When looking for the best Honda Ridgeline Kayak Racks, you want to make sure that they are durable and come with a good warranty. You also want them to be easy to install and will work on your specific model. Best of all, you want them to offer great value for their price! We have reviewed some models of these racks below so that you can get an idea of what is out there before making a decision –
Best 5 Honda Ridgeline Kayak Racks Reviewed
01. Honda Ridgeline Aluminum Ladder Rack System
If you’re runnin’ a Honda Ridgeline, the Aluminum Ladder Rack System is about to crank up your truck’s work game real fast. It’s lightweight but tough—crafted from aircraft-grade aluminum, so you ain’t draggin’ around dead weight, but it still hauls like a beast. Whether you’re haulin’ ladders, kayaks, lumber, conduit, PVC, or whatever else your trade or weekend throws at you, this rack’s got it locked down. It’s custom-built to match the Ridgeline’s bed rail system, so the fit? Dead-on. No sketchy wobble or weird gaps. And because it’s aluminum? Say goodbye to rust forever.
It stands tall but not ridiculous, so you still clear most drive-thrus (unless your gear’s stacked to the sky). The black powder-coated finish gives it that stealthy work-truck look, while still matching your OEM gear. It installs straight onto the existing factory mounting points, so no drilling through your ride—thank the truck gods.
🔧 Pros:
- 🔧 Aircraft-grade aluminum—super strong, zero rust drama
- 🔧 Custom fit for Honda Ridgeline, not some generic bolt-on mess
- 🔧 Great for carrying long gear: ladders, kayaks, PVC pipes, you name it
- 🔧 Powder-coated finish gives clean look and added durability
- 🔧 Uses factory mounts—no drilling required
✅ Cons:
- ❌ Only fits Ridgeline—not transferable to other trucks
- ❌ Not a quick on/off setup—semi-permanent once installed
- ❌ Load capacity isn’t always clear—check before you toss the heavy stuff on top
If you’re in trades, adventure sports, or just got too much long gear to cram in the bed, this rack system’s a slick move. You’ll get solid support without turning your Ridgeline into a tank, and the setup stays lookin’ sharp while takin’ real-world punishment.
02. YZONA Overland Bed Racks
The YZONA Overland Bed Racks got some real backbone to ‘em—built for Honda Ridgeline models from 2006 through 2024, so if you’re ridin’ one, you’re already halfway there. Whether it’s for mounting a rooftop tent, hauling recovery boards, or locking in a full overlanding setup, these racks come ready to hustle. They’re adjustable, all-aluminum, and they ain’t scared of rain, sun, or mud. Plus, they bolt straight onto your Ridgeline’s factory mounting points, so no sketchy mods needed. Just clean fitment and business.
It gives you multiple mounting slots, perfect for adding LED bars, shovels, fuel cans, and even awnings—basically turns your bed into a rolling gear garage. Solid enough for big loads, but light enough to not kill your mpg or ride comfort. Not just for the weekend warriors—this one’s for folks that live off-grid more days than not.
✅ Pros:
- ✅ Fits 2006–2024 Honda Ridgeline, no weird adapters or hacks
- ✅ Adjustable height and length, fits tons of accessories
- ✅ Made from powder-coated aluminum, resists rust and road grime
- ✅ Easy to mount gear like roof tents, jacks, jerry cans, traction boards
❌ Cons:
- ❌ Doesn’t fit other truck models—Ridgeline only
- ❌ May block bed cover use, depending on your setup
- ❌ Some users report minor rattle at high speed without tightening extras
This ain’t your average bed rack system—this is for the folks loading up for trail runs, hunting trips, or vanlife-style escapes. If your Ridgeline’s more than just a grocery hauler, the YZONA Bed Rack makes sure it pulls its weight.
03. YZONA Truck Bed Racks
The YZONA Truck Bed Racks ain’t just metal—it’s the kinda gear that makes your Hyundai Santa Cruz feel like a rig with actual muscle. These adjustable bed racks go from 46″ to 64″ wide, so whether your bed’s compact or full-size, you’re covered. Built from powder-coated steel, they hold weight like a champ without rustin’ out after the first Florida rain. And yep—there’s T-slot rails on top, so you can mount roof tents, kayaks, bikes, even a box for all your weird weekend gear.
