# 1
Thule Compass Kayak Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs - J-Style - Folding - Clamp On
Wry disappointed in such an expensive rack and kayak carrier. It is extremely difficult to reach the carrier to place two kayaks. We are very uncomfortable transporting the kayaks for longer and highway travel. I would not recommend these to others. We likely will purchase something other in the future. I’d rather put the kayak in a car or pickup truck that they would fit in.
We bought this Kayak rack for my mom to put on her 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee so her and my dad could haul their kayaks easier. The mounting hardware was a little tricky at first but once we figured it out, it wasn't bad at all. It holds the kayaks in place nicely. Had no issues with them getting loose or moving around. Seems to be built well and they're very happy with it so far.
# 2
Swagman Contour Kayak Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs - J-Style - Fixed - Clamp On
The carriers are nicely equipped with everything you need to secure your kayak to your roof rack. The only downside is the clamps don't seat well on the Subaru Outback (2017) crossbars. The clamps are shaped to favor a square bar. As a result the actual bar surface area this holder contacts is very little and even when screwed down nice and tight, the boat was able to move side to side and scratch the coating off of the OEM cross bars. I did order these in a pinch as I was pressed for time & my original pick was out of stock so it is what it is. Very nice carrier for the price, but I'd recommend only if you've got square bars.
The product is of good construction but probably due to how it fits on my crossbars it needs additional support. The crossbars for my Honda Pilot are wide blade type and these racks seem more appropriate for narrower square type crossbars. Even with the rack fastened very tightly, the rack can twist back and forth. Last year on a trip across Montana the wind was pretty gusty and it caused the front one to pivot quite a bit and we had to pull off and apply a ratcheting strap over the kayak and under the factory rails to ensure it was held tight and wouldn't move again. This year on the same trip we had bad winds but had a roof rack mounted behind these racks giving it support on the tall side. We had to strap it real good to make sure it didn't move. If we hadn't had that additional support behind it and add'l straps we probably would have had more problems. I think if the top metal bracket had a wider channel to fit our crossbars it would be much more stable. The way it is now it just sandwiches 2 metal plates between my crossbar which allows it to pivot under stress.
# 3
Yakima JayLow Kayak Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs - J-Style - Folding - Clamp On
Well-made high quality product. The kayak racks fit perfectly onto the roof rack of our 2018 Subaru Outback. The one downside was the difficulty in getting the hold-down straps around the top of the loop on each of the racks after the kayaks were loaded on, even when following the strapping instructions to the letter. It would be nice if there were some way of holding the strap in place on the top of the loop without it slipping down.
The rack installs very easily and is mostly intuitive to use. I feel more comfortable with a kayak in the jay low rack than I did with the kayak flat on my old car rack -- the kayak's weight and shape help to hold it into position. The straps are pretty easy to figure out, etc. My only complaint is less about the jay low than about the new Subaru Outback I own. There are no tie-downs locations on the front of the car! So, if the front tie-downs are needed, then perhaps this is not the best rack if you own a new Subaru. On the other hand, I've now used the rack three times without bothering with the front tie-down. Go figure.
# 4
Thule DockGrip Kayak and Paddle Board Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs - Saddle Style - Clamp On
Installed it today on my Thule rack. Great product!
The problem: How to transport kayaks with smaller vehicle as weight of cross & kayak racks plus kayaks was above vehicle roof weight limits. So I shopped for a "kayak" trailer. The people at etrailer made the ordering process easy and successful to complete this project. Great trailer, impressed with the size & strength of frame, and assembly went together as instructed. Installed bunk boards and mounted Thule DockGrip for Kayaks. This for me is an easier and safer way to transport kayaks. Thank you etrailer...
# 5
Thule Hull-A-Port Kayak Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs - J-Style - Fixed - Clamp On
This fits 2018 Outback with no issues at all. Comes with all straps and extra for front and back tie down. First time putting them on took about 30min. Every time after about 10-15min. Have a 10 and 11ft kayak and they work perfectly. Etrailer was quick on responses, better priced, and shipped quickly. Will use them again.
I purchased two sets of Thule Hull-A- Port Carrier with Tie-Downs (J-Style, fixed side - loading) last year. They have been installed on our Subaru Outback all of this summer. I like that they are easy to install, easy to use, well built, and that Outback fits under a standard garage door with them installed. Its a snap to pop the kayaks on and go! If you paddle longer boats (my kayaks are 14, 14.5 and 15 feet long) I recommend getting the Thule Bow/Stern Tie Downs (TH530) for convenient temporary bow & stern tie down points, without crawling under the vehicle to attach to the frame.
