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 5 Kayak Racks for Jeep Gladiator
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01. AA-Racks Model APX25 Kayak Bed Rack
If you’re tryin’ to load up your Jeep Gladiator with kayaks, lumber, ladders—or honestly just show the neighborhood you mean business—the AA-Racks Model APX25 Kayak Bed Rack ain’t playin’ around. It’s made from heavy-duty aluminum so you get strength without the weight penalty, and the best part? No drilling required. That’s right, this clamp-on setup goes straight onto your truck bed rails without you punching holes in your rig. Height’s fixed, but width’s adjustable, so it’ll lock down on a variety of truck beds, including short beds like the Santa Cruz.
The rack’s capable of handling up to 800 lbs of payload, which is overkill for a few kayaks but perfect if you’re loading multiple boats, roof boxes, or even stacking gear like you’re goin’ on a cross-country haul. The silver powder coat looks sharp too—doesn’t rust up or flake like cheap stuff. But it ain’t low-profile, and parking garages? You might be duckin’.
✅ Pros:
- ✅ No-drill install – clamps down securely without damage
- ✅ Aluminum construction, rust-resistant & lightweight
- ✅ Can carry up to 800 lbs, plenty for most outdoor gear setups
- ✅ Works great with kayaks, ladders, rooftop tents, and long cargo
❌ Cons:
- ❌ Fixed height, no adjustment to lower the rack when not in use
- ❌ Not designed for use with tonneau covers, so you’re choosing one or the other
- ❌ A bit tall for low-clearance garages, could limit where you park
For folks piecing together a truck bed kayak rack or needing a ladder rack that doesn’t wreck their rails, the APX25 hits hard. Built for everyday use but ready for full-blown weekend gear missions, it’s as functional as it is durable.
02. YZONA Adjustable Truck Bed Rack
The YZONA Adjustable Truck Bed Rack ain’t your average bolt-on setup—it’s more like a mobile gear garage for your Jeep Gladiator, Toyota Tacoma, or whatever truck you’re runnin’. This thing’s fully height- and width-adjustable, so whether you’re tossing on kayaks, rooftop tents, recovery boards, or even a cargo basket, you’re covered. The frame’s made of powder-coated steel, so it’s not just tough—it fights rust like it owes it money. With max load around 800 lbs static, you can throw your whole weekend up there and still have space left over.
Comes with multi-slot crossbars, which means it’s T-track ready—perfect for folks running gear from Thule, Rhino-Rack, Yakima, or just tricking out your build with tool mounts and lighting. You’re also getting plenty of tie-down points, so the days of last-minute bungee cord hacks? Done with.
✅ Pros:
- ✅ Super adjustable—makes it easy to dial in fit for tents, kayaks, and even ladders
- ✅ Built like a tank, with a rust-resistant steel finish
- ✅ Multi-slot crossbars support a wide range of attachments
- ✅ Over 800 lbs static load rating—ready for rooftop tents & heavy gear
❌ Cons:
- ❌ Install’s not exactly “Saturday morning easy”—takes time and patience
- ❌ Might block tonneau covers, depending on setup
- ❌ No included instructions for mounting accessories—figure-it-out energy required
If your truck bed’s gotta pull double-duty—weekday hauler, weekend adventure mobile—this rack’s a smart bet. Built with off-roaders, campers, and kayak junkies in mind, it’s more than a rack… it’s a straight-up workhorse.
03. Hooke Road 12.2″ High Overland Bed Rack
The Hooke Road 12.2″ High Overland Bed Rack is one of those setups that don’t try too hard, but still ends up making your truck bed look like it belongs in a build thread. At just 12.2 inches tall, it rides low—perfect for folks who want to keep things below the cab line for less wind drag, better clearance, and a tighter center of gravity. Made from stamped steel with a textured black finish, it doesn’t just look aggressive—it actually holds up under real loads. Ideal if you’re hauling tents, kayaks, recovery gear, or any overlanding cargo that needs a stable, no-nonsense platform.
