Best Kayak Roof Rack (kayak carrier) for car Reviews

When buying a kayak roof rack you want something that makes transporting your kayak easy.

But, how do you make your choice when deciding on what to buy? Here are a few important factors to always consider when choosing the best kayak roof rack.

Racks or foam rollers?

If your car has built-in roof racks and bars, you just need to add some foam pads and you go ahead and strap the kayak on top.

If your vehicle does not have this feature, you will need to install roof racks to your car to safely transport your kayak.

Foam roof rack or carriers?

For a cost-effective way of transporting your kayak if you do not have a roof rack, foam roof is the way.

The foam roof is a secure and safe way of hooking your kayak up and easy to use. Also ideal if you intend to transport one kayak at a time. 

If you have multiple kayaks, go for roof racks.

Roof Racks

Does your car have built-in rails? If so just add a rack. They are very secure and you can transport multiple kayaks at a go.

What you need to do is secure your kayak in place and then strap down as required. Some roof racks have built-in locking systems making thins even easier.

One thing to watch out for is the extra height added to your vehicle which can restrict movement in some areas.

Can You Add Rails to Your Car?

Yes, you can but you will need the necessary skills and tools to do it safely otherwise you can go to your mechanic so that they may install it properly.

If you want to drill the rails, please note that there are aftermarket rails that can be installed without drilling/modifying your car.

For rails that have been mounted, you can always get rid of them when not needed.

Door Mount Systems

The rack mounting systems and the roof rail are made in such a way that they clip onto the rain guard of your car or the window lip. 

They are removable and modular but with one disadvantage. Once the rack is mounted you might not be able to open the doors.

The systems are a practical option if your car is without a built-in roof rail.

Using Roof Racks and Rails

Foam pad roof is the easiest to install. All you need to do is put your foam pads on the roof with the flat side down.

Secondly, place the kayak on top of the foam pads, attach your straps to your kayak and then to your car.

Be careful so that you don’t scratch your car.  If you decide to use the roof rail system, you first need to find racks that will fit your rails.

Strap your kayak in place using the straps or better still using the built-in locking systems.

Transporting Multiple Kayaks

If you need to transport one or two kayaks at a time, roof carriers are ideal. And just in case you need to transport multiple ones, you need to add a trailer, a hitch mount or side mount.

With that, you can transport up to five kayaks in one vehicle. Better still, boat trailers have enough space for up to eight kayaks on a single trailer.

Brand Recognition

Go for brands that are specialized, trusted and guarantee quality.

Design

The best kayak rack should transport your kayak on your car safely. Go for a roof rack which has been designed specifically to carry a kayak.

Other roof racks may cause damage to your car. Also, go for a carrier meant for your vehicle without struggling to make it fit.

Also, consider the additional features of the kayak carrier you want to buy. If you want it permanently attached to your roof then it should be good looking.

Look out for folding bars features to enable you to fold the kayak rack down without sticking up from the roof and help you navigate low roof.

If you do not want it permanent, then make sure you go for one that is easy/quick to remove.

Also buy a rack that can handle the size of your kayak, its type and how many kayaks you need to transport.

Price

Best thins will cost you more money and for buying the best kayak will not only require you to spend but mostly on the kayak accessories.

Make a lifetime investment and go for the best. A cheap rack can turn out to be very expensive especially if it causes damages to your vehicles like scratches or dents. Cheap racks are also not long lasting.

Your Car

Your car is a big aspect when deciding the best kayak rack. This is because there are some kayak racks that are compatible with certain vehicles.

Look out for roof racks, in which they can fit your car then make sure that your kayak/kayaks fit. Another point to consider is the number of kayaks you need to transport so that you get the right rack.

Then what size is your kayak/s? Go with a rack which can accommodate the size of the kayak you have. The best option is picking one that is adjustable. Then consider your safety.

You want to feel comfortable while transporting your kayak without worrying about them falling off or damaging your car.

The Towers

Of fundamental to the roof rack are the towers. They bear the weight of the bars, the kayaks and they need to be attached to the strongest part of the roof.

That is why it is important to buy a rack that is compatible with your car. If the towers are placed wrongly, you will be compromising the entire rack.

When looking for towers, go for the ones made from high-quality materials and fasteners.

The Bars

The bars war what holds the kayak/s. More often than not you have four towers and two bars.

The towers usually fit onto the roof of the car, close to each corner of the roof. The bars then sit across the car horizontally.

Look out for bars made of high-quality materials and strong enough to be able to hold the kayak also long enough to stretch from one tower to the other.

The separate bars will make it easy for you to adjust your system.