4 best kayak rack for suv

A kayak rack for an SUV is an essential accessory for outdoor enthusiasts who want to transport their kayaks safely and efficiently. These racks fall within the category of rooftop racks, car racks, and carriers, catering to the needs of individuals involved in outdoor recreation and sports activities. Here's what you need to know about kayak racks for SUVs:

1. Types of Kayak Racks:

  • Roof Racks: Roof racks for SUVs are designed to attach to the roof of the vehicle. They often consist of crossbars and support systems that can accommodate various types of kayaks.
  • Hitch-Mounted Racks: Some SUV owners prefer hitch-mounted racks, which are attached to the vehicle's trailer hitch. These racks are particularly useful for heavier kayaks and multiple kayaks.

2. Key Features:

  • Durability: Kayak racks are built to withstand the outdoor elements, often made from materials like aluminum or steel to ensure longevity.
  • Adjustability: Many kayak racks are adjustable to fit different kayak sizes and styles.
  • Loading and Unloading Ease: Some racks come with features like lift-assist systems or tilting mechanisms, making it easier to load and unload kayaks.
  • Security: Look for racks that include locking systems to prevent theft or unauthorized removal of your kayaks.

3. Mounting and Installation:

  • Roof Racks: These are typically attached to the vehicle's roof rails or crossbars. Some require professional installation, while others can be installed by the owner.
  • Hitch-Mounted Racks: These are attached to the trailer hitch, making installation relatively straightforward.

4. Capacity:

  • Kayak racks come in different capacities, with some designed for a single kayak and others capable of carrying multiple kayaks or other gear like paddleboards and canoes.

5. Compatibility:

  • Ensure that the kayak rack you choose is compatible with your specific SUV model and kayak type. Different SUVs may have varying roof designs and load-bearing capacities.

6. Safety and Regulations:

  • It's important to follow safety guidelines and regulations when using kayak racks, including securing your kayaks properly and obeying speed limits.

7. Brands and Accessories:

  • Several reputable brands, such as Thule, Yakima, and Malone, offer a range of kayak rack options for SUVs. Additionally, accessories like tie-down straps and kayak carriers can enhance the functionality of your rack.

8. Outdoor Recreation and Sports:

  • Kayak racks for SUVs are essential for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy activities like kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding. They allow individuals to transport their gear to lakes, rivers, and other water bodies for recreational purposes.

In summary, a kayak rack for an SUV is a valuable accessory for those who partake in outdoor recreation and sports involving kayaks. These racks are designed for durability, ease of use, and security, enabling SUV owners to transport their kayaks safely and conveniently to their preferred outdoor destinations, all falling under the category of outdoor recreation and sports outdoors accessories.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best kayak rack for suv on the market
  

IKURAM Kayak/Surf/Ski Roof Carrier Rack of Bilateral Premier J-Style Folding 4-in-1 for Canoe, SUP, Kayaks, Surfboard and Ski Board Rooftop Mount on SUV, Car and Truck

IKURAM

Based on 915 reviews Check latest price
  • đŸ›¶ă€Maximum Kayak Protection】: Maximum protection for kayaks and stand-up paddle boards thanks to the oversized, thick and all-weather rubber saddles and padded upright, which can stop the kayak from rubbing and getting damaged effectively, that is the Best-in-Class TopGuard padding.
  • đŸ›¶ă€Universal and Easy Mounting Design】: This J-Cradle accommodates kayaks up to 42" wide and 72 kg/158 lbs, fits to round, square and the most oval shaped factory installed cross rails quickly and easily, and this kit includes everything you need to transport two kayak vertically on the roof of your car, bow-stern safety tie-downs and two 25×2800 mm heavy-duty straps with a break strength of 750 lbs are also included.
  • đŸ›¶ă€Not For a Single Use】: Made from high quality anodized Aviation Grade Aluminum Alloys, lightweight, durable and rust-resistant, that can be really water-proof and anti-corrosion for longer time, which means you can reuse it every year, save your money and save the world.
  • đŸ›¶ă€Quick Raise and Fold Design】: Come with quick fold down design, which can be quickly raise or fold when not in use using the convenient front release handle to increase the overhead clearance, and the J-bars can also be easily locked at different angles with this handle to suit different shapes of kayaks.
  • đŸ›¶ă€Multiple Carrying Functions Design】: Carry up to two kayaks or standup paddle boards due to the multiple position design and the oversized padding and acrylic fabric sleeves that transforms from a J-cradle to different configurations to maximize your roof space. The Native Paddle Holders comes standard of, which can help you perfectly position your paddles while transporting kayaks.

