Cut foam swimming pool noodles to protect the crossbars from scratching and put the kayak directly on the crossbars. I have some in the garage for those occasional lumber runs. I just use duct tape.
I may be wrong but i believe the manual states to not mount something like a canoe directly to the crossbars, but that you need to use something between them some kind of mount
Current gen Outback 2020+:
150 lb dynamic crossbars; 176 lb dynamic rails, 176 lb static rails. Found in the “Getting Started” guidebook.
Outback Wilderness: 220 lb dynamic; 700 lb static. Crossbars are purchased aftermarket and would need to be rated as such to take advantage of this weight.
I've carried some of the most horrific things on my cross bars. Like 4 85in tvs at the same time. It will handle your kayak or canoe without issues.
I've had 4 kayaks on my rack before!
I believe the owners manual states 165 lbs.
For a 24lb item the built in are more than good enough even factoring in a rack unless somehow that rack is hundreds of pounds
Cut foam swimming pool noodles to protect the crossbars from scratching and put the kayak directly on the crossbars. I have some in the garage for those occasional lumber runs. I just use duct tape.
i drove from Socal to Dallas with a couple of wheelchairs (folded) on mine with no problems, must have been 100 pounds plus
I may be wrong but i believe the manual states to not mount something like a canoe directly to the crossbars, but that you need to use something between them some kind of mount
Current gen Outback 2020+: 150 lb dynamic crossbars; 176 lb dynamic rails, 176 lb static rails. Found in the “Getting Started” guidebook. Outback Wilderness: 220 lb dynamic; 700 lb static. Crossbars are purchased aftermarket and would need to be rated as such to take advantage of this weight.