When it comes to choosing the best double kayak roof rack, there are three solid things to keep in mind – The size of your kayaks, the roof rack style, and whether it fits your vehicle’s roof. Besides, choosing one from a reliable brand will help you reduce the risk of defected products and other annoyances.
Aside from giving you more detailed information about what we’ve just stated above, our ultimate guide suggests some must-try options that we’ve tested. Here they are!
Here are the best double kayak roof racks (Apr 2024 Update):
- Best Overall: IKURAM Kayak/Surf/Ski Roof Carrier Rack Rooftop Mount
- Low Maintenance: YAKIMA-JayLow Kayak Rack
- Best For Lighter Kayaks: JDM Auto Lights 2 Pair Universal Canoe Car Top Mount Carrier Roof Rack
- Most Durable: AA-Racks 2 Pair J-Bar Rack
- Easy To Install: DrSportsUSA Two Pair Fold Down J Bar Kayak Rack
- Best For Heavy Kayaks: Car Rack & Carrier Rooftop Universal Kayak Carrier Car Roof Rack Set
| 6 Best Double Kayak Roof Racks | ||
|---|---|---|
Best Overall | IKURAM Kayak/Surf/Ski Roof Carrier Rack Rooftop Mount | |
Low Maintenance | YAKIMA-JayLow Kayak Rack | |
Best For Lighter Kayaks | JDM Auto Lights 2 Pair Universal Canoe Car Top Mount Carrier Roof Rack | |
Most Durable | AA-Racks 2 Pair J-Bar Rack | |
Easy To Install | DrSportsUSA Two Pair Fold Down J Bar Kayak Rack | |
Best For Heavy Kayaks | Car Rack & Carrier Rooftop Universal Kayak Carrier Car Roof Rack Set | |
Best Overall: IKURAM Kayak/Surf/Ski Roof Carrier Rack Rooftop Mount
- Durable, sturdy yet lightweight - high-grade anodized Aviation-Grade aluminum alloys
- Able to hold kayaks of different shapes without rubbing them - Best-in-Class TopGuard padding and J-bars
- Allow you to mount kayaks vertically - two 25x2800mm straps and bow-stern safety tie-down
- Incomplete instructions
We love this rack the most.
It’s made of high-grade anodized Aviation-Grade aluminum alloys with Best-in-Class TopGuard padding and J-bars, and can hold two kayaks of all shapes, up to 42” wide without them getting rubbed or damaged. The max weight capacity it can handle is 158 pounds.
Also, it includes two 25x2800mm straps and bow-stern safety tie-down so that you can mount your kayaks vertically on the roof.
When not in use, it’s foldable for simple storage.
| IKURAM Kayak/Surf/Ski Roof Carrier Rack Rooftop Mount Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 21.7 pounds |
Dimension | 20 x 14.5 x 11.5 inches |
Maximum Carrying Capacity | 158 lbs. |
Highlight Features | high-grade anodized Aviation-Grade aluminum alloys Best-in-Class TopGuard padding and J-bars two 25x2800mm straps and bow-stern safety tie-down |
If you’re on the hunt for the best overall double kayak roof rack, this is it.
Low Maintenance: YAKIMA-JayLow Kayak Rack
- Hold kayaks firmly in any configuration - integrated cam lever, bow/stern tie-downs, and heavy-duty straps
- Easy to assemble - comes fully assembled
- Simple storage – foldable design
- The straps aren’t really useful
- It does whistle sometimes
The quality of this double kayak roof rack is excellent. In any configuration you use it in to transport your kayaks, it always holds them firmly with no wobble.
The secrets? They all lie in the integrated cam lever, bow/stern tie-downs, and heavy-duty straps. They allow you to easily adjust the upright position. The rack also fits most crossbars of different shapes and Yakima SteamLine.
It comes fully assembled so the remaining tasks for you will take no more than 10 minutes. No tools needed! The best part is you can fold the rack flatly when not in use.
| YAKIMA-JayLow Kayak Rack Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 12.7 Pounds |
Dimension | 20.25 x 10.38 x 7.75 inches; |
Maximum Carrying Capacity | 80 lbs. |
Highlight Features | integrated cam lever, bow/stern tie-downs, and heavy-duty straps fully assembled foldable design |
Highlighting a foldable construction, the YAKIMA - JayLow Rooftop Mounted Kayak Rack is our top choice for low-maintenance.
