# 1
Thule Compass Kayak and SUP Carrier w/ Tie-Downs - J-Style, Post Style, or Saddle - 2 Kayaks or SUPs
Very adequate but a bit awkward to attach and load kayaks. Using with a low profile Rhino Rack, I was able to attach, load and carry 1-10’ and 1-12’ Eddyline kayak and travel over 1000 miles this past spring without incident.
This is a really well-made, quality product. The top surface feels somewhat squishy like it will provide cushioning to the board(s) held onto it or to the kayaks. It shipped very quickly from e-trailer and arrived in pristine condition. The layout and packaging is gorgeous as well. I do wish there was an option for over-packaging to conceal the contents but to their credit the delivery person did put it out of the line of sight on my porch. I would definitely buy from here again.
# 2
Rhino-Rack J-Style Kayak Carrier - Folding - Universal Mount
We purchased two sets of the Rhino Rack J Style Kayak Carrier since we have two kayaks. They work great and were easy to install. We were particularly impressed with the quality of the tie down straps. We bought them a year ago and used them quite a bit since then with no problems.
These racks are so great! The option to fold them down means I can leave them on the car for a few days between kayak trips. They’re very sturdy and we love that they come with the tie down straps, but I wish the hood/trunk anchors were included. Just another order I guess!
# 3
Rhino-Rack 2 Kayak Carrier w/ Tie-Downs - J-Style - Folding - Side Loading
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!!!
I searched a lot of websites before finding what I needed on etrailer.com for my 2012 Suzuki GV. I was looking for the proper mounts to install a Kayak rack system. Because my vehicle has a built in rail system it was very confusing what was needed. Thank you etrailer for hooking me up with the appropriate parts for the Rhino system, it worked great!
# 4
etrailer J-Style Kayak Carrier - Folding - Universal Mount
I've had 2 sets of these carriers for a year now. I've carried my 2 kayaks on several occasions with them. They are secure, steady and well made. They come with all the straps and hardware needed to carry your boat. A nice feature is that they have these little pockets made on to the straps to secure the extra length when you are using them which eliminates the loose ends from being blown around while driving. The folding feature is also great. I mount the carriers on my roof rack and make all the adjustments needed just one time. I can keep them up there for the entire season without having to fuss with them every time I want to take a boat out. I can use one or both of the carriers at any time. The price looks like its more than other sets but it really isn't because, as I said, they come with everything you need AND they fold down when not in use. I realy do like these carriers.
Recently got this and far they have been great for holding down the kayaks. The straps work great but the elastic band which is built in with the straps suck. Other than that great product.
# 5
Rhino-Rack Nautic 580 Side Loading Kayak Carrier - Saddle Style - Side Loading - Channel Mount
I paired this side-loading rack with Thule Aeroblade bars and Rapid Traverse Feet to carry a 14.5' poly kayak on my 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT (with panoramic sunroof, so my options were limited). This review is based on one 400 mile weekend trip at interstate speeds with some head- and crosswinds. The saddle construction seems solid and locks into the aero bars' C-channels. The key locking feature is nice. The bumper tie-down straps are maybe not as rugged as I would have expected, so I will keep watch for any abrasion from wind vibration, but the cinching mechanism seems more than capable. Wind noise and a ~5mpg decrease in gas mileage are obviously going to be noticeable, but I found that installing the rubber strip in the aerobars' channel did the most to eliminate any annoying whistling. I chose the side-loading model over the rear-loading RR581 model because I felt the extra pair of rubber pads would grip a little better for side-to-side motion. Depending on your kayak's hullform, the pads likely won't make full contact, but everything still seems solid for my setup. Installation takes a little trial and error but is no more difficult than installing bars. Solo loading/unloading my 60lb kayak isn't too strenuous on my mid-height hatchback. Once it's up there, you can "walk it" into place. Overall, I am very happy with my purchase and I would recommend Rhino to any other first time buyer without an unlimited budget.
These go on very easy with my rhino roof rack. They are made of hard plastic type material with metal fasteners and they came with 4 straps and 2 keys. I did not find any shifting on the crossbar on my first 400mile trip with a 50lb kayak although there was minor shifting (rolling) of the kayak on the saddles. I recommend them.
# 6
Curt J-Style Kayak Carrier - Folding - Universal Mount
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.
Quick service! Box was not damaged at all. Just what I wanted.
Still works wonderfully
Denis - 04/25/2022# 7
Thule Top Deck Rooftop Kayak Carrier System with Tie Downs
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.
I bought two sets for my GMC Yukon XL. I've had different racks for two kayaks and in the wind or a long days on the water, loading up was always so difficult. With these I just through them up they sit flat and strap them down.
# 8
Thule DockGrip Kayak and SUP Carrier with Tie-Downs - Saddle Style - Side Loading - Universal Mount
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...
The ordering process was easy. The delivery time and notifications of progress to delivery was excellent. The product was exactly what I wanted.
I am very happy with my Thule DockGrip kayak carrier. Since I can load the kayak by myself when loading from the back of my SUV. I just lift one end of the kayak up onto the back pads then go to the other end and push the kayak into place. This is very important since Im 72 yo and sometimes go kayaking alone while the old folks rest.