# 6
Malone DownLoader Kayak Roof Rack w/ Lift Assist and Tie-Downs - J-Style - Clamp On
I can't lift my kayak onto my roof rack like I could when I was younger. This looked like a perfect answer to keep me actively using my kayak. It is simple to use, but it does take some strength as you have to lift your kayak onto the loader and must lift the kayak up onto the roof rack as it only loads to just before the top, so keep that in mind. The legs need to be about 6" - 8" longer as mine don't touch the ground at the connectors. I can only reach the ground with them lowered to where they are almost out of the holder. They also touch the Jeep, so I am going to have to carry something to fit between the loader and the Jeep to prevent scratching the door paint. I think if the legs were longer and they fit with both the holder/connectors then I think they might not touch the Jeep. I would have given 5 stars if the legs were long enough. It works with both my moulded J rack and my fold down J rack. It works with both style of kayaks, rounded and straight hulls.
About a year ago, I purchased one set of the Malone Downloader w/Lift Assist (MPG114MD-351XL) and second set of Downloader J-Style Folding Racks (MPG114MD) for use on a 2014 Subaru Outback with standard Subaru roof racks. I had no issue with installation and use of any of the parts using the enclosed instructions and online videos. Everything seems to fit properly and securely; no broken, unusable, or missing parts. Over the past year we've use the racks extensively for our 10.5 ft recreational kayaks on both short local trips and longer highway trips. We augmented the roof racks with T-handle hood and tailgate tie-downs and some locally purchased camlock tie-down cords. Everything working great with 10's of racking/unracking episodes. We've only used the Lift Assist maybe 1 of 10 trips when there's only a single person lifting, so can't provide as much feedback. However, the Lift Assist does work exactly as advertised and we're happy with the results. In addition, the friendly and well-informed folks at etrailer.com were a huge help with answering tech questions. Well done!
# 7
Yakima SUPDawg Stand-Up Paddleboard Carrier w/ Tie-Downs - 2 Boards
I use these 2-3 time weekly for my SUP I fish off my SUP and this rack is a great investment for quickness and ease of strapping. Thing I like best about etrailer is how fast I get my stuff.
After doing some research decided to go with the Yakima roof rack setup for our VW Atlas. Love the look and functionality of it all. Got the SUPDawg paddle board carrier to go with it. Love the locking capability for piece of mind when leaving boards unattended. We are VERY happy with our choice. Drove on highway with two paddle boards and it all went smoothly with zero wind noise whatsoever. Definitely worth every penny. Will recommend.
# 8
Thule Portage Canoe Carrier w/ Tie-Downs - Gunwale Brackets - Side Loading
The product itself is great and you should feel confident that it will get the job done. However, it said it would fit my 2013 Subaru outback, and while it does fit, the roof racks are not wide enough for the width of the canoe. So that’s something to be aware of before purchasing this product.
As all Thule products the Thule universally mounted canoe carrier is great. It came with all required items for safe and easy canoe transportation. There are two straps with pull to fasten for the canoe down, two tie down ropes for each end with nice pull tight and release mechanisms for the cord as well, along with two straps to fasten to the canoe ends used with the pull to tighten cords. The Chevy traverse cross bar had to have the plastic end caps removed for use with Thule canoe carrier. This was because my canoe took up the entire cross bar width to allow for Thule mounts. It is not a big deal to remove the plastic end caps. They only provide a finished stream lined look. Happy and Safe Canoeing
# 9
Rhino-Rack Kayak Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs - J-Style - Folding - Clamp On
These work great and I was able to install them on the OEM rack for my truck. The only downside is that the threads for the clamp hang down a little too close to the roof for comfort.
The Rhino-Rack 2 Kayak Carrier I ordered from etrailer was easily reviewed and ordered from their website and ALL communication relative to order confirmation and extreme detail included in their tracking was nothing short of phenomenal! The items were packaged with care and arrived intact. These fit our basic Lexus crossbars and is the perfect product for carrying our two (2) kayaks. My hat goes off to the great folks at etrailer -- It doesn't get any better than this!!!
# 10
Thule DockGlide Kayak Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs - Saddle Style - Universal Mount
I need replacements when a pair of Dockgrips was was lost or stolen. When others were stocked out, etrailer came through. Fast shipping and courteous service!
The Thule DockGlide Kayak Carrier and the Tie-Downs that came with it are a very functional High Quality Product. Once the DockGlide Carrier was properly positioned on the Cross bars it attached easily and solidly with the associated hardware. The Kayak slides on and off the Carrier very easily and is quite secure once properly tied down. I enjoy Kayaking and the DockGlide Kayak Carrier enables me to get where I want to go.
# 11
Thule Hullavator Pro Kayak Roof Rack and Lift Assist w/ Tie-Downs - Saddle Style - Universal Mount
Works great.
