Best Kayak Loaders – Unveiling The Top Kayak Loaders For Easy Loading

kayaking supposed can be enjoyable, right? For the most part, yes, although there are occasions when it may be depressing. Is it possible to put a kayak on top of your vehicle by yourself? For those traveling alone or with a heavy kayak, getting it up onto the roof of your vehicle or SUV might be a challenge.

Loading a kayak is a difficult task for most people unless you’re blessed with a powerful body and plenty of muscular strength. However, kayak loaders may make the whole loading operation a little more fast.

We’ve prepared this guide for loaders because there isn’t much information available about them and how they can benefit you on your next kayaking trip. Let us teach you how to select the best kayak loader for your next kayak camping trip in this blog!

What is a Kayak Loader?

A kayak loader is a device or tool that is used to load a kayak onto a vehicle for transportation. It is typically made to hold the kayak securely in place on the vehicle and can be used with a variety of different types of vehicles, including pickup trucks, SUVs, and cars.

Top kayak Roller LoaderQuick Summary with Comparison Table

Image Product Top Feature Price
Thule Hullavator Pro Rooftop Kayak Carrier Thule Hullavator Pro Rooftop Kayak Carrier Color
Black/Silver
Material
Aluminum
Brand
Thule
Item Weight
39.7 Pounds
Load Capacity
75 Pounds
Check Latest Price
Seattle Sports Sherpak Load Assist for Kayak Seattle Sports Sherpak Load Assist for Kayak Product Dimensions
2.75 x 27 x 6.75 inches
Item Weight
2.14 pounds
Manufacturer
Seattle Sports Co.
Check Latest Price
Reese Towpower Kayak Loader Reese Towpower Kayak Loader Brand
Reese
Item Weight
16 Pounds
Vehicle Service Type
Car, Sport-Utility-Vehicles, Truck, Trailer
Finish Type
Powder Coated
Check Latest Price
Malone Channel Loader Malone Channel Loader Color
Silver and Black
Vehicle Service Type
SUV, Hatchback, Sedan
Material
Plastic
Brand
Malone
Item Weight
0.01 Pounds
Check Latest Price
TMS J-Bar Rack HD Kayak Carrier TMS J-Bar Rack HD Kayak Carrier Color
Black
Vehicle Service Type
Car
Material
Alloy Steel
Brand
TMS
Item Weight
8 Pounds
Folding
No
Load Capacity
75 Pounds
Check Latest Price

Top 5 Best kayak loader reviews:

1. Thule Hullavator Pro Rooftop Kayak Carrier -(Best kayak assist loader)

Thule Hullavator Pro Rooftop Kayak Carrier

Specifications:

  • Weight Capacity: 75 pounds
  • Depth: 6 inches
  • Length: 36 inches
  • Weight: 39.7 pounds
  • Width: 16 inches

The Thule Hullavator Pro Rooftop Kayak Carrier is a gas-assisted kayak loader. Racks designed to protect your car’s roof from corrosion are built into this product. Because the cradles are designed in such a way, you may safely attach your kayak to the rack when it’s hanging out the side of your car at waist height.

With this, the difficulty of strapping down your vessel on a high roof may be eliminated, since you can see what you’re doing. Thule SquareBar crossbars are maintained by the loader.

As soon as your kayak is on the cradles at the side of your car, you can simply push up from below the cradles and the Hullavator Pro will hoist your kayak onto the roof.

2. Seattle Sports Sherpak Load Assist for Kayak (best kayak roller loader)

Seattle Sports Sherpak Load Assist for Kayak

Specifications:

  • Length: 6.75 inches
  • Weight: 19 pounds
  • Width: 27 inches
  • Height: 2.7 inches

The heavy-duty strong suction cups and aluminum bars used by Seattle Sports to put canoes and kayaks on most automobiles with two distinct mounting angles attach consistently to car glass or car tops.

With levers to secure the suction cups in place, the boat roller may be installed and removed fast. Using the suction cup’s lever, connect the aluminum bars to your boat’s stern or bow, then place the other end of the bars on the ground.

Place the cradles, foam blocks, or bars at the other end of your boat and then raise and roll your boat there. Flip the suction cup levers when you’re done.

The struggle of loading a kayak from the roof of a vehicle is no longer required with this roller loader. Protects the kayak from scratches while loading and unloading by using closed-cell foam.

