Understanding Your Vehicle's Roof Design

Before diving into the world of rooftop kayak racks, it's important to understand the different roof designs of vehicles and how they impact your rack selection. Here are the main types of roofs you'll encounter:

Naked Roof

A naked roof refers to a roof without any rails, racks, or tracks. Typically found on smaller vehicles, some SUVs, and truck cabs, a naked roof requires a strap-on or clip-on roof rack system from an aftermarket vendor. These systems allow you to carry a kayak on vehicles not specifically designed for roof cargo transportation. When selecting a rack for a naked roof, look for a system that includes four towers with pads, four clips to secure the towers and crossbars, and two crossbars to support the weight of your kayak.

Raised Side Rails

Vehicles with raised side rails have a set of rails running along the top of the roof from front to back, with a gap between the rail and the roof. These vehicles are designed to carry cargo on their rooftops, and you can take advantage of the raised side rails by using roof rack systems specifically designed for this roof type. Look for a system that includes four towers with clip or wrap attachments to the side rails, four clips to secure the towers and crossbars, and two crossbars to hold the weight of your kayak.

Flush Side Rails

Flush side rails also run along the top of the roof from front to back, but they are flush with the roof and do not have a visible gap. These vehicles have a sleek and aerodynamic design and are intended to carry cargo on top of the raised side rails. To mount a roof rack on flush side rails, you'll need a system that includes four rack towers with ridge clip attachments, four clips to secure the towers and crossbars, and two crossbars to bear the weight of your kayak.

Fixed Mount Point Roof

A fixed mount point roof looks like a naked roof, but it has attachment points or pre-drilled holes that go down into the vehicle's frame. This type of roof allows for an exceptionally sturdy roof rack system, which is highly recommended. Look for a system that includes four rack towers with screw-down attachments to the roof mount points, four clips to secure the towers and crossbars, and two crossbars to support the weight of your kayak.

Roof With Tracks

Vehicles with a roof with tracks feature low-profile tracks running from front to back on each side. These tracks allow for easy attachment of rack towers and crossbars. Some roof rack manufacturers offer track sets for vehicles with unique track systems. When selecting a roof rack for a roof with tracks, look for a system that includes four rack towers with attachments to the tracks, four clips to secure the towers and crossbars, and two crossbars to carry your kayak.

Exploring Different Types of Crossbars

Crossbars play a crucial role in supporting your kayak and ensuring a secure and stable transportation. When selecting crossbars for your rooftop kayak rack, you'll encounter different types, each with its own advantages and considerations. Here are the main types of crossbars:

• Aerodynamic Crossbars: These crossbars are designed to minimize wind resistance and reduce noise during travel. They have a sleek, teardrop shape that helps to improve fuel efficiency and provide a quieter ride. Aerodynamic crossbars are usually made of aluminum or steel.

• Round Crossbars: Round crossbars are a classic and popular choice. They are versatile, affordable, and widely available. While they may not offer the same aerodynamic benefits as teardrop-shaped crossbars, they are still effective and can securely transport your kayak.

• Square Crossbars: Square crossbars offer a balance between aerodynamics and affordability. They provide a larger surface area for mounting accessories and are generally more rigid than round crossbars. Square crossbars are a great option if you plan on attaching additional gear to your roof rack.

When selecting crossbars, ensure that they are compatible with the roof rack system you choose and that they have a sufficient weight capacity to support the weight of your kayak.

Determining the Ideal Crossbar Length

The length of your crossbars is an important consideration when choosing a rooftop kayak rack. It determines the amount of space available for mounting your kayak and any additional gear you may want to transport. The ideal crossbar length will depend on the width of your vehicle and the number of kayaks you plan to carry.

To determine the ideal crossbar length, measure the width of your vehicle's roof and ensure that the crossbars extend slightly beyond the width. This will provide a stable base for your kayak and prevent any overhang that may interfere with the loading and unloading process.

If you plan to carry multiple kayaks, consider the total width of the kayaks and ensure that the crossbars provide sufficient space to accommodate them. It's recommended to leave some additional space between the kayaks for easier loading and unloading.

Reviewing Roof Rack Options

Now that you have a good understanding of your vehicle's roof design and the types of crossbars available, let's explore different roof rack options. We'll discuss the specific rack systems suitable for each roof type mentioned earlier.

