# 1
Yakima JayLow Kayak Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs - J-Style - Folding - Clamp On
Great product and great customer service! Very easy to install, but I highly recommend to watch the installation video first. We used typical black office clips to clip the excess straps down since they came untangled when driving. Also, I recommend to purchase locks for the racks since we are concerned someone may steal them because they are so easy to take on and off.
Great kayak carrier! Highly recommend!
# 2
Rhino-Rack Kayak Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs - J-Style - Folding - Clamp On
Sturdy cradle and easy to install. Difficult to keep tie down strap looped over top of "U" bar while trying to get it over the kayak, keeps slipping down. We made a channel out of foam to keep the strap in place and now it is easy.
Just installed it. So far so good. Ran 2 bike cables side to side with 4 pad locks to secure it for the summer,
# 3
Thule Hull-A-Port Kayak Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs - J-Style - Fixed - Clamp On
Arrived quickly and was very easy to assemble and attach to the roof of my Jeep. Now that I have the initial setup complete with the proper placement of the entire system, attaching and removing the kayaks will be a breeze. Will definitely make hauling our kayaks much easier and safer.
This product is excellent. I have transported my kayak on these J Hooks several times going 70+ mph down the highway. It never moves. The bolts that come with it are short. If you have a thick roof rack, you will need longer stainless steel bolts. Make sure you you orient the blue straps with the buckle on top so you can pull down to tighten it up.
# 4
Thule Portage Canoe Carrier w/ Tie-Downs - Gunwale Brackets - Side Loading
Great canoe rack! Fast service!!
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
# 5
Thule Hullavator Pro Kayak Roof Rack and Lift Assist w/ Tie-Downs - Saddle Style - Universal Mount
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)
The Hullivator was for my wife to give her the option of loading and unloading by herself. It couldn’t be better. She now goes kayaking anytime she wants with little effort and no need for me to help her. Excellent product that’s worth every cent. Was super easy to install too.
# 6
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.
Where do I start? I've been whitewater kayaking for 22 or so years now. I've always used used either Yakima or Thule products... Until I bought a 2015 Nissan Rogue with a naked roof. The curvature of the roof and large door jams mean that Yakima and Thule can't make racks for them. I went to a place that does custom installs and again because of the curvature of the roof, they couldn't give me a rack. This meant no kayaking which is really bad news. Enter the Rhino rack system. I purchased the feet, the fit kit, the cross bars and a Yakima "big stack" stacker. The first issue I had is the reccomended size for the Nissan Rogue is only 48 inches. Way too small too haul 4-5 (very light) whitewater kayaks. I called etrailer and they were SUPER helpful, told me I can buy the 65 in cross bars and they'll work fine. I held my breath and placed my order. I was nervous leaving my trusted name brands. The order arrived super fast (they told me it would arrive by Friday but it actually arrived on Thursday) and everything was packaged rock solid. I was impressed. I read the instructions and put the rack system on my car. It took about a hour (it was hot and I worked slowly) but the rack system is SUPER SOLID. I love it. Rhino might have a "forever" customer out of me. -The rack system is very stable. I can't move it with my hands by pushing or pulling. -The rubber stripping you put on the top and bottom of the bar is an awesome added feature AND it reduces wind noise. -Adding the fairing reduced wind noise even further. With four boats on the roof you couldn't hear any extra noise. The ONE thing I dislike is that you need to use the supplied Allen wrench to take the rack on and off the car. It's a small complaint, but other systems I've used in the past don't have them. I paid much less for this system than I would have if I purchased one of the aforementioned systems, but I'm really really satisfied with the product. We will see how well it holds up over long-term use, but it looks awesome!
# 7
Swagman Exo Aero Rooftop Kayak Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs - Saddle Style - Clamp On
I bought this rack to replace a Thule Dock Glide for use on my Malone Microsport kayak/canoe trailer. The Dock Glide worked fine on my rooftop wing bars but wouldn't hold my kayak in position on the trailer. Road vibrations and trailer bouncing would cause the kayak to twist no matter how tight my straps. The Swagman Exo Aero mount is an absolutely perfect fit on the Microsport crossbars with the cutout of the mount top portion and a depression in the bottom bar exactly fitting the cross bar (1 1/4") and is rock solid with no chance of shifting position. The Swagman mount is heavily constructed and the rubber strips on the wide bars hold the kayak like a vise. The boat doesn't shift at all no matter how bumpy the road. Great product.
Hi Carol, I emailed my feed back. Out here in the sticks your website couldnt load properly. It a great product. Perfect for this light duty purpose.
# 8
Malone DownLoader Kayak Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs - J-Style - Folding - Clamp On
These kayak J-style racks worked great, AFTER I went to the hardware store and spent $20 on bolts that actually fit my truck rack. It comes with 2-5/8” mounting bolts that aren’t adequate for a heavy truck rack ( mines a Best.Wyle). I had to buy 4” bolts, lock washers, and nuts). I also wish the locking teeth were mitered instead of square. That would make them less prone to breaking and easier to align.
