The Chevy Equinox is one popular compact crossover SUV that has been sold in large numbers globally. Introduced in 2004, the Equinox underwent many revisions in subsequent years. It is liked for its superb styling, safety features, and performance. While the Equinox is ideal for city driving, you can also take it for weekend kayaking trips to distant places. For that, you will have to equip your car with a suitable kayak carrier. The nice thing is that you can find several suitable kayak carriers that fit the Equinox.
Best 5 Kayak Racks for Chevy Equinox
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Listed below are some top kayak carriers that fit the Chevy Equinox:
01. Goplus® Kayak Carrier
You thinking about putting the Goplus® Kayak Carrier on your Chevy Equinox? Lemme tell ya, this rack kinda hits different. It gots a solid steel construction that don’t feel flimsy like some other cheapies floating ‘round. You gonna love how the adjustable J-bars give enough room even for fat kayaks that’d normally feel too squishy in a tight mount. They slapped on foam padding too, so your pretty kayak ain’t gonna get all scratched up after a rough ride. Plus, when you ain’t using ‘em, you can fold the thing down so it don’t eat up all your rooftop space, big plus on a mid-size like the Equinox.
But hey, it ain’t no fairy tale either. The Goplus® Kayak Carrier do got a couple quirks you gotta chew over. You might need a bit of elbow grease getting the mount tightened properly ‘cause them instructions be kinda vague. And if you planning on hauling two big kayaks on your Chevy Equinox, might start feeling like a squeeze real quick. Also, the included straps work fine but if you’re planning long highway rides, you prob’ly better off swapping ‘em with beefier ones.
✅ Pros:
- ✅ Strong heavy-duty steel construction for lasting use
- ✅ Adjustable J-bars fit different kayak sizes nicely
- ✅ Folds flat when not used, saves rooftop room
- ✅ Thick foam pads to protect kayaks during transport
- ✅ Budget friendly option compared to premium brands
❌ Cons:
- ❌ Instructions ain’t very clear, setup might test your patience
- ❌ Straps included ain’t the thickest, better upgrade for long trips
- ❌ Fits one kayak perfect, two kayaks can feel cramped on smaller SUV roofs like Chevy Equinox
02. AA-Racks 2 Pair J-Bar Rack
Thinking about hauling your kayak on a Chevy Equinox? Then the AA-Racks 2 Pair J-Bar Rack could be a solid pick, though ya gotta know a few things before clicking that buy button. The heavy-duty steel build ain’t just a show-off – it holds up to rough trips, rain, and all that road grime without getting beat up quick. With padded arms, you won’t scratch the heck outta your kayak or canoe either, so that’s a sigh of relief. Plus, the rack comes bundled with some decent ratchet straps, saving you a few extra bucks hunting for tie-downs. If you’re running roof rails on that Equinox, setting up the J-Bar kayak carrier’s gonna be smooth.
But not everything’s peachy. The instructions? They could been writ by a sleepy squirrel, barely making any sense. Also, if your Chevy Equinox got super thick crossbars, you might struggle a bit getting them mounted snug. Another tiny beef is that they ain’t exactly lightweight, so tossing them on and off takes a lil’ bit of effort. Still, for the price and solidness, it’s hard grumble too much, especially if you’re hauling stuff like kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, or even surfboards once in a while.
✅ Pros:
- ✅ Heavy-duty steel construction holds strong even during rough drives.
- ✅ Comes with included ratchet straps for securing loads tight.
- ✅ Padded arms protect your kayak or canoe from dings and scrapes.
- ✅ Fits great on factory or aftermarket roof rails on Chevy Equinox.
❌ Cons:
- ❌ Instruction manual is kinda hard to follow.
- ❌ Might not fit crossbars that are extra wide or weird-shaped.
- ❌ Little heavy, making install and remove slightly annoying.
03. PIRIPARA Kayak Roof Rack
If you driving a Chevy Equinox and been scratching yer head on how to haul your kayak without making it cry, the PIRIPARA Kayak Roof Rack sure looks like a handy deal. Built from thickened steel, it ain’t one of those racks that bend like a soggy noodle after two trips. The foam padding? Man, it’s chunky, they thought real good about protectin’ your kayak hull from scratches. Another thing, the J-bar design let you load it quick without needing a third hand. And because it can take around 150 pounds, you ain’t just stuck carrying some skinny little kayaks either – heck, you can throw a fishing kayak, or even two slim ones if you clever ’bout it.
