How Much Can the Factory Roof Rack on my ’93 Runner Handle?
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How Much Can the Factory Roof Rack on my ’93 Runner Handle?
Thinking about getting a couple of kayaks. I don’t think weight will be an issue, but am concerned about wind resistance pulling the factory rack apart while going down the highway.
I’ve tugged on the crossbars, and they seem pretty stout.
I plan on mitigating the issue by tying the front and rear of the kayaks to the bumpers.
I’m looking at used kayaks, and don’t want to spend a ton getting an aftermarket rack.
I plan on getting some universal kayak mounts. Something like this;
I’ve seen others hauling kayaks on factory roof racks (other car makers) without tying the ends down to the bumper, and all seemed good.
Thoughts?
I’ve tugged on the crossbars, and they seem pretty stout.
I plan on mitigating the issue by tying the front and rear of the kayaks to the bumpers.
I’m looking at used kayaks, and don’t want to spend a ton getting an aftermarket rack.
I plan on getting some universal kayak mounts. Something like this;
I’ve seen others hauling kayaks on factory roof racks (other car makers) without tying the ends down to the bumper, and all seemed good.
Thoughts?
#2
...don’t want to spend a ton getting an aftermarket rack......I’ve seen others hauling kayaks on factory roof racks (other car makers) without tying the ends down to the bumper, and all seemed good...
Thule's work with one tandem and a single kayak on my Corolla. No need for specialized kayak rack.
Yakima's on my Civic, too .
Fact of life - you have to do something to prevent wind lift and kayaks sliding forward when you brake.
Options:
- Risk it, or
- Be safe.
I choose be safe. My methods:
- A third strap that secures whole load to roof itself, not just the bars. Webbing runs below roof, between door frame and door, OR
- I have tie-downs to from and rear bumper. Yes,
Last edited by RAD4Runner; 05-20-2014 at 01:31 PM.
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The factory cross bars shouldn't have any problems with a couple of kayaks. The problem you will run into is that they are pretty narrow. I used Yakima bars on the factory rails. I carried WAY too much weight on there! We had 5 kayaks in travel bags with all their gear one time. It bent the roof a bit at the rear point.
Bow and stern lines are strongly recommended! You are responsible for anything the boats hit or kill. The lines are not ment to be tight, they are just a precaution. I see way too man people cinch the secondary lines tight enough to bend the boats
Happy paddling!
Bow and stern lines are strongly recommended! You are responsible for anything the boats hit or kill. The lines are not ment to be tight, they are just a precaution. I see way too man people cinch the secondary lines tight enough to bend the boats
Happy paddling!
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Thanks for the input!
Rad,
I need to check again, but I think everything that's load bearing (including the pieces that secure the crossbars to the roof rails) is metal.
My factory manual makes no mention of the roof rack's weight limit (in fact, there's nothing in there about it at all).
Wave,
I was thinking that the J-racks would ensure that two will fit.
Rad,
I need to check again, but I think everything that's load bearing (including the pieces that secure the crossbars to the roof rails) is metal.
My factory manual makes no mention of the roof rack's weight limit (in fact, there's nothing in there about it at all).
Wave,
I was thinking that the J-racks would ensure that two will fit.
#5
Bow and stern lines are strongly recommended! You are responsible for anything the boats hit or kill. The lines are not meant to be tight, they are just a precaution. I see way too man people cinch the secondary lines tight enough to bend the boats
Yep, happy paddling and fishing
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The J-racks would do the job. You could also just get a stacker. That might be cheaper than the j-cradles.
I seem to remember 150 limit on the factory rack. I way over did that regularly.
I seem to remember 150 limit on the factory rack. I way over did that regularly.
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Thanks again guys.
I'll do a little more research and looking around.
I'm in no hurry. Plus, I'm leaning towards used kayaks, so it will probably be a while until I actually get something on the roof.
I'll do a little more research and looking around.
I'm in no hurry. Plus, I'm leaning towards used kayaks, so it will probably be a while until I actually get something on the roof.
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