Roof Rack for Carrying Canoe With 2008 Chevy Silverado

Question:

I made a portable roof rack system that utilizes a wood 2X4 bar to avoid scratching my canoe. It does not work too good with my 2008 Silverado because of the groove in the roof near the edge defeats my suction cups. Do you have or can you make clamps that can be attached to a flat horizontal surface that I could adapt to my system? I just use tie downs at the front and rear of my canoe to the tow hooks in the front and the trailer safety chain loops on my platform hitch on the back..

asked by: Pete H

Expert Reply:

We do offer clamps designed to attach the roof rack feet to the vehicle, but I could not recommend altering a roof rack in any way. Altering an existing assembly would have unknown effects on its weight bearing ability, which wouldn't be safe.

Rhino Rack offers an inexpensive yet strong rack system that consists of the # RRVA137B-2 crossbars, # RRRLKVA legs, and the # DK227 vehicle-specific clamp kit. This would provide a stable and strong rack for your canoe. I'd also suggest the Malone Canoe Carrier Kit, part # MPG156. The kit includes foam blocks that would fit over the crossbars and would provide a padded surface for the gunwales to sit on so they're not damaged by the crossbar. The kit includes a tie down strap and bow/stern tie-downs.

expert reply by: Mike L