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26 best 2 kayak roof rack 2024 (Reviews by experts)

Gunnar Scott
  May 18, 2024 4:31 AM

Using some firsthand experience, customer feedback, and experts' objective and meticulous reviews, we've ranked the top 26 best 2 kayak roof rack available on the market that should be considered putting on your list.


TOP PRODUCTS

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Last update on 2024-05-18 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API


OUR TOP PICKS FOR THE BEST 2 KAYAK ROOF RACK

Ride in style with the best two-kayak roof rack. Carrying your Kayak on top of your vehicle is a hassle-free and safe way to enjoy seeing nature from a new angle! It's also not as complicated as it sounds, so we'll help you along the way to get the best deal on one that's right for you.
Every year, thousands of anglers and kayakers throw their boats into the backs of their vehicles and head to the nearest lake, river, or ocean. Unfortunately, most top-mount car racks don't even have a way to carry two kayaks on top of your vehicle simultaneously. If you're going out with a fishing buddy, but all you have is a single-car roof rack kit, it's time to upgrade your setup. We've tested, reviewed, and rated dozens of top-mount and forklift Kayak racks throughout the years, and this guide will point you in the right direction for choosing the best 2 kayak roof rack for your needs.

 

1. YAKIMA - JayLow, J-Style Fold Down Rooftop Kayak Carrier, 2 Boat Capacity

  • Carry up to 2 kayaks: Fits 1 kayak in J-cradle position (up to 80 lbs.) or 2 kayaks in a vertical, stacked position (up to 110 lbs. combined)
  • Fits most crossbars: Compatible with Yakima SteamLine and round, square, factory and aerodynamic crossbars; Minimum crossbar spread of 24"
  • Includes straps: Includes all the necessary hardware and straps (Heavy-Duty Straps and Bow/Stern Tie-Downs) to secure your gear; SKS (Same Key System) locks sold separately
  • Versatile design: Integrated cam lever allows you to adjust the upright position with ease; Rack also folds flat when you're not using it for better clearance and reduced drag
  • Easy install: Comes fully assembled out of the box; Tool-free installation in about 10 minutes; Refer to Yakima Fit My Car Tool to ensure compatibility

Lightweight, compact size hugs your roof like a glove. Includes a plastic chain and lock to secure the rack to your car. For some drive-thru's, the kayaks tend to bang against the vehicle's underside when loaded. (as seen in this video)  With semi-long trips, you may want a higher-capacity carrier.  This model has only up to 2 kayaks. It's not recommended for transporting solo...it doesn't carry two people in it!!  The main downfall for this carrier is that it does not include a locking pin like other carriers on our list.

 

2. Leader Accessories Folding Kayak Rack 4 PCS/Set J Bar Car Roof Rack for Canoe Surf Board SUP On Roof Top Mount on SUV, Car and Truck Crossbar with 4 pcs Tie Down Straps

  • [ HEAVY DUTY CONSTRUCTION ] – The racks are made of 22mm diameter and 1.5mm thick steel tube, 8.5 "widening design, stronger than else. Black Powder-Coated Steel for Durability & Rust Prevention Plus Long-Lasting, can resist all weather condition and use for a long life.150 Lbs Tested, easy and safe for your transport.
  • [ FOLDING AND ERGONOMIC DESIGN] – Ergonomic quick release design, more easily to fold and raise the racks than others. Racks can be folded flat when not in use, get better clearance to drive your car into garage and not have to remove.
  • [ REDUCE SCRATCH DESIGN] – Foam Padding and Rubber Pedal design to reduce scratch of your kayak and prevent the canoe or kayak from rubbing.
  • [ UNIVERSAL MOUNTING DESIGN ] – Compatible with most crossbars,such as square, factory and aerodynamic crossbars,Except the round bar.
  • [ MULTI PURPOSE USE ] – Easy to Install, use this car roof rack to carry Kayak, Canoe, Surf board, Ski board, Snow Board and SUP. Extra 4 pcs tie down straps including.

This model is relatively easy to assemble and use.  It's pretty solid, with tie-downs and all that jazz.  The only issue we found was that it restricts the driver's view while on the road (which could be a hazard). They could have made the kayak holder higher, so it would be more out of your way.  That was our biggest complaint.
The best thing about this package is that it includes four straps, making carrying multiple kayaks much easier.  We also like that they're adjustable, so you can make sure it's tight and secure! The one thing we don't like about this product is that the design may not fit all vehicles.


