All the owners of Ram 1500 out there, let’s get this straight. You simply can’t expect to carry a full-size kayak on its roof or its bed unless and until you get the Ram 1500 equipped with a kayak rack. No, you simply can’t attach any ordinary kayak racks available on the market. You need to make sure that it is compatible with the vehicle and also, it has got all the necessary features that you will need to get the kayak transported without facing any hassle along the way. To make it easier for you, here we have listed the best kayak racks that money can buy. Take a look and let me know what you think about them –
Best 6 Kayak Racks for Ram 1500
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01. ECOTRIC Universal J-Bar Rack
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Versatile usage for transporting various sports equipment | Might be challenging to install without instructions |
| High-quality, weather-resistant materials | Not compatible with round crossbars |
| Excellent craftsmanship with sturdy design | Might require patience and time to set up |
| Convenient operation, includes necessary accessories |
The ECOTRIC Universal J-Bar Rack stands out due to its versatile usage, designed to transport various types of water sports equipment such as kayaks, canoes, surfboards, as well as snowboards and small sailboats. This multi-functionality makes it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a range of outdoor activities.
The exterior design of the rack features adjustable foam pads and a rubber bottom base. These components, made of high-quality materials, are both non-slip and water-resistant, offering excellent stability. The design includes pre-drilled holes in the tubes for perfect alignment and splicing, making the rack sturdy. However, the lack of an instruction manual might pose an initial challenge, requiring some time and patience for setup.
The excellent craftsmanship of the ECOTRIC Universal J-Bar Rack deserves a special mention. Constructed from 1.5mm thick steel tubes, the rack is not only sturdy but also capable of accommodating a 36″ wide and 75lbs kayak, thanks to the two 8″ length straps provided. The surface is finished with smooth black paint, resistant to all weather conditions, ensuring the rack’s longevity.
The J-Bar racks are designed to fit most factory or aftermarket roof rails, excluding round crossbars. This compatibility with various crossbar shapes makes it widely applicable. However, crossbars thicker than 1″ or wider than 2.5″ may not mount properly.
02. Malone Foldaway-5™ Multi-Rack
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Versatile carrying options for different watercraft | Ineffective solution for Stand Up Paddleboards (SUPs) |
| Quick-release fold-down frames for low clearance | Might not be suitable for heavy kayaks |
| Universal mounting adapters for wide compatibility | Potential security concerns |
| Durable construction with corrosion-resistant coated steel | Might require additional padding for certain types of watercraft |
In terms of design, the FoldAway-5™ is equipped with a pair of quick-release fold-down frames, a feature that proves advantageous when dealing with low clearance scenarios. It also comes with multi-rack extension modules to carry SUPs & canoes and SUP insert pads to cushion and provide hull protection during transport. However, as per user feedback, the system’s SUP transport capability appears to be more of an afterthought rather than a well-executed design element.
The universal mounting adapters of the FoldAway-5™ are an advantage, fitting most load bar designs and ensuring compatibility with a broad range of vehicles. It also comes with two lengths of mounting bolts for improved bar fit. However, the rack’s security may raise some eyebrows as some users have expressed concern over the potential for theft due to the easy hand-tightened knobs.
The construction of the FoldAway-5™ boasts corrosion-resistant coated steel, thick over-sized padding, and heavy-duty molded parts, which should ensure a good lifespan for the rack. However, those with heavier kayaks should note the 75 lb maximum weight limit per boat. Also, if you only have one kayak, the dual aspect of the rack might be unnecessary.
In conclusion, the Malone Foldaway-5™ Multi-Rack is a sturdy and versatile watercraft transport solution with room for improvement. Its broad compatibility and durability make it a sound choice for some users, particularly those with lighter kayaks. However, SUP enthusiasts and owners of heavier watercraft may want to consider other options.
03. XGeek Kayak Roof Rack
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Robust construction with aerospace-grade aluminum alloy and thick foam padding | Assembly instructions may not be clear for everyone |
| 180° folding design saves space and increases versatility | Might need some extra securing for heavier loads |
| Paddle holders included for added convenience | Suitability for different car roof rails may vary |
| Complete set of accessories for assembly and security | The rubber saddles and padded upright could be larger for better support |
Roll out with confidence with the XGeek Kayak Roof Rack, the versatile solution for water sport enthusiasts on the move. This is no ordinary roof rack – it’s a heavy-duty beast that laughs in the face of wear and tear, thanks to its high-strength aerospace-grade aluminum alloy material and thick, all-weather rubber saddles and padding. The 180° folding and double-sided bearing design adds a cherry on top, not only saving precious roof space but also offering more ways to carry your beloved watercraft.
But XGeek doesn’t stop there. It knows that kayakers come in pairs, so it’s made sure a pair of these racks can carry at least two kayaks and even additional blades. And if you’ve got other gear like surfboards, snowboards, small canoes, and luggage racks, no worries – just adjust the angle and voila! You’ve got a multi-tasking monster on your roof.
A standout feature is the rack’s two paddle holders that add an extra dash of convenience, freeing up more space for your gear. And for those who might break into a cold sweat at the thought of assembly, relax! The XGeek Kayak Roof Rack comes with a full set of accessories for assembly and security, including a pair of racks, four pairs of screws and nuts, and two belts.
