As long as it is secured correctly, you will not have to worry about your car being ruined. That means you will need to get a best quality kayak roof rack for car in order to transport it safely and to enjoy your day with it on the water!
10 Best Kayak Roof Racks
TMS J-Bar Rack HD Kayak Carrier – Car, SUV
The great thing about this kayak carrier is that it is meant to mount to all crossbars as well as load bars. The way it works is that the carrier secures the kayak on the side which means that not much space is taken up. This kayak roof rack for car accommodates these light boats that are up to 36 inches wide and that are up to 75 pounds. It is designed with steel, and it comes with adjustable padding so it can carry and protect the light boat.
Another feature this product has is that it has a wide J-mouth bar which allows you to load and unload easier. And last but not least, it is easy to install and remove due to the quick on and off hardware. Just beware that there are small parts that come with this product. Therefore, you will want to make sure that children under 3 stay away as these parts can be choking hazards.
CargoLoc 2-Piece 52″ Aluminum Roof For Kayak
The CargoLoc product is a kayak roof rack for 2 and it is made out of high-quality aluminum, which is not overly heavy while it maintains its strength. You can also transport a mountain bike and skis as well with this product, as it can handle a 150 lbs load capacity. You don’t have to worry about this product being unsafe as it features a strong clamping mechanism and this way, you will see that the crossbars will stay firmly fastened to the side rails, and thanks to the keyed locking mechanism, you can be reassured that the kayak will stay secure!
Lifetime Warranty TMS 2 Pairs J-Bar Rack
Another good kayak carrier that comes with a Lifetime Warranty. This particular product is one of the best 2 kayak roof racks around. You can count on the adjustable padding and steel design to protect the kayak effectively while it can carry it well. It also features a wide mouth J-bar so loading and unloading can be done easier. Additionally, it will fit most shaped crossbars whether they are square, oval or round.
The other great thing about this 2 kayak roof rack is that it secures the boat on its side which means it does not take up much space. And, it will support kayaks that are 75 lbs and 36 inches wide. If you are searching for a good kayak roof rack for car then you should consider this.
Roof Rack Crossbars 54″ 2 Kayak Car Rack
If you are looking for the best kayak roof rack for 2, then you will want to look into the Vault Cargo Management product. The rooftop is adjustable and made out of aluminum, and has exceptional strength. This way, it can also carry canoes, snowboards and luggage safely.
The crossbars are being sold at a set of bars and the width of the clamp can be adjusted. The crossbar is 53 inches long, and is 1 inch high and 2 inches wide. The set includes 2 sets of keys so that the crossbars are securely locked. The product supports items that are up to 150 lbs.
ECOTRIC J-Bar 2 Pairs Universal Kayak Carrier
This kayak roof rack features padding which is adjustable, and the frame is made out of heavy duty steel and rubber. This product includes 4 racks for 2 kayaks and 4 straps. You can load and unload easily because of the wide mouth J-bar, and it can be installed in a way where it won’t take up much space.
The quick on and off hardware allows you to have a quick removal or installation, and it is easy to install. Additionally, the hardware is rust resistant and durable. All of the fastening strips and mounting hardware is included and can carry loads up to 165 lbs and kayaks that are 36 inches wide.
2 Pair – Top Mount Carrier Roof Rack Kayak For SUV
This kayak roof rack for cars and SUVs is one that you will want to make sure you get a hold of. This product is not only brand new and durable, but the load capacity is large. It is made out of solid heavy duty steel and has a rust-resistant coating on the surface. It also features a wide mouth J-bar which makes unloading and loading easy. All crossbars and load bars will fit on this kayak roof rack. The kayak is secured on its side, and is also very spacious.
The SUV roof rack is padded so that the kayaks are protected well. The material is black, and the strap size is 9/2 inches x 10 inches, and the loading capacity is 165 lbs and accommodates kayaks that are 36 inches wide. This product includes 4 tie down straps, 4 x kayak rack as well as universal mounting hardware.
Ediors 2 Pairs J-Bar Rack HD Kayak Carrier For Car
The design is made of steel as well as adjustable padding so it can efficiently carry the kayak while keeping it safe and protected. Ediors makes one of the best kayak roof racks and you should have a look on this model. The J style is optimally sized, and it leaves ample roof space. Additionally, the mouth J-bar is wide, and it makes loading and unloading easy and not much of a task at all. Kayaks that are 36 inches wide and are 75 lbs are supported and accommodated.
Most factory or aftermarket crossbars that are oval, round, square or flat will fit perfectly. The hardware ensures quick installation and removal with its on and off feature. The weight is 15 lbs, and the dimensions are 18 x 6 x 11 inches.
Protek 2 Pair J Shape Bar 150 Lbs Roof Rack Carrier Car SUV
This kayak roof rack is truly a masterpiece and you will absolutely love it because you will get so much out of it. It is made in Philadelphia, U.S.A. and the bars of this kayak carrier are made of 1.5mm thick steel tube. There are also 4 straps which have the ability to hold and support kayaks that are up to 150 lbs and that are 36 inches wide. Additionally, a high-quality glossy out-door paint coating is on the surface which makes it not only rust-resistant – but it is also resistant to all weather conditions. This kayak roof rack will last you for a while. The rubber base and the foam padding which help keep your kayak protected are also water and sun resistant, and anti-slip.
