8 Best Kayak Roof Rack for Cars without Rails 2022 – A Complete Guide

  • By: Josh Rosenberg
  • Date: June 22, 2022
  • Time to read: 10 min.

People who like kayaking are more likely to buy a kayak for themselves. There are different types of kayaks where some are foldable and some are not. So, you need a kayak roof rack for cars without rails to mount the kayaks that are not foldable. 

In this guide, we have mentioned some of the best kayak roof racks and all of them have been tested personally. We have researched them, tested them, and then recommended you to buy them if they meet your needs.

So, what are you waiting for? Let’s move forward!

Comparison Chart

ProductBrandMounting TypeMaterialProduct DimensionPrice
Rightline Gear Ace 2 Car Top Roof RackRightline GearRoof Mount, Strap Mount, Door MountPVC12.6 x 11.2 x 3.9 inchesView Latest Price
Rightline Gear Foam Block Roof RackRightline GearCrossbar, Strap Mount, Roof MountFoam15 x 10 x 4 inchesView Latest Price
Rhino-Rack Nautic Kayak Roof RackRhino RackStrap MountGlass Filled Nylon22 x 7 x 6 inchesView Latest Price
Rhino-Rack Kayak & Canoe CarrierRhino RackStrap MountAluminium22 x 11 x 7 inchesView Latest Price
Thule Compass Kayak and SUP Roof RackThuleStrap Mount, Saddle Mount, Roof MountPlastic32 x 19.6 x 7.1 inchesView Latest Price
Pelican Adjustable Deluxe Foam Block Roof RackPelicanCrossbar Mount, Trunk Mount, Tie Down MountBlend38 x 4 x 3.5 inchesView Latest Price
YAKIMA J-Style Fold Down Roof RackYAKIMAStrap MountAluminium20.25 x 10.38 x 7.75 inchesView Latest Price
Amazon Basics Universal Roof RackAmazon BasicsCross Mount, Roof MountPlastic52 x 2.95 x 4.4 inchesView Latest Price

8 Best Kayak Roof Rack for Cars without Rails

1. Rightline Gear Ace 2 Car Top Roof Rack

Key Specifications

BrandRightline Gear
Mounting TypeRoof Mount, Strap Mount, Door Mount
MaterialPVC
Dimension12.6 x 11.2 x 3.9 inches

Features

This roof rack is considered the best kayak roof rack for cars without rails because it comes with weatherproof construction which means your kayak stays constant at its position no matter what weather condition is. The use of PVC material makes it long-lasting and adds more value to it to provide more protection to the kayak.

We all look for a product that comes with a warranty of at least one year. Let us tell you this rack comes with a one year manufacturer’s warranty and can be attached without the need of a rail. This rack is the best for crossovers, minivans, SUVs, and cars. Plus, it is very easy to install.

Our Verdict

In our opinion, this roof rack is one of the best car roof racks for kayaks because it keeps the kayak protected no matter how extreme the weather is. Moreover, it also does not get damaged easily. 

Customer Reviews

This is what users say about this roof rack: “It provides great protection to the kayak and does not let anything get wet inside the car, if it gets damaged, I will purchase a new one as it is affordable”

Advantages
  • Waterproof
  • Long-lasting
  • Provide high protection level
  • Easy Installation
Drawbacks
  • Low weight limit
  • Not suitable for two-door sedans

2. Rightline Gear Foam Block Roof Rack

Key Specifications

BrandRightline Gear
Mounting TypeCrossbar Mount, Strap Mount, Roof Mount
MaterialFoam
Dimension15 x 10 x 4 inches

Features

This kayak roof rack for cars without rails has been manufactured using a foam material that makes it easy to install. It has been specially designed for mounting the kayak on a passenger car. You can mount it in three different types i.e. strap mounting, crossbar mounting, and roof mounting.

This roof rack comes with an innovative and unique design that makes it more attractive. This kayak comes with a warranty of one year and has been manufactured in the USA. Let us tell you it is a universal fit that makes it suitable for different types of vehicles. It comes with the capacity of only one kayak.

Our Verdict

The use of foam material and durability of this roof rack make it the best choice for mounting the kayak. You can mount only one kayak on it in your passenger car so it is best if you are single.

