Roof Rack and Canoe Carrier Recommendation for a 2012 Toyota Highlander with Raised Siderails

Question:

Hello, I have a 2012 Highlander and I want to get roof rack that will allow me to carry an old town discovery canoe. The problem I see is the original roof racks that come with the car run from front to back BUT ARE VERY SHORT IN LENTGH. MY CONCERN IS THAT EVEN WITH STRONG CROSSBARS, YOU CAN NOT GET MUCH DISTANCE BETWEEN THE CROSSBARS. THEREFORE THE CANOE WILL ONLY BE ABLE TO SIT ON CROSSBARS APPROXIMATELY 40 INCHES APART, MAKEING FOR A VERY UNSTABLE CONDITION TO TRAVEL. PLEASE ADVISE WITH YOUR EXPERIENCE WHAT IS MY BEST SOLUTION. THANK YOU SO MUCH,

asked by: RICHARD A

Helpful Expert Reply:

You are right, the crossbar spread of a rack installed on your 2012 Toyota Highlander will be right at 38 inches apart. However, this will be fine for carrying a canoe. 38 inches is close to the average crossbar spread and our canoe carrier recommendations have tested and confirmed that their carriers will work with that spread.

For a roof rack I would recommend you go with the Thule Evo Raised Rail Feet # TH710401 and 53" WingBar Evo Crossbars # TH711420. And then for a canoe carrier I would recommend the Thule Portage Canoe Carrier w/ Tie-Downs # TH819. As long as you install the carrier correctly and then secure your canoe per the installation instructions your canoe would be very secure on the roof of your vehicle.

expert reply by: Jameson C