The Best Kayak Rack For Jeep Wrangler: Guides & Ranking 2025

Hailey Abbott By, Hailey Abbott
Updated
2 Pairs Heavy Duty Kayak Rack-Includes 4 Pcs Ratchet Tie-Mount
Image credit: Amazon.com

Our Top Picks

1. Best Overall: 2 Pairs Heavy Duty Kayak Rack-Includes 4 Pcs Ratchet Tie-Mount

This 2 Pairs Heavy Duty Kayak Rack-Includes 4 Pcs Ratchet Tie-Mount is the perfect accessory for the avid outdoorsman. It is a very convenient way to store your kayak in a safe place while providing convenient transportation. Read Review

2. Best Bang For The Buck: Leader Accessories Kayak Rack 2 Pair J Bar for Canoe Surf Board

Leader Accessories Kayak Rack 2 Pair J Bar for Canoe Surf Board is perfect for kayaks. It has a steel construction and a coating to make it strong and not easily susceptible to rust. The power coated design makes the rack easier to lock tight on your kayak, canoe, 8 ft long, 150 lbs Tested. It is easy and safe for your transport. Read Review

3. Best Realiable: MeeFar Universal Car Soft Roof Rack Pads Luggage Carrier System

MeeFar Universal Car Soft Roof Rack Pads Luggage Carrier System is an easy to install, durable and versatile soft roof rack that absorbs vibrations and is ideal for carrying your kayak, surfboard, SUP or canoe. Its unique design includes 2 tie-down straps, 2 quick loop straps, 2 ties-down ropes to attach the pads to your car’s roof and hold the load in place. Read Review

4. Best Portable: ARTIPOLY Kayak Roof Rack for 2 Kayaks, Bilateral Kayak

With Artipoly Kayak Roof Rack for 2 Kayaks, Bilateral Kayak, you can transport your kayaks without scratching your roof cross-bar. The pedal and the foam protector provide maximum protection for your kayaks. Its Ergonomic design meets the different requirements of various sizes of kayaks with 180°adjustable angles. Read Review

Jeep Wrangler Unlimited is an off-road vehicle with a dual personality. It can be driven through the city and on highways at the same time. It needs to be extremely reliable and safe, which means that you need to carry your things in it too.

There are two different types of people who own Jeep Wrangler Unlimited: those who prefer camping outside, and those who want to live in their home 24/7. Either way, you will need to have a place for your things inside. To accommodate all these needs and more, we have compiled this list of best kayak racks for jeep wrangler. Let’s take a look!.

Our team spent about 18 hours researching, sifting, and selecting many high-quality models. 2 Pairs Heavy Duty Kayak Rack-Includes 4 Pcs Ratchet Tie-Mount is the product that receives the highest award from us. In addition to the other suggestions on this list, which are equally deserving of your consideration, we have also compiled a helpful buyer's guide to assist you in making your decision.

