The Jeep Gladiator is not just a vehicle; it’s a statement of adventure and freedom. For those who are drawn towards the call of the wild and the lure of the water, fitting a kayak rack on a Jeep Gladiator is akin to marrying two passions – road trips and kayaking. However, finding that perfect kayak rack is not a stroll in the park; it requires a good measure of thought, research, and a dash of personal preference.
Best 6 Kayak Racks for Jeep Gladiator
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01. Hooke Road Wrangler Roof Rack Crossbars
I recently got my hands on the Hooke Road Wrangler Roof Rack Crossbars for my Jeep Gladiator, and it’s been a smooth ride since then. The crossbars are a solid fit, and they’ve proven to be quite a sturdy option for my off-road adventures and home renovation projects. It’s a relief to know that they can carry up to 88 lbs, although it’s clear that they are meant for lighter loads.
The installation was fairly straightforward. I’m no expert, but with a bit of elbow grease, I managed to bolt them on without much hassle. The shorter rack fit nicely at the back, just as the instructions indicated. The materials felt premium with its aluminum alloy and ABS plastic construction, which adds a layer of confidence when I’m out and about.
I did, however, notice a bit of wind noise, but it wasn’t anything too bothersome. And while I haven’t tried it yet, I’ve read that the wind noise reducing strips should help with that. I’ve also mounted a couple of Rhino Fishing Rod clamps, and they sit securely on the roof gutters.
In a nutshell, if you’re on the hunt for a reliable, well-priced roof rack crossbar for your Gladiator, the Hooke Road option is worth considering. Just be ready to give a bit of your time for the installation, and you should be good to go!
Pros
- Fits a wide range of Jeep Wrangler models.
- Constructed with high-quality aluminum alloy and ABS plastic.
- Easy bolt-on installation.
- Fantastic customer service.
- Load capacity of 88 lbs, suitable for light off-road use.
Cons
- Might be challenging to install without help.
- Potential for wind noise.
- May need additional adjustments depending on the vehicle model.
02. WonderDriver Roof Rack Cross Bars for Jeep Gladiator
WonderDriver Roof Rack Cross Bars are solid! They’ve got a heavy-duty build, and they can hold up to 200 lbs, which is perfect for all my outdoor adventures. I’ve loaded them up with a kayak, bike, and even a cargo carrier, and they’ve handled it all like a champ.
Installation was a breeze. The directions were clear, and everything was labeled just right. I didn’t need to be a rocket scientist to figure it out, and it fit my Jeep like it was made for it. One thing to note though, if you’re planning on using the supplied foam tape to reduce wind noise, make sure to take off the whole rack before applying it. Trust me, it’s way easier this way, and you can use some painter’s tape to mark where everything goes so you can put it back in the same spot.
Now, I did notice a bit of a whistle noise when I hit speeds over 46mph. At first, I thought I’d just turn up the radio and live with it, but then I found a fix online. Some folks suggested using Gorilla tape to cover up the small channels along the bottom of the rails, and it worked like a charm – no more whistle! And it doesn’t look half bad either.
For the price, you really can’t beat these cross bars. They’re a solid hundred bucks cheaper than some other brands and they do the job just as well. If you’re on the fence, I say go for it.
Pros
- Sturdy and heavy-duty, with a load capacity of up to 200 lbs.
- Compatible with a wide range of accessories.
- Easy to install with clear instructions and labeled parts.
- Low profile design helps reduce wind noise.
- Fits a variety of Jeep models.
Cons
- May produce a whistle noise at speeds over 46mph without modification.
- Foam tape application can be tricky and requires rack removal for best results.
03. MAIKER Roof Rail Rack Cross Bars for Jeep Gladiator
MAIKER Roof Rail Rack Cross Bars are robust, and they’ve proven to be capable of holding up to 180 lbs, which is great for all the gear I lug around.
Installation was pretty straightforward. I was able to attach them directly to the roof mounts without any drilling or cutting, and they came off just as easily when I didn’t need them. The bars are adjustable, so I could tailor them to the length of my Jeep, ensuring a snug and secure fit.
However, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. One of the small silver pieces on the bracket was too big and required some filing down to fit properly. Also, the locking caps and the locks didn’t fit quite right, and I ended up messing them up when I tried to install them with a flat-head screwdriver, as the instructions suggested. I’m now on the lookout for replacement locks and covers, as I’d hate for the bars to get stolen.
Despite these issues, the cross bars themselves seem reliable and sturdy. I’ve taken my Jeep on some rough trails, hit the freeway at 70MPH, and even used them to support a rooftop tent with a combined weight of 400 lbs., and they haven’t budged. They do flex a bit under heavy load, but that’s to be expected.
All in all, I’m pretty happy with my purchase. The MAIKER Roof Rail Rack Cross Bars have proven to be a durable and versatile addition to my Jeep, making my adventures even more enjoyable. Just be prepared to do a bit of tinkering to get everything fitting perfectly.
