Best Kayak Roof Rack for Cars without Rails in 2023

Best Kayak Roof Rack for cars without Rails

When you start searching online for Best Kayak Roof Rack for cars without Rails or Kayak Racks, you’re shown an endless list of products. These products have neat features that make them suitable for different vehicles.

Therefore, choosing the best Kayak Roof Rack for cars without rails or trucks with roof racks might be challenging.  Thanks to a kayak rack for cars without rails, you can easily transport your kayak. Even if your vehicle does not have factory rails, these racks can securely strap on to the top. There are dozens of kayak transportation systems today, so finding the most suitable kayak rack for cars without rails can be challenging. In this article, we review the top models.

Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Kayak Rack for Cars without Rails

Check the Width of Your Car 

Kayak roof racks vary in width, just like car roof racks do. Before purchasing the Best Kayak Roof Rack for cars without Rails , it is crucial to determine the width of your vehicle. After a few adjustments, you’ll be able to select a rack that fits perfectly.

Your Budget  

If you’re looking for the Best Kayak Roof Rack for cars without Rails, you have plenty of options, and that’s fine. Some frames cost more than others, depending on the build and premium features. It would help to determine how much you’re willing and able to pay before you pick a model.

Choose a roof rack that you can afford based on your budget. To determine if a model is worth buying, examine its premium features and benefits. By doing so, you’ll not only get a rack that’s in the sweet spot, but you’ll also get value for your money.

Weight Capacity

The weight limit on kayak racks varies. Before buying a frame for your frame, make sure you know how much it weighs. Consider a kayak that can hold up to 130 pounds if, for example, your kayak is 90 pounds.

Installation

A roof rack that is difficult to install on your car is the last thing you need. Make sure the model you’ve selected is easy to attach to your car’s roof before purchasing. Analyzing customer reviews is the easiest way to accomplish this. Find out what they think of the installation process.

We discussed in this review the best kayak rack for cars without rails should attach properly in under 20 minutes. Installation instructions are usually included.

6 Best Kayak Roof Rack for cars without Rails 

Comparison Table:

Seah Hardware Universal Roof Rack  

 

Seah Hardware Universal Roof Rack

It isn’t a wise idea to mount a roof rack on your car that can hold various heavy items. The Seah Hardware Universal Cross Bars are suitable for that. You could bring your kayak to a kayaking destination for a weekend adventure with these crossbars. Alternatively, you might take your hybrid bike to the beach.

The straps on this model are strong and durable, and they easily fit around a car. Its crossbars can hold up to 150 pounds of weight. Regardless of road conditions, the waterproof ratchet tie-downs ensure that the bars remain firmly in place.

Pros

  • The Seah Hardware kayak rack can be easily assembled and disassembled
  • and supports a maximum weight of 150 lbs
  • Ratchet tie-downs are waterproof and hold a car’s roof securely
  • If your vehicle doesn’t have side rails, this is an inexpensive solution for you
  • since the bars can be adjusted to fit your roof
  • securely without changing the straps.

Cons

  • Through the straps, water can soak into your car seat
  • despite its not-so-sturdy construction

Malone VersaRail Roof Rack

Malone VersaRail Roof Rack

A sturdy and easy-to-install roof rack, the Malone VersaRail lets you mount your kayak quickly and easily. This model works quite well whether you plan to drive your kayak over a long distance or are just a few minutes away from the beach.

A top coating protects this kayak rack’s load bar against elements and corrosion. The suction cups increase their surface area so that the kayak’s weight is evenly distributed. There is a maximum weight limit of 135 pounds on the Malone Versatile kayak rack. This is around 15 pounds less than the limit of Seah Hardware Universal Roof Rack. However, the difference is slight since most kayaks don’t weigh more than 100 pounds.

Interestingly, you can use the same rack for a very long time. Kayakers who have used this before commend its ability to hold kayas well. Furthermore, they have not noticed any bent or broken parts on the model.

Pros

  • Cleaning the suction cups is easy, and they won’t scratch your car
  • thanks to robust 1.5-inch safety straps
  • Featuring a vacuum tower base that can pull up to 75 pounds
  • If you place the suction towers correctly, they will stay in position for a long time

Cons

  • Over time, suction towers tend to rust and become difficult to reposition
  • because there are no antitheft features
  • or waterproof load straps

HandiRack Universal Inflatable Roof Rack 

HandiRack Universal Inflatable Roof Rack

It doesn’t matter your budget, or whether you’re looking for a kayak rack for cars without rails, the HandiRack Universal Roof Rack is a reliable option. The inflatable rack is designed to take up the least amount of space possible, making bulky and expensive roof bars obsolete.

Despite being inexpensive, this isn’t one of those roof racks you get what you pay for. Kayaks can be transported over short or long distances easily with it. It’s well-built and easy to use. Thus, the HandiRack Universal is a good deal if you’re looking for a versatile, multi-purpose rack with a decent carrying capacity.

In our opinion, this universal rack’s twin tubes make it one of the most compelling racks on the market. Transporting your kayak via different terrains without worrying about damage is possible due to the cushioning of impacts, especially from unfriendly and bumpy roads. The bow and stern lines are solid and durable, and they serve the purpose of securing the kayak securely from front to back.

