Kayak Carriers, Ski Racks, and Bike Racks for 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo

Question:

I am looking for a three sport solution for a 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo. I am looking for a roof mounting system for three 10-foot kayaks, a roof ski rack for four pairs of skis and a roof or trunk mount for three bikes. What solution options do you have for me? I am not interested in a trailer hitch system.

asked by: Christopher B

Expert Reply:

I'll start off with the ski rack for your 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo since that is fairly simple. I recommend the Kuat Switch 4 Ski and Snowboard Carrier # KU94FR. This is capable of holding 4 pairs of skis, has an aluminum construction for corrosion resistance, and comes with locks to keep your skis secure.

Three kayaks will be a bit more challenging. Since space will be limited even with an aftermarket roof rack I recommend using the Malone FoldAway-5 # MAL38FR along with a J-style carrier like the Malone J-Pro2 # MPG117MD. The FoldAway-5 will let you mount two kayaks vertically and is 19-1/2" long when deployed. The J-Pro2 will have the 3rd at a bit of an angle and is 16" long.

If you have an aftermarket roof rack that extends out over the towers this will be less of an issue than factory crossbars. It would be best to measure your rack and the height of the kayaks to try to get an idea if this will fit. If you don't actually have a roof rack I recommend the Yakima JetStream with 50" crossbars. You will need the # Y00425, # Y00425, and # Y00245 for the complete rack. The main reason I like this rack is because it is extremely quiet compared to others.

For a bike rack the only option is the roof if you don't want to use the hitch. The material on the newer Jeep Grand Cherokee is too cheap to hold up to any kind of trunk mounted bike rack. You can use the Yakima ForkLift # Y02098 if you want a fork mount or the Yakima FrontLoader # Y02103 for a wheel mount.

I have attached some review videos below for your reference.

expert reply by: Robin H

Christopher B.

4/15/2024

I replied to your expert reply last week but have not heard back.

Robin H.

4/15/2024

@ChristopherB sorry about that. For whatever reason the comment didn't come to me and it isn't visible on the answer page here. The Thule Stacker # TH830 would also work and save you a little money. If there was more to the comment I am unable to see it. The only thing visible to me is "What about the Thule Stacker instead of the two-part Malone solution? Two of my kayaks are identical" so if you had additional thoughts or questions feel free to add them here and I will follow up as soon as possible.

Christopher B.

4/15/2024

@RobinH If the Thule Stacker TH830 would work for me then what are my options for the crossbars that mount directly to my factory rails? The two identical kayaks measure 22" height in total. That would mean a minimum crossbar length of 44" when the kayaks are stacked on their sides, right? How much weight can these crossbars hold? My three kayaks together would probably weight around 150 lbs (give or take) combined.

Robin H.

4/15/2024

@ChristopherB if that height is in the middle where the kayaks would sit on the rack then yeah, 22" for each so 44" with two and 66" if you wanted to add the third on top. I think that is what you're saying. If you measured the lowest point and something like the nose where it curves up as the highest point you may have some more room to work with since you only need to worry about the height where it fits on the rack. None of the crossbars for your Grand Cherokee would be able to accommodate all three kayaks at 66" but 44" would work with the Yakima system above. I still recommend the JetStream because of how quiet they are. It won't matter so much when you're loaded up with kayaks, bikes, and skis but the rest of the time you'll appreciate it. The crossbars can handle 165 lbs so the determining factor would be the capacity of your roof. It looks like your roof can handle 150 lbs according to the owner's manual so you're going to be right at the limit.

Christopher B.

4/15/2024

The Saris Bones EX 3 # SA803 doesn't appear to fit the 2024 Grand Cherokee, is that a mistake?

Robin H.

4/15/2024

@ChristopherB it is my mistake. These aren't always tested so sometimes it says not confirmed even though it will fit. I have a 2023 Grand Cherokee and knew it would fit. What I didn't know is Jeep was too cheap when they made the new model so the material won't hold up to a bike rack with prolonged use. I don't think I've ever run into that before so it is disappointing to hear.