shell crossbar length?

my shell showed up today, but im need some crossbars mount on it, but not sure about a good length.. Im needing to load two kayaks on top that are 33 inches wide, so im kinda thinking 6'6 minimum. i had ordered bars, which arent in yet, and never specified length, come to find out the standard bars he orders are 48 inches.. i was like WHAT? thatll never work.. he said they can get em however i want, so after some better measurements, i was thinking 72, but that seems a little much. I think i could get away with 66 and not look too extreme. anyone have any examples of what they have or recommend? thanks

 

Mine are 60" bars and I wouldn't want to go much wider. I can fit our two kayaks on the crossbars but couldn't on a previous vehicle because I could only fit shorter crossbars. You can mount the kayaks on racks that hold them vertically or on flat on the crossbars and one in a J rack if space is an issue.

This gives you an idea of the amount of overhang on a leer 100xr

 

I've got the 66" Yakima round bars on mine. They don't stick out past the fender flares. I've carried multiple boats (kayaks, kayaks and a canoe), bikes and kayaks, my Space Booster two kayaks and my bike, my Space booster and my long cargo basket, a dining room table, etc. I like having a place to hang my sleeping bag in the morning to air out and I hang stuff like a Solar Shower, my wetsuit, a small lantern, etc off of them. If you're not sure what size will work for you, you can always buy longer bars and cut them.

ETA- The round bars suck for kayak saddles since they want to roll on the bars as you push the boat forward, even with Hully Rollers in the rear.

 

turns out my buddies were 66. They made the call.. they said theyre next size up from 60 was actually listed as a 70. Theyre an oval aero shaped bar from yakima. I think ill be happy with that... i can always cut shorter if needed.. but, having more space is always better. I want to be able to carry two 33 in wide kayaks flat side by side. and also sometimes a yak and a bike possibly, but will likely have a rear carrier for the bike. Also looking at having an awning for camping.

 

@Lthompson

Mine are 60" long and I think thats about perfect for my needs. I definitely wouldn't go over 66" but thats just me

Yakima and other companies make kayak stackers which I've used on all my racks. I put 3 paddleboards and 1 kayak on it regularly (or up to 5 kayaks safely)

 

Best picture I could find fast but there is still room for a kayak on the passenger side

Kayak stackers are the way to go. You can put them wherever you want and take them off easily