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 5 Kayak Racks for Ram 1500
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01. Taelakeni 2 Pairs Kayak Carrier Racks
You picked up the Taelakeni 2 Pairs Kayak Carrier Racks for your Ram 1500? Good call. These heavy-duty kayak roof mounts ain’t flimsy like them plastic bendy ones. Steel build, feels real solid when ya tighten it up. Mountin’ ‘em on the crossbars takes a minute or two longer the first time, but after that, it’s pretty much muscle memory. The foam padding—don’t think it’s just for show—it legit saves your kayak hull from ugly dings. Whether it’s a sit-on-top kayak, sea kayak, or one o’ them fishing yaks, the fit’s stable if you do it right. You can fit two kayaks easy on them factory or aftermarket bars.
One weird bit? The bolts could’ve been just that much longer—especially if your Ram’s got chunkier crossbars. You may gotta tweak a few things if you’re throwin’ it on a roof rack system with added accessories. Still, for a pickup truck setup, it holds firm even on rougher roads. And yeah—it ain’t fancy-lookin’, but it ain’t fallin’ off either.
✅ Pros:
- ✅ Holds 2 kayaks securely – good for fishing, sea, or touring types
- ✅ Compatible with most Ram 1500 roof racks, including universal bars
- ✅ Protective padding helps avoid damage on bumpy rides
- ✅ Solid steel construction with rust-resistant coating
- ✅ Easy to fold when not using—don’t gotta uninstall every trip
❌ Cons:
- ❌ Mounting hardware may be short for thicker roof bars
- ❌ Included straps feel kinda basic, might wanna swap with better ones
- ❌ Not ideal for super wide or tandem kayaks
- ❌ Instructions feel more like a puzzle than a guide
02. Malone Foldaway-5™ Multi-Rack
Mountin’ a kayak on a Ram 1500 ain’t always a cakewalk, but with the Malone Foldaway-5™ Multi-Rack, things kinda click better than you’d expect. Built with marine-grade aluminum J-style carriers, it folds down flat when ya ain’t using it—saves ya some wind drag too. You can carry one kayak in J-mode or two in stacker mode, which is kinda wild, specially if you and a buddy roll together on the weekends. The Ram’s wide cab fits the rack clean—no weird hangovers or tilts.
But hey—ain’t all sunshine. You’ll wanna tighten things real careful else it gonna rattle like an old toolbox on a dirt road. Also, strappin’ thicker hulls might need a bit more fiddling around. Still, for a multi-kayak roof rack, it holdin’ up strong.
✅ Pros
- Fits Ram 1500 roof bars real clean with universal hardware
- Foldable arms reduce wind noise & fuel drag
- Carries 1 kayak in J-cradle mode, or 2 in vertical/stacker mode
- Marine-grade corrosion resistant build—stays solid in coastal areas
- Includes Load Straps & Bow/Stem Lines—you ain’t gotta buy extras
❌ Cons
- Needs some extra tightening to stop minor rattle noises
- Might not work great with really thick fishing kayaks
- Not ideal if your Ram ain’t got aftermarket crossbars yet
03. Thule Hull-a-Port Pro Rooftop Kayak Carrier
If you strappin’ a Thule Hull-a-Port Pro Rooftop Kayak Carrier on your Ram 1500, ya probably already tired of messing with bungee cords and foam blocks that keeps slidin’ off. This ain’t just a kayak rack—it folds down when ya ain’t usin’ it, which helpin’ your truck’s mpg a lil bit too (yeah, that drag matters). It’s solid steel, like not them plastic knockoffs. Loadin’ the kayak feels easier ’cause the J-style arms kinda hug it, even when you ain’t aligned things perfect. Just make sure you ain’t got some extra-wide kayak—this one’s better for standard ones around 75 cm wide or so.
Built for trucks like the Dodge Ram 1500, but honestly? You’ll need crossbars that ain’t round ’cause it gets wobbly on circular ones. And don’t trust those rubber pads to never slip in heavy rain—they can slide if you didn’t cinch it right. Still, compared to some of them $200 racks with zero reputation, Thule’s kinda like the king of kayak mounts.
