How to Fit Two Yakima ShowDown Carriers on a 2017 Toyota 4Runner

Updated 05/23/2023 | Published 05/21/2023

Products Featured in This Question

Yakima ShowDown Kayak or SUP Roof Rack and Lift Assist w/ Tie-Downs - Saddle Style - Clamp On

(23)

$648.95

etrailer Kayak Carrier w/ Tie-Downs - J-Style - Folding - Clamp On

(222)

$129.99

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

(65)

$1399.00

Rhino-Rack Universal Load Assist - Crossbar Mount - Side Loading - 132 lbs

(125)

$204.83

Yakima JetStream Crossbars - Aluminum - Black - 60" Long - Qty 2

(606)

$269.95

Yakima Same Key System (SKS) Lock Cores (QTY 8)

(479)

$109.95

TimberLine Towers for Yakima Crossbars - Raised, Factory Side Rails - Qty 4

(33)

$274.95

Question:

I have a 2017 4runner with a stock roof rack. not the basket style,with cheap Amazon Jcraddles. Im good with throwing away all of my current system. I have 2 lifetime kayaks, each are 116 x 32. 78lbs each What all would I need to mount them both with a yakakma assist system.

asked by: Jason S

Expert Reply:

In order to fit 2 of the Yakima ShowDown Kayak or SUP Roof Rack and Lift Assist w/ Tie-Downs # Y04081 on your 2017 Toyota 4Runner you need the Yakima roof rack parts:

- 60" JetStream Crossbars # Y00426
- TimberLine Towers # Y33TR
- Lock Core Kit # Y07208 (optional - comes with 8 cores for rack and carrier)

With that being said, roof racks tend to have a weight capacity of 165 lbs so while you can just fit your kayaks on under the weight capacity, the ShowDown weighs in at 21 lbs so you're going to be over the roof rack weight capacity using even just one of these.

To remain under the weight rating and still carry both kayaks I recommend looking into the etrailer Kayak Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs # e98878 along with the Rhino-Rack Universal Load Assist # RR-RUSL. The etrailer carriers are lightweight but can hold up to 150 lb kayaks (each) and the load assist is removable and designed for side loading like what you need for J-Style cradles.

Aside from this the next best solution is a trailer like the Malone EcoLight # MAL93FR but this requires you to have a hitch, wiring, and appropriate ball mount.

If you're interested in the trailer solution just let me know and I can recommend any other parts you might need.