Product features

Value-packed Premium Kayak Carrier for Roof Rack
Quick Raise and Fold Design

The quick fold down design, which can be quickly raise or fold when not in use using the convenient front release handle to increase the overhead clearance, and the J-bars can also be easily locked at different angles with this handle to suit different shapes of kayaks.

Native Paddle Holders

Each pair of carrier comes standard with two Native Paddle Holders, which are the perfect accessory you need to help you position your paddles while transporting kayaks. Free of worry about the inconvenience of carrying the paddle when transporting your lovely kayak.

High Density Foam Rubber Saddles

Oversized, thick and all-weather rubber saddles and padded upright, which can stop the kayak from rubbing and getting damaged effectively. Extra longer padded contact points also provide additionally protection and grip while traveling.

Multiple Carrying Functions Design

Carry up to two kayaks or standup paddle boards due to the multiple position design and the oversized padding and acrylic fabric sleeves that transforms from a J-cradle to different configurations to maximize your roof space.

Premium Kayak Carrier

It’s one thing to pick up the coolest kayak in the world at a store near you and another thing to transport it to your destination. Whether you’re planning to take home your first kayak or venture to a remote location for the adventure of a lifetime, you’ll need a convenient and safe way of transporting your kayak.

IKURAM makes some of the highest quality racks on the planet, and their J-style line is the perfect general-purpose roof rack line to meet the needs of pretty much any paddler.

Keep your mind on the water and not on the safety of your boat. Top Guard padding keeps your boat comfy, and when not in use, folds down for better aerodynamics and roof clearance, and this boat carrier rack is very low maintenance. With multiple settings, this High-performance and easy-to-use kayak rack allows you to carry one boat in J-style position, two boats in vertical position plus.

FEATURES

Premium J-style kayak carrier perfect for transporting your kayak easier and safer.

Mounting hardware fits to round, square and the most oval shaped factory installed cross rails quickly and easily.

Made from high quality anodized Aviation Grade Aluminum Alloys, lightweight, durable and rust-resistant.

Oversized, thick and all-weather rubber saddles and padded upright, which can stop the kayak from rubbing and getting damaged effectively.

Assemble or transfer to another vehicle in minutes with no extra tools required.

Leader Accessories Folding Kayak Rack 4 PCS/Set J Bar Car Roof Rack for Canoe Surf Board SUP On Roof Top Mount on SUV, Car and Truck Crossbar with 4 pcs Tie Down Straps

Leader Accessories

Based on 191 reviews Check latest price
  • [ HEAVY DUTY CONSTRUCTION ] – The racks are made of 22mm diameter and 1.5mm thick steel tube,stronger than else. Black Powder-Coated Steel for Durability & Rust Prevention Plus Long-Lasting, can resist all weather condition and use for a long life.100 Lbs Tested, easy and safe for your transport.
  • [ FOLDING AND ERGONOMIC DESIGN] – Ergonomic quick release design, more easily to fold and raise the racks than others. Racks can be folded flat when not in use, get better clearance to drive your car into garage and not have to remove.
  • [ REDUCE SCRATCH DESIGN] – Foam Padding and Rubber Pedal design to reduce scratch of your kayak and prevent the canoe or kayak from rubbing.
  • [ UNIVERSAL MOUNTING DESIGN ] – Compatible with most crossbars,such as square, factory and aerodynamic crossbarsExcept the round bar.
  • [ MULTI PURPOSE USE ] – Easy to Install, use this car roof rack to carry Kayak, Canoe, Surf board, Ski board, Snow Board and SUP. Extra 4 pcs tie down straps including.

