Roof Rack Recommendation to Carry Fishing Kayak with 2018 Subaru Outback Wagon Touring

Question

Question:

Hi - I have a 2018 Subaru Outback Touring Edition with no crossbars yet. I am looking to get a fishing kayak to transport on the top of my vehicle. I am looking at the Old Town Predator PDL and the Hobie Outback. Can you recommend the best way to go with a rack that will make it easy to get the kayak on and off without killing me to do so? Thanks,

asked by: Bob G

0

Expert Reply:

Thank you for all of the information!

We do have a solution for you to carry a heavier fishing kayak, like the Old Town Predator PDL or the Hobie Outback, on the roof of your 2018 Subaru Outback Wagon Touring Edition. For your application I recommend using the Yakima JetStream roof rack system which consists of their 50" Long Black # Y00425 JetStream Crossbars, RidgeLine Towers # Y00145, and RidgeClip Fit Kit # Y06028. This system has a 165 lb weight capacity so you can be confident that it can handle the weight you're looking at. You can add locks to this roof rack with the 4-Core Kit # Y07204.

Then for a kayak carrier we have the Yakima BigCatch # Y04091 which has a 150 lb weight capacity and comes with everything you need to secure the kayak to the carrier. It can be installed in the T-Slot of the JetStream Bars with the Kit # Y04092.

This is a rear-loading carrier though and none of our lift-assist options can handle the weight of the heavier kayak so the only thing you'll really be able to use is the Thule Water Slide Non-Skid Loading Mat # TH854 to help protect your vehicle.

Aside from that you can either use the etrailer.com J-Style Kayak Carrier # e98878 with the Rhino-Rack Load Assist # RR-RUSL or you can mount the BigCatch on a trailer like the Yakima EasyRider Double Decker # Y08129 which would make loading the kayak easier but is a bit more pricey and would require you to have a trailer hitch and wiring installed on your Subaru. If you'd like to go this route just let me know and I can make some additional recommendations for you.

Attached are some review videos on the various products that you can reference.