Is There A Way To Convert A Yakima Fishing Rod Holder To A Larger Leitner Roof Rack?
Updated 08/15/2025 | Published 07/20/2025
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Question:
Hi. I am looking for a fishing rod holder for my roof rack. I have a Yakima on my other vehicle. But my new vehicle has a Leitner roof rack and the rails are about 4 inches wide and each of them have 2 1/2 inch slots running their entire length. The Yakima rod holder’s clamps are not long enough to go around the roof rails and clamp closed. Do you offer any other product or adapter that could help me. Thank you.
asked by: Matt B
Expert Reply:
Hi Matt!
Though there isn't really a way to adapt your current Yakima rod holder to fit your Leitner roof rack, we do have another option that should work. The T-Slot Mounting Hardware for Yakima FatCat and Whispbar Ski Carriers # 8860085 that I see you ordered might work, but I haven't tested that so I can't say for sure whether or not it will.
The Rhino-Rack Fishing Rod Carrier - Locking - 8 Fishing Rods # RR574F comes with T-Bolts specifically for this kind of thing and I think it will be a better choice, if the Yakima T-Bolts don't work of course. The Rhino-Rack T-Bolts are only 30mm though, so you will still need some kind of spacer to fill the larger 2-1/2" slots in your rack. The M6 x 35 mm Square Head Bolt for Rhino-Rack Accessories # RR25XB are slightly larger and longer and would likely be a good add on.
If the Yakima T-Bolts do end up working, please let me know! Always good to have more info out there. Also, what kind of fishing do you do? I'm originally from California, so pretty much all my gear is for ocean fishing. Makes it a little impractical for fishing here in Missouri.
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Rhino-Rack Fishing Rod Carrier - Locking - 8 Fishing Rods
- Fishing Rod Holders
- Vehicle Rod Carriers
- Roof
- Metal
- 8 Rods
- Clamp-On
- Black
- Rhino Rack
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Lazer S.
8/15/2025
Hi Matt, Did the Yakima T-Bolts end up working for your Leitner roof rack? I'm curious to know how it turned out, as it could help others with similar setups.