Are you tired of trying to figure out how to transport a kayak without a roof rack? Look no further! In this blog post, we’ll provide you with six options for getting your kayak from your home to the water.
Table of Contents
ToggleHow to Transport a Kayak Without a Roof Rack
Let’s have a look and make sure things function as intended.
1. Use a Trailer
The easiest way to transport a kayak without a roof rack is to use a trailer. This can be anything from an open flatbed to a closed box trailer. If you are using an open flatbed, make sure the kayak is secured with straps or rope and that it is covered with a tarp for protection from the elements.
Our Top 3 Picks of Kayak Trailer
2. Soft-Top Carriers
You can also transport your kayak without a roof rack or trailer by using a soft-top carrier. These carriers attach directly to the top of your vehicle with straps and feature padded arms that hold the kayak securely in place while you drive.
If you want to transport your kayak on the roof of your car but don’t have the side rails or cross bars required for a roof rack, a foam car top carrier is a fantastic option. The foam carrier is made up of two foam blocks that are fastened together with ratchet straps that go all the way around the front and back of your vehicle. The kayak is then set on the blocks, and the whole assembly is secured with additional rope or straps (which may or may not be included in your purchase).
If you decide to go this route, there are a few details to keep in mind. First, the foam blocks must be secured before the kayak is secured. You’ll have a lot of trouble keeping the foam blocks in place if you don’t secure them. There is some noise from the ropes when traveling at high speeds, but I consider it to be a minor inconvenience given the low cost of the kayak carrier.
Our Top 3 Picks of Foam Car Top Carrier
3. Use Pool Noodles (DIY Kayak Rack)
- Center the pool noodles on the automobile or truck’s rooftop.
- Wrap the pool noodles with the ratchet band.
- Help others lift your kayak to horizontal.
- Flip your kayak. In the windy driveway, the kayak stays balanced in this posture.
- Once fastened, use firm bands or strops to secure the kayak to the rooftop, up the roof, and inside your vehicle.
- Check bow and stern locations for stability.
- At curves, circles, and exchanges, watch your rear reflector to reach your destination.
4. Make use of an Inflatable Kayak
It’s the best bet if you want to get started in kayaking on a tight budget. In general, inflatable kayaks are more affordable than their hard-shell counterparts. Plus, you won’t need to spend any extra money on equipment to carry your kayak. The majority of inflatable kayaks may be stored in a car’s trunk once deflated and rolled up. If you don’t have anywhere to keep the kayak when it’s not in use, this is a fantastic alternative.
Our Top 3 Picks of Inflatable Kayak
5. Hitch Mounted Rack
If your vehicle has a hitch receiver, there are several types of racks designed specifically for transporting kayaks without requiring a roof rack. Hitch-mounted racks attach to the receiver and can hold up to four kayaks.
They come in both swing-away and tilt-down designs, allowing you to access the rear of your vehicle without having to unload your kayaks. Most of the time, these racks attach directly to your car’s hitch receiver and have adjustable arms that hold the kayak in place while you drive.
6. Inflatable Roof Rack
With an inflatable roof rack, you may get the same utility as permanent crossbars on your car without the expense or commitment. It’s already cheaper than buying a similar product because you won’t need to pay to have side rails added. Nonetheless, they are less expensive than metal crossbars. Another plus is that they aren’t meant to be permanently attached to your vehicle. If you like the way crossbars work but don’t like how they look, this is a great choice for you.
How to Get Two Kayaks from A to B Without a Soft Roof Rack
Ways to Transport a Kayak without Roof Rack - FAQs
Q: How can I move a kayak the easiest way?
The easiest way to move a kayak is to use a kayak cart or dolly. These are specially designed devices that allow you to easily roll the kayak along the ground, making it much easier and faster to transport the kayak from one place to another.
A cheap and easy option for transporting your kayak without a roof rack is to use pool noodles.
Q: If I have a small car, how can I transport my kayak?
Just make sure that the padding, foam block, pool noodle, etc. isn’t directly on the glass. You may need to move the front padding a little bit forward or backward to make sure it’s centered on the metal roof. This might make the weight distribution uneven (with more weight in the back) or make it impossible to move kayaks that are deeper, like what happened with my Azul Riot.
It is imperative that the front and back ends of your kayak are secured at all times, and this is especially important if you are going to transport your kayak without a roof rack.
Q: Can a kayak be put in the back of a truck?
Absolutely! You can put the kayak in the back of your truck with the hull facing up and some padding under it to keep it from getting scratched. Then you can just tie it down so it doesn’t slide out. Even if you don’t have a roof rack, it’s very easy to move a kayak with a truck.
There are lots of cool kayak truck racks, like ones that can be put on top of the truck bed or hitch racks for shorter trucks that can hold kayaks that are 14 feet or longer.
Q: Can you carry a kayak without a car roof rack?
If you don’t have a rack, you can legally strap your kayak to your car’s roof. However, as I’ve already mentioned, doing so isn’t the safest thing for either your car or your kayak. You should try to buy a roof rack, or at the very least, a set of crossbars to support the weight with cushioning to protect your kayak.
Q: Can pool noodle roof rack transport large kayak?
A pool noodle roof rack is a type of car rack that uses foam noodles as the main support structure. Most of the time, the noodles are cut to size and attached to a wooden or metal frame, which is then put on the roof of the vehicle. The noodles provide cushioning for any items placed on the rack, and their shape allows them to be easily adjusted for different sized items. Pool noodle racks are lightweight and inexpensive, making them an attractive option for people who need extra space for carrying cargo on their vehicle.