Kayaks, much like the people who use them, come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Therefore it makes sense that in order to transport them, you’ll need kayak roof racks that accommodate the dimensions of the kayak. Choosing them isn’t always easy though, which is why we’ve put together this guide to make the process just that little bit simpler.
Before you install your kayak roof racks to the top of your vehicle, you need to have an existing roof rack system in place. A retailer like Roof Rack Superstore can assist you with all your kayak roof transportation requirements.
Points to Consider
There are several points to consider when choosing kayak roof racks. Some are commonsense, while others you may not have considered to be important. These five points of consideration are:
- The car – Which vehicle would you most often use to carry your kayak? Can you even reach the roof without a ladder? How many kayaks will you be transporting? Will the weight exceed what your car is allowed to tow?
- The towers – The type you buy will depend on the type of vehicle they get attached to. Vehicles with no existing rails, racks or cross bars – called ‘naked roofs’ – will have the most trouble finding kayak roof racks, as their stability while on the roof relies on what is called a ‘door jamb clip’ which in itself is not particularly stable. Vans and four wheel drives with rails that run parallel to the length of the roof are typically the easiest to attach racks to.
- Padding – When you’re carrying a long, hard, skinny object on the top of your car roof, something like a kayak, the last think you want it to do is potentially scratch the paintwork of your car or even dent it. Invest in quality padding to make sure this doesn’t happen.
- Straps – Always use bow tie downs when fixing your kayak to your roof racks. Ensure there is good tension in the straps.
- The kayak itself – Always keep in mind the width and depth of the kayak in mind when you’re selecting your kayak roof racks. Each kayak is shaped and sized differently, and so too are the racks to which they get attached to.
For extra help with all your roof rack needs, whether it’s for bicycles, kayaks or your surfboard, get in touch with the specialists at Roof Rack Superstore in Melbourne and Perth.