Carrying 2 SUPs and Kayak on Roof of Chevy Suburban

Question:

Hi, I have 2 sup boards 34inch wide and 108inch Length and 1 Youth Kayak. We like to take them all at the same time to the lake. Our current setup will only allow the two boards on top and we end up throwing the kayak inside the suburban with us. We would like to put them all on top. Is there some set up that will allow us to do that? Weve thought about the Thule Taxi for the boards, but dont know if we can also fit something for the Kayak up there or if there is something better. Our current setup takes a lot of time and work to tied the boards down and we want something to simplify that process too. Thank you for your help.

asked by: Wendy S

Expert Reply:

Transporting 2 SUPs and a kayak on one vehicle roof can present both space and weight challenges but you are on the right track with the Thule SUP Taxi XT # TH810001 since this one carrier can handle both of the 34-inch-wide boards. This carrier fits on most factory roof rack bars and aftermarket bars so long as the bar dimensions do not exceed 3-1/2 x 1-3/4-inches.

Since your SUPs are likely to take up much of the available space on your roof rack a side-loading J-style carrier like the Thule Hull-A-Port Kayak Carrier # TH834 might provide the most efficient use of roof rack space. This kayak carrier also fits most roof rack crossbar shapes. It has a 36-inch kayak width limit and a weight rating of 75-lbs.

Videos for both of these carriers are linked for you.

Keep in mind that the combined weight of the two boards, the kayak, and their two respective carriers all together must remain within the vehicle roof weight limit or the limit for the roof rack on it if it is an aftermarket rack. Many vehicles top out at about 165-lbs total roof capacity so this is something you'll want to check before selecting carriers. In some cases you may need to use different lighter carriers. The SUP Taxi XT weighs about 15-lbs and the Hull-A-Port about 9-lbs.

With almost any rooftop cargo application a handy accessory item I often suggest is the lightweight and inexpensive Telesteps folding step # TE97FR. This comes fully assembled, weigh almost nothing and it unfolds instantly when you need that extra foot of reach for securing your SUPs. I own this step and find it to be endlessly useful around the cars, garage and house.

If you wish you can confirm your vehicle details for me, advise on its type of roof rack and the total weight of the SUPS and kayak to allow me to check on other options. In the meantime you may find the linked article on watersport carriers to be useful.