Best Load Assist Kayak Carriers That Can Be Used on 2017 Jeep Cherokee

Updated 08/09/2020 | Published 08/07/2020

Products Featured in This Question

Thule Hullavator Pro Kayak Roof Rack and Lift Assist w/ Tie-Downs - Saddle Style - Universal Mount

(124)

$899.95

Malone DownLoader Kayak Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs - J-Style - Folding - Clamp On

(150)

$179.95

Malone DownLoader Kayak Roof Rack w/ Lift Assist and Tie-Downs - J-Style - Clamp On

(150)

$611.90

Evo Raised Rail Feet for Thule Crossbars - Factory Raised Rails - Qty 4

(228)

$264.95

Thule SquareBar Evo Crossbars - Steel - 53" Long - Qty 2

(272)

$187.70

Thule SquareBar Evo Crossbars - Steel - 60" Long - Qty 2

(272)

$181.92

Question:

I am wanting to put dual Thule Hullavators on my 2017 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk. What length bars do I need to install on my factory roof rails to do this?

asked by: Jeff S

Expert Reply:

I may have a solution for you, but the Thule Hullavator # TH898 requires 28.5" of crossbar space per carrier, so in order to hold 2 of them on your 2017 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk you would need at least 59" of crossbar. The longest crossbars that are typically used on the 2017 Cherokee are 58" so you would need to add a roof rack kit that has crossbars that extended a bit further past the rails than would be normal for this vehicle. You could use the 60" Long Thule Square Bars # TH712500 and the # TH710401 feet, which would give you the bare minimum and might be a very tight fit for 2 kayaks.

With all of that said, the Malone DownLoader Kayak Carrier and TelosXL Load Assist w/ Tie-Downs - J-Style - Side Loading # MPG114MD-351XL would be a great alternative since the kayak carriers only take up roughly 20" of bar space. The Telos XL carrier can be moved to either side of the vehicle, so you'd just want to add a 2nd carrier with the # MPG114MD. You can use the same roof rack kit mentioned above for this rack and have plenty of room.

I've linked some review videos of these parts for you to have a look at.