Best roof rack to add to 2012 Prius Three for Kayak

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by pinkkitty724, Mar 28, 2013.

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  1. pinkkitty724

    pinkkitty724 Junior Member

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    I am looking into getting a roof rack system for my 2012 Prius Three. Mainly this will be used to carry our Hobie Kona kayak, and if possible, bikes in the future. If not bikes, then we'll need to invest in a separate bike carrier for the hatch.

    I am a little worried about the MPG impact, and damaging my car... so, those of you experienced may have some insight and experience with specific racks that you can recommend.

    Being completely unfamiliar with roof racks- can they be removed when not in use? Or will some part of it remain at all times? I assume I could easily remove cross bars, and I assume that the brackets which hold them remain in place at all times?

    What are the best brands? What are the tried and true on the Prius 3rd Gen? I am in the US (if that matters?) Thanks all :)
     
    #1 pinkkitty724, Mar 28, 2013
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  2. wjtracy

    wjtracy Senior Member

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    We have one PriusChatter putting his kayak inside the car but he has a 9.5-ft'er. Another guy with 10-ft kayak lets his stick out the back and he uses some bungee cords to hold the liftback down. I put my kayak inside my minivan. Most of us use the removable racks though. Then you geta kayak carrier from REI etc. I could use a kayak rack too, to be honest.

    A really great roof rack no longer made is Saris. Sometimes Gen2 users sell them. Don't know if they fit Gen3, if I recall someone said they fit a v very well. In the lack of Saris, something like Thule Aeroblade looks good.
     
    #2 wjtracy, Mar 28, 2013
  3. pinkkitty724

    pinkkitty724 Junior Member

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    #3 pinkkitty724, Mar 28, 2013
  4. pinkkitty724

    pinkkitty724 Junior Member

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    Our Hobie Kona is almost 12' so I couldn't put it inside :) plus we live in a Coastal area so the salt water would cause problems for my interior because I have no way to rinse the kayak until we get home.
     
    #4 pinkkitty724, Mar 28, 2013
  5. wjtracy

    wjtracy Senior Member

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    ...did you have a comment?
     
    #5 wjtracy, Mar 28, 2013
  6. ewxlt66

    ewxlt66 Active Member

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    photo-5-14.jpg I would suggest having the Yakima Landing strips installed. Infinite adjustability with the most low profile set-up.

    Like this:

    photo-1-15.jpg
     
    #6 ewxlt66, Mar 28, 2013
  7. pinkkitty724

    pinkkitty724 Junior Member

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    Thanks! That may not be bad. Is that bad for aerodynamics though, since they are permanent? And any worry about roof damage or leaks, etc?
     
    #7 pinkkitty724, Mar 28, 2013
  8. pinkkitty724

    pinkkitty724 Junior Member

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    es I did but it wouldn't let me type :) I can from my iPhone though. I posted it above where I meant to originally :)
     
    #8 pinkkitty724, Mar 28, 2013
  9. ewxlt66

    ewxlt66 Active Member

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    It won't leak. Professionally installed and they use this sealer that automotive folks also use to seal up holes.

    I've had it done to two cars.

    With the Yakima set up you can quickly remove the crossbars and towers leaving only the bases attached.
     
    #9 ewxlt66, Apr 1, 2013
  10. pinkkitty724

    pinkkitty724 Junior Member

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    Thanks! Ill have to look and see if we have any local installers in my area. I like the idea that the bases are relatively flat to the roof.
     
    #10 pinkkitty724, Apr 1, 2013
  11. ewxlt66

    ewxlt66 Active Member

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    Where are you located?
     
    #11 ewxlt66, Apr 2, 2013
  12. pinkkitty724

    pinkkitty724 Junior Member

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    Between Pensacola, FL and Destin, FL
     
    #12 pinkkitty724, Apr 2, 2013
  13. ewxlt66

    ewxlt66 Active Member

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    Pretty sure there's a Rack Attack company somewhere nearby. Check that out.
     
    #13 ewxlt66, Apr 2, 2013
  14. pinkkitty724

    pinkkitty724 Junior Member

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    I just looked at Rack Attack locations and there are some in MA, OR, CO, MN, Canada...... none near me. Or do you perhaps mean affiliates or something?

    Are they the only ones that install that system?
     
    #14 pinkkitty724, Apr 2, 2013
  15. ewxlt66

    ewxlt66 Active Member

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    No no...others do too. I'm in SoCal. I found a place 20 miles from me that does it.

    I'd venture that *most* Yakima dealers could do it or be able to tell you who could do it.

    If I was in your shoes, I'd call Yakima for a referral.
     
    #15 ewxlt66, Apr 3, 2013
  16. pinkkitty724

    pinkkitty724 Junior Member

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    Thank
    Thanks again! I wasn't sure where to begin I guess. I will contact Yakima and see if they can tell me if any local companies do the installation. :)
     
    #16 pinkkitty724, Apr 3, 2013
  17. ewxlt66

    ewxlt66 Active Member

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    Sounds good. Let us know how it goes. I've done this to my truck and my wife's Ford Flex. Next up is my Prius!
     
    #17 ewxlt66, Apr 4, 2013
  18. pinkkitty724

    pinkkitty724 Junior Member

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    Eek! The closest place that does installation is in Jacksonville.... just over 5 hours away! There are companies that sell Yakima which are closer, so I will contact them to see if they know of anyone closer that installs.
     
    #18 pinkkitty724, Apr 4, 2013
  19. ewxlt66

    ewxlt66 Active Member

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    Darn it. Good luck on finding a closer spot.
     
    #19 ewxlt66, Apr 4, 2013
  20. pinkkitty724

    pinkkitty724 Junior Member

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    Yup. It kind of stinks. There are local places that sell them, but don't install them. One that sells them asked me if I REALLY want to drill holes into my car....
    I am starting to think it's not the best idea?! My husband asked me the same thing and wants me to get something less permanent.
     
    #20 pinkkitty724, Apr 4, 2013
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