Pros
- Sturdy and well-built, capable of carrying up to 180 lbs.
- Easy to install, with no need for drilling or cutting.
- Compatible with a variety of accessories, including cargo carriers, bike racks, and kayaks.
- Made from high-grade aluminum and high-quality plastic to prevent damage to car paint.
Cons
- Some parts may be incorrectly sized and require modification.
- Locking caps and locks may not fit properly and could need replacement.
- The product’s suitability for two-door Jeeps is unclear due to potential issues with detachable roofs.
04. Snailfly Roof Racks Cross Bars for Jeep Gladiator
I’ve got to say, Snailfly Roof Racks Cross Bars are quite the bang for your buck. The quality and sturdiness are comparable to the Mopar ones, which I have on another Jeep, but at a much more affordable price.
The installation was pretty easy, despite the instructions being a bit of a let-down. The key is not to remove the screws completely, just loosen them to the max, and then you’re good to go. I did notice that the rubber insert was a tad long, but I was able to even it out and tuck it in with a flat-blade screwdriver. The covers snap on easily, and you can take them off for storage when the bars are not in use.
However, the lock is another story. It sounds like a good idea, but it’s really not that strong, and the plastic housing around it isn’t much better. I would say it’s about as effective as the screwdriver slot on the Mopar ones. That said, these cross bars have held up well, even supporting a 270° awning on my 2-door Jeep, through some pretty intense off-road trails.
Pros
- Affordable, great value for the money.
- Sturdy and durable, with a maximum loading capacity of 220 lbs.
- Easy installation, no drilling or cutting required.
- Compatible with a wide range of accessories and vehicles.
Cons
- Instructions provided are not helpful, and the video guide is not much better.
- The lock mechanism and its housing are not strong enough, making the lock almost ineffective.
- The rubber insert may be a bit too long, requiring additional adjustments during installation.
- Potential quality control issues with bolts and nuts, as reported by some users.
05. Rhino-Rack Roof Rack for Jeep Gladiator
Weighing around 80 lbs and built for light-duty use, Rhino-Rack Roof Rack has become quite handy for strapping gear on top of my Jeep. The whole assembly and installation process was straightforward, though having an extra pair of hands does speed up the process.
The Rhino-Rack Roof Rack is made from Aluminum and plastic, with stainless steel hardware, ensuring durability. I took it for a three-hour drive with a longboard strapped on, and it held up perfectly, with barely any additional wind noise – a big plus for any Jeep owner. The sleek design adds a touch of sophistication to my vehicle without the need for those over-the-top cage racks.
However, it’s worth noting that the rubber bumpers in the rain drip rail can fall off easily, and you might want to be cautious about that. Also, this isn’t the rack you’d want for heavy-duty hauling; it’s more suited for lighter loads. I had a minor hiccup with a missing bolt, but a quick call to customer service sorted that out promptly.
Pros
- Easy to assemble and install, requiring minimal effort.
- Adds minimal wind noise, maintaining a relatively quiet ride.
- Constructed with durable materials like Aluminum, plastic, and stainless steel.
- Sleek design that enhances the vehicle’s appearance.
Cons
- Some components may be prone to falling off or getting lost, such as the rubber bumpers.
- Not designed for heavy-duty use; more suitable for light gear.
- Some minor issues with missing parts, although customer service is responsive.
06. KitsPro Roof Rack Cross Bars for Jeep Gladiator
I’ve got to say, KitsPro Roof Rack Cross Bars have been a real game-changer. The installation was a breeze, taking no more than 15 minutes with no drilling or any other vehicle modifications required. The aircraft-grade aluminum construction gives it a sturdy feel, and I’ve noticed a significant reduction in wind noise.
On my first trip, I used it to secure a rooftop tent and it held up just fine. However, I did notice that I was short a couple of rubber gaskets meant to prevent slipping on the car rack. A minor hiccup, but something to be mindful of. The bars are also noticeably different in width, but it doesn’t affect their functionality.
One thing that did catch my eye after a couple of months of use was that the bolts started to show signs of rust. A quick trip to the hardware store for some stainless steel replacements fixed that right up, but it’s something the manufacturer could look into for future improvements.
Pros
- Straightforward setup: Easy installation without the need for drills or modifications.
- Quality material: Made from aircraft-grade aluminum, ensuring durability.
- Noise reduction: Designed to minimize wind resistance and noise.
- Cost-effective: A budget-friendly alternative to more expensive options.
Cons
- Potential for missing parts: Some packages may be short on necessary components.
- Rust issues: Bolts may be prone to rusting, though they can be replaced with stainless steel alternatives.
Conclusion
The quest for the perfect kayak rack for a Jeep Gladiator is a blend of personal preferences, practical requirements, and a touch of adventure. It’s about finding that companion which will securely hold your kayak as you drive through winding roads to reach the serene waters. This journey isn’t just about arriving at a destination, it’s about enjoying the exploration, learning from the experiences of others, and making informed decisions that will enhance the many adventures awaiting you.