Our Top Picks

  • Please note: This product is not suitable for installation on circular cross bar with diameter less than 1.2 inches.The Amazon default warranty is 30 days, but we can offer 60 days.If any parts are missing from the package, please contact the seller's customer service immediately.
  • FEATURES: Steel design with adjustable padding for carrying strength and kayak protection Wide mouth J bar offers easier loading and unloading Quick on/off hardware ensures fast installation and removal Optimally sized J style carrier leaves roof space All surface rust-resistant coating and hardware for longer product life Includes all mounting hardware and 2 straps Accommodates kayaks up to 36" wide and 100lbs Will fit most factory or aftermarket square,oval and flat crossbars.
  • KAYAK CAR TOP CARRIER A simple, low-cost solution to carrying your kayak ITEM CONDITION: BRAND NEW QUANTITY: 2 PAIRS.
  • SECURITY FEATURES:in order to ensure that customers have a good trip and safe, this product USES the loose to prevent the installation of the screw, each 2 sets of Mounting hardware.Before and after the configuration has 10 feet long ratchet rope.1 inch wide, 10-foot long, blue and high quality belt buckles can be maintained for a long time without breakage and safety and reliability,The strongest factory tested tie down straps: 600 lb break strength
  • EASY INSTALLATION:Mounting hardware design USES 2 PCS, equipped with EVA sticker in order to protect your car bar, will not scratch you.Will fit most factory or aftermarket square and flat crossbars.
TOP Choice #2 Leader Accessories Kayak Rack 2 Pair J Bar for Canoe Surf Board
Our Score:
9.7
Leader Accessories
  • REDUCE SCRATCH: Extra foam padded design to reduce any scratch and prevent the cannoe or kayak from rubbing
  • Extra 4 pcs tie down straps including.
  • MULTI PURPOSE USE: Easy to Install, use this car roof rack to carry Kayak, Canoe, Suif board, Ski board, Snow Board and SUP
  • DOUBLE KAYAK RACK: 4PCS set Kayak Rack to help you save cargo space and keep your kayak safe during long drive on the way to the destination.
  • HEAVY DUTY: Doesn't fit ROUND BAR. Steel construction with power coated, makes the rack stronger and not easy to get rust. Maximum Lock tight on your kayak, Canoe, 8 Ft long, 150 Lbs Tested, easy and safe for your transport.
  • TOP GRADE MATERIALS - Soft materials with Built-in non-slip mat scratching or scuffing can be avoided and fix tightly to reduce wind noise. Top grade EVA foam padded provides a soft landing for the loads and effectively reduces vibration during transportation.
  • UNIVERSAL COMPATIBILITY - MeeFar soft roof racks fit your vehicles with or without gutters. They ideally suited for carrying your kayak surfboard SUP canoe.
  • TIGHTER AND SAFER - 2 * 15ft tie-down adjustable straps with padded cam locks provide secure gripping for your load. 2 * 15ft bow & stern tie-down rope ensure that your long-loads are safely secured to the front and back of your vehicle. it holds up to 1-3 shortboards/ 1-2 longboards or kayaks depending on size.
  • EASY TO INSTALL - No tools required, the soft rack includes 2 tie down straps, 2 quick loop straps,2 tie-down ropes to attach the pads to your car’s roof and hold the load in place.
  • EASY TO STORAGE - Foldable design, when they are not in use just un-strap them, then keep them in the Storage bag.
  • Upgraded Design for The Best Value: Made of high quality aviation grade aluminum alloys, Unique horizontal bar provides better stability than most roof racks. Features lightweight durable rust-resistant and weather resistant for repeated use every year.
  • Universal Roof Rack Meets Most of Your Needs: It can accommodates two kayaks up to and 165lbs. Fits to round, oval, square, and flat crossbars from most factory. Accessories come with the rack including: two heavy-duty bow-stern safety tie-down straps, and three extra ropes brings confidence and peace of mind.
  • Wide Range of Use: Multifunctional roof rack come with paddle holder for easily transporting your water sports equipment. can easily supports different cargo,equipment such as small kayak, canoes, Skis,surfboards, windsurfing boards and various small sailing boats Paddle Boards and other outdoor gear.
  • Great Helper Brings Peace of Mind: Exquisite craftsmanship rubber pedal & foam protector, provide maximum protection for kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddle boards, also keep your roof cross-bar from scratching. Ultra-high density foam can reduce the friction between the kayak and the rack, and also protect the hull finish during transport.
  • Effortless Install and Fold Design: Universal J-bar rack with quick raise and fold down design for easy adjustment, 180°adjustable angle meet different requirement of various size of kayaks. Single handed lock down design features flexible and firm, easily lock down your kayaks without extra tools.
  • [WEATHER RESISTANT] This carrier is coated in weather-resistant epoxy powder. This heavy duty hauler can hold up to 150 pounds and features a rubberized base, offering additional protection and grip.
  • [VERSATILE USE] This J-bar style rack can also be used for hauling skis, canoes, paddleboards, surfboards, snowboards, wakeboards and other outdoor gear.
  • [GEAR INCLUDED] This rack comes with 16 foot ratchet straps and 10 foot adjustable straps with S-hooks, ensuring that your kayak is safely secured.
  • [EASY INSTALLATION] This rooftop rack includes all of the mounting hardware that you need to install it on your vehicle.
  • [TOW YOUR KAYAK] This car rack conveniently extends the hauling capacity to your vehicle, accommodating one kayak up to 36" wide. This carrier is designed to mount onto almost all types of crossbars (sold separately). Each rack measures approximately 14-1/2 inches long x 5-1/2 inches wide x 7-1/2 inches high.
