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
| Product | Brand | Mounting Type | Material | Product Dimension | Price |
| Rightline Gear Ace 2 Car Top Roof Rack | Rightline Gear | Roof Mount, Strap Mount, Door Mount | PVC | 12.6 x 11.2 x 3.9 inches | View Latest Price |
| Rightline Gear Foam Block Roof Rack | Rightline Gear | Crossbar, Strap Mount, Roof Mount | Foam | 15 x 10 x 4 inches | View Latest Price |
| Rhino-Rack Nautic Kayak Roof Rack | Rhino Rack | Strap Mount | Glass Filled Nylon | 22 x 7 x 6 inches | View Latest Price |
| Rhino-Rack Kayak & Canoe Carrier | Rhino Rack | Strap Mount | Aluminium | 22 x 11 x 7 inches | View Latest Price |
| Thule Compass Kayak and SUP Roof Rack | Thule | Strap Mount, Saddle Mount, Roof Mount | Plastic | 32 x 19.6 x 7.1 inches | View Latest Price |
| Pelican Adjustable Deluxe Foam Block Roof Rack | Pelican | Crossbar Mount, Trunk Mount, Tie Down Mount | Blend | 38 x 4 x 3.5 inches | View Latest Price |
| YAKIMA J-Style Fold Down Roof Rack | YAKIMA | Strap Mount | Aluminium | 20.25 x 10.38 x 7.75 inches | View Latest Price |
| Amazon Basics Universal Roof Rack | Amazon Basics | Cross Mount, Roof Mount | Plastic | 52 x 2.95 x 4.4 inches | View Latest Price |
8 Best Kayak Roof Rack for Cars without Rails
1. Rightline Gear Ace 2 Car Top Roof Rack
Key Specifications
| Brand | Rightline Gear |
| Mounting Type | Roof Mount, Strap Mount, Door Mount |
| Material | PVC |
| Dimension | 12.6 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”
2. Rightline Gear Foam Block Roof Rack
Key Specifications
| Brand | Rightline Gear |
| Mounting Type | Crossbar Mount, Strap Mount, Roof Mount |
| Material | Foam |
| Dimension | 15 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”
3. Rhino-Rack Nautic Kayak Roof Rack
Key Specifications
| Brand | Rhino Rack |
| Mounting Type | Strap Mount |
| Material | Glass Filled Nylon |
| Dimension | 22 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”.
4. Rhino-Rack Kayak & Canoe Carrier
Key Specifications
| Brand | Rhino Rack |
| Mounting Type | Strap Mount |
| Material | Aluminium |
| Dimension | 22 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”
5. Thule Compass Kayak and SUP Roof Rack
Key Specifications
| Brand | Thule |
| Mounting Type | Strap Mount, Saddle Mount, Roof Mount |
| Material | Plastic |
| Dimension | 32 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”
6. Pelican Adjustable Deluxe Foam Block Roof Rack
Key Specifications
| Brand | Pelican |
| Mounting Type | Crossbar Mount, Trunk Mount, Tie Down Mount |
| Material | Blend |
| Dimension | 38 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”
7. YAKIMA J-Style Fold Down Roof Rack
Key Specifications
| Brand | YAKIMA |
| Mounting Type | Strap Mount |
| Material | Aluminium |
| Dimension | 20.25 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”
8. Amazon Basics Universal Roof Rack
Key Specifications
| Brand | Amazon Basics |
| Mounting Type | Cross Mount, Roof Mount |
| Material | Plastic |
| Dimension | 52 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”
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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