Yakima HD Roof Rack and LockNLoad Fitment on a 2021 GMC Yukon AT4

Question:

Hi, I asked a question about the Yakima LockNLoad Fitting my 2021 GMC Yukon. The Yakima hd cross bars are able to hold 330 pounds, which is like to purchase for my Yukon. Can you please recommend a flush rail adapter and tower for my Yukon that would fit the hd cross bar? Or if you know if a Thule product that holds more than 165, that would be great. With the platform weighing 70 pounds, we are only left with 95 pounds on the platform with the standard set up. Finally, I’m looking for a cross bar that extends out from the towers, probably 60” total length. Vehicle is 2021 Yukon at4 Thank you

asked by: Philip

Expert Reply:

The parts you need to build a Yakima HD roof rack kit for the flush rails on your 2021 GMC Yukon AT4 includes the following parts:

60" HD Crossbars - # Y01157
HD Bar SL Adapter - # Y03541
SightLine Towers - # Y64AR
SightClip Fit Kit - # Y44UV
Lock Core Kit - # Y07204 (optional)

This will work great with the Yakima LockNLoad Platform Rack for Crossbars # Y45UV, but we still need to talk about the weight ratings as you do bring up a great point.

The Yakima HD bars are actually rated for up to 500 lbs (they are also used for the Yakima ladder racks) but the limiting factor is the SightLine Towers, which are rated for 165 lbs. This is something we're seeing more and more of; the crossbars are rated for a higher amount than the legs and so it can get confusing to look at. Basically, every roof rack at this point in time (March 2023) has a 165 lbs rating. I'm hoping this changes in the future as testing becomes more focused on weight capacities and companies try to out perform each other.

Hopefully this sheds some light on what you're looking at and makes you a little more comfortable with your purchase. If you want to go with a lighter platform so you can get more out of it we have the LockNLoad 60" x 54" # Y05045-39 weighing in at 57 lbs and the 55" x 49" # Y05044-39 weighing in at 43.5 lbs. Both of these come with the universal platform mounts that fit the HD bars.