Solution For Carrying 2 Kayaks On Top Of A 2012 Chevy Express Van 3500
Question:
Wondering if the Thule TracRac plus kayak brackets is the optimum solution for carrying two kayaks on top of our MY2012 Chevy Express 3500 full size van, or is there a better solution specific to kayaks rather than ladders?
asked by: Paul R
Expert Reply:
It really depends on the weight of your kayaks and also the weight of any other cargo you plan on transporting on top of your 2012 Chevy Express Van. You may get by just fine with a roof rack which is more affordable than a ladder rack in this situation. The Inno Standard Square Steel Load Bars - 65" # INB165 with Feet # INSD would work well. This system has a weight capacity of 165lbs which should be plenty for two average-sized kayaks with a kayak carrier such as the Malone Stax Pro2 Kayak Carrier 2 Kayaks # MPG115MD which only weighs 8-1/2 lbs.
If you have heavy kayaks or heavy cargo that you want to carry then perhaps you would benefit from a ladder rack like the Thule TracRac Van Ladder Rack # TH29055XT. You can add the Malone Stax Pro2 Kayak Carrier 2 Kayaks # MPG115MD to this as well. This is a really nice setup which features a T-slot track on top of the crossbars; this can be used to hold channel-mounted accessories. The weight capacity is 500lbs but it is a good idea to check the owner's manual to verify the weight capacity of your vehicle's roof.
All of this being said, I would go with the Inno roof rack with a kayak carrier as this would be more affordable and should work well for you, but if you do happen to have some heavy gear then you would want to go with the Thule ladder rack. I attached demonstration videos for you to check out.
Products Referenced in This Question
Inno Square Crossbars - Steel - Black - 65" Long - Qty 2
- Roof Rack
- Crossbars
- Square Bars
- 65 Inch Bar Space
- 2 Bars
- Overhang
- Black
- Inno
more information >
Inno Feet for Square Crossbars - Rain Gutters - 7-1/2" Tall - Qty 4
- Roof Rack
- Feet
- 4 Pack
- Inno
more information >
Malone Stax Pro2 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
- Malone
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Thule TracRac TracVan Van Ladder Rack - 2 Bar - 500 lbs
- Ladder Racks
- Van
- Fixed Rack
- Work
- Aluminum
- Fixed Height
- 500 lbs
- No-Drill Application
- Thule
more information >
Featured Help Information
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on Ladder Racks
