Best J-Style Kayak Rack for Aero Bars on Truck Cap with Load Assist Option for Taller Truck

Updated 05/14/2025 | Published 05/10/2025

Products Featured in This Question

Yakima JayHook Kayak Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs - J-Style - Fixed - Clamp On

(14)

$173.13

Malone DownLoader Kayak Roof Rack w/ Lift Assist and Tie-Downs - J-Style - Clamp On

(147)

$611.90

Question:

I have a yakima roof rack on my truck cap for my Ford F-350, the bars a 5ft long, 3 wide rounded not square and about 1 tall, what kind of j hook style kayak carrier would I need to clamp on my bars?

asked by: Larry J

Expert Reply:

Hi Larry, It sounds like you’ve got aero-style bars on your truck cap based on the dimensions you shared — 3 inches wide and about 1 inch tall. That’s great news because it means you can use most J-style kayak carriers, including the one you were looking at — Yakima’s JayHook part # Y04084. It’s a solid, reliable choice.

Out of curiosity — what kind of kayaks do you have? Are they on the heavier side? If so, you might want to consider something with a load assist, like the Malone DownLoader with Telos XL load assist part # MPG114MD-351XL. I’ve used this one personally, and it makes getting the kayaks onto a taller truck roof so much easier. The load assist arms are detachable, too, which is super convenient.

Let me know what kind of kayaks you're working with by commenting below. I'm happy to help you find the right fit!

expert reply by: Heather A

Larry D.

5/14/2025

Can I just buy the locking strap that encircles the bar. I have j hook carriers but need a wider strap to go around the wider bars I now have?

Heather A.

5/14/2025

@LarryD Which J-style kayak carriers do you have now? I can try to find an adapter that would work with your bars but I would need to know which kayak carriers you have currently :)