Kayak Mounts for Cars, Trucks, and SUVs — Top 8 Picks Reviewed

Transport Your Kayak With Confidence

Transporting a kayak should not be an obstacle — it should be part of the adventure. Whether you drive a compact car, an SUV, or a pickup truck, having the right kayak mount is essential for safe and hassle-free transport. At KayakRackShack.com, we personally research and review the best gear to help paddlers like you find top-rated, road-tested solutions. Here are our eight most trusted picks, divided by category and vehicle type.

🚗 Universal Roof Mounts

1. Soft Roof Rack Pads
Ideal for kayakers with smaller vehicles or no built-in crossbars, these pads strap directly to the roof using adjustable tie-downs. They offer a budget-friendly and quick solution with enough grip and cushioning for short-distance travel or vacation setups.

2. Inflatable Soft Roof Rack Bars
A step up in portability, these bars inflate to provide soft support for your kayak and deflate for compact storage. They’re a solid choice for occasional paddlers who want to avoid installing permanent racks.

🛻 Pickup Truck Mount

3. Hitch Mount Pickup Truck Bed Extender
The MaxxHaul 70231 is a reliable way to extend your truck’s bed for longer kayaks. It offers a 46-inch horizontal reach, height and width adjustments, and a 375-pound weight capacity. It’s perfect for serious haulers who need secure, supported transport for their gear.

🔧 Roof Rack Add-Ons

4. J-Bar Kayak Roof Rack
This classic J-style mount offers stability and angled support for your kayak, making it easier to load and unload from the side of your vehicle. Padded arms protect your boat, and its compact design allows room for multiple kayaks when mounted in pairs. Compatible with most factory or aftermarket crossbars.

5. Kayak Roof Rack Saddles
Designed for cradling the hull of your kayak, these saddles provide a secure fit while keeping wind resistance low. Ideal for highway travel, they work best with sit-in kayaks and are often paired with bow and stern tie-downs for added safety.

6. Heavy-Duty Kayak Lift Assist Roof Rack
Designed for solo kayakers or those with taller vehicles, this lift-assist system uses mechanical arms or gas struts to ease the strain of roof loading. It is one of the most convenient, time-saving solutions for transporting heavier kayaks on SUVs or vans.

🚤 Load Your Kayak With Ease

7. Kayak Load Roller (Rack Add-On)
This back-of-roof roller helps you slide your kayak up with minimal lifting — perfect for solo trips or heavier boats. It reduces the chance of scratching your car and pairs well with saddle systems for full-length support.

8. Kayak Cart Dolly
Launching from a distant parking lot? A kayak cart dolly is your best friend. With rugged wheels and simple strap-down setup, it makes transporting your boat to the launch site effortless. Many models fold up for easy storage and transport.

Each of these products are reviewed in detail at KayakRackShack.com, where you’ll also find helpful tips, loading tutorials, and buyer guides for different vehicle types. Whether you’re heading out for a weekend trip or planning a long-distance paddle tour, the right mounting gear ensures you can spend less time loading — and more time on the water.