How Can I Get My Kayak Onto the Roof of My 2015 Toyota 4runner with OEM Crossbars with No T-Slots?

Updated 03/10/2025 | Published 03/01/2025

Products Featured in This Question

Thule Load Stops for Square Load Bars - Qty 4

(24)

$99.95

Malone Channel Loader Kayak Load Assist

(41)

$71.95

Question:

Hello I have a 2015 Toyota 4runner SR5 with OEM crossbars, I was looking at the Thule 503 Load Stops and they unfortunately look to be for square crossbars only... I am not really seeing any alternatives for my use case, hoping maybe yall could give me some guidance. I would not really even be using these to be load stops, rather, guides for getting a hefty kayak on the roof.. I currently have Rhino-Rack Nautic Code: RR571 on the front with yakima hand roll in the back and its not a a great solution. I need to slide the kayak up easily and the handroll wheels are not smooth and the rubber nautic fronts are sticky so i have trouble getting the yak up unless i really get some momentum lol... All of this to say, do you think the Thule 503s could fit the toyota crossbars at all, even if its a little janky? and if not do you have any alternate guidance for the described situation above. thanks in advance! Brian

asked by: Brian D

Expert Reply:

Hello Brian,

We can definitely help you find a better way to load your kayak onto your 4Runner. Unfortunately, the Thule Load Stops # TH503 won't work, as they are designed for square bars. From what I found, the OEM crossbars on your 2015 Toyota 4Runner SR5 don’t have T-slots for accessories, which means there aren’t many load stop options that would work for your setup. However, if your bars do have T-slots, please let me know!

That said, I think your best bet would be the Malone Channel Loader Kayak Load Assist # MAL48FR. It makes loading much easier, especially if you're dealing with a hefty kayak. I’ve attached a video where you can see Evangeline (who's on the shorter side) install and load a kayak onto an SUV, and she makes it look EASY!

Please watch the video that I attached, I would love to hear what you think about it.

expert reply by: Kate F

Malone Kayak Load Assist
(click to enlarge)

Brian

3/8/2025

Thanks Kate! So i actually have a Yakima extandable roller, forgot the actual name but that is a must so i can slide the yak up onto the saddles, I was more so looking for an alternative to the saddles I have since they are kinda grippy and aren't great for allowing one smooth shove up.. kinda have to jimmy the yak on the grippy parts. I will keep searching. Thanks again!

Kate F.

3/10/2025

@Brian Hello Brian. I am not sure how much you are looking to spend, I know when it homes to my hobbies I might spend a little more than I should when it comes to convenience. I still have no idea why my new $300 reel will not catch bigger Bass fish.... LOL I did find a different option that doesn't require your crossbars to overhang like the Hullivator, it's the Malone DownLoader Kayak Roof Rack w/ Lift Assist and Tie-Downs - J-Style - Clamp On # MPG114MD-351XL. This would allow you to put the kayak on top of the vehicle from the side. Or, the Swagman Exo Aero Rooftop Kayak Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs - Saddle Style - Clamp On #S65145 will work as better guides with the parts you already have, and the pads would make it easier to slide. I attached some review videos for you to check out. Let me know what you think.

Helpful Links

tv-review-malone-downloader-kayak-carrier-and-telosxl-load-assist-mpg114md-351md.aspx

tv-review-swagman-exo-aero-kayak-carrier-s65145.aspx