Canoe Carrier Recommendation for a 44 inch Wide Canoe on a 2001 Chevy Suburban

Question:

Im looking for a rack system that will pad the horizontal bars like this, but I need it for a larger canoe. The canoe Sportspal is the widest in the center beam at 44. Of course that is the widest at the beam. Other beams are 38inch in length and it reduces in width on both ends. It is a 14foot with a 13ft 10inch centerline. It weighs 58 pounds. Can the Inno INA446 handle such a beast and have enough cable to get around it and secure it? How long is the padding on this system? My roof bar will probably do a 40 to 42 inch. Let me explain what I need and maybe you can help me look at other options as well. I have a 2001 suburban with a factory installed rack both horizontal and vertical bars. The bars are square. Im looking for the best way to solo lift a 60 pound canoe on a high roof without scuffing the roof or the boat. The canoe build is composed of various widths, so it is rather difficult to find a pad or foot pad system e.g. Yakima Keel Over that would work to support the canoe as I lift and roll it onto the roof. So, these pads that fit the entire length of the horizontal rack look appealing to me as they will support entire width of canoe at all times as I slide it onto the rack. The maximum width of the square horizontal bars is approx 42. So a padding would have to cover most or all of the bar area. The other option would be a system that allows me to side load the canoe, which would keep the widest portion of the canoe from ever being in contact with the bar. Im just guessing that would be a bit harder for me to do without assistance. Any suggestions would be appreciated. This is becoming a real obstacle for me to purchase the canoe. Thanks!

asked by: Terry L

Expert Reply:

I spoke with my contact at INNO and they said that due to the shorter crossbars on your 2001 Chevy Suburban the part # INA446 would not be able to open wide enough for a canoe that measures 44 inches at the widest beam.

The best solution we are going to have would be the Rhino-Rack T-Load # RTL002 that installs in the hitch of the Suburban and then gives you a wide crossbar to mount the rear of the canoe on. I attached a review video for this rack as well. Since you would be loading the canoe from the rear that will make it a bit easier than trying to lift the canoe up over your head.

expert reply by: Jameson C