Setup’s not plug-n-play, tho. You’re drillin’ unless your truck’s got built-in tie-downs that match. But once it’s locked down? It’s rock solid, not even a rattle when you’re doing 80 down I-275. If you’re haulin’ gear off-grid, this rack holds its own.
✅ Pros:
- ✅ Adjustable width makes it usable across tons of mid-size & full-size trucks
- ✅ T-slot rails let you mount extra gear—bike racks, cargo boxes, RTTs
- ✅ Holds serious weight—great for roof top tents or heavy kayak setups
- ✅ Rugged steel frame with anti-rust coating lasts through gnarly weather
❌ Cons:
- ❌ Requires drilling for many trucks—no clamps included
- ❌ Not compatible with tonneau covers unless modified
- ❌ Can take time to align and install properly (bring patience)
Bottom line—this rack’s built for people who don’t baby their truck. If your weekend looks like kayak drop-ins, overlanding, or hauling ladders and gear, the YZONA rack’s gonna pull weight without complaining.
04. Syhvu Mul-Function Bed Rack
The Syhvu Multi-Function Bed Rack ain’t just some basic metal bar—this thing’s a versatile beast if you got a pickup like the Hyundai Santa Cruz, Ford Maverick, Tacoma, or any modern truck bed setup. It comes with adjustable width and height, so whether you’re haulin’ kayaks, rooftop tents, ladders, or snowboards, it bends to your setup—not the other way around. The steel construction’s heavy-duty without being obnoxiously bulky, and that T-slot rail system? Game changer. Lets you slap on cargo baskets, bike mounts, or extra tie-downs without janky workarounds.
Looks-wise, it rides that clean line—doesn’t make your truck look like it’s headed to a construction site 24/7. Install is tool-based, but once it’s up, it stays put. It’s one of those racks that feels like it should cost more than it does, and yet it’s quietly workin’ overtime on every trip.
✅ Pros:
- ✅ Fully adjustable – fits wide beds and tall loads, no awkward overhangs
- ✅ T-slot system lets you use a bunch of roof rack-style accessories
- ✅ Solid steel frame – won’t budge even with a rooftop tent mounted
- ✅ Pairs well with modern trucks (Santa Cruz, Maverick, Frontier, etc.)
❌ Cons:
- ❌ Not friendly with tonneau covers – may block or require removing them
- ❌ Instructions are weak – kinda feels like a puzzle at first
- ❌ Paint may chip over time with heavy exposure unless sealed or touched up
It’s the kinda rack that works hard without shoutin’ about it. Whether you’re riggin’ for the trail, river, or camp, the Syhvu truck bed rack holds it down – literally and figuratively.
05. SUORTO Overland Bed Racks
Lookin’ to level up your truck bed storage game without turning it into a clunky mess? The SUORTO Overland Bed Racks is that no-nonsense, bolt-on gear hauler that brings utility without drama. Built for compatibility with beds from 2006 to 2024 Honda Ridgeline, it also slots in beautifully with trucks like the Hyundai Santa Cruz with some DIY fit. Its modular aluminum alloy frame keeps it tough but light, and the black powder coat finish shrugs off rust, sun, and the abuse you’re definitely gonna throw at it. This rack was made for folks carrying rooftop tents, recovery gear, kayaks, bikes, and still wanting their bed usable underneath.
You’re also getting plenty of T-slots and mounting holes for custom setups—strap on MOLLE panels, shovels, jerry cans, or whatever apocalypse gear you’re into. It’s about versatility, and if you wrench a little, it’ll fit tighter than most “universal” racks out there.
✅ Pros:
- ✅ Solid aluminum frame is strong but doesn’t weigh your ride down
- ✅ Loads of T-track slots for mounting extras—endless gear combos
- ✅ Compatible with most bed sizes and aftermarket add-ons
- ✅ Powder coat finish holds up against weather and grime
❌ Cons:
- ❌ Install isn’t exactly plug & play—expect to drill or adjust for best fit
- ❌ No built-in crossbars for rooftop tent—gotta add those yourself
- ❌ May block some tonneau covers or tailgate clearance depending on setup
If you’re into overlanding, hauling long gear, or just like a truck bed that looks ready for war, this rack checks the right boxes. For the price, you’re gettin’ durability, flexibility, and that modular system look folks spend twice as much to fake.
