The EXR8891 Click-In Kayak Carrier System is a premium, heavy-duty kayak and Stand up Paddle Board (SUP) mounting solution designed exclusively for EXR click-in crossbars. Engineered and refined through more than a decade of real-world use, this system delivers unmatched strength, adjustability, and convenience for carrying everything from recreational kayaks to the largest expedition-grade watercraft.

Unlike traditional clamp-on kayak mounts, the EXR8891 uses EXR’s patented click-in push-pin attachments, allowing carriers to be installed, repositioned, or removed in seconds—without tools. When not in use, carriers can be quickly removed to eliminate unnecessary wind resistance and wasted fuel, then reinstalled just as easily when it’s time to paddle.

Designed Specifically for EXR Click-In Crossbars

The EXR8891 is compatible only with EXR click-in crossbars. These crossbars feature precision-machined hole patterns that allow the kayak carriers to interlock directly into the bar for exceptional strength.

All EXR click-in crossbars share a common center hole pattern. However, depending on vehicle fitment requirements, EXR crossbars may use either:

• Standard hole spacing (e.g., 51" crossbars)
• Offset hole spacing (e.g., 48" and 40" crossbars)

To accommodate these configurations—and to give users maximum flexibility in kayak placement—the EXR8891 is offered in three carrier combinations.

Carrier Variants & Why They Exist

• Center + Center
  Ideal for aligning the kayak closer to the vehicle centerline. This configuration favors aerodynamics and balance, making it well suited for long highway drives and single-kayak setups.
• Offset + Offset
  Designed for users who want to position the kayak farther outboard for easier loading, unloading, or for carrying multiple kayaks side-by-side. This setup allows the kayak to be offset toward the vehicle edge while remaining fully supported.
• Center + Offset
  Intended for mixed crossbar setups (one standard crossbar and one offset crossbar). This combination allows perfect hole alignment while giving the user the ability to fine-tune kayak position in roughly 6" increments—from closer to the vehicle edge toward the center.

Because all carriers click in and out instantly, users can reconfigure placement at any time based on vehicle setup, number of kayaks, or personal loading preference.

One-Person Operation

The EXR8891 is designed so that a single person can load a kayak efficiently and safely. The carrier geometry allows kayaks to be loaded from the rear of the vehicle (one person) or from the side of the vehicle (one to two people).

This makes the system especially valuable for:

• Larger or heavier kayaks
• Frequent solo loading
• Vehicles with taller rooflines

Patented Strength with Engineered Tolerance

When clicked into the crossbar, the EXR8891 intentionally allows a small, engineered amount of tolerance. This design enables effortless insertion and removal while still allowing the carrier to fully interlock with the crossbar under load.

When the kayak is secured using EXR’s recommended tie-down method—looping the strap around the inside of the crossbar, over the kayak, and back around the outside of the carrier—the strap tension eliminates this tolerance completely. The result is a system that transitions from easy-to-click-in to exceptionally rigid once tightened.

This tie-down method is derived from techniques used by the U.S. National Rowing Team to secure high-value racing shells for cross-country transport, and it has been proven over years of highway driving, rough roads, and off-road travel.

Built for Large Kayaks & Demanding Conditions

The EXR8891 is engineered for:

• Large touring and expedition kayaks
• Fishing kayaks
• Heavy composite or rotomolded hulls
• Off-road and uneven terrain

Once strapped correctly, the kayak and carrier function as a unified structure, providing stability that exceeds conventional clamp-style mounts—especially in bumpy or twisting environments.

Modular, Removable, and Future-Proof

Because the EXR8891 carriers can be removed in seconds, there is no need to leave them installed when not carrying kayaks or paddlecraft. This reduces wind noise, improves fuel efficiency, and keeps the vehicle clean and uncluttered.

The system integrates seamlessly with other EXR click-in accessories, allowing users to adapt their roof setup as activities change throughout the season.

What’s Included

• Two (2) EXR8891 Click-In Kayak Carriers (variant-specific)
• Integrated click-in mounting pins
• Two tie-down straps

Crossbars, and additional accessories are sold separately.

Quick Reference

• Mounting type: EXR click-in crossbars only
• Carrier configurations: Center + Center, Offset + Offset, Center + Offset
• Adjustment: Repositionable in ~6" increments
• Removal: Tool-free, push-pin release
• Load rating: Approved for large kayaks, Stand up Paddle Boards (SUP), and off-road use when properly secured