Roof Rack For 2023 Chevy Bolt EV 2LT To Carry Two Kayaks

Updated 06/19/2024 | Published 06/04/2024

Products Featured in This Question

Yakima JetStream Crossbars - Aluminum - Black - 50" Long - Qty 2

(609)

$269.95

Yakima BaseLine Roof Rack for Naked Roofs - JetStream Crossbars - Aluminum - Black - Qty 2

(85921)

$694.80

Question:

We are looking for a roof rack for our 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV 2LT. The rack will primarily be used to transport 2 16’ sea kayaks. Both kayaks are 24” wide. The total weight of the kayaks is 115 pounds. I’ve always transported the kayaks flipped over with the bottoms facing up on the roof rack. The Yakima Base Line system was recommended when I entered the Bolt info in your data base. Does Thule have a roof rack for the Bolt? If yes, what models are recommended? What length of bars do you recommend for the roof rack system? If you were buying a roof rack for your Chevrolet Bolt, what one would you buy?

asked by: John G

Expert Reply:

Hello John, thanks for reaching out. Your 2023 Chevy Bolt EV 2LT has a naked roof with no existing factory rails, correct? If so, the Yakima Baseline roof rack is definitely the way to go. This is actually going to be the only roof rack system available for the naked roof '23 Bolt. Thule currently does not make a custom fit kit for your vehicle.

If it were my car, I would go with the Yakima BaseLine Roof Rack # Y79QB. This is the full roof rack system, and it comes with 50" JetStream aero bars which should be just right for your 24" wide kayaks. The 50" bars are the longest we recommend for your Bolt.

I do recommend that you check your owner's manual and verify that the roof of your vehicle is rated for carrying 115 + lbs. I have included links to a few of our installation/review videos for this roof rack. Feel free to reach out if you have any more questions.

expert reply by: Jesse M

John G.

6/12/2024

Thanks for the follow up on my question. I really like the simplicity of the Yakima boat loader system. Are the Yakima Jetstream crossbars that much better than the Yakima Core bars? With the width of the 2 kayaks at 48”, that only leaves 2” of play on the 50” crossbars. Why don’t you recommend 60” crossbars? If 50” crossbars are the preferred size, should I consider buying a set of Yakima J-cradles?

Jesse M.

6/19/2024

@JohnG So we do have the Yakima CoreBar rack # Y68RB which will also fit your 2023 Chevy Bolt EV and comes with a 50" bar. This can be used with the Yakima Boat Loader system # Y04085. The main difference between the JetStream and the CoreBars is the Corebars do not have a top channel for mounting T-slot accessories. Another advantage of the Yakima roof racks is the mounting style allows you to go with longer crossbars. Meaning you could definitely do a 60" bar if you want to. This goes for the JetStream, CoreBar and Round Bar racks. We recommend the 50" just because it is the best fit for the car and does not have excessive overhang. It sounds like you want more bar space so by all means go for it. The bars will extend past the towers like 7 or 8" probably. If you want to do a 60" CoreBar rack so you can use the Boat Loader, here are the components you will need: - Yakima CoreBar Crossbars - Steel - Black - 60" Long - Qty 2 # Y00422 - BaseClip Fit Kit for Yakima BaseLine Roof Rack Towers - Qty 2 # Y06123 - BaseClip Fit Kit for Yakima BaseLine Roof Rack Towers - Qty 2 # Y06181 - BaseLine Towers for Yakima Crossbars - Naked Roofs - Qty 4 # Y28TR As far as the J-cradle carrier, that completely comes down to your preference. We have a Yakima Round bar rack on our utility trailer and we use it often for carrying kayaks. My preferred method here lately has been just flipping the kayaks upside down right on the bars like you said. If they are strapped down correctly there is no way they could go anywhere. A crossbar pad like # MPG314 might be something to consider. The J-carriers are convenient. They will protect your kayaks (and the crossbars) and they make loading easy. The etrailer Kayak Carrier w/ Tie-Downs - J-Style # e98878 is what I recommend. If it were me I would stick with whatever method I was most comfortable with.