How to Carry Kayak & Cargo on 2015 Nissan Xterra

Published 01/14/2022

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(453)

$227.73

19x60 Curt Cargo Carrier for 2" Hitches - Aluminum - Folding - 500 lbs

(308)

$190.64

Curt Cargo Bag for Hitch Mounted Cargo Carrier - Waterproof - 12.25 Cu Ft

(126)

$92.88

etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver Lock for 2" Hitches - Flush - 2-5/8" Span - Chrome

(3577)

$25.48

Question:

Hi, Im heading to Alaska, and Im trying to find a good roof storage bag or hard case and a single kayak mount option using the stock Xterra roof rack. Any suggestions? Thanks

asked by: Jim S

Helpful Expert Reply:

Appreciate the photo of your 2015 Nissan Xterra (not to mention the view), and while there is a way for you to carry cargo along with a kayak, it isn't possible to add both on your factory roof rack because the bars simply aren't wide enough. Your Xterra has 32 inches of crossbar space and there isn't a roof bag or cargo box narrow enough to go with a kayak carrier.

So what I recommend instead, seeing as how you have a trailer hitch receiver like the Curt # 13514 is a hitch-mounted cargo carrier. This will allow you to carry your kayak on your roof and additional gear in the carrier; the best options for this are the following:

- Curt Cargo Carrier for 2" Hitches - Aluminum # C18100

- Curt Cargo Bag for Hitch Mounted Cargo Carrier - Waterproof # C18210

- Rhino-Rack J-Style Kayak Carrier # S512

The combination of these parts will allow you to do exactly what you are wanting, just in a bit of a different formation. The Rhino-Rack carrier is a J-style so you can mount your kayak from the side, is heavy-duty with a 99 lb weight capacity, and comes with tie-downs.

The cargo carrier is great because it is aluminum so not only will it not rust, it weighs just 29 lbs and is easy to handle. It still has a 500 lb capacity, so you will be able to fill up the cargo bag with as much as can fit inside the 12.25 cu ft of space if offers. The bag is waterproof as well so your contents will stay 100 percent dry no matter the weather you go through as you journey to Alaska. The other thing you will need is a lock for the cargo carrier, the Trailer Hitch Receiver Lock # e98880.