How to Choose the Best Best Kayak Racks for Honda Ridgeline
You’ve got a Honda Ridgeline, now you just need a kayak rack that don’t suck. Sounds simple, but it’s not always that straight-forward. Some racks work, some don’t. And some just look good on paper but don’t match the Ridgeline roof size, or they make ugly noises at 50 mph. You don’t wanna waste $300 on junk, right?
Figure Out Your Kayak Size First
Before anything, know the weight and length of your kayak. A 9-foot rec kayak ain’t gonna need the same support as a 14-foot sea kayak. Some folks try using basic crossbars with straps thinking it’s all good. Then boom — mid-freeway, kayak shifts. Not funny. You need racks that match your kayak dimensions, especially if it’s longer than your truck bed.
Most Honda Ridgelines from 2017+ come with either no rails or flush-mounted ones. That changes what mounts you can use. That small detail throws off a lotta people. Flush rails usually need track-mounted systems, while raised rails open up more choices. Check your model first.
Types of Kayak Racks That Work with Ridgeline
There ain’t one type fits all here. You’ve got different choices — each got their own pros and hassles. Here’s what works well:
- J-style kayak racks – Super popular. They save space, especially if you got 2 kayaks. You tilt your kayak to the side, which makes loading easier. Brands like Yakima JayLow and Thule Hull-a-Port XT fit great on Ridgeline roof racks.
- Saddle-style racks – These cradle your kayak from below. Better for wide-bottom boats. Not great if you’re short and trying to push a 65-lb kayak over your roof.
- Stackers – These stand kayaks up vertically. Good for carrying more than one. But they only work well with light kayaks and need strong aftermarket crossbars.
- Lift assist racks – If you hate lifting, this helps a ton. Some use gas struts to bring the kayak down to the side of your truck. They cost more, but your back will say thanks.
Aftermarket or OEM Crossbars?
You’ll probably need aftermarket crossbars unless your Ridgeline came with OEM roof rails. Not all crossbars have the right spread (distance between front & rear bars), and that affects how stable your kayak rides. Brands like Rhino-Rack, Thule, and Yakima offer crossbars that bolt right into Ridgeline factory mounting points.
You might wanna skip universal bars from no-name brands. They flex too much and rust quick. And some don’t even list max load limits, which should be a red flag.
The Ridgeline roof weight limit is around 165 lbs including the rack, so if you’re loading two sit-on-top kayaks, do the math. Crossbars and racks add up fast.
Watch the Bed Rack Temptation
Some folks go for bed-mounted kayak racks. Looks cool, sure. But unless you’re hauling long tandem kayaks or pairing it with a front cab rack, your kayak gonna stick out too far and catch too much wind. Plus, you’ll eat bugs trying to tie down those nose straps.
If you’re off-roading or camping, overland-style bed racks are another story. They work awesome with kayak + rooftop tent setups. But you’ll need bed rail adapters and a wallet that don’t cry.
Don’t Ignore These Small Things
- Locking features – You park for tacos and come back, kayak’s gone. Some racks have built-in locks, or at least let you add one. Worth it.
- Wind noise – You’ll hear whistling if you skip wind fairings. Get crossbars with aero-style profiles. Round bars = loud.
- Weather resistance – Racks stay out year-round, so don’t buy stuff with plastic bolts or no UV protection. Powder-coated metal lasts longer.
- Tool-free install – Some racks need a PhD to install. Others take 5 mins. Read reviews for that kind of stuff.
- Kayak loading tools – Load-assist bars, rollers, and telescoping arms help if you’re solo. Some of those are lifesavers.
Think About Storage After Trips
Where you gonna stash your rack when not using it? Some are foldable like the Thule Hullavator Pro, others not so much. J-style racks often fold down, which means you can leave them on without raising garage clearance. Just measure your clearance first. One guy online snapped his garage trim thinking it’d clear. Didn’t.
Final Tip
You got a solid truck with the Honda Ridgeline — mid-size, reliable, and rides nice. Match it with kayak gear that makes hauling smooth, not stressful. Check load ratings, confirm fit with your truck’s trim, and spend where it matters — especially on safety and durability.
Keep your kayak safe, your ride quiet, and your back unbroken. You do that, you’ll have less time cussing at straps and more time out on the water.
— That’s kinda the point, right?
Last modified: March 31, 2025