The tubing design is not only durable and indented but because of the pre-punched holes, a perfect alignment is possible. It is very user-friendly as well since the hardware ensures a quick removal and installation due to its on/off feature. Any style of crossbars can fit regardless of whether it is round, oval, square or has a blade-style. It can support kayaks and canoes that are 8 feet long and that are up to 250 lbs. The product’s dimensions are 17.5 x 7 x 8.5 inches, and it is roughly 14 lbs.
Vault Cargo – Set of Two Kayak Roof Rack
This kayak roof rack for 2 will easily mount to your SUV’s, car’s and truck’s roof. Not to mention, this product is convenient, and you can fold this product very easily. Each J-bar can fold easily and this way you do not have to remove it before putting your vehicle in your garage. The Kayak Rack by Vault Cargo is made of heavy-duty aluminum, and that makes it incredibly durable. Not to mention, the racks are very lightweight and are long-lasting.
There are also soft cushions that are featured with the product, so that the kayak is not only protected well but that any kind of rubbing is prevented. The instructions to use this product is easy because all you need to do is to attach the carrier to the Vault Cargo roof racks and that is it. The product is 9 lbs, and the dimensions are 19.8 x 8.9 x 7 inches.
2 Set Roof J Rack – Top Mount Carrier
This kayak roof rack is ideal since the kayak carrier universal design can mount to every load bar and crossbar, and it is also made of Aluminum pipe anodized stainless steel. Adjustable padding for kayak protection and carrying strength is featured in this product. Because of the J-style carrier, roof space is not affected so you don’t have to worry about this product taking up too much space. Canoes, boats, and kayaks that are up to 150 lbs and 36 inches wide can be supported by this product.
A 12-foot tie down strap is featured with this product as well as it will securely fasten the vessel to the dolly effectively. Because of the 2 extremely durable double-leg kickstands, the loading is very easy. Large pneumatic tires that roll smoothly across gravel or sand is also featured. Included in this product are 2 sets of J bar HD kayak carriers, as well as 1 set of dolly trailers, and weighs 26 lbs, and the dimensions are 30 x 13 x 13 inches. If you have any questions about this 2 Set Kayak roof rack, you can always contact the manufacturer as they will answer all questions that you have.
Now that you have 10 recommended kayak roof racks to choose from, you can go through each one and find out which one is the most suitable for your needs! If you are unsure of where to start, you will want to utilize the points that will be discussed below:
How to Choose the Best Kayak Roof Rack
The fact of the matter is, finding the best kayak roof rack is not as simple as it may sound. That is because there are a variety of factors that come into play when you are evaluating the kayak roof rack for cars and Suvs. That said, here are some points that can help you narrow down your roof rack choices:
1. Examine Your Vehicle’s Base Setup – You must look at your car’s roof and figure out which roof rack will be ideal. If your roof is completely naked or is only fitted with side rails, then the only option for carrying your kayak are inflatable or foam pads since there is nothing that is there where you can mount the gear.
However, if you prefer to have fancier carriers that are only meant for carrying kayaks, then you will absolutely need crossbars. And, if your car already comes with factory crossbars, then you can purchase one of the gear mounts that are meant for carrying kayaks only. These options would be stackers, saddles, and J-cradles.
You will also be responsible for finding out if there are any weight limitations on the factory fitted crossbars so you don’t end up running into serious problems. And, if your car does not have any crossbars, then you will need to purchase them.
2. You Will Need To Know How Many Kayaks You Plan To Carry – Most of the time, people will usually plan to carry 2 kayaks. That means your only option is to get a kayak roof rack for 2 if you are part of that group. However, if you plan on carrying 3 or 4 kayaks, then your best option is stackers as they can carry heavier weights. Not to mention, will the width of your vehicle’s roof and crossbars allow you to carry more than 2 kayaks? That is something you will have to determine. If it is too narrow, then you will have to choose a pair of j-cradle sets- even if you plan on carrying only 2 kayaks.
3. How Far Do You Plan To Drive? – If you plan on driving a long-distance on the Interstate or any other freeway, regardless of where you are located, you are going to have to worry about security. That also means if you plan on doing a lot of driving, then you cannot go with only using temporary pads or foam. And, if you end up running into bad and stormy weather on the way, your pads will be drenched and the kayaks will be ruined. If you are driving on bumpy roads that you were not expecting to run into, then your kayak will not be secure and can not only fall off and get ruined- however, that can be very hazardous! That is because the foam pads could end up shuffling or falling right out. That is the last thing you would want to see happen. To sum that up, if you plan on driving long distances while transporting your kayak, you will need a J-cradle or a saddle, or any other solid rack system.
4. How Often Do You Plan To Kayak? – That is another question you will need to honestly answer. Because, if you plan to use your kayak a few times a week or even daily, then the last thing you will want to do is spend too much time loading and unloading. That will certainly ruin the excitement and fun out of your kayaking experience. So that means you will most definitely want to investigate the kayak roof rack choices you are presented with. You will want to make sure that the product comes with a wide mouth J-bar so loading and unloading are not going to become an issue since it would be done easily and quickly. You will also want to make sure that installation will be fast and easy with the kayak roof rack you end up purchasing.
Kayaking is a fun, and you will want to make sure that none of the fun is taken out of your experience. That is why it is not only crucial to do your homework and determine which kayak roof rack is the best option for your needs- but you will want to also be sure to take the necessary safety precautions when you are going kayaking.
That means take your time to determine which product is good for you, and stay safe while you embark your kayaking journey!