solution for 2 kayaks on 2001 ford focus

[angela.s]

I am looking to carry 2 kayaks on my 2001 Ford Focus wagon. I am willing to purchase two of the j-cradle kayak racks if necessary. I've been searching around for a while but so far I am unable to find a rack that attaches to the factory installed roof rack on the 2001 Ford Focus wagon for carrying two kayaks. Is there a solution for this vehicle?

[bigspider]

The issue you have with your current 2001 Ford Focus factory rack is that the crossbars are not rated to handle the weight of transporting a kayak, let alone two. So you will first need to install a multi-purpose aftermarket roof rack system to your side rails. That way you will then have cross bars that are super strong and can handle the load of kayaks etc.

The Thule 450 CrossRoad roof rack system attaches directly to the Ford Focus factory rack side rails. The 450 CrossRoad converts your factory rack into a sturdy base rack system capable of safely transporting multiple kayaks. This system includes four 450 Crossroad Feet that attach directly to your roof side rails (the pair of bars that run parallel to each other from the front to back of the roof), and also a pair of Thule load bars that connect to the 450 Feet. Choosing a longer length pair of bars such as the 58 inch bars will also provide enough crossbar space to carry two kayaks.

The Thule 835PRO Hull-A-Port is a great universal kayak rack attachment that uses a j-cradle design for easy loading/unloading of your kayak and attaches to the Thule 450 CrossRoad load bars. The all-new design of this carrier also allows the cradle to fold down when not in use, avoiding any clearance issues such as a garage etc. Also, if you decide to go with this option and get 2 for carrying 2 kayaks you can use the shorter 50" length bars on the 450 CrossRoad because these kayak racks use up much less crossbar space than kayak carriers that carry the kayaks flat.

The Thule 835XTR Hull-A-Port is exactly the same as the 835PRO except the cradles cannot be folded down. You can also use the shorter 50" length bars with 2 of these kayak carriers too.

The Thule 883 Glide and Set is another excellent option. This kayak rack system is a complete set for carrying a kayak. Includes one pair of 875XT Hydro-Glide saddles (for the rear load bar) and one pair of 878XT Set to Go saddles (for the front load bar). You'll need to order 2 of the 883 Glide & Set systems for carrying two kayaks. You will need the 58" length base rack bars to allow enough room to mount two of these kayak racks.