In the meantime, that boy is not to be in this house ever again These kayak carriers are fantastic! They combine with downloaders to make it possible for my wife and I in our advancing years to get our kayaks on top of our car.
# 9
Thule DockGlide Kayak Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs - Saddle Style - Universal Mount
E trailer is a joy to work with. Customer Service is second to none.
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.
# 10
Thule Top Deck Kayak Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs - Saddle Style - Clamp On
This kayak carrier works great with my factory Rav4 roof rack and 10' Tamarack Angler kayak. I did break one tightener knob but probably over-tightened it. And it was replaced for free. I can load and unload the kayak easily and it doesn't budge going down the freeway. I can even drive in and out of the garage with the kayak on the rack for easy storage hanging from the rafters.
Installed this Thule Top Deck Rooftop Kayak Carrier System with tie onto our Thule Roof rack system. Easy to install and this will carry our handmade 17' Wooden Sea Kayak. Very well made.
# 11
Rhino-Rack Nautic SUP or Kayak Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs - Saddle Style - Clamp On
Incredibly easy to install and adjust for a perfect fit. If you’re at least 5’9” you will have no issue hoisting your kayak up onto the rack. The rotation makes this very easy. Absolutely no noise while driving. Secure, tough — I’m very pleased and would recommend this product to anyone!
They fit well and I feel my Kayak is safe tied down correctly.
# 12
Malone BigFoot Pro Canoe Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs - Gunwale Brackets - Clamp On
The Malone Bigfoot Pro Canoe Roof rack is excellent and is super strong. I have two sets of them now, one for a Malone Aero Bars Car Roof Rack, and one for a Rhino Aero Bars Car Roof Rack (both bought at Etrailer). The quality is first rate, so why the 4 stars? The reason is that the support back of the canoe racks is too high. It only needs to be one inch high which matches the rubber pad. Instead it is 3.75 inches high. Every inch higher than necessary makes it harder to lift the canoe over the backs of the canoe racks. If I could cut them easily I would do it, but it looks like it would be too difficult to cut the metal back down to 1 inch. The Canoe racks are even better using the T-Slot Integration Hardware Kit for Aero Styled CrossBars, MPG915. That kit has 5/8" long (functional length) bolts which fit the Malone Aero Bars Car Rack. For the Rhino Rack, it uses a different kit that has 7/8" long bolts. Using the T Slot allows full use of the entire aero bars.
Bigfoot Canoe Rack: etrailer was late sending the order out because their inventory system didn't seem to be working. When they finally found my order, I asked that it be sent to me as a priority shipment. My request was ignored. Otherwise, the order has arrived. I haven't installed it yet, but it's been unpacked and the order seems complete. Also seems pricey for what it is.
# 13
Swagman Contour Kayak Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs - J-Style - Fixed - Clamp On
4 on canoe rack only because of supplied lower bracket for cross member attachment.
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.
# 14
etrailer Kayak Carrier w/ Tie-Downs - J-Style - Folding - Clamp On
On my second attempt to find a carrying rack for a Pelican Mustang 100x recreational/fishing kayak, I took great care seeking out a rack that would provide at least six contact points for the boat. The kicker is trying to get good contact points to securely cradle the shape of the Mustang 100x "twin arched multi chine hull" while also cradling the edge of the deck. Delta kayaks calls a similarly shaped hull a "fusion hull". After doing a ton of google advanced searches for images for a racked up Mustang kayak model, I concluded a J-Style carrier seemed to be a secure solution. The etrailer J-Style - Folding carrier has solved the equation, and for a very reasonable price. Paired with a Sherpa Boat Roller, my 5' 4" wife can load and un-load her Mustang 100x kayak on her own for her afternoon paddles on nearby waterways. Now she needs a cockpit cover to keep out the rain, and her carrying system is complete. And etrailer made it an easy return of the first rack system I tried. Thanks etrailer!
Straps and hardware seem to be poor quality. Used the rack for the first time this weekend. Worked fine with the first load however the second and third the straps has already started to slip and the hardware no longer tightens done good. Don’t expect there to be much longevity in this product for the price tag
# 15
Thule Compass Kayak Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs - J-Style - Folding - Clamp On
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.
High quality materials, great design and the directions to install were excellent. The design of the product is great, I can now carry both of my kayaks on my car. And I have the advantage of carrying them two different ways. I love this pro
# 16
Yakima SweetRoll Kayak Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs - Saddle Style - Clamp On
I use the SweetRoll roof rack on my Honda civic for either my 14 foot kayak or my stand up paddleboard and it works great for both. The rolls help me load and unload more easily from the back of the car. Since I am a relatively small woman, I cannot easily lift either on to the roof on my own. The rolls on the SweetRoll combined with another roller temporarily suctioned on the trunk of the car allow me to get either of my watercraft onto or off of the car by myself.