Best For Lighter Kayaks: JDM Auto Lights 2 Pair Universal Canoe Car Top Mount Carrier Roof Rack
- Easy to assemble - quick On/Off hardware
- Simple loading/unloading - optimally-sized wide-mouth J bars
- Straps are a bit clumsy to install
The heavy-duty steel design, adjustable padding, and two additional straps make this double kayak roof rack a perfect choice for accommodating kayaks up to 36” wide and that weigh no more than 75 pounds.
It is also very easy to assemble/disassemble, thanks to the quick On/Off hardware. Meanwhile, its optimally-sized wide-mouth J bars makes loading/unloading a lot easier.
| JDM Auto Lights 2 Pair Universal Canoe Car Top Mount Carrier Roof Rack Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 16 Pounds |
Dimension | 17.5 x 12 x 6.5 inches |
Maximum Carrying Capacity | 75lbs. |
Highlight Features | quick On/Off hardware optimally-sized wide-mouth J bars |
For lighter kayaks, just buy this double kayak roof rack and think no further.
Most Durable: AA-Racks 2 Pair J-Bar Rack
- Heavy-duty and robust - weather-resistant tubular steel with an epoxy powder coating
- Enhanced security while holding kayaks - custom-designed bolts
- Protect the cargo - reinforced cargo strap patches, a rubberized base, and foam cushion on the arms
- A little hard to put together
Thanks to its weather-resistant tubular steel with an epoxy powder coating, the AA-Racks are able to accommodate a max loading weight of 300 pounds, making it the most durable option here.
The rack is easy to set up. It highlights custom-designed bolts, and this feature also plays a huge role in adding security while holding your kayaks. In the meantime, it protects your cargo very well by featuring reinforced cargo strap patches, a rubberized base, and a foam cushion on the arms.
Another good thing is that not only kayaks, but this roof rack is also able to carry various types of items, including kayaks, snowboards, paddleboards, and more, due to its J-bar style design.
| AA-Racks 2 Pair J-Bar Rack Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 21.9 pounds |
Dimension | 17.6 x 12.5 x 7.4 inches |
Maximum Carrying Capacity | 300 LBS/Pair |
Highlight Features | weather-resistant tubular steel with an epoxy powder coating custom-designed bolts reinforced cargo strap patches, a rubberized base, and foam cushion on the arms |
The weather-resistant tubular steel with an epoxy powder coating makes this double kayak roof rack the most durable choice that can bear a weight capacity of 300 pounds.
Easy To Install: DrSportsUSA Two Pair Fold Down J Bar Kayak Rack
- Easy to install - straightforward instructions and all needed hardware for installation
- Quick loading/unloading – include anchor loop, ratchet rope, and ratchet tie-down strap
- Reduce vibration - double folding J-bar
- One of the carriage bolts was incorrect
- Wish the straps were more practical
- The two Thru Knobs could be stronger
With straightforward instructions and all needed hardware for installation, the DrSportsUSA is one of the most easy-to-assemble options out there.
It’s also quick and simple to load/unload kayaks because the anchor loop, ratchet rope, and ratchet tie-down strap are all included in the package.
Lightweight yet durable, the DrSportsUSA can hold most types of kayaks weighing up to 150 pounds with no damages caused during the transportation, all thanks to the 0.3” soft cushions inserted to each bar.
To minimize noise and vibration, it is also added with double folding J-bar.
| DrSportsUSA Two Pair Fold Down J Bar Kayak Rack Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 29.9 pounds |
Dimension | 19 x 16 x 10 inches |
Maximum Carrying Capacity | 150 lbs. |
Highlight Features | straightforward instructions and all needed hardware for installation include anchor loop, ratchet rope, and ratchet tie-down strap double folding J-bar |
The DrSportsUSA might be just what you’re after if your top priority when looking for the best double kayak roof rack is something durable, lightweight, and easy to install.
