Best Way to Increase 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Distance to Trailer for Carrying Longer Kayak on Roo

Question:

Looking for a creative solution to my issue before trying to buy a new vehicle. I have a 2023 Jeep GC-L, a 2020 20FBS Geopro TT, Thule wing aero bars and a hullevator. I need to carry 15.5 and 17.8 sea kayaks. I bought the GC-L becuase I didnt have enough space btwn the smaller kayak and the trailer with my old Jeep GC, now with the expedition kayak arriving soon, I know tried a demo on the setup that I have only 3 inches between the pointy end of the kayak and the window of the trailer. I need to be able to mount the 17 kayak further forward on my jeep than the bars allow or a way to mount the kayak on top of the trailer and be able to get it up and down easily. I know some vehicles use door based mounts when they dont have factory mounts. Is there anything that could sub as a more forward mount for my Thule bars still use the Hullevator or some way to add mounts to my trailer with something like a Keritek rack?

asked by: Kelly A

Expert Reply:

I definitely have a creative solution for you, Kelly!

Initially I was looking at the roof rack as well, but since your 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L uses fixed mounting points there isn't a way to adjust the kayak carriers forward. Since we can't mess with the roof side of the equation we can actually look at your connection with your trailer instead and how we can increase the space between your Jeep and your 2020 20FBS Geo Pro.

Your trailer will have a GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) of around 4,455 lbs which is heavy enough that you should be using a weight distribution system. The shanks for weight distribution systems are pretty universal so we can swap out your current one for a longer shank like the 18" Long Equal-i-zer # EQ90-02-4600 to increase the distance between your kayak and the front of your trailer. If you can let me know what weight distribution system you're using I can make sure that this shank is compatible with your current setup.

expert reply by: Jon G