How to Transport a 90 lb Canoe on the Roof of a 2017 Dodge Durango

Published 07/19/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Thule Quick Draw Tie-Down Ropes w/ Ratchets and Strap Loops - 13' - Qty 2

(44)

$64.95

Custom DK Fit Kit for 4 Rhino-Rack 2500 Series Roof Rack Legs - Naked Roof

(3358)

$139.99

Rhino-Rack 2500 Series Legs for Sportz Crossbars - Naked Roofs or Fixed Mounting Points - Qty 4

(8970)

$249.99

Swagman Exo Aero Rooftop Kayak Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs - Saddle Style - Clamp On

(50)

$136.55

Question:

Thanks for your answer. After considering all of my options, (carrying the canoe gunwales up is not one of them as apparently that creates too much strain on the hull), I think I'll have to go with an aftermarket rack system, such as the one you suggest. My next question is, will it (or any other) fit on my 2017 Dodge Durango adjacent to the factory side rails without having to remove the factory side rails?

asked by: Dan F

Helpful Expert Reply:

I do have a solution for you but unfortunately there are no adapter kits available to carry your 38" wide canoe. You need to use a different roof rack system or use a canoe carrier.

For a roof rack system I recommend the Rhino-Rack Vortex Aero Roof Rack which includes 54" crossbars # RRVA137B-2, the 2500 Series Legs # RRRLKVA, and the DK Fit Kit # DK299. This gives you longer crossbars that have a max weight capacity of 165 lbs.

To carry your canoe just on the crossbars will also require a kit like the Thule # TH855XT.

If you would rather not swap out your current roof rack system then I recommend using the Swagman Exo Aero Rooftop Carrier # S65145. This has a 100 lb weight capacity and will do a great job of carrying your canoe but it will need to be with the gunwales facing up.

expert reply by: Jon G

click to enlarge

Dan F.

7/19/2018

Jon G.

7/19/2018

Typically the OEM crossbars would need to be removed in order to install an aftermarket system. I don't know where your current crossbars sit but I can give you measurements for where the Rhino-Rack bars will sit (which will be relatively the same for other brand roof racks). If you check out the attached picture you can see that the middle of the forwardmost crossbar will sit 3-16/16" in front of the center of your door jamb. The rearmost crossbar will sit 29-17/32" back from that same location. You can use these measurements to compare with your OEM crossbars.