GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

I am wanting to carry 2 river kayaks on my Vibe, which has Yakima Q-towers at the front, and low riders at the back on the factory rails.However, at 43lb a piece, that would be in excess of the (Yakima) specified 75lb max weight. I'm assuming the problem is in the rear, as the matrix has a 125lb specified weight, and it uses 4x Q-towers.I've also noticed that 75lb is also the rating for the factory crossbars - does nyone know if Yakima is being particuarly conservative with their specs? Or whether the weak point in the system is the the factory rails themselves?One thought I had was to remove the rails and just install an additional pair of Q-towers like a Matrix. From eyeballing it, the rail mounting shouldn't get in the way.Has anyone else done/looked at doing this?

My guess is that there is adequate safety margin in the 75lb rating to carry the 86 lbs. However, if you do it and it results in damage or other catastrophe, I am exempt from liability

It is not only the weight that they consider. The size of the Item and the center of gravity for the car. Too much weight on top will make it top heavy. I think you are safe as far as the kayaks. Just watch out for the Sharp turns since it might make it a bit top heavy.