Still, you gotta know, it ain’t all roses. Mounting this on the Chevy Equinox crossbars takes a little fiddling if yer bars thicker than a usual stock one. Also, instructions coulda been wrote by a fella that actually installed one before, if you ask me. But for the price point and what you getting, it’s tough to beat when you need a good rack without burnin’ a hole in yer wallet.
Pros:
- ✅ Thick steel construction for heavier kayaks and canoes
- ✅ Heavy foam cushions protect kayak from dings and scratches
- ✅ Fits Chevy Equinox stock and aftermarket crossbars nicely (if ain’t too wide)
- ✅ Budget-friendly compared to other roof racks for kayaks
- ✅ Adjustable quick-on straps included inside the box
Cons:
- ❌ Instructions poorly translated, confusing for first-timers
- ❌ Might not fit all aftermarket crossbars without making some tweaks
- ❌ Paint coating feels thin, might chip if you rough-handle it
- ❌ Bolts may need occasional re-tightening after a few long rides
04. GZDEMYYXGS J-Bar Kayak Roof Rack
If you drivin’ a Chevy Equinox and lookin’ for a tough yet lightweight solution for haulin’ your kayak, the GZDEMYYXGS J-Bar Kayak Roof Rack can be somethin’ worth peekin at. It’s made from heavy-duty steel with a rust-resistant coating that don’t flake easy like them cheaper racks you find. You ain’t gonna waste much time installin’ either, cause the simple mounting system fits most crossbars without too much fightin’. Folks usually love how the J-Bar design cradles the kayak tight, lettin’ you hit them rougher backroads to the water without feelin’ like it’s gonna fall off mid-ride. Plus, it’s pretty light, so when you’re not usin’ it, you ain’t breakin’ your back takin’ it down.
Still, ya gotta know, it ain’t perfect, nothin’ really is. Straps come with it, but some say the quality ain’t real trustworthy for long hauls. And if your Chevy Equinox has real thick crossbars, you might sweat a little gettin’ everything cinched down proper.
✅ Pros:
- ✅ Tough steel construction holdin’ up to 150 lbs easy
- ✅ Rust-resistant finish keepin’ it lookin sharp longer
- ✅ Universal mounting hardware fit most crossbars, includin’ stock Chevy Equinox racks
- ✅ Foam padding protectin’ kayak hulls from scratches
- ✅ Real budget-friendly compared to fancy brand names
❌ Cons:
- ❌ Included tie-down straps might not feel sturdy for bigger or heavier kayaks
- ❌ Might struggle a bit with extra-wide crossbars without some extra fiddlin’
- ❌ Instruction manual ain’t super clear if you ain’t used to installin’ stuff
05. FORWODE Premium Kayak Roof Rack
If you planning to haul your kayak on a Chevy Equinox, then you might really like the FORWODE Premium Kayak Roof Rack. It gots a pretty strong steel build which kinda gives you peace of mind when you on the highway, though sometimes the wind noises might make you think otherwise. This kayak roof rack got a folding design too, which means when you not using it, it don’t stick up awkward like a sore thumb. The FORWODE roof rack holds kayaks real tight with those thick padded arms, specially handy when you driving bumpy country roads or dirt paths. And oh, installing this thing? You could say it’s not too complicated, even if you usually ain’t friends with tools.
Still, you should know that the FORWODE Premium Kayak Rack ain’t no featherweight, so lifting it up during installation might give your arms a free workout you didn’t ask for. Some users mentioned that the straps they included coulda been better — probably safer if you use your own heavy-duty tie downs. It fits pretty nice on the Chevy Equinox roof rails, though if you got those bigger kayaks like fishing yaks, might need to double-check sizing first.
✅ Pros:
- ✅Heavy-duty steel construction gives strong support for long rides.
- ✅Foldable design saves space when not carrying kayaks.
- ✅Thick padding protects your kayak hull from scratches and dents.
