I got rid of my 96 Jeep ZJ (grand cherokee) cause I wanted better mpg's. So I drive a 98 VW TDI jetta daily (40-41 all around, 48-50 on trips) and I have this GL for getting me to the places we like to play. The jeep was a bit of a workout getting the kayaks on and off the top due to height. This 86 GL is a piece of cake to load and unload from up top as the roof is so low. Kudos to the GL for rooftop hauling.

 

Pics are from this past weekend out. And the subaru is a great, not greak, kayak hauler. Can not edit title unfortunately.

 

Had to put her in 4wd to get to the put in. But it was a beautiful day for kayaking. Took the kids, they love it.

Edited September 20, 200916 yr by kybishop

and if you roll over, you have flotation devices built in!

Yeah I hauled some on mine this summer too. I do not have the kayak roof rack so just tied them on real good to my snowboard roof racks. Nice and easy to reach. HOWEVER I do not like the roof top bike racks it was way too much of a reach. I went to the hatch bike rack instead

I used to haul a canoe on mine. It was scary with cross winds though.

Thanks for sharing. It sure brings back some great memories. I grew up commonly seeing a pair of canoes strapped to the top of one of our Subarus and sometimes a couple more on top of a camping trailer behind it.

yep, canoes, bikes, kayaks, ladders, lumber......roof rack on the loyale has hauled many things!

I took the same Thule load bars and attachments off the jeep, just bought different feet and put them on the GL. Hauled a lot on that rack and they are quite stout. Lumber, drywall, plywood, ladders...pretty much renovated our house with it. Also hauled canoes and the kayaks. Put a Thule on the Jetta and the Outback too. They are great systems, makes securing loads much easier. Looking for a long narrow cargo box for longer trips. I think I like the Yakima cargo boxes better than the Thules at this point. Vests, paddles and camping gear up top with enough room for a kayak beside it. Rest of gear in the back of the car.

 

KB

MY 81 GL WAGON HAS HAULED A WHEEL BARROW AND SHOVELS FOR YEARS ON THE ROOF , AND ALL MY CONCRETE FINISHING TOOLS IN THE BACK . I ONCE HAULED A PORTABLE BASKETBALL GOAL ON THE ROOF , FOR A FRIEND WHO COULDN'T FIT IT IN HIS HONDA TRUCK