Best For Heavy Kayaks: Car Rack & Carrier Rooftop Universal Kayak Carrier Car Roof Rack Set
- Strong – a weight capacity of 250 pounds
- Offer great alignment and protection - ratchet pulley straps, pre-punched holes, and 1.5mm thick indented tubing design
- The bolts are a little too long
Passed all the tests to capably handle a max loading weight of 250 pounds, the Car Rack & Carrier Rooftop Rack Set is perfect for heavy kayaks.
It’s also added with ratchet pulley straps, pre-punched holes, and 1.5mm thick indented tubing design for better alignment and protection of your kayaks during the transportation. Plus, the whole surfaces are coated with weather-resistant glossy outdoor paint for extended longevity.
Just like other counterparts here, it is constructed with foldable J-bars, foam padding, and rubber pedal with sun-proof, water-resistant, and anti-slip properties.
| Car Rack & Carrier Rooftop Universal Kayak Carrier Car Roof Rack Set Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 19.51 pounds |
Dimension | 17.8 x 11.4 x 10.7 inches |
Maximum Carrying Capacity | 250 lbs. |
Highlight Features | weight capacity of 250 pounds feature ratchet pulley straps, pre-punched holes, and 1.5mm thick indented tubing design |
Highlighting a weight capacity of 250 pounds, the Car Rack & Carrier Rooftop Rack Set is our top pick for heavy kayaks.
How To Choose The Best Double Kayak Roof Rack?
Styles & Sizes Of Your Kayaks
To meet various needs of customers as well as different kayak sizes, there is a wide range of roof rack styles at the current:
Highlight Features | Best for | |
Stackers | stack multiple kayaks on the roof | smaller kayaks, such as white-water kayaks |
Rollers | Allow your kayaks to seat with its full-width flat over the car roof Include a set of pads to attach to existing crossbars or roof rack and hold the bottom of your kayak | larger boat sizes |
J-Style | Include a holding arm and a base, in the shape of a “J,” load kayaks from the side of your vehicle and allow the kayak to sit on its side at an angle | larger boat sizes |
Pads | quick and easy made of foam or inflatable loop straps through the side windows to attach to your vehicle and your kayak rests on top of the pads | occasional kayaking trip shorter hauls people who need a permanent rack system installed in their car. |
Your Vehicle
There’s no universal-fitting double kayak roof rack. Each one is designed for specific types of vehicles so make sure that the one you’re going to buy will give the best fit to your car/van/truck.
The key elements you should keep in mind are:
- The type of your vehicle
- What is the model, year, and make?
- Do you have a car with only a bare roof?
- Do you have crossbars installed?
- Does your SUV have roof rails?
Check the producer’s website if you don’t remember all that specs
Which Brands Make The Best Double Kayak Roof Rack?
IKURAM
IKURAM is specialized in designing and manufacturing racks for different vehicles, including bike carrier racks, winter and water sport racks, and cargo racks along with tools and accessories. Aside from their years’ expertise in this industry, each of their products is under very good warranty policy.
YAKIMA
YAKIMA was put on the map at the Summer Olympics in 1984, eliminating all the race vehicles with original aerodynamic fairings, which is a great premise of their industry-leading growth nowadays.
AA-Racks
One of the most reliable online sellers where you can find the highest-quality products. They have a separate team that specializes in inspecting each rack to guarantee all racks are good and built to last.
FAQs
Do you need roof racks for a kayak?
Yes, you do. Although you can use ratchet straps, metal poles, and pool noodles to secure your kayaks. They obviously don’t offer the same stability as using a roof rack.
Can you stack two kayaks on a roof rack?
It’s possible if the roof of your car has enough space and your kayaks aren’t too wide.
Can you transport 2 kayaks without a roof rack?
Yes, you can.
To secure them on your vehicle, you’ll need some ratchet straps, metal poles, and pool noodles.
Can you put 2 kayaks on top of a car?
Yes, you can. All you need is a standard roof rack for your car with the help of a Thule Watersports Carrier.
How far apart should roof racks be for a kayak?
About 28 inches apart.
Conclusion
Regardless of the brand or price, we held all to high standards, and we weren’t afraid to score each option due to their performance. Our testers researched everything that they would want to know as if they were the buyers, and we did our best to score them on plain old performance.
Hopefully, this ultimate buying guide was helpful to you!
Bryan Listor
