Looking to hit the water with your kayak but don’t have rails on your car? No problem! With the best kayak racks for cars without rails, you can transport your kayak safely and securely to your destination.
Whether you have a small sedan or a large SUV, there are kayak racks available that can be easily installed without the need for rails.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the top kayak racks on the market for cars without rails, highlighting their features and benefits, to help you make the best decision for your needs.
So, whether you’re a seasoned paddler or just starting out, read on to discover the best kayak racks for your car!
Kayak racks for cars without roof rails intro
A way to get your kayak from one place to another without having roof rails is to use a kayak carrier. If you are looking for something simple to mount and don’t require any extra parts, a kayak rack is an ideal solution.
A wide range of kayak carriers exist, making it simple to locate one that satisfies your requirements. When selecting a kayak carrier, you might want to think about how much weight it can handle, the way it is fixed onto your car (e.g., straps or screws), and whether or not it is suitable for your car.
Using a universal car rack system is another method you can use to get your kayak from one place to another without having roof rails. These systems can be attached to almost any car, making them ideal if you have a few cars or foresee taking your kayak on different vehicles.
Generally, a universal car rack setup involves a selection of holders that can be employed to affix the rack to your car. Many kayaks can bear a load of up to 100 pounds, which is ample for most kayaks.
If you are in search of a long-term solution, you might think about obtaining a roof rack set-up designed particularly for cars without side rails. These frameworks are composed of bars and devices that can be affixed to the roof of your vehicle, offering a safe location to fasten your kayak.
The cost of roof rack systems can be high, however they usually provide great longevity and can be used for an extended period.
In the end, it all boils down to what your individual requirements and likes are when deciding on the optimal kayak roof rack for cars without rails. Take all possible choices into account before reaching a conclusion. Be sure to secure your kayak with the necessary safety straps!
Best Kayak Racks for Cars without Rails Buying Guide
If you need to find the ideal kayak roof rack for automobiles without rails, then you are in the correct spot. In this guide, we will give you all the facts you need to decide on a purchase wisely.
Types of Kayak Roof Racks
The three primary types of kayak roof racks are those that are secured using straps, mounted on towers, and clamps. Let’s analyze each kind of roof rack in depth.
Strap-On Roof Racks
Roof racks that are buckled on are the most commonly seen for carrying kayaks and are quite simple to set up and use. This system is composed of two straps that are connected to the vehicle’s roof rails, which firmly keep the kayak secure.
Advantages of strap-on roof racks include their simple installation and utilization, in addition to their economical cost. Rail-less cars can also be equipped with a selection of different vehicles.
The downside of using strap-on roof racks is that they may be hard to handle with taller or wider kayaks. It can be challenging to get rid of them and store them when they’re not needed.
Tower-Mounted Roof Racks
Roof racks attached to the top of the car are a popular choice for kayaks that are bigger than ordinary kayaks in terms of width or height. These frames are made up of two tall structures that connect to the car’s roof rails and then keep the kayak secure.
The advantages of using a tower-mounted roof rack are plentiful, providing substantial stability and compatibility with a wide array of kayaks. They are also easy to install and use.
The drawbacks of a tower-mounted roof rack are that it can be pricey and challenging to attach to vehicles which don’t have rails. When not in use, they take up a great deal of area.
Clamps-On Roof Racks
Roof racks with clamps are commonly picked for vehicles that do not have crossbars mounted on the roof. These holders are made up of two grabbers which attach to the door frames of the vehicle and afterwards fix the kayak in position.
Advantages of clamp-on roof racks are their simplicity to attach and use, in addition to being relatively inexpensive. Rails can be utilized with many different kinds of vehicles, such as cars that don’t have them.
Advantages of using clamps-on roof racks can be complicated when dealing with kayaks that are large in size. It can be hard to get rid of them and store them away when not being utilized.
Factors To Consider When Choosing A Kayak Roof Rack
When choosing a kayak roof rack, there are several factors you should consider, including:
- The weight and size of your kayak
- The type of vehicle you are using
- The type of roof rack you want to buy
The weight and size of your kayak
When deciding which kayak roof rack to select, it’s imperative to weigh and measure your kayak to make sure the rack is compatible. Certain roof racks are intended for smaller kayaks, and others are created for larger models.
Be certain to select a roof rack suitable for the weight and dimensions of your kayak.
The Type Of Vehicle You Are Using
When deciding on a kayak roof rack, it is essential to contemplate the kind of vehicle being used. Racks for vehicles lacking roof rails are distinct from those intended for cars equipped with them.
Be certain to select a roof rack that works with the kind of vehicle you are operating.
The Type Of Roof Rack You Want To Buy
When selecting a kayak roof rack, it is vital to decide what type of roof rack to get. There are three main categories of kayak roof racks: those secured with straps, tower systems, and clamps.
Ensure that the roof rack you select matches with your vehicle and the model of kayak you own.
Best Kayak Racks For Cars Without Rails
1. SportRack Complete Roof Rack System
This SportRack Complete Roof Rack System is made out of strong steel which is able to sustain a weight of up to 130 pounds. There is enough room to fit two small kayaks without any fear of harm.
It comes with all of the components required to quickly attach to the roof of your vehicle. This consists of the weight bars, catches, fastens, and all of the components necessary for a total and safe setup.
This rack can be installed without the use of any extra equipment, and will fit a wide range of cars. Be sure to use the SportRack Fit Guide to confirm the purchase.
