Best Setup for a 2017 Chevrolet Equinox to Carry a Paddleboard and a Kayak

Updated 08/09/2017 | Published 08/08/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Quick Loops for Thule Bow/Stern Tie-Downs - Qty 2

(87)

$54.95

Thule Stacker Kayak Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs - Post Style - Folding - Clamp On

(66)

$229.95

Thule Water Slide Non-Skid Loading Mat

(21)

$99.95

Yakima JayLow Kayak Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs - J-Style - Folding - Clamp On

(155)

$238.95

Question:

I have a 2017 chevy equinox. It has factory side rails. I need to be able to carry my daughters paddleboard and my kayak at the same time. Any suggestions?

asked by: Cheryl C

Expert Reply:

You'll need a few things to do so, starting with a roof rack system.

I recommend the Thule Aero-Blade Edge, part # TH7501-TH7501. These are quick-mount bars that mount onto your existing rails with no additional hardware. They also have T-Channels that are the standard for most watersport carrier accessories.

You have a few options when building a carry system for a Kayak and paddleboard. The paddleboard will need to be laying down to provide the best aerodynamics, so you have to save space on the bars with the Kayak's system. The two best ways to do this are a J-style mount or post style mounts.

The Yakima JayLow part # Y04073, is a J-Style cradle that holds the kayak at an angle, giving it additional stability while moving. This also lets you position the J to one side or the other to open up space on the racks for the paddleboard.

The Thule Stacker, part # TH830 is a post-style option. This is an adapter that allows you to stand the kayak up and support it with the roof rack itself, allowing for maximization of the space, and the ability to carry a second kayak if needed by tying it to the same post. If your kayak is over 10 feet long, you'll want to use the Hull-A-Port Pro, rather than the Stacker.

In either case, I recommend the Thule Quick Loops, part # TH530, to add mounting locations for your bow and stern tiedowns that extend out of the hood and trunk of your vehicle. This increases the tie's stability and makes it easier than clipping into the hood or trunk itself.

You also should look at the Thule Water Slide Non-Skid Loading Mat, part # TH854. This mat protects your vehicle's rear as you load your kayak onto the roof rack, helping minimize the risk of damage.

For the paddleboard, I recommend Thule's SUP Taxi, part # TH810XT. This allows you to transport up to two paddleboards on top of your vehicle and easily removes from the crossbars when you're not transporting them.

The Thule AeroBlade Edge is rated to carry 165lbs on it, and the roof of the 2017 Chevy Equinox is rated for 200lbs. You'll want to make sure that the total weight of the kayak, paddleboard and carrying accessories do not exceed 165lbs, and that the weight of the roof rack, plus the kayak, paddleboard and carrying accessories does not exceed 200lbs. with just the accessories mounted, your total weight is about 25lbs total in either configuration.

I've included video links to every one of these products so you can get an idea of how they work in action.