cross-compatible roof rack system for 1999 / 2008 Chevy Suburban

[thehellings]

I have a 1999 Chevy Suburban and considering purchase of 2008 Suburban so would like to have a cross-compatible roof rack if possible. What I need to accomplish is carrying 4 bikes and a canoe. Future plans for 2 kayaks Already have the Thule 579XT canoe carrier. Also, I already have 4 bike Thule Hitching Post hitch bike rack, but now tow a trailer and need to move everything to the roof of the Suburban!

[rack your brains]

The Thule 450 CrossRoad Complete Roof Rack Base System is engineered to fit both the 1999 and 2008 Suburbans. It attaches directly to the factory rack side rails on both model years. The 450 CrossRoad converts your factory rack side rails into a sturdy base rack system capable of safely transporting all your gear. Includes four 450 Crossroad Feet that attach directly to your roof siderails, and also a pair of Thule load bars that connect to the 450 Feet. Choosing a longer length pair of bars such as the 78 inch bars will also provide enough crossbar space to carry a canoe, kayaks and bikes at the same time.

You can then choose from any of Thule's excellent roof mount Kayak Carriers. All connect directly to the 450 CrossRoad front and rear load bars. The Thule 835PRO Hull-A-Port is a great universal kayak rack attachment that uses a j-cradle design for easy loading/unloading of your kayak and attaches to the Thule 450 CrossRoad load bars. Because of the j-cradle design this kayak rack uses up much less crossbar space than other kayak carrier styles, allowing you to use a couple of the Thule 835Pro kayak racks along with the canoe rack and bike racks on the load bars at the same time. The all-new design of this carrier also allows the cradles to fold down when not in use, avoiding any clearance issues such as a garage etc. The 835XTR Hull-A-Port is exactly the same as the 835PRO except the cradles cannot be folded down.

Finally, any of Thule's excellent roof mount bike racks connect to the 450 Crossroad base rack system load bars too. The Thule 594 SideArm is probably the most popular upright mount bike carrier. No need to take the front wheel off first. The Thule 599XTR Big Mouth Upright bike carrier is an excellent no frills, value priced upright mount carrier. Works with all types of bikes too. If you prefer a fork mount bike rack (removal of the front wheel required) then I'd say the Thule 517 Peloton is the one to go with. This is a fork mount bike rack that offers quick and easy loading and holds the bikes very securely when in transit. Works with both road bikes and all styles of mountain bikes, full suspension included.