Best Kayak Carrier For Truck: With Comprehensive Buying Guide in 2024
American outdoor lovers adore kayaking. Exploring the country’s rivers, lakes, ponds, and seas is exciting and relaxing. Problems with kayaking include getting to rivers, lakes, ponds, and seas.
Top 5 Best Kayak Carrier For Truck.
However, these problems can be solved with the best kayak carrier for trucks. Transporting your kayak may be a frustrating, sweaty process without the correct gear. It may also be dangerous if not handled properly.
Best Kayak Carrier For Truck: With Comprehensive Buying Guide in 2024
A simple kayak carrier for trucks may revolutionize how you move your kayak around. Due to a multitude of kayak carriers, I’ve compiled a list of my favorites. I’ve provided a helpful buying guide to address all your concerns and help you choose a kayak carrier for trucks fast and securely.
Are You In A Hurry, Then Check Out Below:
Thule’s height-adjustable Xsporter Pro kayak rack is perfect for trucks. Adjustable height makes this rack simple to load. Load stops are adjustable side to side for a secure fit on any kayak width.
It’s fantastic that the Thule Xsporter Pro Aluminum Truck Rack lets you install attachments for specific equipment. Its adjustable height rack lets you carry extra stuff in your truck bed. You can carry your kayak on the rack and still have room in your truck bed for camping or other gear.
This kayak carrier for truck fits multiple vehicles and needs no drilling. You must ensure the rack fits your car. Not all attachments work with the Xsporter Pro, including truck boxes and camper shells.
The Thule Xsporter truck rack can carry kayaks and other gear. This heavy-duty structure is great for watersports. And its installation requires no drilling and is simple.
Pros
- Durable aluminium frame
- Adjustable height.
- Compatible with diverse vehicles
- Available in aluminium or black.
- Easy to install
- No need for drilling
Cons
- Higher cost than other alternatives.
Tonneau covers are becoming increasingly popular, but hauling kayaks with one may be difficult or dangerous if you don’t use the correct truck rack.
Unlike other truck bed racks, the Yakima Outpost HD Mid-Height Heavy Duty Truck Bed Rack works with tracked beds and Tonneau coverings.
I enjoy this Yakima truck rack’s powder-finished aluminum design, which makes it lightweight and corrosion-resistant. It fits all Yakima mounting systems, including kayaks, paddleboards, canoes, and cycles.
It can carry 500 pounds on the road. I observe that this truck rack doesn’t suit Toyota or Nissan truck beds, two top-rated automobile models. This mid-height rack isn’t flush with the cab and has a reduced off-road weight capability.
Although this final element isn’t crucial, I like flat truck carriers with the cab so you can put the kayak over it.
Despite these flaws, this is a great kayak rack for a Tonneau-covered truck.
Pros
- Fits most trucks with Tonneau coverings and tracked beds.
- Compatible with all Yakima mounts
- Powder-coated coating resists corrosion.
- Lightweight aluminum structure
Cons
- Low off-road weight limit
- Mid-height bars may not be suitable for all scenarios.
Taelakeni kayak carrier for truck is the right solution for a durable and economical kayak rack.
I analyzed all Taelakeni Kayak Carrier Racks and liked their quality and durability. High-quality steel and a smooth baking finish make the racks corrosion—and rust-resistant. The 150-lb capacity can carry kayaks, canoes, surfboards, ski boards, and snowboards.
The J-bar design of these racks simplifies loading and unloading and secures the kayak on its side, saving load bar space. Due to its bottom flange thread design, the kayak rack can be installed or removed in 3 minutes.
One of these racks’ best features is their versatility. They fit most crossbars and load bars except circular bars. Some customers noticed problems with the rubber mats that protect the kayak and automobile from scratches and damage.
In my opinion, the Taelakeni Kayak Carrier Racks are worth the money. They are robust, simple to use, and adaptable, making them ideal for safe kayak transport.
Pros
- Easy to install and remove.
- Wide application scope
- J-Bar design simplifies loading and unloading.
Cons
- Unsuitable for round bars
- Users experienced rubber pad difficulties.
