Easiest Way to Carry 2 Kayaks on 2017 Chevy Colorado With Truck Cap

Updated 03/03/2020 | Published 03/02/2020

Products Featured in This Question

Rhino-Rack Aero Bar Roof Rack for Camper Shells - Track Mount - Black - 54" Bars

(281)

$581.06

Thule Water Slide Non-Skid Loading Mat

(21)

$99.95

Yakima HandRoll Kayak Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs - 1/2 System - Saddle Style w/ Rollers - Clamp On

(36)

$168.95

Yakima DeckHand Kayak Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs - 1/2 System - Saddle Style - Clamp On

(27)

$168.95

Question:

I have a 2017 Chevy Colorado crew cab short bed pickup. Want to carry 2-12 foot Kayaks. Truck has an ARE cap on the bed that is the same height as the cab roof. Both have bare roofs. At the age of 66, need the easiest way to load preferably from the rear.

asked by: Michael J

Expert Reply:

The easiest way to carry a couple of 12 foot kayaks with your 2017 Chevy Colorado that has a truck cap is to add a rack system directly to the camper shell. You can do that with a track-mounted rack, each of which comes with tracks that are 63 inches long. You will only need to determine the correct length of crossbars by measuring the width of your Colorado's camper. The right crossbar length is going to be wider than the overall width of the top of the camper shell. The most likely widths will be one of the following:

- 54" Long: Rhino-Rack Aero Bar Roof Rack for Camper Shells # Y02-480B

- 59" Long: Rhino-Rack Aero Bar Roof Rack for Camper Shells # Y02-490B

Assuming your kayaks are each able to lay down flat on the width of the crossbars, you will be able to load them from the rear of the truck with two of the following:

- Yakima HandRoll Kayak Carrier # Y04082

- Yakima DeckHand Kayak Carrier # Y04083

To make it even easier you can also use the Thule Water Slide Non-Skid Loading Mat # TH854.

The combination of these parts will make it super simple to just slide your kayaks on top of your Chevy Colorado. I have added links to video reviews and instructions manuals for you to check out as well.