So, you own a Nissan Rogue and are looking for a roof rack so that you can transport your kayak without developing any dents or scratches. Well, you don’t have to scour the web anymore, as we have listed some of the best kayak roof racks that you can install on your Nissan Rogue car without drilling holes in it or damaging the roof in one way or the other.
Now, the market is getting flooded with numerous varieties of kayak roofs that can be installed on Nissan Rogue. It will take you hours to go through the specs of these hundreds of different varieties of Nissan Rogue roof racks in order to find the one that suits your needs and budget. To make your job even easier, here we have listed top 5 roof racks that you can install on a Nissan Rogue to transport a kayak safely –
Best 5 Kayak Roof Racks for Nissan Rogue
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01. Rhino Rack Kayak & Canoe Carriers
The installation process was a breeze, and the instructions were pretty straightforward. Taking a look at the design, I noticed there’s no rubber grip, which initially made me skeptical. But after giving them a try, the metal bar combined with the rack’s flat plate gave me the confidence that my kayaks were securely in place.
Driving around with the Rhino Rack carriers has been a smooth experience. I’ve even braved the highway with 30 mph wind gusts with two kayaks atop my GMC Sierra AT4, and these racks held their ground. For extra peace of mind during those long drives, I’d advise investing in an additional ratchet strap.
Another neat feature of the Rhino Rack is its foldable design. It’s not just about aesthetics; folding them down when not in use reduces drag and improves fuel efficiency. Plus, being able to align the angle on both sides using the numbering system ensures uniformity. It’s a great purchase overall, and for anyone on the fence about it – it’s genuinely worth every penny.
Pros:
- Easy to install with clear instructions.
- Sturdy design, ensuring kayaks remain secure even at high speeds and in strong winds.
- Compatible with various vehicles and roof racks.
- Folds down for convenience and reduced drag when not in use.
Cons:
- Some users might prefer an added rubber grip for extra assurance.
- Though it comes with straps, additional ratchet straps may be needed for highway driving.
02. BRIGHTLINES Crossbars & Kayak Rack Combo
To begin with, the sporty design not only adds an aesthetic appeal to my vehicle but also enhances its utility, enabling me to transport kayaks, skis, and other cargo with ease.
One feature that particularly stood out was the kayak rack’s one-piece design. The rubber-coated pads and thick foam around the Upright Arm tubes ensure my kayak remains scratch-free and stable during transport. Plus, the cutouts at both ends of the cradles are a nifty touch, holding the straps in place and adding an extra layer of security.
Although I found the entire setup to be pretty solid, I do feel the need to use a tensioning rope, especially when carrying larger items. This is to ensure the kayak or canoe is firmly attached and doesn’t exert undue pressure on the crossbars. I wish it had been included in the package, but it’s a small gripe for an otherwise great product. Overall, the BRIGHTLINES combo has been a worthy addition to my outdoor adventures.
Pros:
- Crossbars and kayak racks are durable, crafted from quality aluminum.
- Unique one-piece design for kayak cradles, preventing scratches and ensuring stability.
- Comes pre-assembled and ready to use, making the installation hassle-free.
Cons:
- Need for additional tensioning rope to secure larger items like canoes or kayaks.
- Crossbars’ weight capacity needs to be checked for compatibility with other vehicles.
03. IKURAM R Kayak Roof Carrier Rack
When I picked up the IKURAM R Kayak Roof Carrier Rack, I was on the hunt for a budget-friendly yet functional rack for my kayaking trips. Straight off the bat, the quick fold-down design caught my attention. It’s so easy to adjust, making it a breeze to accommodate various kayak shapes.
The Native Paddle Holders? A stroke of genius! No more awkwardly trying to figure out where to place my paddles. Plus, the high-density foam rubber saddles are a godsend. They give me peace of mind, knowing my kayak’s safe from scratches and dents while on the move. And speaking of moving, the multiple carrying configurations are super handy, especially when I’m out with friends and we have more than one kayak.
But, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. I did notice that the clamps needed a bit of a workaround to fit perfectly on my roof rack. A few tweaks here and there and it was good to go. Also, I might be looking into getting better straps in the future. But all in all, for its price point, the IKURAM R Kayak Roof Carrier Rack is a pretty solid choice. If you’re on a budget and need something reliable, it’s definitely worth a shot!
Pros:
- Quick raise and fold design for increased overhead clearance and adaptability.
- Comes with Native Paddle Holders, making paddle transportation convenient.
- Oversized and all-weather rubber saddles ensure kayak protection and stability.
Cons:
- Some users report the need for adjustments to ensure secure fitting.
- Straps may not be the best quality and could require replacements.
04. Yakima® JayLow Kayak Carrier
Jumping into my latest kayak carrier endeavor, the Yakima JayLow piqued my curiosity. Right off, installation was a breeze. Those clamps? Genius in design, albeit with a little hiccup. They’re plastic, meaning a steel bolt against them can lead you into over-tightening territory. Word to the wise: go easy on the clamping.
Now, I loved that you can adjust the upright, but I scratched my head wondering why it doesn’t go all the way to 180 degrees. Would’ve made side-loading my hefty kayak so much simpler. On the upside, it can potentially hold two kayaks, but you’ll need to arm yourself with extra straps – seems like a bit of an oversight in the packaging.
My biggest gripe? The rubber on the J cradle. While it’s great for stopping your kayak from playing musical chairs on your roof, it seems to have a mind of its own, popping out of its grooves now and then. Overall, the JayLow has its merits. It’s got that Yakima touch, but with a few tweaks, it could really shine. If you’ve got a compatible vehicle and you’re looking for a sturdy carrier, it’s worth a look. But if you’re expecting a flawless experience, you might want to weigh your options.
Pros:
- Quick and simple installation process.
- Can potentially hold up to two kayaks.
- Rubber lining in clamps for secure grip.
- Adjustable upright offers flexibility in kayak placement.
Cons:
- Clamps made of plastic can be prone to over-tightening.
- Rack does not rotate to 180 degrees, limiting loading options.
- Rubber on the J cradle may come out of its designated grooves.
- Might not fit all vehicles due to design limitations and car rail tapering.
05. Thule Portage Canoe Carriers
I recently purchased the Thule Portage Canoe Carriers, and after a few uses, I’ve gathered some insights worth sharing. Right off the bat, the entire set screams convenience. Once you’ve positioned your canoe on your car’s roof rack, the process of securing it using the four bases is straightforward. The included straps, complete with rubber bumpers on the buckles to avoid scratching, provide a sturdy grip. A shoutout to those ratcheting tie-down ropes – they’re honestly a game-changer. They allow you to tighten with confidence, ensuring your canoe remains rock solid even during highway jaunts.
However, a few things did catch my eye. For one, there’s no lock on these carriers. So, every time I use them, I find myself removing and reinstalling the hardware. While this might be due to the kit’s universal nature, I’d have appreciated a lockable base, especially given Thule’s reputation. Another hiccup was the alignment; it often took me a few tries to get my canoe straight.
Lastly, the cost. Thule products are known for their quality, but also their price. While the kit is undeniably handy, I felt the pinch in my wallet. But given the durability and the ease of the ratcheting system, it might be a worthy long-term investment. For those frequent canoeists out there, this could be a good fit, but remember to measure twice and strap once!
Pros
- All-in-one universal solution.
- Simple installation process.
- Quality ratcheting tie-down ropes.
- Secure even at interstate speeds.
- Sturdy and feels durable.
Cons
- No included locking mechanism.
- Can be tricky to align the canoe.
- Higher price point compared to other products.