How To Secure a Wenonah Spirit II Canoe On a 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Question:

I have the Rhino Vortex rack for our 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee. We just bought a 17foot Wenona Spirit II Canoe. If I bought a couple pairs of these load holders and strapped it down side to side, would I still need to run a tie down to the front and back of the vehicle, or would snugging it down in the middle on top of the roof be sufficient? Ive never carried a canoe up there before and dont know how much it needs to be tied down.

asked by: Peter R

Expert Reply:

I do have some options for you but the Load Stops for Rhino-Rack Vortex Aero Crossbars part # RRRLH2 that you referenced are not going to be sufficient to secure your Wenonah Spirit II Canoe because they don't offer enough support/stability. This canoe is going to require a much more secure carrier for which I recommend using the Malone BigFoot Pro Canoe Carrier with Tie-Downs part # MPG112MD which will fit your Rhino-Rack Vortex Aero Crossbars.

The Malone BigFoot Pro Canoe Carrier has rubber pads between the bracket and canoe which is going to prevent it from sliding back and forth. They also grip up underneath the canoe which is going to prevent it from siding back and forth even further. In addition to the cam buckles that are included to secure the canoe side to side, you will also need to use bow and stern tie-downs as well. If you don't have attachment points on the front and rear of your vehicle then you will also need the Malone QuickLash T-Style Hood Loops for Bow and Stern Tie-Downs part # MPG308.

I can only imagine this is more than what you were expecting but when placing such a large canoe on the roof for transport you need to take extra precautions for security and the Rhino-Rack Vortex Aero Crossbars system you referenced simply won't cut it, even if bow and stern tie-downs were used as well.

expert reply by: Conner L