The Sweet Roll will not support my Old Town Topwater 10.6. The brackets spread out on the crossbar under the weight. This year I will try a Yakima Big Catch. The Sweet Roll works fine with our Old Town Loons.
# 17
Malone SeaWing Kayak Roof Rack w/ Load Assist and Tie-Downs - Saddle Style - Clamp On
Very good advise by Lauren to purchase this product, happy to have bought it. My tandem kayak twin heron fits without problem. It's easy to install and easy to get the kayak up and down
My biggest worry is losing a kayak off the roof, and these carriers are super secure. Never had a worry. They come with ropes, and I always use them, but I've never seen the ropes get any added tension because their so secure. Also, with my bad back, these are pretty easy to load and unload. I'm 6'2 and have no trouble even though these are pretty high up on the Highlander. I always protect the car with a rug, but rarely does the kayak even touch the rug. You don't have to lift the whole weight of the kayak up to shoulder height, just get one end up to the load assist, and then slide it on, same thing in reverse to unload. Easily mount to the factory roof rack, no need for an expensive system. Took them off for the winter, and am getting ready to remount for a new year of exploring lakes and rivers.
# 18
Malone MegaWing Fishing Kayak Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs - Saddle Style - Clamp On
I bought two of the Malone MegaWing kayak roof rake and I am super happy I did. They are easy to load and with both kayaks up there no problem operating the vehicle. Additionally, the megawing prevent oil canning. I have had other kayak racks, but none of them compare to the Malone MegaWing. And lastly, my set up looks amazing and super sexy with both kayaks up there.
I bought these for my 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee, for use with 2, small, 10.5' kayaks. They work great. Installation is easy. Most importantly, getting boats up on the roof is much easier than using J-Hook style racks. I do put a rag on the back of the roof of the car to rest the boats on before loading, as advised in the instructions.
# 19
Rhino-Rack Nautic Roof Kayak Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs - Saddle Style - Clamp On
The Rhino Rack cradles, straps and hardware are all good quality and I have no complaints. The only issue I have, and the reason for only a 4 star rating, is the supplied M6 x 40mm Security Head screws are too long for the factory cross bars on my roof rack. When I first installed the cradles if I had tightened the screws all the way, the ends would have dug into the roof and paint, even before I added the weight of the kayak. In checking, I can purchase some M6 x 25mm Security Head screws from Amazon, but frankly part of me feels that for what I’ve already paid for this kit I shouldn’t have to spend another $15 for the correct length screws, plus the package has 20 screws and I only need 8. However, it appears that is exactly what I will have to do. At least they will be stainless steel, rather than the cheaper material the current screws are. Plus I will have extras for when/if the head strips out. I would suggest Rhino Rack consider included in their kit two sets of screws to meet this need. Keep the length they have, Judy add a set of 25mm. I’m still happy with the purchase but not 100%. I do like how the kayak slides easily on the rear felt lined cradles. Plus Rhino Rack includes every tie down strap that you will need, e.g. one each for the bow and stern in addition to two straps intended to secure the kayak directly to the roof rack cross bars. I would highly suggest you get in the habit of using all four straps, you really don’t need to have a gust of wind lifting the nose and tearing the roof rack off your vehicle. Can happen! My brother-in-law lost his roof rack exactly in this manner. So happy yakking and safe travels down the road. By the way I have paired these cradles with the Rhino Rack RTL002 T-Load Hitch Mounted Load Assist and Support Bar for 2” Hitches also purchased from eTrailer. I’ve attached some photos showing my first and second attempts to solve my dilemma. I need to order the replacement screws. First attempt after dark was a large flat washer, then the next day I added some nuts under the large washer. NOTE: Photos may post in reverse order.
This product was very easy to install. I had it installed in about 15 minutes and my kayak on the roof a few minutes later. The only issue I had was one of the tie-down straps was broken (stitching was not complete or something). Other than that, this product was great! The customer service (Carol and Neil) were great also, helping with the strap problem. Thank you again!
# 20
Curt Kayak Roof Rack - J-Style - Folding - Clamp On
Good quality materials and easy to install - and uninstall. Two changes would give this product 5 stars: Some type of strap holder at the top of the back rack would make it easier to strap down the kayaks and some type of security lock so someone doesn't borrow your new racks while you are out kayaking. One unique thing to remember for the 2017 Toyota RAV4: the back OEM cross bar is about 3" shorter than the front cross bar - this takes some adjustments for the placement of the racks to fit 2 kayaks and still open the rear hatch.
Used them a couple times and they are performing as expected. I have to mount the kayaks a little forward to clear the 5-er, but they road well at 65 mph into a head wind. Yes, bow straps are used.
What our customers are saying:
"I received this order yesterday. Thanks for the outstanding service. I appreciate it! Thanks, Alex"