How To Load A Kayak On J Rack?

The J-shape of this sort of rack gives it its name. J racks require existing crossbars on your roof to be installed, but once they’re in place, they provide secure storage for your kayak.

While J racks do not include a mechanism to secure your kayak, they do minimize drag by storing it at an angle. If your kayak is stored upside down on your roof, this can reduce the possibility of powerful wind gusts lifting up the nose of your kayak. The affordability is maybe the most significant advantage of a J rack.

Contents

Types

Pads

Pads are one of the simplest DIY kayak racks alternatives. They’re perfect for cars that don’t already have crossbars or a roof rack, and they don’t require any hardware or long-term installation. You can use either inflatable or foam cushioning; the only need is that the cushions are wider than your kayak. Before strapping the kayak down, place the padding on your roof and place your kayak on top of the pads.

Crossbars

If your car already has crossbars, a kayak can be readily strapped to those bars. If you don’t already have crossbars, you can get them, but make sure the crossbars you get are suitable with your car. Always flip your kayak over and place it on its side on your crossbars. This will make tightening the straps that go over your kayak to keep it in place much easier.

Hitch mounts

Trucks can benefit from hitch mounts. They allow you to set one end of the kayak on top of the cab of the truck while the other end is supported by the rack’s crossbar. A regular two-inch truck hitch is compatible with the most common types of this rack type. Many of them also include adjustable vertical supports, allowing you to tailor the height of your arrangement to the specs of your car.

V-shaped racks

V-shaped racks, like J racks, require your car to already have crossbars or a roof rack. These are cost-effective solution that also takes very little time to set up properly. These racks are meant to be used with your kayak facing up. The V-shape of the racks is meant to support your kayak’s keel, making it extremely evident where you should place it when putting it up on your roof.

J Rack Installation Tips

1: Vehicle Type

The type of vehicle you have is the first factor to consider when installing a J rack. Because you’ll need to hoist your kayak up to the height of your roof to get it on the rack, this rack is best for smaller cars, trucks, and SUVs. While they’ll work on a truck, taller vehicles make using a J rack more challenging.

2: Orientation

A higher and lower side will be included with every J rack. Between them is a flat, padded space where your kayak’s gunwales will rest while it’s on the rack. Some folks like to mount their J racks with the higher side pointing outwards and away from the vehicle’s center.

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