Bought a pair of these to go on 59" rhino rack bars on our Outback Wilderness and am really pleased. I left the bars full width - they are not a head banger on the car - and mounted the Hullavators as far outboard as possible which means the kayaks clear the side of the car and wing mirrors without folding them in. I did have to modify one Hullavator to make the Hobie Lynx fit (36" wide Lynx = 36" max Hullavator width)
# 12
etrailer Kayak Carrier w/ Tie-Downs - J-Style - Folding - Clamp On
Good quality item. Easy to install.
Fantastic carrier. Very sturdy and easy to set up.
# 13
Yakima KeelOver Canoe Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs - Gunwale Brackets - Clamp On
I purchased the product to make it possible to haul a 30+ year-old White fiberglass canoe on the standard roof-rack of a 2013 Subaru Outback. The kit works very well, but some experimentation was involved. Due to the tapering width of the canoe, I use haul kit with the front guides reversed to face the inside of the canoe gunwhales. In the back the guides are used as intended, facing the outside of the gunwhales.
Product was as advertised, however it was missing four bolts that I had to get at a hardware store, but other than that it was fine. Service from etrailer team was outstanding.
# 14
Yakima ShowDown Kayak or SUP Roof Rack and Lift Assist w/ Tie-Downs - Saddle Style - Clamp On
Wow is all I can say. I put the Malone cross bars on and then this went up in less than an hour. For an older very petite woman, It went up very easy. Yes, be aware shorties: you need a step stool to be able to get the rack up. I have a folding one that will go in my car. Yep so glad I did this. Thank you Paul B for the help in getting exactly what I needed.
Awesome paddleboard rack system...my wife loves it on her 2015 jeep wrangler..
# 15
Rhino-Rack SUP and Surfboard Pads w/ Tie-Downs for Crossbars - Universal - 33-1/2" Long - Qty 2
These pads worked well on our Yakima RailBar Crossbars- Item #Y00448-0449 that we also bought from etrailer around 2020/2021. Not sure if etrailer carries the exact Yakima Crossbars anymore, but think they have a similar model. Both the pads and crossbars work well to haul our kayak on our 2019 Subaru Forester. etrailer's customer service rocks! We had a lot of questions purchasing both items and they were great to talk to!
The product came quickly and was so easy to install on my existing roof rails! It is absolutely perfect to fit many needs above and beyond my kayaks and paddle boards. They look so good on my new 2019 Jag F-Pace I might leave them on all the time.
# 16
Yakima BigStack Kayak Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs - Post Style - Folding - Clamp On
I acquired a second kayak and needed a system to fit the factory racks on my 2011 Toyota RAV4. Etrailer.com has always had information on what fits and has always had the item needed for the job. I attached the Yakima BigStack to the top with ease, and, with one other person to hold the kayaks while I secured, tied two of them down for a long road trip to Northern Minnesota. The system worked just fine. The only caveat was in the configuration of multiple boats in the instructions. The diagram has two boats on the same side of the posts, however, I found it more secure to put one on either side ( other reviews of this product on different Internet sites have found similar results.) The boats made it through the trip with no shifting.
Worked great on our Subaru Crosstrek with factory crossbars. Loading very easy, and it was very secure, for our 2 kayaks. The Yakima Big Sticks are easy to install/setup and take off. Very happy with our investment,
# 17
Thule Stacker Kayak Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs - Post Style - Folding - Clamp On
Installed on 2015 Subaru Outback...holds 2 kayaks safely and securely. Easy to use once you get the hang of positioning the kayaks where you want them and using the straps.
Kayak rack works great with 2 kayaks.. Easy to install.
# 18
Yakima JayHook Kayak Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs - J-Style - Fixed - Clamp On
easy to install...very haPPY WITH YOUR SERvice
Have only taken it out once so far but it was easy to put on and use. Could be easy for someone to steal, I put bike locks on mine to prevent that.
# 19
Malone SeaWing Kayak Roof Rack w/ Load Assist and Tie-Downs - Saddle Style - Clamp On
Easy to install on my Outback. Very helpful for loading and unloading my kayak.
the product seems to be of high quality. Definitely makes loading my Hurricane santee 116 sport a breeze. The company is extremely efficient in their shipping of the order. Very Happy thus far!
# 20
Rhino-Rack Nautic Roof Kayak Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs - Saddle Style - Clamp On
I don't have an issue with the product per second but my kayak was too wide to effectively use it. I could never get the boat in the right spot on the cradles and just ended up removing the cradle and sliding it directly onto the cross rails. The only complaint I have is the installation method. You have to use an Allen key with a hole for a peg. Unless you plan on leaving the cradle in place all the time, this is a real pain to install. Some quick release cams, like you find on bicycles, would make installation much simpler.
Haven't installed yet but product looks very good and as advertised.
What our customers are saying:
"Very fast service. Shipped out an hour after I ordered it.Thanks!!"