Yakima rack on the Outback

Sallybear5

Has anyone carried a Kayak on the back of their Outback?  If so, did it affect how well the T@b tows?

T@Balong

I was told by PV that the preferred maximum weight limit on the back of the T@B was 100 pounds.  Between the Yakima rack and the spare tire, you would already be at about 70 pounds.   We carry our kayaks on top of our Jeep where I believe they are safer and more visible.

Sallybear5

Thank you Norm.  We would not put kayaks on with the tire but move tire to the front.  Just wondered if anyone had tried it.  Our kayaks are 35#. The kayaks fit in the back of our truck and we will probably continue to do so but we were also looking for more storage options.

iarivers

Was going to put ours on top of the Xterra; 17' kayaks won't fit on the back of the Outback

Tabaz

If you've ever driven your Outback over a rutted road, you come to appreciate how little suspension the trailer has.  It is brutal.  Anything on that Yakima rack is going to be subject to a lot of stress.  Better to keep it light up there.

db_cooper

It is certainly bouncy so we keep it light.  No issues so far with our fork mounted bike racks, no damage to bikes or rack over a few thousand miles.  Bikes are both under 30 lbs each, would be hard to lift a heavier bike up there. 

I'd be afraid even small whitewater kayaks would be tough to secure.

Tabaz

I don't recall anyone on the forum using the Yakima rack as creatively as DB. Kudos to him for taking the risk for the rest of us.