Roof rack for kayak

Quick search didn't turn up the info I'm after.

We have a 2008 Sienna with factory roof racks.  I would like to get a set of those J-style kayak holders (or whatever is better) so we can take multiple kayaks/SUPs without needing the trailer. 

What brands/models do you guys find to be effective and durable?

I'm pretty much unabashedly a Thule fanboy. 3 kayak rack systems and a cargo box into it, and I've got very little criticism for what they make. That said, if you're putting the Malibu 2XL on your rack, I would not recommend the J cradle. It didn't work well for me with that boat.

I have Yakima roof racks.  Carry one kayak in the rollers on the front and saddles in the back, second kayak goes upside down directly on the crossbars.  Prius carries two Hobie Revolutions.  Really easy setup, and even I can load it solo (5'7" girl with no upper body strength).

Just as an alternative suggestion...I feel you get a much better mount by strapping directly to the cross bars because you are able to spread the load over more contact points that way. But the width of the factory bars are limiting in the sense that you can only load one (wide) kayak straight to the bars. One alternative as you are eluding to is to put them on their side with J saddles. What I don't like is the "point loading" the saddle mounts do to the factory cross bars at 2 points. Especially with as much flex that they have, I've never really trusted factory cross bars. My suggestion- Upgrade to wide(er) aftermarket cross bars that attach to your factory side rails such as the Thule Rapid Crossroad 450R. Choose the width (say.. 60" for your Sienna) and style of bar you want (square or Aeroblade) and strap directly to the bars. This is way more versatile as well for all of your kinds of mounting you want to do. And you can still install whatever kind of saddle you want later and will be a whole lot more secure than factory bars.

BUT- Keep in mind the specification of your widths. For example: an Outback is 33" wide and Revo is 27.5" If you mounted one of each you would be 1/2 an inch too short of bar length (no-go). In that case I like J-saddles that can quickly be added or removed as needed.  Check out the Thule 830 Stacker.

+1 on the thule crossroad.  I added 78" bars to these on top of my old 08 Sienna.  Handled 1 yak upside down ( recommended for pig -like boats), surfboards stacked 3 or 4 high, and another yak in J cradles.  The 78s are legal but you might hit your head from time to time!

Just as an alternative suggestion...I feel you get a much better mount by strapping directly to the cross bars because you are able to spread the load over more contact points that way. But the width of the factory bars are limiting in the sense that you can only load one (wide) kayak straight to the bars. One alternative as you are eluding to is to put them on their side with J saddles. What I don't like is the "point loading" the saddle mounts do to the factory cross bars at 2 points. Especially with as much flex that they have, I've never really trusted factory cross bars. My suggestion- Upgrade to wide(er) aftermarket cross bars that attach to your factory side rails such as the Thule Rapid Crossroad 450R. Choose the width (say.. 60" for your Sienna) and style of bar you want (square or Aeroblade) and strap directly to the bars. This is way more versatile as well for all of your kinds of mounting you want to do. And you can still install whatever kind of saddle you want later and will be a whole lot more secure than factory bars.

BUT- Keep in mind the specification of your widths. For example: an Outback is 33" wide and Revo is 27.5" If you mounted one of each you would be 1/2 an inch too short of bar length (no-go). In that case I like J-saddles that can quickly be added or removed as needed.  Check out the Thule 830 Stacker.

I've been hauling Bikes, Boats, ladders etc. on the same set of Thule 52" cross bars since 1996. The car, mounts and toys change but those bars live through it all. With my newest Jackson, Kraken, it is a beast to get up there but sits nicely. I did a quick mod and split & zip tied a couple of pool noodles to the thule bar until I get something else more permanent. Although I learned a valuable lesson this past weekend. I paddled in the morning and then strapped my boat on and stopped over to my buddies house, had a couple beverages and talked about fishing for a few hours. But the boat was snugged down in the hot sun and I warped/dented the hull. I am kinda concerned although I researched how to fix it. I hope it will work on mine, the dent is on the keel.

Now that has happened I am thinking of either modifying the bars even more or going with a trailer set up. not sure what to do. I have considered carrying the boat top/down but its got hatches and add-ons that I am not sure it will ride on my racks well.

1st prob, get the dent out. 2nd prob, not let that happen again.

As for bars, Thule bars are bomber, I have had this set for 19 years driven cross country with boats on the roof and have hauled a lot of gear with them.

2008 Subaru Outback, Thule bars, Malone Seawing with stinger and custom homemade cedar slat cradle, Jackson Big Tuna, bad hip and back, solo loads fine for me.

2008 Subaru Outback, Thule bars, Malone Seawing with stinger and custom homemade cedar slat cradle, Jackson Big Tuna, bad hip and back, solo loads fine for me.

And I thought my boat was big. Good on you for man handling that Big Tuna...

I forgot to mention that the Back Thule bar has 1 1/2" pvc pipe acting like a roller. I cut pool noodle to rap that as well. When I put the boat up it rolls onto the roof. Most of the time I put the boat on from the side resting it on my factory side rails. Then I push the boat up and pivot it onto the bars, and pull it back and forth with that rear roller. sounds awkward but works pretty slick. Now I have to ensure I don't dent the damn thing again.

2008 Subaru Outback, Thule bars, Malone Seawing with stinger and custom homemade cedar slat cradle, Jackson Big Tuna, bad hip and back, solo loads fine for me.

And I thought my boat was big. Good on you for man handling that Big Tuna...

I forgot to mention that the Back Thule bar has 1 1/2" pvc pipe acting like a roller. I cut pool noodle to rap that as well. When I put the boat up it rolls onto the roof. Most of the time I put the boat on from the side resting it on my factory side rails. Then I push the boat up and pivot it onto the bars, and pull it back and forth with that rear roller. sounds awkward but works pretty slick. Now I have to ensure I don't dent the damn thing again.

That's exactly why I put the cedar slats on, in hot weather I had 4 dents in my hull from the contact points. Now I have none. 

Anyone know of any kayak racks that work with a sit in folding tonneau cover? I've been putting my kayaks in the bed but I'd rather get a rack so I can store stuff in the truck bed instead of my back seat lol. Oh its a 2012 tundra double cab. Thanks!

Search "Thule fit guide". 

Anyone know of any kayak racks that work with a sit in folding tonneau cover? I've been putting my kayaks in the bed but I'd rather get a rack so I can store stuff in the truck bed instead of my back seat lol. Oh its a 2012 tundra double cab. Thanks!

Come fish with me I will look at it and see if we can custom build you one you provide the material and I'll help you out.

Next time pc looks good let's do it!

Next time pc looks good let's do it!

Tuesday or Wednesday work for you?

Possibly... not too sure. Taking vacation for orc already but might be able to swing one of those. We'll see when it gets closer tho.