  • 【Protection Design】Heavy Duty Steel Framing with adjustable padding for carrying strength and kayak protection during transport, ensure no damage is done when transporting your kayak or canoe. All surface rust-resistant coating and hardware for longer product life.
  • 【Easy to Install】Quick on/off hardware ensures fast installation and removal. Fit for most factory or aftermarket square,oval and flat crossbars (Not fit for round). PACKAGE INCLUDE: 4 x Kayak Rack, 4 x Heavy-Duty Tie-Down Straps, Universal Mounting Hardware.
  • 【J-Bar Kayak Rack】Kayak carrier rack design in wide mouth J bar offers easier loading and unloading. Optimally sized J style carrier creates more useful roof spaces.
  • 【Durability & Strong Support】PIRIPARA Kayak roof rack are made of sturdy and high quality alloy steel. Come with 2 Pairs(4pcs) kayak rack, can hold 2 kayaks. Total load capcity up to 150 lbs.
  • 【Multiple Appliaction】2 Pairs kayak j rack use for transport water sports equipment easily, such as kayaks, canoes, ski & snow boards, surfboards, windsurfing boards and various small sailing boats.
  • ✅ Solid Aluminum Construction Will Last For Years: This heavy-duty kayak rack is made of high-end Aviation-Grade Aluminum alloy, waterproof, anti-corrosion, and resists long years of use without breaking or getting covered in rust.
  • ✅ Foldable Kayak Carrier For Easy Transport: This kayak J rack adjusts to support a kayak at different angles and keeps it in place with two strong 25×3000mm straps and a fixing buckle. A simple lever folds the system flat when not in use, improving gas mileage.
  • ✅ Wide Kayak Roof Rack For 2 Kayaks: This double kayak carrier accommodates kayaks 42-inch wide, up to 100kg/220lbs, and keeps them secure on the vehicle roof, making a reliable car roof rack, truck rack, SUV kayak rack, or jeep kayak rack.
  • ✅ Universal Roof Rack For Ski, SUP, Canoeing Equipment: This double kayak roof rack is easy to mount on the vehicle, making a convenient canoe rack, SUP roof rack, ski roof rack, or surfboard car rack, and comes with a 2-pair paddle holder set.
  • ✅ Max Protection For Your Kayak Accessories: With large, thick, weatherproof rubber saddles and a padded upright, the Epomaking kayak car rack prevents scratches and damage to your kayaking equipment, ski board, or canoe accessories.
  • ✅【UNIVERSAL MOUNTING DESIGN】:Easy to install, compatible with most crossbars, such as square, ellipse and aerodynamic crossbars, Except the round bar.We provide paper and video installation guide for easy installation.
  • ✅【QUALITY & SERVICE】:Our high-quality design, to create the ultimate product quality concept, is your most suitable outdoor travel AIDS. If you have any questions, please contact customer service and reply within 24 hours.
  • 【Please Check Measurements Before Purchase】This universal kayak carrier rack fit for most of car top cross bars, The crossbars shown in the pictures are not included.
  • 【Versatile Application】The car roof rack is also compatible with AA Racks truck bed racks to build extra storage for carrying kayaks,canoes,paddle boards,ski boards,etc.
  • 【Rubber Pedal & Foam Protector】The extra thick full range foam padding and the rubber base cover are made of real rubber and foam. They are Anti-Slip, water and sun resistant,, securely grab the kayak carrier tight on the rooftop of the vehicles.
  • 【How to Use】Mount the kayak carrier to Vault Cargo roof rack rails or cross bars for an easy kayak transportation solution,tie down the rachet straps, anchor the kayaks/canoes to the bow and stern of vehicles with hood straps for extra safety.
  • 【Ratchet Lashing Straps】Heavy Duty Securing Ratchet Straps tight on your kayak, Canoe, 16 Ft long (2 Pack), 2200 Lbs Tested, easy and safe for your transport.
  • 🛶【REFUND GUARANTEE】We believe you will have a rich experience in the top frame of techdorm kayak. If the kayak rack does not meet your expectations, just return it for a full refund. Customer satisfaction is our top priority.
  • 🛶【UNIVERSAL】This kayak rack's supporting base has an adjustable sliding design to resize the dual J-cradle to accommodate two different sizes or shapes of kayaks at the same time. The roof rack comes with a paddle holder for easily transporting your water sports equipment. Fits most types of crossbars, such as square, factory, and aerodynamic crossbars (except the round bars).
  • 🛶【HIGH QUALITY MATERIALS 】The kayak racks are made of 100% aluminum material ,Features lightweight durable rust-resistant and weather resistant for repeated use every year.Ultra-high density foam can reduce the friction between the kayak and the rack, maximum protection for kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddle boards, also keep your roof cross-bar from scratchingand also protect the hull finish during transport.
  • 🛶【RUGGED AND EASY TO INSTALL】The kayak roof carrier rack comes with detailed instructions to help you quickly complete the installation of the kayak luggage rack, suitable for 110-165 pounds. The bracket itself weighs about 13.8pounds.It can carry up to two kayaks or standing paddles. Additional accessories: 8 * bolts and nuts, 4 * base iron block, 2 * strap.
  • 🛶【LIFTING AND FOLDING DESIGN】Come with a quick fold-down design, universal J-bar rack with quick raise and fold down design for easy adjustment,180°adjustable angle meets different requirements of various sizes of kayaks. Different styles of kayaks can be placed, it can be used not only for kayaking but also for skis, surfboards, small canoes, luggage, etc
Product Images, Product Titles, Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

