Recommended Roof Rack for a Lift Assist Kayak Carrier on a 2026 BMW X3
Updated 04/25/2026 | Published 04/09/2026
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Question:
2026 BMW X3: Need a roof rack with long enough cross bars to handle a lift assist kayak carrier on one side and still put a paddle board on the other side. Both are 12.5 feet long. It looks like Yakima may be the better option, but the Thule seems to handle the lift easier. Its also not clear if two lift assists carriers are an option on both sides for both the kayak and paddle board e.g., Yakima. I am looking for suggestions to get both the kayak and paddle board on the rooftop carrier which would require I believe a 60inch or longer cross bar for the BMW.
asked by: Roy R
Expert Reply:
Hey Roy, congrats on the new SUV! Listed below are the parts you'll need to add a roof rack to your 2026 BMW X3 that will allow you to have enough clearance for a lift assist kayak carrier or two. This setup is designed for the 2026 X3's with flush factory rails installed on the roof.
60" Thule WingBar Evo Crossbars item # TH711520
Evo Flush Rail Feet for Thule Crossbars item # TH710601
Fit Kit for Thule Evo Flush Rail Roof Rack Feet item # TH63DZ
Do you already have a lift assist kayak carrier? If not, I highly recommend the Thule Hullavator item # TH898. You need 57" of crossbar space for two so these will work perfectly with the parts I recommended. I attached a couple of pictures below that show them installed on 59" crossbars.
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Roy R.
4/18/2026
With this setup will I be able to carry a SUP on the non lift assist carrier side? It’s 26-28 inches wide and 12.5 feet long. I do this routinely with a J cradle and a standard Honda Pilot roof rack.
Jerred H.
4/18/2026
Du P.
4/25/2026
Yes is work perfect for me in tundra 2019 crew max Exelente producto
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Thule WingBar Evo Crossbars - Aluminum - Black - 60" Long - Qty 2
- Accessories and Parts
- Roof Rack
- Crossbars
- 60 Inch Bar Space
- Aero Bars
- 2 Bars
- Thule
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Chris N.
4/16/2026
I have this rack mounted to my 2024 Ford Maverick and have had 4 Kayaks loaded up or two kayaks and two paddleboards at one time. Note that I use a rhino "vertical bar" for the kayaks (one in front and one in the rear to hold all four !) it can shift to the side as well which would make more room for the lift assist if you need the space. I find the the tall bar secures everything very and I don't think is any more awkward than the "cradle" style racks. I really like the flush-mount feet - the tool allows you to "tighten" it right everytime. I find it takes about 5-10 minutes to remove or re-install (I will remove for long trips when not needed for better fuel economy). Also, I did opt for the lock kit and it was easy to install. reference: Thule One-Key System Lock Cylinders - Qty 4 Rhino-Rack Nautic Stack Kayak Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs - Post Style - Folding - Universal Mount Part Number: RRS520 - I am sure Thule make a similar one) Side note: I use the same Thule wing bars to hold my mountain bike racks as well as my universal ski/snowboard racks in the winter. I bias the position of each to make it easier to load/unload (I'm only 5'5") Chris