- ✅Easy to fit on most crossbars including factory Chevy Equinox ones.
- ✅Comes with all mounting hardware included.
❌ Cons:
- ❌Kinda heavy to lift up during install, especially alone.
- ❌Included tie-down straps feel a bit flimsy sometimes.
- ❌Slight wind noise at highway speeds.
- ❌Might not fit super wide fishing kayaks without extra adjustment.
How to Choose the Best Kayak Racks for Chevy Equinox
When you got a Chevy Equinox, picking a good kayak rack ain’t as simple as it sounds. You can’t just slap any roof rack on top and call it a day. Some racks’ll fit like a glove, others? Won’t even come close. So if you want your kayak riding safely, there’s few things you gotta know first.
Think About Your Chevy Equinox Roof Type
First thing, check your Equinox’s roof. Some got factory-installed side rails, others got just bare roof. If yours has rails, you can usually attach crossbars easily. No rails? Then you probably need a fit kit or a custom mounting system. Don’t skip this step, cuz it’ll save you loads of headache later.
Weight Capacity Is a Big Deal
People often overlook this, but it’s crucial. The average Chevy Equinox can handle about 150 lbs on its roof, but you gotta check your owner’s manual, always. Your kayak rack and kayaks together shouldn’t exceed that. One ocean kayak alone might weigh 70 pounds or more, add two and… you get the picture.
Style of Kayak Rack You Want
You got different styles to pick from, based on what you like and how many kayaks you plan hauling. There’s J-cradles, stacker racks, saddle racks, and even lift-assist kayak racks if you ain’t too keen on heavy lifting.
- J-cradle racks: Holds kayak on its side, saves roof space.
- Saddle racks: Cradles kayak flat, good for wide fishing kayaks.
- Stackers: If you transporting 2 or 3 slim touring kayaks, stackers can help.
- Lift-assist systems: Pricey, but real nice if you got heavy sea kayaks or bad shoulders.
Each type’s got its quirks. Some make loading easier, some make the drive noisier. You gotta pick what suits your needs and budget best.
Material and Build Quality
You don’t wanna cheap out here. A good aluminum kayak rack is light and rust-resistant. Steel racks stronger, but they can rust unless they coated well. Also, check the padding. Bad padding’ll scratch the heck outta your kayak hull faster than you think.
Easy Loading? Think About That
Getting a kayak up on an SUV roof is no small thing. You’re looking at lifting 60-80 lbs overhead, sometimes when it’s raining or windy. Some racks tilt down for easier loading. Some come with sliding rollers. If you short or ain’t got a step stool, you’re gonna really appreciate these lil’ features.
Security Features Matter Too
Kayaks ain’t cheap. Good roof racks for kayaks should have locking mechanisms. Look for systems where you can lock the rack to the Chevy Equinox, and lock the kayak to the rack. You don’t want coming out the store and finding your kayak took a little walk.
Weather Resistance and Durability
If you live where it rains a lot, or maybe near salty beaches, get a rack that don’t rust or crack in the sun. UV-resistant coatings, stainless steel hardware, rubberized grips — little stuff, but it makes the difference after a couple summers.
Compatibility With Other Accessories
Maybe you wanna carry bikes, skis, or a roof box later. Some kayak racks play nice with other roof rack accessories. Some don’t. Plan ahead, even if you think you ain’t gonna need it. Most people end up adding more stuff once they get the setup going.
Budgeting: What You Really Pay For
You gonna see prices from like $80 to $800 easy. Cheap ones usually ain’t durable, or they howl like banshees at 60mph. Good racks cost more but last 5-10 years. Spending a bit extra on brands like Yakima, Thule, or Malone often saves money in the long run.
User Reviews Help But Take Em With Salt
Reading reviews on Amazon or forums gives you good idea. But also remember, people sometimes misuse products then blame the rack. If 10 people say the same issue tho, it probably legit.
Conclusion
Choosing the right kayak rack for a Chevy Equinox isn’t rocket science, but it’s easy to get wrong if you ain’t careful. Check your roof first, think about weight, style, loading needs, durability, security, and budget — then you’ll be way ahead of most folks. A little planning now saves you a lot of cursing later.
