Best Way to Transport 4 Kayaks on 2015 Chevy Traverse

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Question:

Thanks for the very informative answer. Not sure if I need to submit a follow-up question for this. I checked and the kayaks weigh about 36 pounds each, so a total of about 144 pounds. I also checked and our existing crossbars are about 42 inches from end to end. I am trying to attach a couple of pictures that show our current factory roof rack. Because the kayaks are under the weight limit, is there a roof rack solution that might work?

asked by: Martin

Expert Reply:

Without knowing the length of the crossbars and the weight of the kayaks, I would have some doubts that you're going to be able to carry 4 kayaks on the roof of a 2015 Chevy Traverse-but if you were going to do it the Thule Stacker # TH830 would be the way to go since they don't take up a ton of space. You're going to need roughly 50" (the Stacker takes up about 3" of bar space) of crossbar space to successfully do this. I would also recommend checking your owner's manual to find out the capacity of your factory roof rack to make sure the kayaks don't exceed it's safe working load.

A better solution if you have a trailer hitch on your 2015 Chevy Traverse would is set-up to carry 4 kayaks and a has 400-lbs capacity that would be more than enough for your kayaks.

If you need a trailer hitch, wiring and other towing parts, I've compiled a quick list for you below of what I would recommend:

Hitch: Draw-Tite # 75528
Wiring: # HM11141150
Ball Mount/Hitch Ball kit: # 989900

expert reply by: Erik B

William M.

4/24/2020

Erik B.

4/24/2020

I have a solution for you, but the bad news is that your factory bars are going to be slightly too small to handle 4 kayaks and the carriers, so to make this work you'll need to add an aftermarket roof rack. I recommend using the Rhino Rack Roof Rack System, which uses cross bars # RRVA137B-2, towers part # RRRLKVA and fit kit # DK297. This will not utilize the factory side rails on your 2015 Chevy Traverse, but there is not an available solution that will, so this would be the only option for you. This system uses 54" bars which will be wide enough to handle your kayaks and the Thule Stackers # TH830. Since you'll be carrying 4 kayaks I also recommend getting some extra cam buckle straps like the Thule # TH521 to help strap everything down to the vehicle when traveling.