User questions & answers

Question: Height at folding position
Answer: Yes. The item I got had a very brittle main body that fractured in many places when dropped from about table or hip height onto a hardwood floor. It was rendered unusable during its first use! If the material selected were tougher this would have been a great bottle - the design is good, the materials for the main body of the bottle are completely inappropriate - or at least were early in 2020.
Question: Is this compatible with a 2005 Tahoe
Answer: No
Question: Do these open up all the way to form a flat area
Answer: No. What they are showing are the different colors they come in.
Question: I want to use the J bars on my trailer. The crossbars are 2.5" thick or high and 1.25" wide. Will they fit ok
Answer: I have used club soda, I know there is a slight difference in the two, with peeled lemons in my bottle without an issue. I do not shake it up or fill it all the way up to the top due to the carbonation. Hope that helps.

Product features

Multi Purpose Use

You can use this car roof rack to carry Kayak, Canoe, Suif board, Ski board, Snow Board, SUP etc.

EVA Foam

Extra foam padded design to prevent the cannoe or kayak from rubbing

Rubber Pedal

Rubber Pedal design to reduce scratch.

Lifetime Warranty TMSÂź 2 Pairs J-Bar Rack HD Kayak Carrier Canoe Boat Surf Ski Roof Top Mount Car SUV Crossbar

TMS

Based on 5 reviews Check latest price

Product description

KAYAK CAR TOP CARRIER A simple, low-cost solution to carrying your kayak ITEM#: KAYAK-RK-J(2SET) CONDITION: BRAND NEW QUANTITY: 2 PAIRS This Kayak Carrier designed mounts to virtually all crossbars and load bars on the market. The carrier secures the kayak on its side, consuming minimal space on the load bar. As shown in the pictures we put the Kayak Rack on the Ladder Rack Bar.(sold separately). A maximum of 4 sets of kayak racks can be mounted on a full size truck. Save your space. Features: Steel design with adjustable padding for carrying strength and kayak protection Wide mouth J bar offers easier loading and unloading Quick on/off hardware ensures fast installation and removal Optimally sized J style carrier leaves roof space All surface rust-resistant coating and hardware for longer product life Includes all mounting hardware and 2 straps Accommodates kayaks up to 36" wide and 75lbs Will fit most factory or aftermarket round,square,oval and flat crossbars.The crossbars shown in the pictures are not included. ~PLEASE CHECK MEASUREMENTS BEFORE PURCHASE~

  • KAYAK CAR TOP CARRIER A simple, low-cost solution to carrying your kayak ITEM#: KAYAK-RK-J(2SET) CONDITION: BRAND NEW QUANTITY: 2 PAIRS
  • This Kayak Carrier designed mounts to virtually all crossbars and load bars on the market. The carrier secures the kayak on its side, consuming minimal space on the load bar. As shown in the pictures we put the Kayak Rack on the Ladder Rack Bar.(sold separatly). A maximum of 4 sets of kayak racks can be mounted on a full size truck. Save your space.
  • Features: Steel design with adjustable padding for carrying strength and kayak protection Wide mouth J bar offers easier loading and unloading Quick on/off hardware ensures fast installation and removal Optimally sized J style carrier leaves roof space All surface rust-resistant coating and hardware for longer product life Includes all mounting hardware and 2 straps Accommodates kayaks up to 36" wide and 75lbs. Compatible with most crossbars and load bars
  • LIFETIME WARRANTY- Your satisfaction is the most important to us and we offer limited lifetime warranty for our kayak rack carrier. If you have any concerns with this product, please contact us.
  • PLEASE CHECK MEASUREMENTS BEFORE PURCHASE.

