Kayaks on the Rogue

[lakamoso]

Hi all. Wife just bought a Thule J style kayak rack to go on the Rogue. The cross bars on the Rogue are factory and they seem to be spaced rather close to each other. It doesnt look like they can be moved. I was just curious if any one here has used a J style kayak rack on the Rogue or do you think a flat style carrier would be a better fit. I put the kayak on top of the Rogue with an old style foam pads and it seemed to be slanted upwards a bit, so I'm not sure which rack would be better for the Rogue. Thanks for any input.

[casperfun]

You should wait for philipa_240sx to answer that because he has a boat thingy-ma-jig on his Rogue on his user profile pix. He probably be the best to help you!

[philipa_240sx]

Personally I use Yakima roof racks (Lowrider + crossbars). But even at maximum spacing, they is still a considerable tilt. I would imagine the factory crossbars are much worse in this regard.

Look here for foedoe350Z's Kayak setup using Thule racks:

post4023004.html

[takeshi]

How timely! We're going on a canoe trip in about a month.

philipa_240sx - you mention in the linked thread that you have gunwale brackets. Would you recommend them? They seem like a good idea but I have no experience with canoe hauling. Any recommendations for securing the bow and stern?

[philipa_240sx]

Yes, I recommend the gunwale brackets. Not only are they handy for my canoe, when used in conjunction with 58" crossbars, I can haul 4x8 sheets of plywood with ease and safety.

I highly recommend the 58" crossbar. However, tape some foam or cut a slit in a tennis ball and shove it on the ends... whacked my head a couple of times already getting in/out.

Re: Tie down points

I use the screw-in tow hook located in the center of the lower grille. At the rear, I use the chain loops on my trailer hitch. A 'V' arrangement (2 straps arranged in a V pattern) tie down is not required when using the gunwale brackets as they provide the necessary lateral stability.

[lakamoso]

Thanks for the link. Yeah the factory cross bars have the kayak tilting up considerably, but I may give it a try with front and rear tie downs. Hopefully the kayak stays with the Rogue by the time we get to the water. Not sure what Nissan was thinking with the spaceing of the cross bars, or at least they should have made them adjustable bars.

[sprocket]

I carry Kayaks on my Rogue using the factory roof rack and cross-bars and have never had a problem.
The spacing is a little closer but I think that is due to the roof slope and the fact that it's a "compact" crossover and not a full-blown SUV with a massive roof.
Once everything is mounted and tied down, it is just fine.

I use Thule 835Pro folding-J kayak racks http://www.thule.com/en/US/Products/Wat ... 31306.aspx
I carry 2 kayaks, an Eddyline Merlin LT 13.5" composite (14.2") and a Current Designs Kestrel 120HV rotomolded (~50lb).

Make sure to use the tie-down straps in the front AND rear.
When tying down in the front, I screw in the tow hook.
When tying down in the rear, I hook it to my factory tow hitch.
If you don't have a tow hitch, there is a standard hook on the right side"tucked away" underneath but that will cause the tie-down strap to run at an odd angle, also it will catch on a metal edge and over time, will probably cut through your tie-down line.

[philipa_240sx]

Not sure what Nissan was thinking with the spaceing of the cross bars, or at least they should have made them adjustable bars.

I'm sure Nissan placed the crossbar so that it did not obscure the factory sunroof. Yes, it would have been nice if it was a bit farther forward....

[lakamoso]

I'm glad to hear that you have had no problems using the factory set up sprocket. I'll give it a go. Also philipa_240sx, yeah I agree, that they didn't want to have it stationary directly over the sunroof. That's why it would have been great to have them adjustable, so you could put them behind the sunroof after use. Oh well, something for future model Rogue's to consider for Nissan.