Customer Reviews

This is what users say about this roof rack:

“It is very easy to set this roof rack up on any kind of vehicle no matter if it’s small or large”

Advantages
  • High-quality material
  • Designed for all vehicles
  • Easy setup
Drawbacks
  • Crossbars are short in size
  • Makes noise on highways
  • Suitable for only one kayak

3. Rhino-Rack Nautic Kayak Roof Rack

Key Specifications

BrandRhino Rack
Mounting TypeStrap Mount
MaterialGlass Filled Nylon
Dimension22 x 7 x 6 inches

Features

You can get this kayak in black colour which looks best on the car of any color. This kayak has been made up of nylon material which makes it long-lasting and more secure. You do not have to worry about the safety of the kayak even if the weather is extremely rough.

Looking for a durable and reliable roof rack? This is the best one manufactured by Rhino Rack brand which allows you to securely stack the kayak in multiple ways. It allows you to carry about four kayaks in this rack on a single roof. Its aluminium alloy body makes it stronger than other roof racks. Moreover, it is also a lightweight product so it is not difficult to install it.

Our Verdict

This kayak roof rack is better than other racks of Rhino Rack because it takes only ten minutes to set it up and comes with the capacity of four kayaks.

Customer Reviews

This is what users say about this roof rack:

“It is useful to carry kayaks of a family as it has the capacity of carrying four kayaks securely no matter what type of weather it is”.

Advantages
  • Strong body
  • Low weight
  • Durable
  • 5-year warranty
Drawbacks
  • Costly
  • Tougher straps are needed

4. Rhino-Rack Kayak & Canoe Carrier

Key Specifications

BrandRhino Rack
Mounting TypeStrap Mount
MaterialAluminium
Dimension22 x 11 x 7 inches

Features

You can easily fold this roof rack when you are travelling or do not need it on the top of your vehicle. The purpose of this kayak roof rack is to transport your kayak from one place to another securely and safely. This rack comes with tie-down straps, paddle holders and paddled buckle straps.

It is one of the best kayak roof racks without rails that offers universal mounting and does not work with square bars. You can use it for securing wakeboards, paddleboards, canoes, and kayaks. You can get this roof rack in a unique and stylish design which also comes with long life and is rust-resistant.

Read also: 10 Best Kayak Paddles

Our Verdict

We consider this kayak roof rack a suitable one because it prevents the kayak from getting damaged so it can bear up to 132 pounds. It also comes with a warranty of two years.

Customer Reviews

This is what users say about this roof rack:

The installation of this kayak roof rack was very simple and the supplied straps were also perfect, when we reached our destination, the kayak was still tight”

Advantages
  • Use of high-quality powder-coated steel
  • Rust-resistant
  • Protection to kayak from getting damaged
Drawbacks
  • Not suitable for two paddled vehicles
  • Costly

5. Thule Compass Kayak and SUP Roof Rack

Key Specifications

BrandThule
Mounting TypeStrap Mount, Saddle Mount, Roof Mount
MaterialPlastic
Dimension32 x 19.6 x 7.1 inches

Features

You can get this roof rack at an affordable price so you do not have to think twice when buying it. The weight of this rack is about 20 pounds and it can bear a weight of up to 130 pounds. You can mount the kayak in three different ways such as strap mount, saddle mount, and roof mount. 

It is a waterproof roof rack that does not get damaged even if it is rainy weather. Never doubt about the protection level that is provided by this rack to the kayak. You can mount two kayaks on your car’s roof in stacker mode. Moreover, you can also fold it when it is not in use.

Our Verdict

We recommend you buy this kayak roof rack because it is affordable and also lets you mount more than one kayak so you can easily travel on your personal vehicle.

Customer Reviews

This is what users say about this roof rack:

“As a whole, this rack is well built and also comes with a thick rubber that makes less wind noise”

Advantages
  • Easy to install
  • Integrated StrapCatch is helpful in managing the straps
  • Maximum protection is provided
Drawbacks
  • Strong straps are needed
  • Not suitable for the cars with side airbags

6. Pelican Adjustable Deluxe Foam Block Roof Rack

Key Specifications

BrandPelican
Mounting TypeCrossbar Mount, Trunk Mount, Tie Down Mount
MaterialBlend
Dimension38 x 4 x 3.5 inches

Features

Are you looking for a roof rack without rails? Are you in search of the one that is affordable and durable? The wait is over then! It is a kayak roof rack that is available for under 70 dollars which makes it affordable. Moreover, the use of high-quality material makes it long-lasting and durable so it does not get damaged due to external purposes such as weather.

Let us tell you this kayak roof rack cannot be folded when not in use, it means it stays on the vehicle’s roof. You can be offered better security for your kayak so no matter how fast you are driving, do not worry about your kayak getting lost or damaged at any cost.

Our Verdict

We mentioned this kayak roof rack because it is easy to install and is also easy for you to load and unload the kayak. The kayak remains in its place when you reach your destination. 

