roof rack for small cars? - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

fishinginmyblood9 · 12-21-2015, 07:09 PM

Any suggestions on a decent roof rack for a small car? I need one that I can take on and off and one that won't mess up my roof! I had a soft rack a long time ago but it messed up my roof. I don't have a big budget, let's say around 60 or 70 bucks. What do you guys think?

maquinapescado · 12-21-2015, 07:30 PM

What kind of car do you have and does it have factory rails on it already?

fishinginmyblood9 · 12-21-2015, 08:11 PM

2015 Kia Rio and no rails on it.

Kesepton · 12-21-2015, 08:17 PM

I am in the same boat as you. You may be able to find a name brand one on craigslist like thule or Yakima, but they are more like 250-300 because they changed their design and all the new cars need new "fit kits" Its annoying... These are not the easiest to take on and off though.

Amazon has one that just uses straps to put a roof rack on your roof so its easy to take on and off. It dosent look that great, but it sells for 40-60 shipped and there are some decent reviews for it. If you want to take it on and off a lot, I would go that route. Just search amazon for roof rack. They are universal fit.

I am gonna get a ladder rack for my truck instead.

Murray · 12-21-2015, 09:50 PM

I got lucky and bought thule racks on this site for around $180 if I remember correctly. I drive a mazda 3 hatch fyi and it works great for carrying my outback.

Rambo · 12-21-2015, 10:40 PM

The budget of 60 to 70, you will not get a decent roof rack. That's more of a tie strap and kayak foam blocks. Let me know when your willing to spend some cash I still have a full set of q-towers with the clips ready for your 2015 kia. I have your choice of 58 or 48" bars, kayak assist bar, and the faring. PM if you want them. It's more than a complete set and cam locks included. Now if you want the land shark saddle, I have them too.

ceruleandrms · 12-22-2015, 05:43 AM

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002M3...WbL&ref=plSrch

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Rambo · 12-22-2015, 07:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ceruleandrms

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002M3...WbL&ref=plSrch

Sent from my HTC Desire 610 using Tapatalk

Don't go cheap on your rack if your planning to fish, I've seen buddies who went cheap and the rack will give way and you'll risk the chance of losing your kayak or missing a day on kayak fishing. If you live close to the beach and plan on taking local, by all mean go cheap. But if your driving 1 to 2 hours to your destination, you'll not only put yourself in harm but other drivers when that heavy kayak comes flying at 60 mph.

MITCHELL · 12-22-2015, 08:59 AM

For $40 and used home Depot racket straps
Bought 2 of the v..foam kayak pads on amazon slip on tubing under kayak works like a chap to protect the integrity of the kayak shape...tie off with a rope front back and sides....racket straps go through my cab with windows up....

12-21-2015, 07:09 PM	#1
fishinginmyblood9 Junior Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: buena park ca Posts: 19	roof rack for small cars? Any suggestions on a decent roof rack for a small car? I need one that I can take on and off and one that won't mess up my roof! I had a soft rack a long time ago but it messed up my roof. I don't have a big budget, let's say around 60 or 70 bucks. What do you guys think?

12-21-2015, 07:30 PM	#2
maquinapescado Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Posts: 326	What kind of car do you have and does it have factory rails on it already? __________________ Climb, Surf, Fish, Repeat

12-22-2015, 08:59 AM	#9
MITCHELL Sea Hunter Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Where ever I may roam where I lay my head I call home. Posts: 2,269	I bought one at pepboys I use on a Chevy aveo... For $40 and used home Depot racket straps Bought 2 of the v..foam kayak pads on amazon slip on tubing under kayak works like a chap to protect the integrity of the kayak shape...tie off with a rope front back and sides....racket straps go through my cab with windows up.... __________________ Duke Mitchell Last edited by MITCHELL; 12-22-2015 at 09:32 AM.

12-21-2015, 08:11 PM	#3
fishinginmyblood9 Junior Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: buena park ca Posts: 19	2015 Kia Rio and no rails on it.

12-21-2015, 08:17 PM	#4
Kesepton Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Posts: 70	I am in the same boat as you. You may be able to find a name brand one on craigslist like thule or Yakima, but they are more like 250-300 because they changed their design and all the new cars need new "fit kits" Its annoying... These are not the easiest to take on and off though. Amazon has one that just uses straps to put a roof rack on your roof so its easy to take on and off. It dosent look that great, but it sells for 40-60 shipped and there are some decent reviews for it. If you want to take it on and off a lot, I would go that route. Just search amazon for roof rack. They are universal fit. I am gonna get a ladder rack for my truck instead.

12-21-2015, 09:50 PM	#5
Murray Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Vista Posts: 326	I got lucky and bought thule racks on this site for around $180 if I remember correctly. I drive a mazda 3 hatch fyi and it works great for carrying my outback.

12-21-2015, 10:40 PM	#6
Rambo Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: West Covina, CA Posts: 434	The budget of 60 to 70, you will not get a decent roof rack. That's more of a tie strap and kayak foam blocks. Let me know when your willing to spend some cash I still have a full set of q-towers with the clips ready for your 2015 kia. I have your choice of 58 or 48" bars, kayak assist bar, and the faring. PM if you want them. It's more than a complete set and cam locks included. Now if you want the land shark saddle, I have them too.

12-22-2015, 05:43 AM	#7
ceruleandrms Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: OC Posts: 80	http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002M3...WbL&ref=plSrch Sent from my HTC Desire 610 using Tapatalk