The Thule DockGlide Kayak Rack makes loading and unloading heavy kayaks easy. Using this roof rack, one person can load some longer, heavier kayaks swiftly and effectively. Pivoting, felt-lined gliding saddles are crucial. The kayak lies flat on the rack, so you can firmly anchor it, providing you peace of mind at greater speeds.
The roof rack fits most original and aftermarket crossbars simply and intuitively. The T-track and mounting hardware are included. There’s also Thule’s legendary lifetime warranty for unexpected events. This kayak carrier for truck can support 75-pound kayaks, but others can fit bigger ones. This gadget is expensive, so come up with it. This is the most costly suggestion on my list.
Pros
- Incredibly lightweight but durable structure.
- Highly sturdy and solid holding
- Backed by a lifetime guarantee
Cons
- Expensive
- Limits weight capacity compared to other options.
AA-Racks’ DX36 is another good choice if you want to use your truck’s topper to transport your kayak.
An 11-gauge mounting base and 17-gauge crossbars make up this kayak rack system, which is galvanized and powder-coated for durability. Due to its telescopic shape, it fits almost everyone.
Even though the DX36 can hold 350 pounds, consider how much weight the truck topper can sustain. Whatever exceeds your loading limit is welcome but unusable.
Please note that its installation needs drilling. This isn’t for those who don’t want to permanently change their trucks. Though basic, the AA-Racks DX36 is affordable and reliable, which is all that counts.
Pros
- The telescopic, length-adjustable design provides a universal fit.
- Galvanized, powder-coated steel structure for weather resistance.
- Mounting bases include polyfoam gaskets for topping protection.
- Easy installation with required hardware.
Cons
- The fitting needs drilling and permanent truck modifications.
What To Consider When Buying A Kayak Carrier For Truck
Types Of Kayak Carriers
J-Hook Carriers
As the name says, these carriers form a J on your roof. They support and load boats well. They can also hold two kayaks on your roof. It might be difficult to raise your kayak onto this rack alone. They also generate wind drag and noise when driving.
Vertical Carriers
Vertical carriers let you store up to four kayaks on your rooftop, conserving room. They are straightforward to install and remove from your roof. The downside is that anchoring your boat securely and keeping it from moving while underway might be difficult.
Horizontal Carriers
These are some of the simplest kayak roof rack ideas. They hold and cradle your kayak, making them stable. Quick and straightforward installation is typical. Unfortunately, they’re also some of the most expensive.
Key Features
Fit
Make sure your kayak roof carrier fits your roof rack crossbars before buying. Many kayak roof racks can be fitted to practically any crossbar, but not all, so double- or triple-check before buying.
Padding
You should also cushion any boat-contact surface with sturdy material. Large cushioning will preserve your kayak’s finish and prevent it from moving or sliding during shipment. Check tie down and anchor buckle padding.
Accessory Straps
Find a good kayak roof rack with heavy-duty loading straps. These are essential to tie the kayak to your vehicle and prevent it from moving or sliding while driving.
Pricing
Despite being cheaper, kayak carriers under $100 lack security measures. The setup is generally simple and uses foam blocks or other lightweight materials. Expect to spend $150–300 for a sturdy, well-made kayak roof rack from a reputable manufacturer.
Kayak Carrier For Truck – FAQs
1. What is a load-assist carrier?
Answer: Load-assist, or lift-assist carriers, are a form of roof rack with specific characteristics that let you put your kayak onto your roof without help. They use bars, pulleys, or straps to reduce kayak weight on your shoulders and hands, making loading and unloading simpler.
2. What are kayak carrier alternatives?
Answer: Rugged foam bricks or blocks and softer, cushioned cylinders that lay directly on your vehicle’s roof are cheaper and more portable than roof rack carriers. Unfortunately, they’re less solid and secure than full-size roof racks.
3. Should a kayak carrier hold a kayak upside-down?
Answer: Hard plastic rotomolded kayaks may be carried upside down depending on your carrier design. Composite kayaks are fragile and should be carried face up on cradles to support the hull.
Conclusion
There are several kayak carrier solutions for trucks. How you utilize the carrier affects the choice. I prefer Thule Xsporter truck racks for their ability to modify height.