Two Load-Assist Kayak Carrier Recommendation for a 2015 Jeep Cherokee

Published 10/08/2020

Products Featured in This Question

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

(114)

$899.95

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

(142)

$179.95

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

(142)

$584.90

Yakima JetStream Crossbars - Aluminum - Black - 60" Long - Qty 2

(602)

$269.95

TimberLine Towers for Yakima Crossbars - Raised, Factory Side Rails - Qty 4

(29)

$238.95

Question:

I want to carry two 36 pound kayaks on my Jeep Cherokee. Each Kayak is 29inch wide at the beam. Can this be accomplished and what length cross bars would be needed?

asked by: Larry

Expert Reply:

Each Hullavator requires 28.5-inches of space on the crossbars. So you would need 57" long crossbars with 4-8 inches of crossbar overhang on each side. That can be accomplished with the Yakima Jetstream 60" Roof Rack System with part numbers # Y00426 and # Y33TR.

Your 2015 Jeep Cherokee has a load capacity of 150 lbs with a roof rack according to the Owner's Manual. The Thule Hullavator Kayak Carriers # TH898 weigh 40-lbs each by themselves plus your 72 lbs worth of kayak would be a total of 152 lbs. That means, unfortunately, a two Hullavator set-up would be too heavy for your Jeep Cherokee.

Another option which is not as fancy as the Hullavator, but could still work, is the Malone DownLoader Kayak Carrier and TelosXL Load Assist # MPG114MD-351XL. You'll need to get another DownLoader # MPG114MD for your second kayak and the telos lift can be moved to each side of your vehicle.