Kayak car-topping advice for small cars

[Jimbo]

Thanks for the advice everyone! I think I will just try some foam blocks on the bars themselves for now, and strap the kayak directly to the bars/blocks. And then I will go from there if that doesn't appear to be too stable.

I did that for a few years with no problems. Never even needed front or back tie downs. Pool noodles are a better option imho. Blocks need to be lined up with the gunnels whereas with noodles, just flop the yak on top and cinch down.

[Jim McFalls]

I use Thule J-Racks on my 2007 Corolla around here and for shorter trips, but when I go to NC, I just flip it upside down on the crossbars. MY kayak is 12' and weighs 60 lb. so it isn't so bad to heave up to the roof. I do want to get some cradles though, but my kayak might not fit like that now since I now have a Rhino Rack fishing rod rack up there too. I have a Thule Hullavator for my RAV4 that my wife and I use when we take out our tandem out. THAT is the bomb but has a weight limit of only 75 lb. - perfect for our tandem.

Speaking of cradles... is anyone looking to unload some that would fit a Thule Aerobar?