Can I Load the Kayak From the Rear w/ the LockRack Series-X Universal Watersport Carrier LR88FR?

Updated 06/17/2026 | Published 06/09/2026

Products Featured in This Question

LockRack Series-X Universal Watersport Carrier - Saddle Style - Channel Mount

(16)

$291.88

LockRack Series-X Universal Adjustable Watersport Carrier - Side Loading - Universal Mount

(27)

$341.56

LockRack Series-X Surfski Adjustable Watersport Carrier - Side Loading - Channel Mount

(1)

$258.52

LockRack Series-X Surfski Adjustable Watersport Carrier - Side Loading - Universal Mount

$358.52

Malone FoldAway-5 Kayak, Canoe, and SUP Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs - J-Style - Folding - Clamp On

(128)

$220.47

Question:

2011 Subaru Outback. Im 53inch and have confirmed that rear-slide loading works for me, but side loading at my roof height 65.7 doesnt. Im carrying an Eddyline Rio kayak 38 lbs, 24inch beam. I have three questions before purchasing: - Can the LockRack be loaded using a rear-slide method, or does it require side loading only? Specifically, does the rubber coating on the lower or side bar prevent a kayak from sliding onto the rack from the rear? - Would this model also work for a narrower kayak that is 21inch wide? If not, is there a version that would accommodate either? - With a 24inch beam kayak loaded, how much crossbar space does the rack occupy? Im interested in eventually carrying two kayaks simultaneously and want to know if two units would fit on standard factory crossbars.

asked by: Amie

Expert Reply:

Hey Amie. You can indeed load a kayak from the rear on the LockRack Series-X Watersport Carrier item # LR88FR. There's nothing that will stop you from getting it over the rubber padded bars so long as you have the arms folded down and out of the way.

The LockRack Series-X Watersport Carrier item # LR88FR works with kayaks measuring 22-1/2" - 42-1/4" wide. For a 21" wide kayak, you'll need the item # LR28FR. This one works with kayaks 18-3/4" - 33-1/2" wide.

A 24" beam kayak loaded onto the LockRack Series-X Watersport Carrier item # LR88FR will take up 29" of crossbar space.

Please note that both the LockRack Series-X item # LR88FR and the LockRack Series-X Surfski item # LR28FR will only mount to roof rack crossbars with top channels built into them.

If your Outback's roof rack does not have top channels on the crossbars you'll need the LockRack Series-X item # LR24VR and the LockRack Series-X Surfski item # LR37VR. These kayak carriers come with brackets that surround your crossbars to attach. They work with round, square, aero, elliptical, and Subaru factory crossbars.

How long are you factory crossbars and do they have channels in the top? You most likely will need to use a double kayak carrier like the Malone FoldAway item # MAL38FR to transport two kayaks.

expert reply by: Jerred H

LR88FR
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MAL38FR
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Amie

6/17/2026

Thanks for the reply. I thought I was asking the question under the product with the adapters, but I guess not, thank for the clarification. It looks like the universal product is not in stock until the end of the month anyway. I have the Subaru factory crossbars so they are not that wide. Maybe 38 inches? The issue with a product like the Malone Foldaway is that it’s still basically going to be the j rack style I’m trying to get away from. I suppose with two kayaks I’ll likely have to get a 3rd party wider rack for something I can push the kayaks on the car that keeps them saddle style without having to then also turn them sideways.

Jerred H.

6/17/2026

@Amie You're welcome! One thing to keep in mind if you're serious about getting wider crossbars is, it's illegal to have ones wider than your rearview mirrors in most states.

Amie

6/17/2026

@JerredH ok thanks for letting me know that! Right now that feels like a possible future problem. I want to ensure that one kayak is manageable before adding anything else to it. I didn’t realize this would be an obstacle before getting the kayak in general. I’m looking at the Malone seawings as another option.