Recommended Kayak Carrier and Crossbars for a 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Updated 03/08/2023 | Published 03/07/2023

Products Featured in This Question

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

(602)

$269.95

Malone MegaWing Fishing Kayak Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs - Saddle Style - Clamp On

(81)

$161.95

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

(29)

$238.95

Question:

2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee with factory roof rails. Want to mount two Eddyline 12foot Skylark kayaks 26 inche width, 41 lbs side by side, horizontal. Looking at Yakima JetStream Crossbars - Aluminum - Black - 60inch Long Y00426 in combination with: Malone MegaWing Fishing Kayak Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs - Saddle Style - Clamp On - MPG207 or Malone SeaWing Kayak Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs - Saddle Style - Clamp On - MPG107MD or??? I would prefer the stronger/more stable Megawing, but either seems fine from a capacity standpoint. A couple big questions- 1- The positioning of the wing clamps relative to the crossbar towers. 2- The keel shape of the Eddyline to nest in the wing shape. Recommedations/advice/other options?

asked by: Tim C

Expert Reply:

For your 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee using the Yakima JetStream Crossbars # Y00426 and the TimberLine Towers for Yakima Crossbars - Raised, Factory Side Rails # Y33TR I recommend going with the Malone MegaWing Fishing Kayak Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs # MPG207.

Reason being, the MegaWing has a larger weight capacity at 150-lbs compared to the 75-lbs max of the SeaWing # MPG107MD, is only a half a pound heavier, and has a longer load strap at 15' compared to the SeaWing's 11' straps.

The positioning of the MegaWing to your towers will be relative but your crossbars will need to be at least 24" apart to mount this carrier. Also, the keel of your Eddyline Kayak will not be an issue using these carriers either.

expert reply by: Bryce D