How to Transport 4 Kayaks on 2018 GMC Sierra Short Bed with Tonneau Cover
Question:
Hello, Kayak holder for 4 kayaks. 2018 GMC Sierra 5 1/2 ft box Just wondering what you would recommend for a kayak holder for my 2018 GMC Sierra with a 5 1/2 ft box. Im a shorter guy so I was thinking that it would be easier if I was able to fit them horizontally in the bed of my truck, but I have a tonneau cover right now that I dont necessarily want to get rid of. Ive attached a couple of pictures in the hope that it helps.
asked by: Erik
Helpful Expert Reply:
I do have a way for you to transport your 4 kayaks with your 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 but unfortunately you won't be able to add crossbars or a ladder rack system to the truck bed with the tonneau cover installed. Any truck bed crossbar system will require mounting space either on the inside of the rails or on top of them and it looks like your cover would interfere with either of these designs.
Because of this your only option (if you want to keep the tonneau cover) is to go with a roof rack and kayak carrier for the cab.
If your Sierra has the Crew Cab I recommend the Yakima CoreBar Roof Rack that consists of # Y00423 for two 70 inch CoreBar Crossbars, # Y28TR for the BaseLine Towers, and # Y06122 for the Fit Kit. This will provide you with a sleek, durable system that has a 220 pound weight capacity.
Then with the rack installed I recommend adding the Thule Stacker # TH830 along with additional tie-down straps # TH855XT and # 753-2030-02. This post-style carrier can accommodate up to 4 kayaks secured on edge as long as they aren't longer than 10 feet. You will just want to make sure that the total width of your particular kayaks (sitting on edge) isn't larger than the 70 inch Yakima Crossbars mentioned above.
I have attached a short video demonstration on this carrier that you can check out as well.
Since those truck cabs can be pretty high (I too know the struggles of being challenged in terms of height) I recommend taking a look at the Rightline Door Step # RL100660 to help with loading/unloading. This sturdy platform simply gets hooked to the U-shaped door latch on the truck to allow for easier access to the roof.
I have attached a video review on this product that you can also take a look at.
Products Referenced in This Question
Replacement Tie-Down Strap with Buckle for Thule Roof Mounted Watersport Carriers
- Accessories and Parts
- Watersport Carriers
- Roof Mount Carrier Parts
- Straps
- Thule
more information >
Rightline Gear Moki Door Step - 400 lbs
- Accessories and Parts
- Car Roof Bag
- Roof Basket
- Roof Box
- Roof Bike Racks
- Roof Rack
- Watersport Carriers
- Door Steps
- Rightline Gear
more information >
Thule Stacker Kayak Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs - Post Style - Folding - Clamp On
- Watersport Carriers
- Kayak
- Roof Mount Carrier
- Post-Style
- Folding
- Aero Bars
- Elliptical Bars
- Factory Bars
- Round Bars
- Square Bars
- Side Loading
- Clamp On
- No Load Assist
- Thule
more information >
Thule Quick Draw Tie-Down Ropes w/ Ratchets and Strap Loops - 13' - Qty 2
- Accessories and Parts
- Watersport Carriers
- Bow and Stern Straps
- Thule
more information >
BaseClip Fit Kit for Yakima BaseLine Roof Rack Towers - Qty 2
- Roof Rack
- Fit Kits
- 2 Pack
- Yakima
more information >
BaseLine Towers for Yakima Crossbars - Naked Roofs - Qty 4
- Accessories and Parts
- Roof Rack
- Tower Parts
- Towers
- Yakima
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Yakima CoreBar Crossbars - Steel - Black - 70" Long - Qty 2
- Roof Rack
- Crossbars
- Aero Bars
- 70 Inch Bar Space
- 2 Bars
- Overhang
- Black
- Yakima
more information >
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on Roof Rack