Customer Reviews

This is what users say about this roof rack:

“This rack is of great quality and price which makes it the best for securing a kayak on the car’s roof”

Advantages
  • Use of good quality material
  • Offers high level of versatility
  • Easy to load and unload
Drawbacks
  • Car must have crossbars

7. YAKIMA J-Style Fold Down Roof Rack

Key Specifications

BrandYAKIMA
Mounting TypeStrap Mount
MaterialAluminium
Dimension20.25 x 10.38 x 7.75 inches

Features

We have mentioned this roof rack without rails in our guide because it has been manufactured by one of the best and reputable brand names, YAKIMA. This brand is famous for the production of high-quality products that are durable and long-lasting. This rack allows you to carry two kayaks at a time.

You need strong straps for mounting the kayak on your vehicle’s roof. Moreover, it is not foldable so it stays on the car’s roof when not in use. This rack comes in a unique and versatile design that lets you adjust the upright position with ease.

Our Verdict

We suggest you buy this roof rack because it can hold up to two kayaks at a time and ensure compatibility.

Customer Reviews

This is what users say about this roof rack:

“It did not take much time to set this roof rack up and it was very easy to load the kayak on it using the straps for both ends and center”

Advantages
  • Suitable for two kayaks
  • Ten minutes are required to set it up
  • Secures the gear
Drawbacks
  • Not foldable
  • Need strong straps

8. Amazon Basics Universal Roof Rack

Key Specifications

BrandAmazon Basics
Mounting TypeCross Mount, Roof Mount
MaterialPlastic
Dimension52 x 2.95 x 4.4 inches

Features

We can say that it is a universal roof rack for cars without rails whose size is about 52 inches and is made up of plastic. It is the best for different kinds of vehicles such as personal cars, SUVs, etc. Make sure the roof of your car is about 1.3cm and above to handle this roof rack as well as your kayak until you reach your destination. 

The use of heavy-duty aluminium makes this kayak roof rack more durable and long-lasting. It is a lightweight product so you do not need too much energy to set it up. Moreover, you are also offered superior grip as well as damage protection.

Our Verdict

We have recommended buying this roof rack because it protects your kayak from any external damage and keeps it secure until you reach your destination. 

Customer Reviews

This is what users say about this roof rack:

“It is very easy to install and need a very small amount of trimming on the end caps on the forward side of the explorer”

Advantages
  • Good load capacity
  • Good for rough and rainy weather
Drawbacks
  • Heavy in weight
  • Create additional wind noise

Complete Guide about Kayak Roof Rack for Cars without Rails

Check the Vehicle Width

You have to check the width of your vehicle before buying a kayak roof rack. As we know, some roof racks come with straps so it is necessary to measure the width of your car, SUV, or any other vehicle so the kayak could be secured efficiently. Also, make sure the rack is compatible with your car.

Weight Capacity of the Rack

The weight capacity of the rack matters a lot because the number of kayaks mounting on the rack depends upon its weight capacity. We recommend you buy a roof rack with a capacity of more than 130 pounds.

Easy to Use

A product is reliable only if it is easy to use so make sure you buy a roof rack that is easy to install and use. It should be easy for you to load and unload the kayak on it. You should not have to take your car to the shop every time you have to install the roof kayak. So, the best kayak roof racks are not the ones that are easy to install but are those that are easy to use. 

Cost Effective

We all search for a product that is affordable and within our budget. You should buy a cost-effective kayak roof rack that is not only durable but also offers a high protection level. So, you can buy a good kayak roof rack for under 100 dollars to meet your needs and requirements. 

FAQs

What is a Double Kayak Roof Rack for Cars without Rails?

A double kayak roof rack for cars is the one that comes with two inflatable bars that provide a high-security level while you drive.

What things should be considered when buying a Kayak Roof Rack?

When buying a kayak roof rack, you need to consider its size, width of the vehicle, the durability of the rack, and its cost.

What is the purpose of a Kayak Roof Rack?

The purpose of the kayak roof rack is to transport the kayak from one place to another securely by mounting it on the roof using different mounting methods.

Are all the Kayak Roof Racks Foldable?

No, not all kayak roof racks are foldable. If you need a foldable one, find it for yourself.

How much time is consumed in installing a Kayak Roof Rack?

It takes five to ten minutes to install a kayak roof rack on your vehicle. 

Conclusion

To sum up, there are a lot of kayak roof racks available in online and physical stores, you must buy the one that is suitable for you and meet your needs. Never forget to consider the important things that should be focused on when buying the best roof rack for your kayak.

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