2. Apex Universal Strap-Attached Crossbars
The Apex Universal Strap-Attached Crossbars are affixed to the top of your car by straps that encircle the vehicle’s top for improved stability. To employ these crossbars effectively, one should affix the straps when the car doors are open.
It will be not feasible to open the doors without taking off the braces and endangering the strength of the crossbars. These bars are constructed from robust steel and can endure up to 150 pounds.
The steel bars have been coated with a powder which gives them more protection from rust over their lifespan. The crossbars have a two-inch gap that could be useful when you are securing your kayak.
The Crossbars made by Apex Universal measure 47.75 inches in length and 4.875 inches in width. The bundle encompasses the strap and gator clips which will be necessary in order to properly and reliably secure the bars to your roof.
3. Pilot Automotive Inflatable Handi-Rack
The Pilot Automotive Inflatable Hand-Rack has the advantage of being the most space-saving kayak rack available. The pads can be deflated completely, so this rack will take up minimal space in either your vehicle or garage when it’s not being utilized.
When you are ready to go to another body of water, the pads fill up rapidly and attach to the top of your car through two straps that fasten with cam buckles.
Make sure to securely thread the straps through the doors of your car when they are open so that passengers can still exit and enter the vehicle even when your kayak is on the roof.
Everything that comes with it can be stored inside a tiny bag and a pump is also included which makes inflating it a breeze. This convenient bag makes it a breeze to hand off this kayak rack system to any pals that do not have rails on their vehicle.
This system’s capacity is up to 45 pounds. Assuming you don’t have two of the most lightweight and highest quality inflatable kayaks accessible, you probably ought to just bring one kayak on this rack.
4. Stanley Univeral Car Roof Rack Pad + Luggage Carrier System
The Stanley Universal Roof Rack Pad and Luggage Carrier System offers a robust, heavy-duty solution for a number of purposes. This rack system should be able to bear two kayaks at once, as long as their total weight does not exceed 110 pounds.
The two cargo pads attach to the top of your car with clips that pass inside your car and are drawn tight. When installing these pads and straps, it is important to be cautious and ensure that the doors of your car are open, which is the same procedure as with any other models with a similar design.
Polyethylene foam has been used in the construction of the cargo pads, and the weatherproof covering serves to protect them from deterioration. These pads are super light, great at absorbing impacts and shocks, and have the added bonus of reducing the vibrations when you drive your bike so that the kayak stays secured.
This Stanley Luggage Carrier Kit provides 19’ in length with 1” straps featuring buckles crafted from rustproof metal. It is a breeze to assemble this system and it will stop your kayak from marking or ruining your roof.
5. DORSAL Wrap-Rax Roof Rack
The DORSAL Wrap-Rax Roof Rack, which was initially fashioned to transport surfboards and paddleboards, also has the necessary strength to handle a few kayaks.
The length of the pads amounts to 19 inches, which more than likely requires putting the kayak onto them with the opening of the cockpit facing towards the sky. The construction of the pad involves using the highest quality EVA foam that is firmly enclosed within a waterproof nylon cover.
The straps measure 12 feet in length, and they are able to maintain their cohesiveness even when travelling at high rates of speed. The buckles are of good quality, and when attached to the car, the whole system fastens around the top of it, making sure it’s held in place firmly.
It is a breeze to mount and take off the Dorsal Rack equipment in no time when you’re thinking of zipping off to a nearby paddle spot.
Their small size enables them to be tucked away in a car without consuming much room when not in use.
6. Attwood Universal Rack-Free Car-Top Kayak Carrier Kit
This kit includes two foam pieces that have been designed especially to keep your kayak’s rudder stabilized. These blocks possess an impressive solidity compared to many roof rack pads, and they also cannot become deflated in the manner that an inflatable pad would.
The cam straps hold the blocks firmly in place, and there is a small opening at the bottom of each, which is where the straps can be fed through. The straps secure the roof of the vehicle by threading throughout it.
The blocks have a size of around 34 inches in length, 3 inches in width, and 4 inches in height. This kit comes with all the materials you require for easy and fast installation, and it is simple to pack away in the trunk of your vehicle when it is not being utilized.
This Attwood Rack system is ideal for a single kayak due to its specific V-shaped structure. The package offers 15 feet of polypropylene rope for securely attaching the bow and stern of your kayak to the front and rear of your automobile, respectively.
7. Spring Creek Manufacturing Suction Cup Rack
Spring Creek Manufacturing has created a revolutionary option for transporting a kayak on a vehicle that does not have rails – the Suction Cup Rack. This rack not only offers the capacity to hold kayaks but also allows for the transportation of other items when securely fastened.
The rack bars have a length of 65 inches, capable of holding two kayaks in a side-by-side configuration. The exact features of your kayaks will determine if this is achievable for you, but it’s good to consider the possibility.
The whole shelf unit is designed to hold up to 300 pounds. Two ways to secure the bars to your vehicle can be used. You can fasten them through the roof or attach them using a suction cup.
This is a great way of having a rack put in place for the time being that can still be taken off quickly and simply whenever needed. It should be kept in mind that, to create your kayak transportation setup, you need to purchase two racks individually.
in conclusion
Now that you know about the best kayak racks for cars without rails, you’re ready to hit the water with ease and convenience. Remember to consider factors such as the size and weight of your kayak, as well as your vehicle’s compatibility, when choosing a rack.
With the right kayak rack, you can transport your kayak safely and securely to any destination, whether it’s a serene lake or a roaring river.
So, get ready to explore the great outdoors and make unforgettable memories on the water with your trusty kayak and a reliable rack to carry it. Happy paddling!