You get T-slots and mounting holes all over the place, which means freedom to rig it exactly how you want. Toss on Rotopax, recovery boards, cargo boxes—you name it. It bolts right into the bed rails, no drilling needed (huge plus). Still, it’s not super tall, so if you’re planning to throw in tall bins or stack stuff, just know your limits.
✅ Pros:
- ✅ Low-profile height (12.2″)—great for aerodynamics and low clearance setups
- ✅ Built from high-strength steel, feels super solid loaded up
- ✅ Tons of mounting slots & holes—perfect for modular add-ons
- ✅ No drilling install if your truck’s got factory bed rails
❌ Cons:
- ❌ Too short for folks needing tall clearance under the rack
- ❌ Not compatible with tonneau covers unless modded
- ❌ Heavier than aluminum racks, takes more effort to move or adjust
If you’re after a minimalist bed rack that punches above its height class, this Hooke Road setup gets it done without overcomplicating things. Great for short-bed trucks and drivers who care more about utility than flashy looks—but still want it to look tough.
04. OTHOWE Jeep Gladiator Bed Rack
Got a Jeep Gladiator and lookin’ to load up without wreckin’ the vibe? The OTHOWE Bed Rack hits hard where it counts. It bolts straight onto the factory trail rail system—no drilling, no weird hacks, no crawling under the bed with a flashlight at 10 p.m. Made from carbon steel, it’s a tank in disguise, but still manages to look slick instead of bulky. Whether you’re slappin’ on a roof top tent, kayak rack, storage box, or jerry cans, this rack eats it up without breaking a sweat.
Height-wise, you’re sittin’ just right—low enough to clear garages, high enough to keep your tonneau cover options alive depending on your setup. It’s built for overlanding but doesn’t scream it. Clean powder-coat finish keeps rust outta your future, and it plays nice with T-slot accessories too.
✅ Pros:
- ✅ No drilling install using Jeep’s factory trail rails—clean fit
- ✅ Built from solid carbon steel, not cheap aluminum knockoff vibes
- ✅ Compatible with tons of overland gear—tents, Maxtrax, recovery boards, etc.
- ✅ Leaves space underneath for storage or tonneau covers depending on model
❌ Cons:
- ❌ Instructions are vague—expect some head-scratching during install
- ❌ May block visibility through rear window depending on load
- ❌ Heavier than similar alloy racks—might need two people to mount safely
If your Gladiator’s built for camping, off-roading, or weekend utility, this rack earns its keep fast. No nonsense, no flashy gimmicks—just solid gear that holds up when the trail (or highway) hits back.
05. Tyger Auto Plate Style Overland Bed Rack
If you’re building out a Santa Cruz, Tacoma, or even a Jeep Gladiator, the Tyger Auto Plate Style Overland Bed Rack is straight-up a beast. This ain’t your basic rack—it’s got that full plate steel side panel design, which means you’ve got endless mounting spots for traction boards, gas cans, rotopax, recovery gear, or whatever else you don’t want floppin’ around in the bed. It’s low-profile but screams utility. The modular setup also means you can customize your rack layout like it’s freakin’ LEGO for adults.
Fitment-wise? Adjustable from 68″ to 78″ wide, with multiple height settings to tailor your load height whether you’re runnin’ a roof top tent or keepin’ your kayak low for better MPG. Built like a tank, and coated up for the rust and UV battle, it’s a solid pick if you’re tryin’ to do more than just strap things and hope for the best.
✅ Pros:
- ✅ Plate design side panels – more mounting holes than you’ll know what to do with
- ✅ Adjustable height and width – fits a ton of mid-size trucks
- ✅ Heavy-duty steel w/ powder coat – legit overlanding durability
- ✅ Works well with roof tents, jerry cans, and other overland gear
❌ Cons:
- ❌ Install ain’t fast – definitely more of a weekend project than a lunch break job
- ❌ Not tonneau cover friendly, so pick one or the other
- ❌ Adds weight – steel’s great till your MPG starts cryin’
If your truck’s more than a grocery hauler and you’re serious about overlanding, camping setups, or just looking badass in the Home Depot parking lot, this rack’s got the bones for it. Holds up under pressure, looks mean doing it.