Strap-On/Clip-On Systems for Naked Roofs

For vehicles with naked roofs, strap-on or clip-on roof rack systems are the go-to solution. These systems provide a secure and stable base for your kayak without the need for factory-installed roof rails or tracks. Strap-on or clip-on systems typically include four towers with pads, four clips to secure the towers and crossbars, and two crossbars to support the weight of your kayak. They are easy to install and remove, making them a versatile option for kayakers with different vehicles.

Towers and Crossbars for Raised Side Rails

Vehicles with raised side rails can take advantage of roof rack systems specifically designed for this roof type. These systems typically include four towers with clip or wrap attachments to the side rails, four clips to secure the towers and crossbars, and two crossbars to hold the weight of your kayak. Towers and crossbars for raised side rails provide a secure and stable base for your kayak, allowing you to transport it with confidence.

Towers and Crossbars for Flush Side Rails

Flush side rails offer a sleek and aerodynamic design, and roof rack systems designed for flush side rails take advantage of this. These systems typically include four rack towers with ridge clip attachments to the flush side rails, four clips to secure the towers and crossbars, and two crossbars to bear the weight of your kayak. Towers and crossbars for flush side rails provide a secure and stylish solution for carrying your kayak on top of your vehicle.

Screw-Down Attachments for Fixed Mount Point Roofs

Fixed mount point roofs are similar to naked roofs but have attachment points or pre-drilled holes that go down into the vehicle's frame. To take advantage of this sturdy roof design, you can use a roof rack system with screw-down attachments. These systems typically include four rack towers with screw-down attachments to the roof mount points, four clips to secure the towers and crossbars, and two crossbars to support the weight of your kayak. Screw-down attachments provide a reliable and secure solution for transporting your kayak.

Track Systems for Roof With Tracks

Vehicles with a roof with tracks feature low-profile tracks running from front to back on each side. These tracks allow for easy attachment of rack towers and crossbars. Some roof rack manufacturers offer track sets specifically designed for vehicles with unique track systems. These systems typically include four rack towers with attachments to the tracks, four clips to secure the towers and crossbars, and two crossbars to carry your kayak. Track systems provide a versatile and customizable solution for transporting your kayak.

Choosing the Right Kayak Mounting Cradle

Now that you have selected the appropriate roof rack system for your vehicle, it's time to choose the right kayak mounting cradle. There are three main types of kayak mounts to consider: saddle kayak mounts, J-cradle kayak mounts, and stacker kayak mounts. Each type has its own advantages and considerations, so let's explore them in detail.

Saddle Kayak Mounts

Saddle kayak mounts position your kayak flat on the roof rack, with the deck and gunnels pointing up. These mounts provide good padding to protect your kayak and cradle it securely above your racks. Loading and unloading your kayak with saddle mounts is typically done from the rear of the vehicle, sliding the kayak forward. Some saddle mounts come with a roller system or load extenders to make the loading process even easier. Saddle kayak mounts are a great option if you have limited space on your crossbars or prefer a simple and secure mounting solution.

J-Cradle Kayak Mounts

J-cradle kayak mounts are one of the most popular options among kayakers. These mounts position your kayak at a 45-degree angle, allowing for more space on your crossbars to mount additional kayaks or gear. J-cradle mounts have padding to protect your kayak and make strapping it down simple. They are designed for side loading, allowing you to easily load and unload your kayak from the side of your vehicle. Some J-cradle mounts are foldable, allowing you to tuck them away when not in use or accommodate a second kayak or canoe on the other side. J-cradle kayak mounts are a versatile and practical choice for transporting your kayak.

Stacker Kayak Mounts

Stacker kayak mounts are the most economical option for carrying multiple kayaks. These mounts consist of a vertical bar on which you mount each kayak, with straps to secure them. Stacker mounts position the kayaks on their side against the bar, which can make handling and tying them down a bit more challenging. It's important to ensure that the kayaks are properly secured and protected from any potential damage or warping. Stacker kayak mounts are a space-saving solution if you need to transport multiple kayaks and are comfortable with the loading and securing process.

When selecting a kayak mounting cradle, consider the number of kayaks you plan to carry, the available space on your crossbars, and your preferred loading and unloading method. Choose a mount that provides a secure and stable base for your kayak while accommodating your specific needs.