3. DR SPORTS Two Pairs Universal Foldable J-Bar Kayak Rack Folding Car Roof Top Carrier for Canoe, SUP, Kayaks, Surfboard and Ski Board Rooftop Mount on SUV, Car, and Truck

  • 【 Folding Design 】Foldable J bar cradle design is going to save most place of your car roof top. And minimize the height of car roof to allow your car to fit in parking garages and not have to remove. Folding J bar function is going to minimize vibration and noise when you don’t need to use it.
  • 【 Scratch Reduction Design 】 Foam foam gasket and rubber pedal design reduce kayak scratches and prevent canoe or kayak friction. as well as full protection of cross bars and kayak roof rack.
  • 【 Heavy Duty Construction 】Universal design with heavy Duty steel material makes the Rack light Weight and Durable. 0.3'' soft cushions attached to each bar to prevent kayak from rubbing and damage.
  • 【 Multipurpose 】Lashing straps, hook ropes and hood loops are all included make the loading of kayak, canoe, surf board and SUP paddle boat more easy and quick.
  • 【 Universal Installation Design 】Compatible with most crossbars,such as square, factory and aerodynamic crossbars, Except the round bar. Easy Install with Installation Guide. Quick on Hardware Ensures Fast Installation. Installation Guide provided.

What a great idea!  It Folds flat and is stored in your trunk.  You could be ready to go in minutes.
The good news is that this has a ton of space.  We like all of the features on this carrier, including the ratcheting system, how long it'll hold two kayaks, and how quickly it will secure our kayaks on top for transport.  The only two things that were slightly negative would be the weight limit one of our kayaks had and the fact that you can't see through the car window with this rack installed which can be dangerous if you're rushing down exit ramps or doing something else blind.


HOW TO BUY THE BEST 2 KAYAK ROOF RACK

1. Price:

Most carriers are around $75 to $200.  The average price for a top-mount kayak carrier is about $100-$150. Think about where you will store your Kayak in your vehicle and how often you will carry it. 
 

2. Materials:

Top mounts have plastic carriers and aluminum carrier frames.  We recommend aluminum because it will be more durable and it's lighter.  As long as your Kayak isn't below a certain weight, we don't recommend plastic carriers because they're breakable.
 

3. Accessories:

Some kayak racks come with extra components like tie-downs and hooks.   Others come with a ratchet lock car roof attachment system.  It's best to check out the reviews, so you know your options before getting one, especially if you're carrying three or more kayaks at once!
 

4. Stability:

The more stable the rack is, the better.  Your car and then have your kayak tip over while driving down the road!  One trick we like to do is put a towel under your Kayak before putting on a carrier.
 

5. The Best 2 Kayak Roof Rack:

The Yakima JayLow 2 kayak carrier is our top pick because it's the lightest top-mount model we've reviewed.  It's super compact, fits on any car, and is easy to use.  It doesn't have a locking pin system, so that may be a drawback for some people.


FAQs

1. Can a kayak be used on top of a side-mount carrier?

Yes, if the carrier is stable enough.  Most of them have a little lock to help secure it, but you can use a bungee cord (or rope) instead to help stabilize your Kayak on top.  The Yakima J low is one option that comes with a lock attachment.
 

2. What do you recommend as the best way to transport more than one Kayak?

If you're going out with multiple people, you might want to buy one that can handle 3 or 4 kayaks at once.  One of our favorites is the Yakima Jay Low, which can carry up to 2 and has tie downs for extra security.
 

3. What size carrier is recommended to carry two kayaks?

Most top-mount carriers are usually rated for one Kayak that weighs less than 90 pounds.  If your Kayak is between 90 and 105 pounds, you'll probably need to buy a car with wheels and a locking pin system.
 

4. Should I buy a trunk-mounted or rooftop mounted Kayak carrier?

A trunk-mounted rack will be easier to store while you're not using it, but it can be harder to install.  A rooftop mounting rack will fit in most cars with no holes.   It is also more expensive but easier to install and remove if you ever don't need it anymore.
 

5. Can I put a kayak on the roof of my SUV or truck?

Yes!  Just make sure that you have a roof rack and that it will fit your vehicle.  Check out our list of top shelves for a vehicle-specific guide.  
 

6. What is the best way to secure a Kayak on the roof of my car?

If you're driving long distances, it's best to either go with s tie-down strap or buy a carrier with ratchet straps.  Most pages come with either one or both.  The most important thing is to ensure your Kayak is secure and safe while driving!


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