User questions & answers

Question: How do the j rack set on the rack, both kayaks set in or out
Answer: You get two of these in each box. You will need to order two sets. If you are hauling two kayaks or two boards. Be aware that the profile of the clamps on these "J-bar Racks" are for a crossbar that is more round or square in shape versus flat and oval as are my crossbars on my Rav4. They would clamp real well on a crossbar that was 1-1-1/2 inch round or square.
Question: Need to know how wide a load bar the racks will accommodate (distance between the bolts that hold the rack to the load bar) or if anyone has mounted them successfully to a Taurus GL wagon factory rack
Answer: Well both really. There are 6 bolts in total that drop through each assembly. The outer 4 have nuts underneath, and they join the two U-bars with the main assembly. The inner 2 bolts attach to a lower bracket that wraps around your roof rack. For disassembly from the roof rack, or adjustment, you just need to loosen the knobs - the other 4 bolts stay in place.I'll try to add some more photos to show the situation.
Question: Does each set of racks come with 2 straps? Meaning there would be 4 total straps with this set
Answer: As long as your rack is not flush with your vehicle, I think it should work. The bolts that keep the J rack in place have to be tightened from underneath.
Question: So you get 4 total units enough for 2 kayaaks, correct
Answer: Fits both although to be honest it would fit the square and wing shape better than the round. We switch back and forth between our round yakima cross bars and the square cross bars on our Honda Odyssey. On the yakima cross bars they have a tendency to "spin" right or left and not stay upright when sliding a boat on. On our flat/square cross bars we don't have this problem. Not sure how they'd fit on Thule because I don't own that system.

Product features

2 Sets Universal Kayak Canoe Car Top Carrier Racks

Quantity : 2Sets ( for 2 Kayaks).

Steel design with adjustable padding for carrying strength and kayak protection.

Wide mouth J bar offers easier loading and unloading.

Will fit most factory or aftermarket round,square,oval and flat crossbars.

Comes with 4 long straps that will help you to secure your kayaks on the top of your car or truck.

This Kayak Carrier universal design mounts to virtually all crossbars and load bars on the market.

The carrier secures the kayak on its side, consuming minimal space on the load bar.

Optimally sized J style carrier,easy to install,accommodates kayaks up to 36 inches wide and 75 pounds.

4 Kayaks Straps

Two long straps for securing one kayak.Accommodates kayaks up to 36 inches wide and 75 pounds.

Mounting Methods

You can put your kayaks on your truck with ladder rack bar or mounted the carrier on your car.

J style rack

Optimally sized J style carrier leaves roof space.Quick on/off hardware ensures fast installation.

Crossbars fitment

Will fit most factory or aftermarket round,square,oval and flat crossbars.please check the dimension above.

ECOTRIC Universal J-Bar Rack HD Kayak Carrier Canoe Boat Surf Ski Roof Top Mounted on Car SUV Crossbar

ECOTRIC

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

This Kayak Carrier universal design mounts to virtually all crossbars and load bars on the market.

The carrier secures the kayak on its side, consuming minimal space on the load bar.

Steel design with adjustable padding for carrying strength and kayak protection




Features

100% Brand New

Color:Black

Material:Steel

load capcity: 75 lbs (1 Pair)

Size: Reference as picture

Net Weight: 3.25KG (1 Pair)

Pads protect the hull finish

Heavy Duty construction

Gently cradles and supports your valuable kayaks

Wide mouth J bar offers easier loading and unloading

Optimally sized J style carrier leaves roof space

Quick on/off hardware ensures fast installation and removal

Fit most factory or aftermarket round,square,oval and flat crossbars

Includes all mounting hardware and 2 straps



If you need 2 sets kayak roof rack, you can buy Amazon ASIN B01F6XJZ8I

Provide technical support at any time.Please feel free to tell us what we can do for you,we will reply in 24 hours.

  • Accommodates kayaks up to 36" wide and 75lbs,Will fit most factory or aftermarket round, square flat crossbars.
  • Made of 1.5mm Thick Steel Tube. Quick on/off hardware ensures fast installation and removal.
  • Transports One Kayak On Its Side Safely And Securely.
  • Steel design with adjustable padding for carrying strength and kayak protection.
  • Bars are thicker than 1" will not be mounted properly Will fit most factory or aftermarket square and flat crossbars (OEM crossbars are within 2.5" wide and 1" thick).

User questions & answers

Question: Will these work with a Yakima Loadwarrior Rack and mount to it
Answer: I wouldn't trust the small bars of that rack to hold it.
Question: We have a range rover with the stock thule style rack rails. would these racks fit on those rails
Answer: There shouldn't be a problem. All the fittings and attachments are standard.
Question: What Size bolts are in the mounting hardware kit
Answer: m8*40*1.25
Question: how do I mount j bars on vehicle
Answer: You need to hve a roof rack with cross bars.. very easy

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