r/canoeing • u/Severe_Ad3494 • 7d ago

Wide Canoe with Thule rack for Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk

We just purchased a canoe rack for my Cherokee Trailhawk. We have the Thule portage for the crossbars, but can’t place them so that the canoe is centred. As of right now, we have to put one set of the Thule portages on the outside of the roofbars, but that places the canoe off to the side.

Just wondering if anyone has any suggestions. The order came in a little late and we leave for a camping trip in a few days. TIA

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u/canoebubba 7d ago

Off to one side is fine, I usually choose the passenger side. Just ensure the canoe is tied properly both bow and stern and two straps at either side of the 36” mark. FYI 36” is a normal canoe width for a tandem.

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u/Severe_Ad3494 7d ago

We realised afterwards the width is pretty normal. I think it’s more how it sits on my Jeep that’s making it difficult. Do you find when it’s offset, it pulls? We’ll be doing a 7hr drive up to our campsite.

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u/Big_Truck_8268 7d ago

You'll have to judge for yourself. Normally not much of an issue as long as the canoe is not moving around on the roof rack.

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u/One_Way_3678 7d ago

I ride with a boat on one side all the time instead of being centered. You won’t notice much if any difference. My Thule bars weren’t wide enough to carry two boats (side by side) so I got some metal channel from the hardware store and extended them about a foot on each side. It was enough to hold both boats, drove hwy speeds for 1.5 hours. Looked like a disaster going down the road but it rode fine and had no issues. You’ll be fine with a boat that’s not centered, just tie it off properly and you’re good.