Carrying Hobie Mirage Oasis Tandem Kayak on 2008 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited with and without Hard Top  

Question:

Helpful Expert Reply:

For when you have the hard top on your 2008 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited I recommend Thule roof rack # TH300 and # THLB58. This roof rack will provide a nice bar spread, 48 inches between the bars, to support the Hobie Mirage Oasis tandem kayak. However, the capacity of the roof racks for your Jeep is only 65 pounds because the rain gutters the feet mount in are not structural components of the roof rack.

To carry the 89 to 115 pound kayak you would need a third element, the Thule Goalpost # TH997. The Goalpost will provide a third bar, mounted using a trailer hitch, and it will take up part of the weight allowing you to carry the heavy kayak on the limited capacity roof.

And you can use Rhino-Rack kayak carrier, # S510, as long as the kayak is not completely outfitted which would increase the weight to 115 pounds. Having the hull dressed, minus the foot pedals and paddles, should be all that is needed to keep it closer to the minimum 89 pound weight of the kayak. And for the Thule square load bars you will also want to use adapter # KC-FK10 for the best fit.

With the roof off you can use the same Thule crossbars, # THLB58. And you would just need to add Crossroads feet, # TH450. Without the top on and the crossbars attached directly to the Jeep bars, the roof rack capacity is 165 pounds.

The other option is to use the hitch mentioned above and put the kayak on a trailer, # Y08106. You could use the same kayak carrier listed above on this trailer.

expert reply by: Michael H

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