How long should crossbars be?

[flatlander44]

How long should the crossbars be on a roof rack to hold 2 canoes? Thinking of getting Yakima RailGrabs for a 2013 Rav4.

Thanks for your advice.

[Lupe]

65" should fit two solo canoes, and possibly one tandem and one solo. It can vary depending on the canoe model since some are quite wide. But if they are ww canoes, 65" will work for sure for 2 solo's.

I believe the rule is that your bars are allowed to extend out to the same distance as your side view mirrors. So if you can actually go up to 78" on that vehicle, it's always nice to have more real estate. On the other hand, wide bars can become hazards if you're not used to them being there. Many a paddler has gotten a knot on their noggin by accidentally whacking their head up against their roof rack bars.

I have a smaller car and handle a lot with my 65" bars, but I'd consider going even wider if I had a wider vehicle.

Hope that helps!

[Cowper]

Lupe is spot on that bars that stick out more than your mirrors can be a problem - you're much more likely to snag trees or a sign at the drive through. And the model of your canoes impacts what the "correct" answer is for how long is long enough, as does the distance between your bars (remember, since bars that are further apart take advantage of the canoe's varying width and don't need to be as long.

For most tandem canoes, 6' (72") bars are long enough. "Fishing" canoes can be wider and require longer bars. Before you tell me you didn't see an option for 72" bars, read on! Here are three tips:

1) At many places, the 78" bars cost no more than the 66" bars, or only very slightly more. The difference between a 78" bar and any custom length you desire is 10 minutes and a hacksaw. You can make the bars shorter after you buy them, but you can't make them longer. Remember not to trim too much; you may buy a different canoe some day that is an inch or two wider, or may want to carry a friends canoe of a different model.

2) If you want to be sure, or see if the 66" bars are long enough and can save you the hacksaw time, then put your canoes on the ground, side by side. Use a tape measure to mark about how far apart the bars would be on your car, front to back. Then lay two-by-fours, broomsticks, or something similar across the canoes where the bars would hit the canoes. You can now measure in advance exactly what bar length you need to stick out past the gunwale a few inches on each side. Don't forget to consider gunwale brackets, paddle carriers, bike racks, or any accessories that you may want to add.

3) Bars that are a couple of inches short will drive you crazy. Bars that are a couple of inches too long may make you curse right after you hit your head, but your sanity will be maintained and you'll heal.

[Tim Eubanks]

Whatever length you decide on make sure to get the gunnel bracket doodads. They prevent boats from sliding around and reduce bounce and rattle. Expect wind noise to increase. Just turn uo the radio.

[Owl]

Something else to keep in mind is the load rating of your vehicle's roof rails to which the crossbar connectors (RailGrabs, etc.) are attached. Many manufacturer's specify load limits in the 130-150 lb. range. Consult your vehicle owner's manual for your vehicle's limits.

The size of canoes somewhat precludes more than two on a roof rack so you're less likely to exceed the load limit with them but I've seen vehicles with 6-8 kayaks on top that are surely exceeding the manufacturer's recommendations significantly.

Even if you're unconcerned with possible damage to your vehicle, a rack system failure could cause significant liability and property damage to others if boats and rack parts come flying off at highway speeds in traffic.

Of course, my "if boats come flying off" statement could evolve into another discussion on straps, ropes, and tying down watercraft but that's outside the scope of this topic.

[okieboater]

Old time rule of thumb on tieing down boats on racks:

"ropes that tie boats together and to the roof rack cross bars are good,
bow and stern boat grab loop lines that tie the frame / boats to the vehicle are even better"

I have had racks come unloose from too many kayaks loaded and going too fast, the good thing was I had tied bow and stern lines to the bumpers and thru the all the grab loops that day. The only damage was some scratches and a red face on my part.

[flatlander44]

Thank you all for your help. I'll do some measuring at halftime.

[Deuce]

If you drive a full sized SUV I encourage you to go with 78" bars.

[perspective7]

Another vote for 78...gives you room for gunnel brackets and room for some of those short and fat canoes plus room for tie downs. As far as weight...I've exceeded mine to the extreme with couches and other things w rain gutter towers. You can fit three whitewater boats wide and stack them up as many as you,re comfortable doing

[tomOzarkVideo]

Bow and stern lines can save lives.. Never forget that these boats can kill at 70mph :myday"