Recommended Method to Carry 2 Kayaks on 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

Updated 07/29/2015 | Published 07/28/2015

Products Featured in This Question

Erickson Big Bed Junior Load Extender for Truck Bed or Roof - 2" Hitches - 350 lbs

(180)

$139.12

Thule TracRac TracONE Ladder Rack w/ Cantilever - Fixed Mount - 800 lbs - Silver

(398)

$957.90

Question:

Hello, I want to put a pair of truck ladder racks on my pickup to haul kayaks. I would prefer not to drill any holes. I do have the stake pocket holes on the truck. It is a 2004 Chevy Silverado 1500. What do you suggest? Thank you

asked by: Gary K

Expert Reply:

If your 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 has a 2-inch front OR rear hitch that is available to use for your kayaks then I can recommend more cost-effective option, a load support bar like the Erickson Big Bed Junior Load Extender # EM07605. This fits a 2-inch hitch and allows for vertical adjustment to match your cab height. With this in place you can then use either a roof rack and rack-mount kayak carrier on the roof of the cab, or for the most cost-effective option a foam block type carrier such as the Rightline GearKayak Carrier # RL100K10. This and other foam block carriers are shown on the linked page. These DO NOT require a roof rack; they work directly on the truck cab's roof and are easy to mount and remove. They are also low in cost compared to other kayak carriers.

If you prefer a full-on ladder rack for your truck you can use the other linked page to see options. You can select your truck bed length using the drop-down menu at the top of the page to then see ladder rack systems that fit your truck. For example, if you have a 6-1/2-foot non-stepside bed you could use TracRac # TH27000XT-EX which does not require drilling.

expert reply by: Adam R