Pros

  • Here’s a cheap kayak rack that fits in a car without rails
  • and is easy to set up and inflate
  • with a maximum load of 175 pounds
  • it packs up small when not in use
  • by releasing the fitting straps
  • It is the Best Kayak Roof Rack for cars without Rails

Cons

  • Straps aren’t appropriate for larger boats
  • The straps will interfere with side airbags in cars

SportRack Complete Roof Rack System

SportRack Complete Roof Rack System

SportRack Complete Roof Rack System isn’t the cheapest model on this list. But it has some valuable features. You’ll probably notice the system’s size first. The dimensions are 45.5 inches long, 5.8 inches wide, and 3.8 inches high.

SportsRack uses premium-grade steel to construct this roof rack, making it one of the most robust and durable models yet. This product includes a coating that is both ultraviolet light and corrosion-resistant.

Regardless of how fast you drive, the elastic cushions and soft plastic cover ensure that the rack won’t damage the top of your car. The SportRack Roof Rack System is one of the lightest models on the market at most lightweight options. Additionally, it can hold up kayaks as heavy as 130 pounds.

Universal roof racks are plentiful; what’s not to love? They’re always easy to install, and this model is no exception. It fits a variety of popular car models thanks to its versatility. Installing takes about 20 minutes, but if you work slowly, it will take 30 minutes.

Pros

  • This unit can support up to 130 pounds of weight
  • The installation process takes a maximum of 30 minutes to complete
  • Steel is strong and durable
  • and has a decent coating to protect it from corrosion and UV rays

Cons

  • When mounted on the roof, this unit tends to make noise
  • For a reliable grip, the system must be tight. The reliables are lengthy.

AUXMART Universal Roof Rack

AUXMART Universal Roof Rack

Although the AUXMART isn’t one of the most popular kayak rack options, it is one of the most effective options at its price point. Since it’s a universal roof rack, it can fit many vehicle models on the fly.

In terms of design, this roof rack is made of premium-grade aluminum, which is not only durable but also corrosion- and rust-resistant. Despite the lightweight feel of the frame during installation, the whole setup is sturdy enough to handle loads of up to 150 pounds.

Rubber pods at the bottom of this roof rack protect your car’s paint from damage and prevent the frame from sliding around. This rack has three pairs of padded clips that prevent scratches on your vehicle. Additionally, your kayak will stay in place during transport with the skip-proof rubber strap.

It is easy to install and takes only a few minutes to complete. You don’t need to buy additional tools since the package includes all the necessary installation accessories. You also get a user guide to help you achieve the installation as quickly as possible.

Pros

  • Lightweight and made of premium grade aluminum
  • with a weight capacity of 150 pounds
  • T-slot mountable
  • fits a wide range of vehicles
  • Lightweight kayak rack

Cons

  • They can be expensive depending on the model
  • and do not offer as many premium features

INNO INA446 Board Locking Roof Carrier

INNO INA446 Board Locking Roof Carrier

The INNO INA446 Board Locking Roof Carrier is compatible with almost any crossbar. It holds kayaks, canoes, and other adventure gear, including SUPs and long and short surfboards. In addition to rubber corner pads, it has straps that ensure that your boat is not only secure during transit but also not scratched.

Using the floating strap system on this roof rack, you can quickly load and unload your kayak. Due to the universal mounts, it’s also an ideal option for most factory bars.

With ratcheting straps connecting over the boat and tightening with integrated hand knobs, this option is straightforward. It ensures that your gear is very safe while on the water.

Pros:

  • It is easy to load and unload.
  • Fits most crossbars.
  • Very versatile.
  • Good quality material.
  • Best Kayak Roof Rack for cars without Rails

Cons:

  • Cars must have crossbars.

FAQs

How many kayaks can fit on a roof rack?

Again, this depends on the type of roof rack you choose. Roof racks can carry as many as four kayaks simultaneously, though some can only hold one kayak at a time.

The above products range from roof racks that carry a single kayak to roof racks that hold four kayaks at a time!

How do roof racks affect fuel economy?

It is impossible to determine whether a roof rack affects your car’s fuel consumption. The fuel economy is affected by several factors, such as the engine type in your vehicle and the number of people in it. Other factors include the rolling resistance, the tires, the surface you’re driving on, the wind resistance, etc.

Conclusions

Roof Rack can not only carry kayaks but can also carry other items such as bikes, canoes, and cargo boxes. They help carry all your gear when traveling. This allows you and your family to travel in more comfort.

We found that all the Kayak roof racks we reviewed here did an excellent job of keeping your kayaks secure during your trip. However, the Malone Downloader Universal Kayak Rack was the most accessible and versatile, as it fits most vehicles and roof racks.

You can choose kayak roof racks with or without rails. Enjoy finding the most suitable kayak roof rack for your vehicle! Have fun kayaking!

Related Article: 

  1. Best Fishing Kayaks Under $700
  2. Best Fishing Kayak Under 800 Dollars
  3. Best Kayak for Woman
  4. Best Kayak Trolling Motor Mount
  5. Best Lightweight kayak for Seniors