Ronald Wilson - 07/30/2021# 9
Thule Hull-A-Port Aero Kayak Carrier for SquareBars - J-Style - Folding - 1 Kayak
Great product. Super easy install. Quick shipping. Works great!!!
Still going strong, this is a quality product.
Billy D Purcell - 06/24/2021Outstanding experience. The product was exactly what I expected and arrived on time.
# 10
Yakima JayLow Kayak Carrier w/ Tie-Downs - J-Style or Post Style - Folding - 1 or 2 Kayaks
Great product!
The Yakima JayLows are ready to go out the box and very easy to set up. They attached to our vehicle’s factory crossbars with ease and seemed secure on the road with little to no movement with kayaks attached. We haven’t tested them on the highway yet, but I’m confident that they’ll be fine as long as you strap the kayaks correctly and use tie downs. I’m extremely happy with the JayLows and I’m considering purchasing another set if we get a third kayak. I HIGHLY recommend that you watch the videos on setting up and securing kayaks on the racks prior to first use.
# 11
Inno Locker Watersport Carrier w/ Crossbar Pads - Locking - Clamp On - 1 Boat or 2 Boards
Heavy duty. Easy enough to install. Instructions aren't great, but you can figure it out. The crane is a good idea in theory, but could use some design refinement as it only lifts just enough to tuck a paddleboard underneath. The rachet system is great and the rubber coverings for the wires are super helpful for preventing scratches.
I love this product. I am using it on a jeep wrangler that I pull into a garage with. They fit perfectly so I don't have to take them on and off if I am paddle boarding a few days in a row,but if I do take them on and off, it's a very quick process as well. I would highly recommend.
# 12
Inno Kayak Carrier w/ Tie-Downs - Post Style - Folding - Clamp On - 2 Kayaks
We tried using this product for 2 average kayaks (each just under 50 lb). This is a nice system; however when loading two kayaks and using just two ropes and tie downs at each end, we found that both sets of pads had slid during transport (but never the ones with the pole). We also found we had a harder time getting the one kayak more towards the mid-line of the car. In the end, we kept this system (we stripped one of the screws on one of the pads likely from trying to over tighten it), and we use it for just one kayak and we bought another system, and we load a kayak from each side of the car. The pad does not slip with just one kayak. The system folds down nicely and the poles have an excellent tight fit. If I had a do-over, we should have kept the pole in the middle with pads on each side, each kayak with its own set of ropes and we may have had better success with this model.
I appreciated the helpful advice and service from Teresa with etrailer.com. Thank you.
# 13
Thule DockGlide Kayak Carrier with Tie-Downs - Saddle Style - Rear Loading - Universal Mount
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.
Wasn't sure this would fit my rowing scull - but with a few small adjustments - seated it soundly and securely. Especially like the fore and aft tie downs - nice system. Very easy to install.
# 14
Rhino-Rack Nautic 581 Rear Loading Kayak Carrier - Saddle Style - Rear Loading - Channel Mount
Works great on my Ram truck. I pull a 5th wheel RV so I can’t use the truck bed for my kayaks. I bought the Rhino Rack roof rack from etrailer, as well. It is very easy to slide the kayak onto the roof with this carrier. Then I slide my second kayak on top of the first one. It is easy to do by myself, which is what I was looking for. I’d also like to give a shout-out to etrailer for their great customer service! They had both of these items in stock, and actually beat the price on Amazon.
Perfect. We RV full time and we’ve driven thousands of miles with 2 kayaks on the racks. We have had zero issues with the racks and they still look like new. I can install or remove the racks in less than 10 minutes.
Enrica - 07/13/2021Buying from etrailer is the ONLY way to go. The customer service is excellent from start to finish and afterwards if you need. This rack is a simple install and adjusts to many types of kayaks. Much less expensive then the others and high quality. I just completed a trip through a bad storm with no issues. So easy for me to load and secure
I still love it!
Lynne - 08/22/2021# 15
Yakima HandRoll Kayak Carrier with Tie-Downs - 1/2 System - Roller Style - Rear Loading - Clamp On
I put the rollers on a strong arm loader it Works great, the loader fits a 2in receiver it pulls backwards at a 45 degree angle and it is springs loaded you put the kayak onto it then go to the back of the kayak push forward and the kayak is at a 45 degree angle in the air then you push it's on the rollers and stop when you get where you want it let it down gently a d that's it ,take it off in reverse thanks to the wheels it makes it very easy
It has been working out just fine,I also use it for my float tube.
Ken - 08/10/2020Had same setup on old suv which was sold with rack. So I ordered same for new Honda Pilot. This Rack is especially useful to safely load and unload heavier kayaks ( like Hobie) even by ladies and smaller people like teenagers.
# 16
Swagman Contour Kayak Carrier w/ Tie-Downs - J-Style - Fixed Arms
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.
I have never had an expensive set of kayak racks but i assume they work just as well as these. These are very affordable. They are easy to use and install. I am throughly pleased with my purchase
Excellent