any one have an idea for getting a 150lb aluminum boat up on roof rack on a yukon. The stock rail and rack leaves much to be desired.
Been driving pickups for the last 15 years, hadn't thought about it. my old stake hole rack won't fit lol. Anyways the I'ce won't break off the lakes for another 3-4 months so I have time
150lbs? That's kind of serious to be lifting up, especially on your own. Do you have help?
I have my 2015 Tahoe leveled and am able to get my tandem Old Town Twin Heron Kayak up on the roof alone. That kayak weighs 60lbs and it is a bit of a challenge. I have a system that has worked out fairly well, so maybe something you can expand on.
I have the OE GM roof rack: 2 cross rails and they are set in the front and middle positions usually to carry the kayak or long rooftop carrier weight more evenly. Also, I've found that if you try to utilize the rear roof rack position (closest to the vehicle rear) that the liftgate can often bump into whatever you have up top.
When putting the tandem kayak up (60 lbs @ 13' long x 32" wide) I have foam pads that cover the OE cross bars. I then put a couple towels/blankets piled on the top of the liftgate/wing/rear wiper area and proceed to move the kayak.
1. Line up kayak behind the Tahoe on the ground
2. Lift bow of kayak up and move forward onto the rear crossbar using the towels (I avoid using the piled towels until absolutely necessary)
3. Leave bow of kayak resting on rear and move to stern of the boat
4. Lift the stern of kayak and push forward, trying to keep the stern of the boat elevated to pass over the front crossbar.
5. Move/jostle/nudge etc the boat forward until you've got it resting up there.
6. Strap 'er down over the crossbars. I tie the bow and stern off too using the front tow hook and rear tow area as latch points.
The best onload of the tandem kayak I've had so far was at a campsite where I was able to park the car near a small burm/bluff. Pretty much no traffic because we were remote camping so pulled sideways across the dirt track and backed up to the bluff. I was able to just slide the 13' kayak right on top really easy.
Tahoe setup for Tandem kayak (loaded on foam padded crossbars) and single person 10' kayak using rooftop "J" holders:
Tahoe setup with "J" kayak holders and the long Thule cargo carrier:
One of my neighbors here in Maine has a cool setup where his big canoe is stored in the ceiling of his attached "open-air" 3rd garage. Anyway, he drives right under and lowers the canoe on top of the car and drives off. Doesn't help when you're out in the field though...
I've also used my 4'x8' trailer with both liftgates down to transport 3-4 kayaks and SUPs. That's worked so well so far that I've been thinking about putting together an overlanding trailer. Thought a fun project and would be great solution to lots of the downfalls with trying to haul a larger family, too much stuff and toys in the Tahoe.
Safe travels!
