Avoiding scratch marks using a 2007 Volvo XC90 roof rack for kayaks

[okpeanut]

I'm working on putting together a 2007 Volvo XC90 roof rack system to carry a couple of sea kayaks. I've looked at several kayak rack set ups and my concern is that when I'm hoisting the kayaks on and off the car rack they will constantly be hitting and sliding along the back of the roof above the rear door. If I'm constantly doing this, and my girlfriend and I kayak a lot, I'm worried I'll wear off the paint and leave scratch marks on the car. Yikes! Any setup that'll prevent this from happening? Also, I do plan on using the Thule 450R Rapid Crossroad base rack system on the cartop side rails if this makes a difference...

[cvselkirk]

I have a similar situation okpeanut. I'm using the Thule 450 Crossroad for a 2006 Toyota Land Cruiser roof rack setup to carry two kayaks. I can slide the 450 Crossroad feet back pretty far on the side rails, but not far enough so that the kayaks wouldn't touch the rear of the roof when I slide the kayaks onto the kayak racks. I was stressing about this until I saw online the Thule 887 SlipStream kayak rack. Thule Racks made this specificially for these situations when the rear kayak rack saddles are not far enough back on the rooftop to prevent the kayak from sliding along the roof when it's being slid onto or off of the kayak rack. Plus with the 58inch load bars that I'm using on the 450 Crossroad I was able to mount two 887 SlipStreams next to each other on the bars to carry two kayaks. I think you'll want to go with the regular 450 Crossroad instead of the 450R Rapid version because the bars on the 450R won't be long enough for two Slipstreams next to each other. The regular 450 Crossroad let's you attach longer crossbars like the 58" length for when you are carrying multiple items like more than one kayak.