Buying Guide and Tips for better purchase of best kayak rack for jeep wrangler

Merchandise is much more than a physical item. It's the result of someone having an idea, working on it, and making it a reality. When you go out to buy, these would be the factors you should know once looking for best kayak rack for jeep wrangler.

In fact, this is not about how much it costs and what other people think of it, but whether it will suit your requirements and last long enough even for users to have your money's worth out of it. This article will inform consumers about how and why you buy best kayak rack for jeep wrangler.

Load Straps

Without proper support, kayaks may move on carriers. Most kayak carriers come with basic straps or tie-downs to secure the various points of the kayak to the rack. You can purchase either included straps or built-in ones for kayak carriers. Others come as a separate unit so that you have control over the securing supports to be used with kayak's forward and stern tie downs.

Rack Height

To load or tie down kayaks, you must be able reach the roof rack. You will find some racks higher than others. Make sure that your roof rack is accessible from the right height or you have an alternative way of lifting yourself, like a step stool.

The Number Of Kayaks

Roof racks can hold one kayak while some others can accommodate two. Look for racks that can accommodate your transportation needs, so you have the ability to take as many kayaks with you as possible.

Type Of Kayak Roof Rack

You can choose from many different types of roof racks for kayak cars. Each one offers advantages and disadvantages. These are the main kinds:
J-cradles are used to carry kayaks along their sides
To transport kayaks upside down, saddles
Foam blocks are lightweight,, and great for short trips
You should not have any trouble choosing the right kayak car roof rack. Are you still unsure where to begin? It's easy! These are our top five kayak roof racks that we have tested and recommended.

Padding

Padding on kayak carriers is essential for protecting the kayak's surface during transport. A kayak carrier typically has padding on the bottom to protect it during transport. While foam blocks offer more protection than thicker padding like foam blocks it can be difficult to fold the carrier (if possible) or store the cradle. You can add padding around the buckle protectors and factory crossbars/mountingbolts.

Vehicle Make And Model

No matter what size vehicle you have, there is a kayak rack for it. You must ensure that your roof rack will fit and securely attach to your vehicle. You should also ensure that the roof rack you plan to buy will attach securely to your car's existing roof bars.