How to Choose the Best Kayak Racks for Jeep Gladiator
You got a Jeep Gladiator, and now you’re thinkin about how to carry a kayak without strappin it through your back window. Good idea. But there’s a few things to watch, or you’ll end up buying the wrong kayak rack system that doesn’t fit, wobbles, or messes up your ride.
Understand Jeep Gladiator Rack Compatibility
A lotta folks make the mistake of buying a rack based only on kayak size. But the Gladiator’s truck bed needs racks that fit its bed rails and roof clearance both. Some racks just ain’t made for mid-size pickup trucks like yours. Don’t trust “universal” tags unless you’ve seen others using it with the Gladiator. Best to check crossbar width, height clearance, and if it supports both roof-mounted and bed-mounted configurations.
Most factory rails won’t support long kayak carriers unless you add a roof crossbar kit or an over-cab rack. A bed rack that sits above the cab is better if you’re planning longer trips or got 12ft+ kayaks. Not cheap, but worth it when your gear safe and your cab ain’t scratched to hell.
Types of Kayak Racks That Fit Better
Not all Jeep kayak racks are built same. Some good with J-style racks, others better off with saddle mounts or roller-style systems. If you short or hate lifting weight over your head, load-assist kayak racks might be something to consider. A hydraulic-assist system drops the effort like 50–60% depending the model.
Then there’s hitch-mounted racks for folks that tow trailers or wanna avoid roof setups altogether. These go on your 2-inch receiver hitch, and some even fold down when not used. But if your tailgate already in use or you camp with a bed tent, they’re probably not ideal.
Weight Ratings Matter More Than You Think
Some racks max out at 75–100 lbs. And don’t forget, your kayak + rack system + mounting brackets together adds up. Some fishing kayaks weigh close to 90 pounds already. And that’s dry. Add paddles, crates, or waterlogged foam, and you’re over.
The Jeep Gladiator roof handles about 150 lbs dynamic load, but it changes depending on how the weight’s distributed. If you’re doing off-road kayaking trips, go for racks with reinforced steel support and multi-point anchoring. Cheap aluminum ones flex when you hit trails hard. That’s where they start creakin’ and bangin’ against your soft top too.
Think About the Wind Drag and MPG Drop
People don’t talk about this, but adding kayak racks—especially wide setups—will mess with your aerodynamics. You lose fuel efficiency. Test data shows that roof racks with loaded kayaks can drop MPG by 8–14% on highways. That’s hundreds over a year if you paddle every week.
Low-profile racks help reduce the wind resistance, and foam-padded cradles can cut down on noise. If you use a soft top Gladiator, go for clamps that work with Mopar rails or aftermarket rail kits, else you might rip your top off if things ain’t anchored right.
Security & Theft-Proofing
You don’t wanna park at a beach and come back to find your kayak gone. Lockable kayak racks with metal cores work best. Don’t rely on rubber tie-downs or Velcro setups. Some racks come with integrated lock cores, and others let you add cable locks. Look for T-slot channels and anti-theft end caps, too.
It’s better to spend extra than to lose a $900 kayak cause someone spotted a weak rack on a $50k truck. Sounds harsh, but it happens. Also, consider ratchet straps rated for watercrafts, not the basic ones from home depot.
Easy Install or Permanent Setup?
Some kayak racks go on in 15 minutes with clamp-on mounts, no drilling needed. Others need torque wrenches, spacers, and maybe a weekend if you’re adding both bed + roof systems. Think about how often you’ll remove it. If you haul kayaks twice a year, go for quick-release mounts. But if it’s a weekly thing or you travel to rivers and lakes often, a permanent bed rack with powder coating is better.
Also, climate matters. If you’re in humid zones or near saltwater, make sure the rack’s coated to avoid corrosion. Stainless steel hardware, UV-resistant rubber padding, and sealed end caps can keep your rig solid for years.