To cap it off, XGeek has put corrosion, rust, and deformation at bay. The foam and rubber pads can take on weight without giving in, keeping your kayak snuggly in place and unscathed during those long drives.
So, don’t just get a roof rack. Get the XGeek Kayak Roof Rack and turn your vehicle into a transport titan for your water adventures! Remember, good gear isn’t an expense, it’s an investment. And this rack, my friend, is an investment that pays off in spades.
04. Thule HullaPort Pro Rooftop Kayak Carrier
The RAM 1500 is ideal for heading to distant lakesides and riversides when you are in the mood to indulge in kayaking. However, you have to purchase a suitable kayak rack for the vehicle. What can be better than the Thule HullaPort Pro Rooftop Kayak Carrier for this? The stylish kayak rack is very durable, as you can expect from the brand. Its wide-mouth J-profile makes installation simple. The all-weather pads are thick enough to protect the kayaks yearlong. The durable straps ensure the kayaks remain firmly in place. You can carry a kayak on the rack. It is also foldable. You may use it in all seasons thanks to the rust-resistant coating. It fits on Thule rack systems but will also work with other crossbars and racks. In the pack, you find all the necessary stuff and a setup guide. Thule offers a Limited Lifetime Warranty on it. The carrying capacity is 75 pounds while the rack itself weighs less than 13 pounds.
05. Thule Hullavator Pro Rooftop Kayak Carrier
Are you searching for a robust and stylish looking kayak rack for use with your Ram 1500 truck? If the answer is yes, you can opt for the Thule Hullavator Pro Rooftop Kayak Carrier. This is a durable lift-assist kayak rack and so you can set it up without asking for help from anyone. The double-coated steel body will last for several years and the unit comes with corrosion-resistant cradles too. Every part of the rack is rugged including its double extending arms. The rack is not what you call light, at 19.89 kgs. Its 8 points padded support ensures the kayak remains in good shape.
06. Yakima – JayLow J-Style Kayak Carrier
When you want to take your Ram 1500 truck on kayaking trips out of the city, equipping the vehicle with a rugged kayak rack is necessary. For this, you can buy the Yakima – JayLow J-Style Kayak Carrier. The lightweight rack is built robust and the user experience will be top-notch. In the J cradle position, you can carry 1 kayak on it but in a vertical position, it will hold 2 kayaks. The maximum supported weight load for 2 kayaks is 110 pounds and so you can carry kayaks of varying shapes and sizes with aplomb. In the pack, you get straps and other required accessories. If you want you can buy the Same Key System locks. The rack is foldable and comes in fully assembled form. So, setting it up will be simple and it weighs less than 6 kgs.
The Great Kayak Rack Quest: Factors to Consider
Choosing the perfect kayak rack is no child’s play – it’s more like the Harry Potter seeking the elusive golden snitch in a high stakes Quidditch match. But with our comprehensive guide, you’ll be catching that snitch in no time. So, let’s venture into this magical world of kayak racks and demystify the key factors to consider while picking one for your Ram 1500.
01. Type of Rack
Think of your kayak rack as a knight in shining armor for your beloved kayak. There are several types of knights – er, racks – each with its distinct advantages. The common ones include J-style racks, saddle racks, stacker racks, and temporary pads.
- J-style racks, for instance, resemble the letter ‘J’ and are favored for their compactness, allowing you to maximize roof space.
- Saddle racks, on the other hand, are low-profile and offer fantastic kayak support and stability.
- Stacker racks are your go-to if you need to carry multiple kayaks, while temporary pads are great for occasional users looking for affordability and simplicity.
So, choose your knight wisely, considering your specific needs and the type of your kayak.
02. Load Capacity
Check the rack’s load-bearing capacity and ensure it aligns with your kayak’s weight and dimensions. Remember, you don’t want your journey to end up like the sinking of the Titanic due to overloading!
03. Ease of Installation and Use
Picture this: You’re excited about your weekend kayaking trip, but you spend hours wrestling with the kayak rack. Not exactly an ideal start, right? So, opt for a rack that’s easy to install and remove – kind of like an Amazon one-click purchase! An efficient rack should allow for effortless loading and unloading of your kayak, leaving you with plenty of energy and time to conquer the waters.
04. Material and Build Quality
Your knight might be valiant, but what about his armor? Is it strong enough to withstand the relentless blows of the harsh weather? A sturdy kayak rack made from high-strength steel or aluminum with a rust-resistant coating is what you need. Like Iron Man’s suit, it should not only protect its content (your kayak) but also endure the trials of nature – be it scorching sunlight, punishing rains, or freezing snow.
05. Price and Warranty
Choosing a kayak rack is not unlike playing Monopoly – you need to invest wisely for long-term benefits. A higher-priced rack usually comes with the promise of better quality and durability. It’s like buying Park Place; it might be a little heavy on your pocket initially, but the returns are worth it. Also, don’t forget to check the warranty – a good warranty period is like having a “Get Out of Jail Free” card, providing assurance and peace of mind in your purchase.
