Help needed with roof rack for hobie PA 14

I have been using the factory cross bars when transporting my PA 12 on my Durango with not problem, Now I will be getting the PA 14 and putting in on a 2007 ford explorer but a hobie rep told me the PA will snap the factory crossbars. Anyone here use the factory bars and what other rack can I get besides Thule and Yakima? Also I just received my Rhino T loader so is it possible that I can rest part of the PA on the t loader so less weight will be on the factory bars?

hi . I use the factory cross bars on my 2004 Tahoe for my pa 14. I bought the cheapest hobie roof rack pads just as a temporary solution but its been going good for a year and a half. I wanted to upgrade but I don't want to have higher clearance. the cross bars do flex a little under the weight but it springs back. the only time I had any slightly scary hull deformation was after I lazily left it strapped tight for a couple days in hot weather. But that also went right back to shape shortly after.

The worst thing that ever happened was once part of the pad came loose and the kayak hull was rubbing directly on the crossbar, leaving a small black mark on the bottom of the hull.

And I think I really push the limits. I live almost 2hrs from my favorite fishing grounds. sometimes my kayak will live on my truck for 2 to 3 weeks at a time. flying back and forth every other day after work, and basically living on the road on my days off. a lot of highway driving, and a lot of beach driving, on some pretty rough beaches too.

I used 4 ratchet straps, one on the bow, 2 in the middle, and 1 on the stern. and a long thick bike cable padlocked to my hitch receiver for security.

I used the factory bars on my old Durango, also. My Toyota Highlander didn't come with crossbars, so I bought a pair of Thule bars.

To those, I added a pair of Hully rollers at the rear and a shaped block of wood at the front. The rollers make loading the PA14 a snap and also provide good support right under the scupper holes. The shaped block fits inside the drive hole and completely prevents any movement fore/aft and side/side. I use two ratchet straps midships and two bow lines to tow eyes in my front bumper.

It's a very secure system. Pictures:

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Cleverly disguised as a responsible adult
Pro Angler-14 owner