TMS Kayak Rack Carrier Assembly and Installation on the Subaru Crosstrek

How to assemble the TMS J-Bar Rack Kayak Carrier. In this video, I'll be installing it on our 2019 Subaru Crosstrek, but the same process applies to most vehicles. Find this kit here: amzn.to/3Jiy4S4
(2) Rack Pack: amzn.to/3LoN2I2
Optional upgrade: amzn.to/35XbzUg
2018-2022 Crosstrek OEM Subaru Crossbars: amzn.to/3Bh1o8T
2013-2017 Crosstrek OEM Subaru Crossbars: amzn.to/3sxM2ss
These are affiliate links, which means I may get a small percentage if you decide to make a purchase. Thank you for watching and supporting this channel!

[@davemedlock3104]

Super helpful - I was struggling with the idea of running the straps through the handles but it makes way more sense and makes it more stable to run through the drain holes. Thanks!!

[@JasonKalafat]

Best assembly and installation video for this rack. Great!

[@PatrickKasilag]

Glad it was helpful!

[@alexcole2078]

looks good, you always want to avoid ratchet straps for kayaks, too much torque could deform the hull when strapping them down.

[@aaronbarth9192]

Very helpful video. Thank you.

[@domkotarski]

Thanks Patrick, very helpful and well explained!

[@PatrickKasilag]

Very welcome

[@ndougherty98]

You are a hero!

[@hubbardjill]

Nice job and thank you. One minor tweak for people following along like me, make sure to put the washer and nut on top of the small bracket (after you slide it on the bolts) rather than before.

[@IGNIT_Cam]

Exactly. No idea why he hasn't corrected this. Massive problem

[@marcelhawiger2753]

Yes, this seems like more than a "minor tweak"! Which is the correct way??

[@drapermike]

You sure? Why does it matter?

[@mdschm1]

Perfect instructions…thanks

[@PatrickKasilag]

You're welcome!

[@kentmcfeely8073]

Very helpful thank you.

[@PatrickKasilag]

Glad it was helpful!

[@carlzobel513]

Other videos showing to tye down the kayak to secure the straps around the roof cross rack. So 0:02 if the whole assembly comes loose. It still secured to your vehicle.

[@UndeadSpaceMonkey1]

Was wondering if you have a video about them 2 years later on how they held up over time?

[@MrJohnBalla]

Thanks for sharing your clear, simple walk-through of this process! Sadly, the instructions that came with the J-Bar racks I bought were so over simplified, it made them completely useless.

[@PatrickKasilag]

Glad it helped!

[@tarahspencernelson2844]

How do you like that kayak? I need one where I can have my dog on it too. Thank 🙏 you for video

[@buck9739]

Now put it on that beast of a car

[@db7035]

😢 I thought on the middle bonut that you did I put my nut on the outside I have to put it on the inside. I thought the bolt holds that with the plastic thing that turns on. I just want to make sure so I don't screw up my kayak

[@pclynn]

wow thank you for this video! I was wondering if this would be possible for two kayaks on one car or is it risky??

[@PatrickKasilag]

Two kayaks on one car is pretty common, though hopefully they’re 9-12’ long max

[@kevinworley1311]

Funny your OEM crossbars sit up higher then my OEM bars on my 2019 crosstrek limited. The front 2 bolts r just barley touching my sunroof

[@PatrickKasilag]

What looks different to you? Is yours positions slightly further back?

[@carlzobel513]

The way you assembled the small bracket (#5) is not the way the instructions show? You put washers and nuts on first. Then you installed the small bracket, and then the nylock nut.

[@eddie_bee]

How has it been holding up? Any extra stuff added to make it better?

[@PatrickKasilag]

Been pretty good. I actually just used it this past weekend. One thing I would consider upgrading are the straps provided with actual ratchet straps. The ones it came with are okay, hold tightness fine when tied looped and tied correctly, but ratchet straps would just make it easier/faster to tighten.

[@saramae9878]

Do you run a lift kit? What did you go with?

[@PatrickKasilag]

yes I do, just a Readylift SST 2” lift all around

[@Mark300win]

Is the upper bracket plastic or metal?

[@PatrickKasilag]

Everything is metal, there is just a plastic sleeve that wraps around the upper portion to keep it from scratching the roof cross bars and kayak

[@Mark300win]

@@PatrickKasilag thanks

[@valleygurl4774]

The instruction sheet shows the washer and nuts for the 2 long bolts going on after you attach the plate to the crossbar, not before as you have done.

[@IGNIT_Cam]

Dude!!! How has nobody corrected you on the two longer middle bolts!!? I’m your video you have the bottom clamp tightened against the bolts, when the bolts should be on the outside!! Literally the only think you have holding the rack on is the black hand twist screws. The nuts are supposed to clamp it on with the hand screws just serving as a guide

[@PatrickKasilag]

I recommend checking their manual again. The twist knobs are being used to fasten the outer bracket on the bottom-side, making the racks easily removable. I’ve used this rack this way at least six times now with no issues. If you check the diagram on their listing, it’s installed the same way also. My roof rack installs the same exact way and I use it that way year round. The way you describe it would obviously also work well, just not easily removable if needed.

[@michaelrobertson6887]

Also came here to say this.