Options for Transporting Kayaks on 2014 Chevy Equinox with Raised Roof Side Rails
Question:
Hi! I have a 2014 Chevy Equinox with two bars that front to back on the sides of the roof, with nothing in-between. I want to be able to carry at least one, ideally two kayaks. Please help me in figuring out what the best equipment is in order to do so - I am clueless. Thanks so much!
asked by: Jenn R
Expert Reply:
We can help you with options for transporting your kayaks on your 2014 Chevrolet Equinox that has front-to-back roof rails but not crossbars.
If you are looking to take the two kayaks just down local roads to a nearby pond, for example, you may want to consider the most inexpensive option, foam block type carriers that do not even require a roof rack. These rest directly on the roof and are a great cost-effective solution if you're not doing highway driving with the boats and so long as they are not very large fishing or ocean kayaks. Foam carriers also offer the distinct advantage of being very lightweight, so almost all of the car's roof weight capacity remains available for your kayaks; an aftermarket rood rack and two rack-mount kayak carriers could easily weigh 40-lbs in total. If your boats' total weight is close to the car's limit then this matters.
For example, Malone's Foam Blocks # MPG152 features non-skid blocks that provide a platform to hold your boat hull side down. All such foam carriers are shown on the linked page.
On the other hand, if you're doing a 100-mile highway drive to reach your kayaking destination, or if you have very valuable kayaks, you will want to consider installing a roof rack and using a more stable rack-mounted carrier like the Thule Stacker # TH830, one of which can hold from 1 to 4 kayaks.
To mount the Stacker on your roof you will also need to install crossbars. For your roof configuration with raised side rails only you can use the Thule Wingbar Evo kit consisting of parts # TH711200 and # TH710401. These specialized aerodynamic bars make much less noise than basic round and square bars and they work great with the Stacker. This rack offers the highest weight capacity for your vehicle, 165-lbs. All roof rack options are shown on the linked page.
I also include a helpful article concerning kayak carriers that may be of interest.
Last, I suggest you might want to consider a simple accessory step # TE97FR which gives you a foot of extra reach to make loading and unloading your rooftop cargo a lot easier. It's also a great garage accessory when you're home.
Products Referenced in This Question
Malone Deluxe Kayak Carrier with Tie-Downs - Foam Block Style - 18" Long
- Watersport Carriers
- Kayak
- Roof Mount Carrier
- Foam Blocks
- Aero Bars
- Elliptical Bars
- Factory Bars
- Naked Roofs
- Square Bars
- Side Loading
- No Load Assist
- Malone
more information >
Telesteps Folding Step Stool - Aluminum - 300 lbs
- Step Stools
- Folding Step
- Fixed Height
- 12 Inch Lift
- Aluminum
- 300 lbs
- Silver
- Telesteps
more information >
Evo Raised Rail Feet for Thule Crossbars - Factory Raised Rails - Qty 4
- Roof Rack
- Feet
- 4 Pack
- Thule
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 >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Thule WingBar Evo Crossbars - Aluminum - Silver - 47" Long - Qty 2
- Roof Rack
- Crossbars
- Aero Bars
- 47 Inch Bar Space
- 2 Bars
- Overhang
- Silver
- Thule
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Malone AirFlow2 Roof Rack - Aero Crossbars - Raised Side Rails - Aluminum - 50" Long - Silver
- Shop: Thule Stacker Kayak Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs - Post Style - Folding - Clamp On
- Shop: Eyebolts for Rhino-Rack Vortex Crossbars - Qty 2
- Shop: Eye Bolts for Yakima HD Bar, JetStream, FlushBar, and RailBar Crossbars - 250 lbs - Qty 2
- Shop: Rhino-Rack ROC25 Roof Rack for Naked Roofs - Vortex Aero Crossbars - Aluminum - Black
- Video: Yakima Crossbars Eye Bolts Review and Installation
- Shop: Roof Rack
- Search Results: seals
- Search Results: tie down straps
- Search Results: tie downs
- Q&A: Roof Rack Eye Bolt Kit that Can Fit in Malone Air Flow 2 Crossbar Channel
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: Rhino-Rack Vortex Aero Crossbars - Aluminum - Black - 49" Long - Qty 2
- Article: Rooftop Cargo Carriers
- Search Results: roof rack
- Video: Thule WingBar Evo Crossbars Review
- Shop: Rhino-Rack Vortex Aero Crossbars - Aluminum - Black - 54" Long - Qty 2
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Search Results: rhino rack
- Q&A: Comparing Thule AeroBlade Crossbars vs WingBar Evo Crossbars
- Search Results: yakima
- Article: Roof Rack Information
- Video: Choosing the Right Trailer Wiring
- Q&A: Recommended Roof Rack for Sky One-Touch Power Top on 2020 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Search Results: crossbars
- Video: Review of Rhino Rack Ladder Racks - Truck Cap Ladder Rack - Y02-480B
- Shop: Ladder Rack
on Roof Rack