Price

Kayak roof racks can be much more affordable than kayak trailers but still come at a cost. Be realistic about your budget and stick with it. To safely transport your kayak, you don't necessarily need to buy the best kayak roof rack. You can actually get just as much use out of a lower-priced roof rack than if you spend more.

Cradle Or Saddle

Protection is dependent on the design of the contact point between kayak and carrier. Kayaks are often awkwardly designed and lengthened. The style of the saddles or cradles will have an impact on how your kayak performs in various driving conditions. You will prefer aluminum and steel with lots of padding.

FAQs

How Do You Lift And Carry A Kayak By Yourself?

Standing on your left side, the kayak's bow (front) should face you. The stern (rear), should be facing you.
To pull the kayak toward you, bend your knees.
Place the bottom of your kayak on your bent leg, and then lift it up to your thighs.
Move the cockpit's rim away from your body and lift it up onto your right shoulder.
Slowly raise the kayak to standing position, with your right shoulder supporting it. You can now carry the kayak to your destination.
These steps will work for kayaks loaded atop cars. To load the kayak from the right side, you will need to stand in front of it and use your left hand to lift the kayak onto the shoulder.

How Many Kayaks Fit On A Roof Rack?

Standard roof racks are capable of accommodating 2 kayaks. These can be further secured for safety purposes. This is the largest capacity available and the preferred choice by most. There are also roof racks available that will hold up to four kayaks. These can be stored in the vertical or sideways position.
You may be able to fit a few more kayaks in regular 2-kayak roof racks. However, we do not recommend this. You can buy additional fasteners to attach more kayaks. However, it is not guaranteed that you will not damage any of your gear.

Should Kayaks Be Transported Upside Down?

To prevent water from leaking, kayaks must be carried with their cockpit facing downward when travelling in adverse weather conditions. A cockpit seal is recommended for kayaks that must be transported upright.

Is A Temporary Foam Rack Or Permanent Roof Rack Is Better?

Each rack has its advantages. You don't have to think about many factors when purchasing temporary foam racks. They can be damaged if they aren't as sturdy as the other types of racks. The installation is also difficult.
Permanent racks, on the other hand are extremely durable and efficient. They also offer a simple and easy loading process.

What’s The Best Way To Transport A Kayak?

Because they are more stable than temporary block systems, crossbar roof racks make the most efficient way to transport a kayak. Roof racks should be fastened at the crossbars, as well as between your vehicle and your kayak's bow or stern. Composite kayaks, which are made of rotomolded plastic (plastic), can be carried upside-down or on the edge. However, they should be transported on the hull. By ensuring that the kayak is not too tightly lashed, cradles reduce chances of it being damaged. They are great for kayak transport in bad weather or at high speed.

How Far Apart Should Roof Racks Be For A Kayak?

It's simple. The answer is simple. If you have a sit-on top kayak, align the cross bars and the kayak cups. The plastic could warp if the bars are moved too close together. It is not recommended to place the bars too closely together.

Conclusion

best kayak rack for jeep wrangler are usually made of high-quality materials, come with a warranty in case something goes wrong, and have a lot of positive customer feedback. If you want to buy the best commodity for your necessities, you must first understand what characteristics or qualities constitute an "ideal" item.

You can also look into Folding Kayak Roof Rack for 2 Kayaks, Heavy Duty Double Kayak Racks as an alternative to the options listed above. We hope that this list of excuses why investing in the best is worthwhile will assist you in making an informed decision when shopping online.


0 ratings

About Hailey Abbott

Hailey Abbott
Hailey Abbott is an outdoor enthusiast and freelance writer for CampfireHQ. She has a passion for hunting and fishing, which she often enjoys with her family and friends. Hailey also enjoys staying active through sports such as golf, basketball, and softball. Hailey has worked as an editor for several years, providing content that is both accurate and engaging. She has also had the opportunity to interview numerous experts in various fields. This wealth of experience gives her a unique perspective when writing about the outdoors and other topics.

Read Hailey's full bio