✅ Pros:
- Folds flat when not in use, helps avoid garage disasters
- Durable steel frame with thick padding—ain’t scratchin’ your kayak
- Quick on/off clamps—less time messin’ more time paddlin’
- Works well with Ram 1500 + standard Thule or Yakima bars
❌ Cons:
- Not ideal for super-wide fishing kayaks
- Clamps can loosen if not double-checked every few trips
- Kinda pricey vs no-name brands (but you payin’ for trust)
- Won’t mount securely to round bars without playin’ around with spacers
04. Malone J-Pro 2 J-Style Universal Car Rack
If you got a Ram 1500 and ya strappin’ on a kayak rack, the Malone J-Pro 2 J-Style carrier might be right up your alley. Built strong with steel construction, it don’t mess around. This ain’t no toy rack—it’s meant for haulin’. Works well with wide beam kayaks, especially those sit-on-top types. Installin’ it on the Ram bed rack was smooth like butter, just gotta adjust for that truck height. Rubber padding thick enough to hug your kayak like a mama bear. And the universal fit clamps? They ain’t fancy-lookin’, but they sure do the job.
Only thing, you probably gonna want a step stool if you’re under 6 foot tall, ‘cause liftin’ up on that Ram ain’t easy for everybody. And them straps? Usable, but they not the most premium feelin’. You might swap ’em later. For outdoor folks, this rack’s tough enough to survive rain, dust, and long hauls to the lake. And the J-style cradle design? Keeps the boat sittin’ firm, even when you’re takin’ turns harder than you should.
✅ Pros
- ✅ Rugged J-cradle kayak rack—ideal for Ram 1500 height & width
- ✅ Powder-coated steel frame resists rust, perfect for wet weather
- ✅ Comes with load straps & bow/stern ties—ready outta the box
- ✅ Thick rubber pads protect kayak surface from scratches
- ✅ Universal fit for most crossbars (round, square, oval)
❌ Cons
- ❌ Straps could be stronger—bit stretchy under heavy loads
- ❌ Need height assist to load on taller vehicles like Ram 1500
- ❌ May rattle slightly if not tightened just right
- ❌ Not foldable—stays upright all the time, can catch wind
Use it right, it’ll haul that 10-ft fishing kayak across the state with no fuss.
05. PIRIPARA Kayak Roof Rack
If you’ve got a Ram 1500 and hauling around your kayak been turnin’ into a headache, then the PIRIPARA Kayak Roof Rack might just be one of them rare finds that kinda gets it right. It ain’t flashy but them aluminum alloy J-bars feel real solid. You won’t get no fancy packaging or nothin’—but hey, it’s the rack that counts. It got that universal mounting hardware setup that clings nicely on them Ram crossbars, and you’ll feel a lot less worried when cruising down backroads near the lake or hittin’ them gravel spots.
Now it ain’t all smooth sailin’. You gotta fiddle a bit with the foam padding—it shifts around when it ain’t supposed to, and tightening the bolts ain’t as simple as it looks in them instructions. If you’re usin’ this on a pickup like Ram 1500, the height can be annoying for shorter folks tryin’ to lift a 12-foot kayak on top. Still, once it’s locked down, your kayak stays snug even on windy highways.
✅ Pros
- ✅ Aluminum alloy construction holds up well against rust and bumpy backroads.
- ✅ J-bar design fits fat kayaks, canoes, and even paddleboards tight.
- ✅ Works well with Ram 1500 crossbars if installed proper.
- ✅ Comes with straps strong enough for highway speeds.
❌ Cons
- ❌ Padding’s soft but ain’t glued firm—gets loose if you yank it.
- ❌ Bolts coulda been longer, especially for thick crossbars.
- ❌ Not ideal for short users or lifted trucks without a step ladder.
- ❌ Manual’s like half a puzzle, some steps don’t match the hardware.
How to Choose the Best Ram 1500 for Your Needs
Buying a Ram 1500 ain’t just grabbing keys and goin’. You gotta know what you’re doing else you’ll probably end up regrettin’ it every single time you start that engine. This truck ain’t cheap either—prices start around $40,000, and it can go north of $75,000 if you go wild with options. So better get stuff right the first time.
Engine Options & Real-World Performance
You got four motor choices on the Ram 1500 lineup. Base one’s the 3.6L Pentastar V6 with eTorque (mild hybrid tech, saves some gas), makes 305 horsepower. Decent for city use or light hauling, but towing heavy? Meh. Not for that.
