Ford F-150 is well equipped to help you carry all your sports gears but still, you need to get it fitted with a reliable kayak rack so that you can transport a kayak on it without getting the vehicle damaged in the process. Now finding the right kayak rack for your Ford F150 vehicle is not that easy. Since there are so many varieties of kayak roof racks available in the market that you might find it overwhelmingly difficult to zero in on a particular one. To make your job easier, here we have listed the top 5 kayak racks that you can install on your Ford F150 –
Best 5 Kayak Rack for Ford F150
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1. Rhino Rack Fixed J Style Kayak Carrier
Rhino Rack Fixed J Style Kayak Carrier allows you to transport two kayaks and that too without destabilizing the rack in one way or the other. This kayak roof rack is designed to allow people to transport the kayak on the side and thus creating more rooms for the 2nd kayak. It has room for your paddle too; a Multi-Purpose Holder is in place to allow you to attach your paddles. The best thing about this Rhino Rack Fixed J Style Kayak Carrier is that it is compatible with almost all roof rack systems available in the market. This kayak rack comes fully equipped with tie-down straps,
The Universal fitment allows the S510 to be compatible with all current roof rack systems with specific fitting kits, rubber tube padding, and other stainless-steel hardware. The steel tubes have got rubber coating that will keep your kayak protected from scratches and impacts.
2. Thule 881 Top Deck Rooftop Kayak Carrier
Thule 881 Top Deck Rooftop Kayak Carrier will allow you to transport your kayak on the roof of your Ford F-150 car. This is ideal for those people who don’t want to spend a ton of money on a full-fledge kayak rack. Its rubberized saddles can easily accommodate different types of hull shapes. The maximum weight capacity of this kayak roof rack is around 75 lbs and it can easily accommodate a 36 inches wide kayak. Thule 881 Top Deck Rooftop Kayak Carrier is built around 4 rubberized saddles. Large contact surface area is definitely one of its main USPs and this large surface area helps to eliminate the possibility of slippage.
The installation process is fairly simple and straightforward. You don’t even have to use any tools to get this thing installed. Use the wing knobs and the bolts to get those four saddles installed on the roof rack of your Ford F150. Use the heavy-duty straps to secure the kayak to the crossbar. Bow and stern tie-downs are also provided in the package. You can use these tie-downs to secure the kayak to the tow hook or the bumper of your Ford F150 car.
3. YAKIMA BigCatch Kayak Saddles
YAKIMA BigCatch Kayak Saddles is a robust-built kayak rack with a maximum weight capacity of around 150 lbs which is impressive, to say the least. It can easily accommodate large fishing kayaks. The saddles are padded with rubbers to ensure that your kayak does not develop any scratches during the transportation process. The saddles easily conform to the contours of the hull of the kayak and ensure a hassle-free journey. The installation process is fairly simple and you don’t have to use any tool to get this thing installed on the roof of your Ford F150. It can easily hold on to your kayak firmly during the whole transportation process. Your kayak will not move an inch during the entire journey whatsoever.
4. Yakima JayHook Rooftop Mounted Kayak Rack
Yakima JayHook Rooftop Mounted Kayak Rack lets you transport your kayak without making much fuss about it. The most amazing thing about this Yakima JayHook Rooftop Mounted Kayak Rack is that it does not take too much space on the roof of your precious Ford F150. You will get ample free space on the roof to carry your other accessories. All the contact points are padded with meticulous care and attention. These padded contact points provide a good grip on the kayak throughout the journey.
Yakima JayHook Rooftop Mounted Kayak Rack has evolved a lot yet it still manages to retain the charms of its predecessor Yakima classic kayak rack. It is strong enough to carry the weight of even ultra-heavy kayaks. The J-cradle is made from premium quality material and that means, it can last a lifetime. It has got enough padding to cushion impacts throughout the journey. You don’t even have to use any tools to get this thing installed. The maximum weight capacity of this kayak roof rack is 80 lbs which is more than enough to carry a single kayak.
5. YAKIMA Jaylow Rooftop Mounted Kayak Rack
Yakima Jaylow Rooftop Mounted Kayak Rack is designed for the outdoor aficionados who want to spend more time out on the water. The main USP of this kayak carrier is that it does not require any such maintenance. The best thing about this kayak roof rack is that it allows you to carry two kayaks in a vertical position and one kayak in the J-Cradle position. All the contact points have got enough padding to protect your kayak from scratches and dents. These contact points also help you maintain a good grip on your kayak throughout the journey. Another great feature of this Yakima Jaylow Rooftop Mounted Kayak Rack is that it is compatible with Yakima SteamLine. You will get Bow/Stern Tie-Downs and Heavy-Duty Straps in this package.
How to Choose The Best Kayak Racks for Ford F150
Owning a Ford F150 and enjoying kayaking often means finding a practical solution for transporting your kayak. The right kayak rack is essential not only for the safe transportation of your kayak but also for protecting your truck from unnecessary wear and tear. Choosing the best kayak rack for your Ford F150 can be a bit overwhelming given the multitude of options available.
01. Compatibility with Your Ford F150
When choosing a kayak rack, it’s crucial to ensure that the rack is compatible with your Ford F150’s specifications. Here are a few things to check:
- Roof Rack Compatibility: If you’re choosing a roof-mounted rack, verify whether your F150 has factory-installed roof rails. Some racks require these rails, while others come with adapters for trucks without them.
- Bed Length: For bed-mounted racks, knowing the length of your truck bed is critical. Ford F150s come in different bed lengths – short (5.5 feet), standard (6.5 feet), and long (8 feet) – and the type of rack you choose must accommodate this.
- Weight Limits: Be sure to check the weight capacity of both your truck and the kayak rack. Ford F150s can generally handle significant weight, but your kayak and rack combination should remain within the safe range specified by Ford.
The remarkable strength of the 2024 Ford F-150 enables it to handle an outstanding best-in-class 2,445-pound payload capacity with ease. This impressive capability ensures you can transport heavy loads, from construction materials to outdoor equipment, without a hitch.
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02. Safety Considerations
Safety should always be a top priority when choosing and using a kayak rack. Poorly installed or inappropriate racks can lead to accidents, damage to your kayak, or even damage to other vehicles on the road.
- Secure Mounting: Ensure that the kayak rack is securely mounted and can handle the weight of your kayak(s). If you’re using a roof-mounted rack, confirm that your kayak is tightly strapped and won’t move during transit.
- Avoid Overloading: Never exceed the weight limit of the rack or your truck’s roof. Excessive weight on the roof can affect the handling of your Ford F150, especially at high speeds or during sharp turns.
- Weather Considerations: If you frequently travel in areas with high winds or extreme weather, consider a rack that provides additional protection or features that help with stability. Crosswinds can be a significant issue, especially with kayaks mounted on the roof.
03. Ease of Installation
The ease of installation varies between different kayak racks. Some racks can be installed by yourself with basic tools, while others may require professional installation or specialized tools.
- DIY-Friendly: Roof racks and bed extenders are generally easy to install. They often come with detailed instructions and can be mounted using common household tools.
- Professional Installation: Over-bed racks and complex hitch-mounted systems may require professional installation, especially if they involve wiring (like brake lights for hitch racks) or drilling into your truck bed or roof.
Conclusion
By taking the time to assess your options carefully, you can find a kayak rack that makes your trips to the water smooth and hassle-free.
