Carrying Kayaks With 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL 2 door Soft Top

Updated 04/29/2019 | Published 04/25/2019

Products Featured in This Question

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

(182)

$149.62

Thule Load Strap Cinch Straps w/ Padded Cam Buckles - 9' - 750 lbs - Qty 2

(74)

$44.95

Question:

Hello, I see a Jeep Wrangler in a website image that has a hitch mounted load extender part #EM07605 on both the back and front of the vehicle. The front extender shows guy lines or cables as well. I am a petite 50 yr old woman and am searching for a good way to independently load and carry my kayak on top my 2018 Jeep Wrangler Sport 2 door vehicle. If this is indeed two #EM07605 Load Extenders, how can I attach the extender to the front of my vehicle? Thank you for considering my situation. I currently have just a soft top on my Jeep. This fall, I will switch to my hard top. I have looked at roof racks online, but is there a rack that I could use with the soft top? Thank you

asked by: BARBARA A

Expert Reply:

I can help you find a kayak carrier with load assist for your 2018 Jeep JL Wrangler. The Erickson Big Bed Junior part # EM07605 comes as a quantity of 1 but 2 can be purchased, one for a front hitch receiver and one for a rear hitch receiver like the photo you mentioned.

The first extender would pin into a front mount receiver on the front of the Jeep and the second extender would pin into the rear hitch receiver. You could then put your kayak on top of the extenders and tie it down with tie downs like part # TH521. I recommend the Draw-Tite front mount hitch part # 65079 for the 2018 Jeep JL and rear mount Draw-Tite hitch part # DT78MR if you do not already have them on the Jeep.

There is not a load assist option for the Erickson Extenders so it may be difficult to get the Kayak up on the extenders without help. We do not have any roof rack kayak carrier options that work with a soft top Jeep at this time or any hitch mounted options with load assist. If you do switch to a hard top let me know and we can look over your options again.

expert reply by: Heather A