Video · Rigging & Gear
Kayak Roof Rack Install: Amazon Crossbars and J Cradles
I show how I installed affordable Amazon crossbars and kayak J cradles on a crossover SUV so we could haul rental kayaks.
What’s in this video
My wife and I needed another vehicle to haul our rental kayaks, so I put a roof rack on her crossover SUV. It already had side rails, so it just needed crossbars. We found universal crossbars and kayak J cradles with high reviews on Amazon, and I show how I put them on.
I install the crossbars first, then assemble the J cradles, mount them to the bars and strap the kayaks down. They were affordable and easy to install. If you buy your own, follow the instructions that come with them for your vehicle.
Key moments
- 0:00 Introduction to roof rack
- 0:49 Installing the crossbars
- 2:58 Assembling the kayak cradles
- 5:09 Mounting cradles to car
- 6:06 Securing kayaks with straps
Quick takeaways
- If your vehicle already has side rails, you only need crossbars to add a kayak rack.
- Install the crossbars first, then assemble and mount the J cradles.
- Follow the included instructions for your specific vehicle.
Gear from this video
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