Roof Rack and Kayak Load Assist Recommendation for 2011 Chevy Equinox with Raised Side Rails

Published 02/06/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Rhino-Rack Universal Load Assist - Crossbar Mount - Side Loading - 132 lbs

(126)

$219.99

Rhino-Rack Vortex Aero Crossbars - Aluminum - Black - 49" Long - Qty 2

(2759)

$230.20

Yakima CoreBar Crossbars - Steel - Black - 50" Long - Qty 2

(314)

$228.95

Question:

There is a solution for you, but the issue with the BoatLoader EVO the crossbar spread as well as its 80 lb weight capacity, which is less than your 87 lb fishing kayak. Instead, for your 2011 Chevy Equinox with raised side rails I recommend the Rhino-Rack Roof Rack, which will give your Equinox a very functional, durable rack that will allow you to use a load assist. This roof rack uses aero bars and consists of: - Rhino-Rack Vortex Aero Crossbars # RRVA126B-2 (Black) OR # RRVA126S-2 (Silver) - Rhino-Rack SX Series Legs # RRSX100 With this rack you can use the Rhino-Rack Universal Load Assist # RR-RUSL which has a capacity of 132 lbs which is more than enough for your fishing kayak and because it clamps onto a single bar, there is no limitations for crossbar spacing. You would then be able to mount your kayak onto a carrier such as the Rhino-Rack J-Style Kayak Carrier # S510 which has a 99 lb weight capacity and comes with tie-down straps. I have added links to video reviews of the roof rack, kayak carrier and load assist for you to check out as well.

asked by: Daniel L

Expert Reply:

There is a solution for you, but the issue with the BoatLoader EVO the crossbar spread as well as its 80 lb weight capacity, which is less than your 87 lb fishing kayak.

Instead, for your 2011 Chevy Equinox with raised side rails I recommend the Rhino-Rack Roof Rack, which will give your Equinox a very functional, durable rack that will allow you to use a load assist. This roof rack uses aero bars and consists of:

- Rhino-Rack Vortex Aero Crossbars # RRVA126B-2
- Rhino-Rack SX Series Legs # RRSX100

With this rack you can use the Rhino-Rack Universal Load Assist # RR-RUSL which has a capacity of 132 lbs which is more than enough for your fishing kayak and because it clamps onto a single bar, there is no limitations for crossbar spacing. You would then be able to mount your kayak onto a carrier such as the Rhino-Rack J-Style Kayak Carrier # S510 which has a 99 lb weight capacity and comes with tie-down straps.

I have added links to video reviews of the roof rack, kayak carrier and load assist for you to check out as well.

expert reply by: Kyle S

click to enlarge

Daniel L.

2/6/2019

Kyle S.

2/6/2019

You can still use the Yakima CoreBar roof rack for your 2011 Chevy Equinox. The only issue with the 22 inch crossbar spread is that most kayak carriers require at least 24 inches of spread; however, there is still a solution that will allow you to carry your kayak safely. What you can do is put the foam block Malone Deluxe Kayak Carrier with Tie-Downs # MPG152 on the Yakima CoreBar roof rack. That rack is made up of Yakima CoreBar Crossbars # Y00421 and TimberLine Towers # Y00147. This will give you a roof rack and carrier for your 2011 Equinox that will allow you to transport your kayak. I have added a link to a video review of the Malone Carrier for you to check out as well.