Introduction: Stand Up Paddleboard SUP Roof Rack for Chevy Bolt EV (Chevrolet Bolt)

DISCLAIMER: ATTACHING THINGS TO A VEHICLE CARRIES GREAT RISK TO OTHERS IF NOT DONE PROPERLY, ESPECIALLY A BROAD ITEM THAT CATCHES THE WIND LIKE AN SUP. MAINTAIN A SAFE SPEED. EXERCISE GOOD JUDGEMENT AND USE 4 STRAPS WITH 8 MOUNTS IF ADVERSE TRAVEL CONDITIONS. MAKE SURE YOUR STRAPS ARE IN EXCELLENT CONDITION. THESE INSTRUCTIONS ARE JUST TO GIVE YOU IDEAS.

Instead of a $620* system or the $160** option to mount a Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) ...

How about a $20 solution that EXTENDS YOUR RANGE? (SAVES YOUR BATTERY!!)

A Chevy Bolt is an electric vehicle. It will go 238 or so miles in so-called average driving conditions. Less if cold, Less if you run the heat, etc. Tons of writing on this if you search for it.

I routinely make a 150 mile trip to a parent's house where there is perfect SUP conditions.

Could I make it in one charge?

Test 1 - driving 150 miles with this on 75 degree Fahrenheit day, I had 39 miles to spare. The route was a mix of 55, 65, 70. I drove moderately.

Test 2 - 55 degrees, some rain, did not limit my speed, had 16 miles to spare (reading said LOW!)

So I think if you drive moderately, you have a 10-15% impact.

The main reason I wrote this is that I had a hard time figuring out that the necessary bolts were Metric M6 x 1.00 thread.

*At time of writing it is $620 on chevrolet.com for the compatible Aeroblade Roof Rack Package in Black by Thule

** Newly available $160 Roof-Mounted Watersport Carrier by Thule on https://accessories.chevrolet.com/

Supplies

Double these if you want to have an 8 anchor / 4 strap system.

  • FOUR Metric M6 machine screw with 1.00 thread, 20mm length*
  • FOUR Anchor plates
  • FOUR Washers

Optional if you do not already have on hand:

  • TWO Straps (I like the ones from West Marine that have a rubber piece to protect your board)
  • An old blanket or moving blanket to protect your roof

*The M in M6 means metric, but I say metric in case someone does not know this naming convention.

Step 1: Attach Anchors

Screw the M6 x 1.00 thread x 20mm anchors into the existing holes using whatever washers you see fit.

TIP: Make sure the angle is correct so you do not strip it. The angle is hard to get correct sometimes /

It would probably be nice to add some type of lock washers, but I did not.

Step 2: Attach Straps

  • Inspect the anchors for any sharp edges which would cut your strap
  • Inspect the strap assembly for wear

  • Clean the roof to make sure there is nothing to scratch the paint

  • Lay the blanked on the roof and roll up the moving blanket in the back TO PREVENT CRUSHING THE ANTENNA

  • Put the board on top of the blanket and position so that the board has the greatest security and least drag.

  • Strap the boards down and tie down the loose straps so they do not frey
  • REPEATEDLY INSPECT THE TENSION AND SETUP EVERY TIME THAT YOU START DRIVING AND EVERY HOUR OR SO
  • ATTACHING THINGS TO A MOVING VEHICLE CARRIES GREAT RISK TO OTHERS IF NOT DONE PROPERLY. EXERCISE GOOD JUDGEMENT.