Recommended Load Assist and Kayak Carriers For a 2023 Rivian R1T with a Factory Roof Rack

Updated 07/11/2023 | Published 07/10/2023

Products Featured in This Question

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

(124)

$199.99

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

(18)

$148.36

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

Yakima Bow/Stern Tie-Down Ropes w/ Ratchets and Strap Loops - 1/4" x 12' - 150 lbs - Qty 2

(36)

$48.95

Yakima JayLow Kayak Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs - J-Style - Folding - Clamp On

(155)

$238.95

Question:

I have a 2023 Rivian R1T with the factory crossbars made by Yakima with t-slots. I want to load kayaks on the roof but want the bars to extend out beyond the cab of the truck for easier loading. Looking for a solution. I was just going to buy some long Thule square bars and bolt it to the existing rack with t-bolts hole through the Thule bark. Thoughts? Suggestions?

asked by: Kirk B

Helpful Expert Reply:

I have a few different options that will accomplish what you are needing to do, without having to attach other crossbars to your existing crossbars.

The first option would be a load assist bar like the Rhino-Rack Universal Load Assist # RR-RUSL or the Inno Kayak Lifter Load Assist # INA453.

The Rhino-Rack Universal Load Assist # RR-RUSL (132 lbs.) has the higher weight capacity, so if you have heavier kayaks, this is the way to go. But, this option has to be taken on and off each time.

The Inno Kayak Lifter Load Assist # INA453 has a load capcity of 90 lbs., but it can be left attached when not in use.

The other option would be the Malone DownLoader Kayak Roof Rack w/ Lift Assist # MPG114MD-351XL. This is a rack that will attach to your crossbars and has a lift assist that will attach to the rack for loading. You can add a second rack using the Malone DownLoader Kayak Roof Rack # MPG114MD and use the same load assist from the # MPG114MD-351XL.

If you go with one of the load assist bars and need kayak racks still, I like the Yakima JayLow Kayak Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs # Y04073. This kayak carrier can handle 1 kayak in the J-style postion or 2 kayaks in the upright position and folds down when not in use. If you added a second kayak, you would need additional tie-downs # Y04031.