Disclosure: MyCargoRacks.com is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more
Load-assist kayak and SUP carrier with roller mechanism
Last reviewed: March 2026
At a glance
Why this product
The ShowDown tilts to the side of your vehicle for waist-height loading — Yakima's answer to the Thule Hullavator. 80 lb capacity, SUP compatible, lockable. At 35 lbs it adds real roof weight, and the price sits in load-assist territory. If you paddle solo and need help getting a heavy boat up top, compare this directly against the Hullavator Pro and Malone Telos XL.
Detailed specs
| Carrying Style | Saddle |
| Max Kayaks | 1 |
| Max Boat Weight | 80 lbs |
| Load Assist | Yes |
| Crossbar Compatibility | round, square, factory |
| Padding Included | Yes |
| Straps Included | No |
| SUP Compatible | Yes |
| Surfboard Compatible | No |
| Rack Weight | 35 lbs |
Best prices
| Retailer | Price | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon US | $399.00 | In Stock | Check Price |
Disclosure: MyCargoRacks.com is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more
Disclosure: MyCargoRacks.com is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more
Premium kayak carrier with load assist. Tilts to car-side for easy solo loading. Lockable.
Price may vary. Prices and availability are subject to change.
Performance analysis
vs. average in kayak_canoe_rack
Price vs. score for all kayak_canoe_rack
Fitment
| Model | Years | Fit | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tahoe(5th Gen) | 2021+ | good | Crossbars needed |
| Model | Years | Fit | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Escape(4th Gen) | 2020+ | good |
What the experts say
Bill Nikolaou· Water Sports Editor
Hands-on testedThe Yakima ShowDown's load-assist roller mechanism makes solo kayak loading manageable. Padded cradles protect hulls well.
Solo paddlers who need to load kayaks without help
Budget shoppers or those with very heavy boats over 80 lbs
Community feedback
Based on 678 reviews
Alternatives
Most relevant alternatives to Yakima ShowDown Load-Assist Kayak/SUP Carrier
More options
Other top-rated Kayak & Canoe
Common questions
Crossbars needed |
| Explorer(6th Gen) | 2020+ | good | Crossbars needed |
| Model | Years | Fit | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| CR-V(6th Gen) | 2023+ | good | Crossbars neededbasic_tools install |
| CR-V(5th Gen) | 2017–2022 | good | Crossbars neededbasic_tools install |
| Pilot(4th Gen) | 2023+ | good | Crossbars needed |
| Model | Years | Fit | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tucson(4th Gen (NX4)) | 2022+ | good | Crossbars neededbasic_tools install |
| Santa Fe(5th Gen) | 2024+ | good | Crossbars needed |
| Model | Years | Fit | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Cherokee(WL) | 2022+ | good | Crossbars neededbasic_tools install |
| Model | Years | Fit | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Telluride(1st Gen) | 2020+ | good | Crossbars neededbasic_tools install |
| Sportage(5th Gen) | 2023+ | good | Crossbars needed |
| Model | Years | Fit | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rogue(3rd Gen (T33)) | 2021+ | good | Crossbars neededbasic_tools install |
| Model | Years | Fit | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outback(6th Gen) | 2020+ | good | Crossbars neededbasic_tools install |
| Forester(6th Gen) | 2025+ | good | Crossbars neededbasic_tools install |
| Forester(5th Gen (SK)) | 2019–2024 | good | Crossbars neededbasic_tools install |
| Crosstrek(3rd Gen) | 2024+ | good | Crossbars needed |
| Model | Years | Fit | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| RAV4(5th Gen (XA50)) | 2019–2024 | good | Crossbars neededbasic_tools install |
| RAV4(6th Gen) | 2025+ | good | Crossbars neededbasic_tools install |
| 4Runner(5th Gen (N280)) | 2010–2024 | good | Crossbars neededbasic_tools install |
| 4Runner(6th Gen) | 2025+ | good | Crossbars neededbasic_tools install |
| Corolla Cross(1st Gen) | 2022+ | good | Crossbars needed |
| Highlander(4th Gen) | 2020+ | good | Crossbars needed |
Based on 45 reviews
