. If you only needed to carry a single kayak then hull down would work best but since you need multiple you'll want to go with the j-style.

expert reply by: Conner L