Next up, that sweet 5.7L HEMI V8—either with or without eTorque. This one’s pulling 395 hp, and can tow nearly 12,750 lbs if spec’d right. There’s also a 3.0L EcoDiesel if you’re into MPG and torque—260 hp but 480 lb-ft torque, great for long hauls. And lastly, that crazy 6.2L Supercharged HEMI V8 in the TRX trim? Makes 702 hp, more of a toy than a work truck really. Fun, but burns fuel like there’s a hole in the tank.
Cab Style & Bed Length
You might think all Ram trucks are same-same, but the crew cab, quad cab, and regular cab are miles apart. You want family space or carryin’ workers? Get the crew cab. But if your driveway’s small or you park in tight spaces, crew cab with a 6’4” bed will test your turning skills.
The quad cab gives smaller rear seats, and the regular cab’s for guys who just need a truck and no frills. Bed size matters too—5’7”, 6’4”, and 8’ beds are out there, but not all cab types let you choose all beds. Mess up here and you’ll be stuck with not-enough space or a boat to park.
Towing Capacity & Payload
People brag about “my truck tows 13k” and all, but it ain’t that simple. Most Ram 1500 trims will tow between 7,500–11,500 lbs depending on gears, engine, and suspension. Payload capacity maxes out around 2,300 lbs, but again, that drops hard when you choose bigger wheels or leather interiors (seriously).
The trick is to check the GVWR, GCWR, and axle ratio on the door sticker—not just what the website says. 3.92 axle tows better than 3.21, but eats more gas. If you’re towing a trailer full of ATVs, snowmobiles or construction gear, go high on those specs. Else, save money and get something milder.
Trim Levels
There’s like 7+ trims on this truck: Tradesman, Big Horn, Laramie, Rebel, Limited, Longhorn, TRX, and a bunch of special editions. You go with Tradesman, you get basic everything, roll-up windows on some. But it’s durable. Good for site work.
Big Horn brings chrome and touchscreen. Laramie adds leather, better audio, heated stuff. Rebel gives off-road features like skid plates, locking rear diff, 33-inch tires. TRX, like said before, is a desert runner. Overkill unless you’re seriously into that scene. Limited and Longhorn—fancy interiors, but don’t expect much more performance. Just comfort and luxury price tag.
Gas Mileage
Sticker says 20 MPG combined on the V6, but most folks report 16–18 MPG. The V8 HEMI drops to 13–16 MPG, especially if you tow or do stop-go traffic. The EcoDiesel is best for highway—gets around 26 MPG, and does 600+ miles on a full tank if you behave.
That TRX? Forget it. You’re getting 9–12 MPG, and premium gas only. Better own a gas station.
Suspension & Ride Comfort
Unlike most rivals, Ram 1500 has rear coil springs standard, or optional air suspension. That makes it smoother, especially if you carry no load. If comfort’s a deal-breaker for you, Ram’s setup is best among full-size pickups. Add air ride and you can lower it to get in easier or raise for rough terrain. Big plus if you got older passengers or heavy loading needs.
Interior Tech & Features
The Uconnect system on Ram is solid. Comes in 8.4-inch or that massive 12-inch touchscreen, depending on trim. There’s Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, wireless charging, and even a heads-up display on some versions.
But don’t just go for fancy screens. Look for adaptive cruise control, 360-degree cameras, trailer reverse guidance, and brake assist—all that matters more in long-term driving than shiny buttons.
4×4 vs 4×2
If you’re in Phoenix, Las Vegas, or anywhere that rains once a month—maybe skip 4WD. But up in Minnesota, Colorado, Vermont, that’s essential. 4WD adds weight, eats fuel, and hikes price, but gives grip on snow, mud, sand. Choose by geography, not ego.
Also check if it’s part-time or full-time 4WD. Most folks don’t need full-time—unless you live on dirt roads or own a ranch.
Final Advice
Truth is, most people over-buy trucks. They want what looks tough or sounds loud, but then drive it to Costco and school drop-off. Don’t pay for off-road shocks if you ain’t gonna hit trails. And don’t ignore towing packages if you plan to haul.
Best combo for most users? Big Horn or Laramie, 5.7L HEMI with eTorque, crew cab, 6’4” bed, 3.92 axle, and air suspension. Balances price, ride, and muscle.
But hey—your truck, your rules. Just don’t say no one warned you when the gas bills hit or the rear seats don’t fit your kid’s booster.
Last modified: June 16, 2025
