Best 2 Kayak Carrier for a 2005 Jeep Liberty Renegade

Updated 08/14/2017 | Published 08/12/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Malone EcoLight Sport Trailer - 58" Crossbars - 400 lbs

(59)

$1421.10

Hopkins Plug-In Simple Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

(94)

$48.89

Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(60)

$197.55

etrailer Ball Mount Kit for 2" Hitches - 7,500 lbs

(1375)

$93.58

Swagman Contour Kayak Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs - J-Style - Fixed - Clamp On

(51)

$118.27

Question:

I have a 2005 Jeep Liberty Renegade. What equipment do I need to carry 2 kayaks?

asked by: Phyllis

Expert Reply:

Your best bet in a 2005 Jeep Liberty Renegade is to obtain a hitch-mounted solution, such as a Malone EcoLight Trailer, part # MAL53FR

According to my research, the 2005 Jeep Liberty Renegade is only rated for a maximum of 65lbs loaded on the roof, significantly limiting your options for carrying even one kayak because it can easily exceed your weight capacity from just the kayak alone.

With a trailer like the Malone EcoLite, you open up a wealth of options for carrying multiple items mounted behind your vehicle.

First, you'll need to purchase a trailer hitch for your vehicle, and verify the available load capacity and tongue weight of your vehicle in the owner's manual. I recommend a Class III hitch like a Draw Tite Class III Max, part # 75128, as this gives you enough capacity from the hitch to carry the trailer. You'll also need a 2" trailer hitch ball and a wiring kit for the trailer's tail lights. The etrailer.com ball mount kit for 2" hitches, part # 989900, includes the ball and hitch shank for you to connect the trailer to. And a wiring kit like the Hopkins Plug-In Simple Vehicle Wiring Harness, part # 42475 will help you connect the wiring quickly and easily.

Next, you'll need to add a carrying solution to the Malone EcoLite. The unique thing about the EcoLite is that it behaves like a roof rack, giving you a uniquely wide range of solutions. Since you're looking for carrying two, the easiest way to mount and carry two kayaks is a J-style mount which is extremely easy and can be oriented to each side of the trailer for easy loading.

From there, you'll want to pick a kayak solution to fit the square roof bars on the trailer. I recommend the Swagman Contour Kit, part # S65148, because it mounts quickly and will be easy to load and tie down onto the trailer itself.