Best Roof Rack System to Carry 3 Kayaks on a 2012 GMC Acadia
Question:
Hi. I need a complete roof rack system to carry 3 8 or 9 foot kayaks on my 2012 GMC Acadia. I have the raised rails already. Safety and load capacity are my top concerns. Each kayak is about 45 lbs. Although I have tried to do research, I cant figure out the length of the cross bars I would need because I dont know how any of it would stack. I also cant figure out if the stacker components would take the 120 to 130 lbs that three kayaks would be. I could really use some help. Someone even suggested using stickers for two of them and a J holder for the third. Would that fit? Thank you!
asked by: Lisa I
Expert Reply:
For your 2012 GMC Acadia I think you're on the right track. I like the 58" Malone AirFlow2 Roof Rack - Aero Crossbars - Raised, Factory Side Rails # MPG216. This is a larger bar than what is typically used on the Acadia but allows for more bar space and getting your kayaks to your spot.
For the carriers I like using the etrailer J-Style Kayak Carrier part # e98878. This way you wont have to stack them and they won't be touching each other for miles down the road.
The huge benefit is that the one mounted in the middle will not be obstructed even with all three carriers in place because they will fold down out of the way to load the middle kayak then fold back up to load the outside kayak.
The carriers upright support are also adjustable of course so this allows you to customize the angle your kayaks sit allowing you to get them just how you want them.
You also get all of the straps and anchors you will need to properly secure them down and get down the road safely.
Check out the video I have linked for you on the rack system and the carriers. Have Fun!
Products Referenced in This Question
etrailer Kayak Carrier w/ Tie-Downs - J-Style - Folding - Clamp On
- Watersport Carriers
- Fishing Kayak
- Kayak
- Roof Mount Carrier
- J-Style
- Folding
- Aero Bars
- Elliptical Bars
- Factory Bars
- Round Bars
- Square Bars
- Side Loading
- Clamp On
- No Load Assist
- etrailer
more information >
Malone AirFlow2 Roof Rack - Aero Crossbars - Raised Side Rails - Aluminum - 58" Long - Silver
- Roof Rack
- Complete Roof Systems
- Aero Bars
- 58 Inch Bar Space
- 2 Bars
- Overhang
- Silver
- Malone
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
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 >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Q&A: Thule Roof Rack that Fits 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee with Flush Rails
- Q&A: Alternative for Landing Pad Covers for Roof Rack in Car Wash
- Q&A: How Do I Clean And Maintain My TruxEdo Sentry CT Hard Tonneau Cover
- Q&A: Can I Use a SUV Tent w/ the Yakima Swing Away System
- Q&A: Can Cargo Box of Yakima EXO Swing Away Bike Rack be Removed and What Hitch Does it Fit
- Article: How to Strap a Kayak to a Roof Rack in 4 Steps (With Pictures)
- Q&A: Can I Use Two Thule Hullavators # TH898 For My Two Kayaks On My 2020 Subaru Outback Wagon?
- Q&A: Can The Thule The Stacker TH803 Be Used To Carry A Surfboard On The Roof?
- Article: Roof Rack Information
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Article: How to Install a Roof Rack
- Article: Rooftop Cargo Carriers
- Article: Performance Chips and Modules
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)