How to Carry Three Kayaks on the Roof of a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox

Question:

I would like to replace one of the 9.5' kayaks with a 12' kayak. Can this be done?

asked by: Mat

Expert Reply:

In order to fit three kayaks on the roof of your 2018 Chevrolet Equinox, you will first need a roof rack. In order to recommend one I would need to know if you have a bare roof with fixed mounting points or factory raised side rails.

If you have the bare roof with fixed mounting points then I recommend the Rhino-Rack Vortex Aero Crossbar System which is composed of crossbars part # RRVA118B-2, mounting feet part # RRRCL4 , and fit kit part # RRRCP62-BK. If you have factory raised side rails then I recommend the Rhino-Rack Vortex Aero Crossbar System which is composed of the crossbars part # RRVA118B-2 and the mounting feet part # RRSX100. Both of these systems have aero crossbars with integrated channel mounts. They will work well to reduce wind noise in addition to being compatible with most channel mounted accessoires.

As long as your kayaks do not exceed 10' in length, I recommend using two sets of the Rhino-Rack J-Style Kayak Carrier part # S512 and one set of the Expansion Arm for Rhino-Rack J-Style Kayak Carrier part # RRS512X. This system includes tie-down straps as well as bow and stern anchors. They have a weight capacity of 99 lbs and come with a 2 year warranty.

Please keep in mind that the weight of the roof rack, kayak carriers, and three kayaks will all need to be below the vehicle's roof capacity. I recommend checking for this in your owner's manual before proceeding.

expert reply by: Conner L

Mat

5/11/2018

Do I need two sets of RRRCP62-BK to get 4 corners (two cross bars)? Do I need RRQMHD05 for the extra weight? Do I need to order 2 S512 kits (one to hold 2 kayaks and another to hold the third)? Thanks!

Conner L.

5/11/2018

No, the Custom RCP Fit Kit part # RRRCP62-BK comes with everything you need for both crossbars or all four corners. You will not need two sets. The Rhino-Rack Heavy-Duty Crossbars part # RRQMHD05 that you referenced will not be needed at all as they are for an entirely different purpose. There is nothing you can do to increase the roof's weight capacity as this is determined by the manufacturer. In order to carry three kayaks you will need two sets of the Rhino-Rack J-Style Kayak Carrier part # S512 and one set of the Expansion Arm for Rhino-Rack J-Style Kayak Carrier part # RRS512X. The expansion arm kit attaches to one of the j-style carriers which will let you carry two kayaks and then the other carrier will be for the last kayak.

Mat

5/24/2018

I would like to replace one of the 9.5' kayaks with a 12' kayak. Can this be done?

Conner L.

5/24/2018

The same system listed above (2 Rhino-Rack J-Style Kayak Carrier part # S512 and 1 Expansion Arm for Rhino-Rack J-Style Kayak Carrier part # RRS512X) can be used to carry two 9.5' and one 12' kayak on the roof of your 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. My advice would be to secure the 12' kayak to the single carrier and the two 9.5' kayaks to the double carrier. Please keep in mind the all three kayaks, the kayak carriers, and the roof rack will need to be below the vehicle's roof capacity.