If you’re an outdoor sporting enthusiast, especially a fan of water sports, then you know how important a strong and reliable kayak carrier can be. You want to find a roof rack carrier that is easy to assemble and install but that you can trust to keep your kayak, or boat, surfboard, or skis, stable and protected. The last thing you want to be worrying about as you head down the highway is damage to your sports equipment. Below are some of the kayak carriers that customers have found useful. Most of them provide strong, rust-resistant designs and mounting features that will fit most cross bars. Many specifications are similar on these carriers, but it’s a good idea to check exact dimensions to make sure you’re getting a rack that works well for your particular vehicle and for the size kayak you need to haul.
1. TMS 2 Pairs J-Bar Rack HD Kayak Carrier
The TMS 2 Pairs J-Bar Rack HD Kayak Carrier is made from rust-resistance coated steel, but comes with adjustable padding, so you can rely on it for both strength and protection. It’s also versatile, since it will mount on various types of cross bars and load bars. It mounts the kayak on it side, which also gives you extra space if you have something else (including another kayak!) to load.
2. TMS J-Bar Rack HD Kayak Carrier
Another popular choice is to purchase just one TMS J-Bar Rack HD Kayak Carrier. Again, it features the steel and padded design. The “J-Bar” refers to the wide-mouth shape of the bar, which will help you to load the kayak easily. It fits most cross bars on the market, but you will need to purchase those separately. The rack weighs just eight pounds and will carry kayaks up to 75 pounds and 36 inches wide.
3. Direct Aftermarket 2 Pair of Kayak Rack J-Bar
The Direct Aftermarket 2 Pair of Kayak Rack J-Bar is a kayak carrier, but it’s also good for carrying whatever you need for outdoor fun, including a surfboard, canoe, or snowboard. It shows off its versatility in working with most cross bars. The steel frame is covered with an epoxy powder to help keep the carrier weather resistant, and the rubberized base and foam cushioned arms both offer whatever you’re hauling more protection.
4. Ego’s J-Bar 2 Pairs Universal Kayak Carrier
Ego’s J-Bar 2 Pairs Universal Kayak Carrier includes four racks for two kayaks, along with mounting hardware that can be quickly installed and removed. It’s constructed from a heavy duty steel frame but also has padding to help protect your gear. It comes with all the needed fastening straps and will fit most cross bars.
5. Apontus Universal Kayak Roof Rack J Bar
Easy to put together and easy to use are some of the ways customers talk about Apontus Universal Kayak Roof Rack J Bar, which comes in two pairs. They also appreciate the product’s economy and quality, citing good performance even on hilly and windy roads. The racks come with four tie-down straps and mounting hardware. They should fit most cross bars, whether square, oval, or flat.
6. JDM Auto Lights Universal Top Mount Carrier Roof Rack J-bar
Known for their home and auto products, JDM Auto Lights brings you the Universal Top Mount Carrier Roof Rack J-bar in two pairs. This carrier can work for canoes and boats as well as kayaks. Made from heavy duty steel and rubber, these come with four racks to carry two kayaks or other gear. The J bar design helps you to load the kayaks easily.
7. Malone J-Pro 2 J-Style Universal Car Rack Kayak Carrier with Bow and Stern Lines
The Malone company invented the JAWZ universal mounting system, so customers can trust the ease of installation with the Malone J-Pro 2 J-Style Universal Car Rack Kayak Carrier with Bow and Stern Lines. The bow and stern lines are safety tie-downs to add to keeping your kayak secure. The carriers are made from steel which has been e-coated to handle weather without eroding. The 12-foot buckle straps and mounting bolts in both 60 and 70 mm sizes are also included.
8. Malone Downloader Folding J-Style Universal Car Rack Kayak Carrier with Bow and Stern Lines
Similar in style and design, but a little pricier is the Malone Downloader Folding J-Style Universal Car Rack Kayak Carrier with Bow and Stern Lines. It has the same JAWZ universal mounting system, so it should fit various sized cross bars. When you’re not using your carrier, you can fold it down to give yourself some more overhead space. Protective padding, loading ramps for ease in loading your kayak, and cam load straps with buckles are a few of this rack’s other features.
9. A-Smart® 2 Pairs of J Bar Kayak Roof Rack Carrier
The A-Smart® 2 Pairs of J Bar Kayak Roof Rack Carrier is a top mounted carrier that also works for snowboards, skis, surfboards, wakeboards, and paddleboards. In other words, if you want to carry something for an outdoor sport, they’ve got you covered. It comes with four racks so you can load and carry two kayaks. Steel tube and padded rubber give you strength and security, and each carrier can handle a kayak up to 150 pounds.
10. 9sparts® J Bar Kayak Roof Rack Carrier
The 9sparts® J Bar Kayak Roof Rack Carrier allows you to carry your kayak or other similar sporting gear on a car, jeep, SUV, or truck. Its steel tube design is covered with glossy black paint to help keep it resistant to rust. The bar’s steel tubes are extra thick at 1.55 mm to provide extra strength, and the connecting pieces on the rack bars are indented to help ensure a good fit. They offer an extra 30 days on the purchase warranty and promise no hassles if you need to make a return.
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