Roof Rack for a 2021 BMW X5 to Carry a Kayak and Cargo Carrier  

Question:

Expert Reply:

To carry a kayak and roof top cargo carrier on the roof of your 2021 BMW X5 you will need to start by having a roof rack. This will depend on what style roof your X5 has. I have listed a roof rack for each style below.

Flush Mounted Rails that run front to back: 2021 BMW X5 Roof Rack by Rhino Rack
- Rhino-Rack Vortex Aero Crossbars # RRVA137B-2
- Rhino-Rack SRB Legs for Vortex Aero Crossbars # RRSX026

Factory Installed Raised Rails that run front to back: Malone SteelTop Roof Rack # MPG202

No Existing rails or crossbars: 2021 BMW X5 Roof Rack by Yakima
- Yakima JetStream Crossbars # Y00426
- BaseLine Towers for Yakima Crossbars # Y28TR
- BaseClip Fit Kit for Yakima BaseLine Roof Rack Towers # Y06142 (x2 for 4 total)

I would then recommend a J-style kayak carrier like the Malone J-Pro2 Kayak Carrier with Tie-Downs # MPG117MD which is 6" wide.

For a cargo carrier you would want to go with a narrow option like the Thule Force XT Sport Rooftop Cargo Box # TH6356B which is 24-3/4" wide.

The combination of the J-style carrier and narrow cargo box should allow you to carry both, but there are a few things you would want to keep in mind. The first is weight capacity, all of these roof racks have a weight capacity of 165 lbs. The kayak carrier and cargo carrier weigh a total of 43.5 lbs. leaving you with 121.5 lbs. left for the weight of your kayak and cargo. You also want to be sure the roof for your X5 is rated that high.

The other thing you will want to keep in mind is function of the cargo box. The kayak will lean over the top of the cargo box which could impact the opening and closing of the cargo box when the kayak is loaded.

expert reply by: Scott S

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