[RobbW]

I have two pairs of "Pack 'Em Racks" J-style kayak roof racks that I used to haul around a pair of kayaks on my old Toyota Sienna. I traded in my Sienna for a Pacifica Hybrid Platinum on May 1. Love, love, *LOVE* my new PacHy!!! Anyway, I have a long 5-hour+ road trip this coming weekend for a paddling outing with old college friends of mine. Last night, I set up the Stow-n-Place crossbars for the first time. I love the ingenuity of this system! Very cool. I attached my J-style kayak racks to the crossbars. And I was pleased to learn I can remove the OEM crossbars (with kayak racks installed) and store them in my garage when not being used. This is awesome for maintaining the fuel efficiency of my PacHy when I'm not actively hauling my kayaks. On my old Sienna, I had to install the kayak rack and leave them installed all the time, even when they were not being actively used. This significantly impacted my MPG. I'm pleased this will not be the case with my PacHy.

I have a couple questions about the OEM roof rack:

1. Has anyone else strapped kayaks to the OEM racks yet? And gone on long road trips at highway speeds with the kayaks up top? Last night, after installing the kayak racks, I grabbed hold of the kayak racks and gave them a good shake. There was slightly more wiggle in the crossbars than I feel comfortable with. Supposedly, the OEM racks are able to hold 150 lbs. evenly distributed. The kayak I will be hauling this weekend is a 16.5' Necky Chatham touring kayak that weighs 60 lbs. That is well within the OEM rack's specifications, and the kayak will obviously be evenly distributed across both crossbars and strapped down tight. Having no experience with the Stow-n-Place roof rack system, I'm just looking for confidence from other Pacifica owners that the OEM racks should handle my kayak for this long drive with no problems.

2. Since I will completely remove the crossbars from my PacHy when they are not in use, this leaves the screw holes open to the elements. Does anyone have recommendations for spare screws I can get to plug the holes and protect them?

One thing I'm kind of upset about is that there is no open space between the vehicle and the side rails where you can tie down straps so that you're not relying solely on the crossbars alone.

Thanks,
Robb

 

[gb1728]

Well I'm not sure about a kayak specifically but I drove to Florida from Ohio with a Thule roof box with probably closer to 100-120lbs in it.

1. As far as the wiggle from the bars I noticed that. As I tightened the bars down I would wiggle them and continue screwing the locks down. I tightened until I couldn't by hand anymore.

2 why would you remove the bars? Just put them back in the stow place. Unless taking the kayak racks on and off the bars are that much of a PITA? I don't use my box enough to not put the bars back in the stow spot.

 

[RobbW]

.2 why would you remove the bars? Just put them back in the stow place. Unless taking the kayak racks on and off the bars are that much of a PITA? I don't use my box enough to not put the bars back in the stow spot.

Yes, it is because it's a total PITA to install and remove the J hook kayak racks. Takes about half an hour and a couple wrenches. And I don't want to leave them on there when I'm not using them. They are the opposite of aerodynamic and kill my mileage!

 

[Jeremy M.]

Just a thought buy an extra set of stow-n-place cross bars leave the J hooks permanently installed on one set. then swap crossbars when needed.