3. Reese Towpower Kayak Loader – (Best for canoe loader)

Reese Towpower Kayak Loader

Specifications:

  • Weight: 17 pounds
  • Width: 5.3 inches
  • Capacity: 100 pounds
  • Length: 2.8 inches

Using a kayak trailer hitch on a car, the Reese Towpower canoe Loader can load and unload a boat or canoe. If you’re loading a kayak, start with one end on the crossbar and work your way around to the other

Take a rope and attach your canoe in front of your car. The canoe loader swivels so that the canoe may be easily moved while one end of the canoe is secured.

Towing a kayak with the loader is made much easier by the presence of an adaptor mount. In fact, it comes with hardware that can be easily adjusted to fit most SUVs and other cars.

4. Malone Channel Loader – (Best performance)

Malone Channel Loader

Another suction-cup kayak roller for your vehicle’s back windshield is the Malone Channel Loader. Installing this is a simple process, but a clean and dry window is required for a strong suction connection.

Three different positions allow this roller to be used with most hatchbacks and sedans, as well as SUVs. If you’re not using it, simply remove it and store it in the trunk of your car.

This tool is made of corrosion-resistant materials and has a taller frame that allows it to work with cars that have a spoiler on the back of the window. While it doesn’t say how much weight it can hold, users who have kayaks that weigh more than 60 pounds say the suction cups came off when they tried to load their kayaks.

5. TMS J-Bar Rack HD Kayak Carrier – (Best overall)

TMS J-Bar Rack HD Kayak Carrier

The TMS J-Bar Rack is the perfect way to transport your kayak. It is made of steel for strength and has adjustable padding to protect your kayak. Quick on/off hardware ensures fast installation and removal. The carrier is optimally sized for J-style kayaks, leaving roof space. It is 17.5″ long, 12.5″ wide, and 6.5″ tall. It can accommodate kayaks up to 36″ wide and 75 lbs.

Specifications:

  • Weight: 8 Pounds
  • Load Capacity: 75 Pounds
  • Color: Black
  • Dimensions: 17.25 x 4.5 x 14.62 inches

Features

  • The carrier is optimally sized for J-style kayaks, leaving roof space
  • It is 17.5″ long, 12.5″ wide, and 6.5″ tall
  • The wide-mouth J bar offers easier loading and unloading

Pros:

  • The TMS J-Bar Rack is made of steel for carrying strength and kayak protection
  • Quick on/off hardware ensures fast installation and removal
  • The carrier is optimally sized for J-style kayaks, leaving roof space

Cons:

  • It is 17.5″ long, 12.5″ wide, and 6.5″ tall
  • It can accommodate kayaks up to 36″ wide and 75lbs

What to consider before buying the Best kayak assist loaders :

Gas-Assisted Lift :

Using one of these gas-powered kayak loaders can save you a lot of effort and time because of how much force they provide when lifting a hefty kayak. Gas-Assisted Kayak Loaders like these are not inexpensive. Vehicles with a height of more than six feet will benefit from these.

A kayak loader with gas-assist technology may make it simpler to lift larger yaks onto your car’s roof. To make your yak look lighter, use a gas-assisted loader if you have trouble lifting it to the top of your car or if you have a vehicle that is very tall or wide.

Side Loader-Loading a kayak onto your vehicle with only one person

The ability to load a kayak from the side may potentially save your life. Using a side loader ensures that you can protect both your kayaks and your automobiles safely in the event that anything goes wrong during the loading process.

Rear Loading:

The rear loading of kayaks is not possible in a car with an extended trunk or even a conventional sedan. If you’re loading from the back, using a roller makes sense since you’ll be standing a distance from your vehicle during the operation.

Budget

You should also think about how much you’re willing to spend on conveniences that will make your life simpler while loading and unloading kayaks. The regularity with which you want to use your new rack may be a factor in this.

More than $500 is required for the finest kayak roof racks. In contrast, the more affordable selections on our list are all under $200.

The amount of money you’re willing to spend is entirely up to you. A more expensive roof rack will pay for itself considerably more rapidly if you have to load and unload your kayak on and off your car on a regular basis.

Your kayak roof rack

If you are looking for an easy-load kayak roof rack, the weight of your kayak should also be taken into consideration. In order to make loading easier, several of these racks extend off the side of your car.
A lift-assist rack can support up to 80 pounds if that. You may need to look at heavier-duty kayak loading rollers if your fishing kayak weighs more than 100 pounds.
The majority of these single kayak roof racks are intended for easy loading. If your crossbars are long enough, you can buy a pair and install them both.

It is also possible to adjust some rear window or hatchback kayak rollers for multi-kayak loading. Remember that if shipping two kayaks, they will need to be moved between them.

Then there are many options for easy load kayak roof racks for boats weighing under 75 pounds. A few of these can even cut your kayak loading weight by half!

What are the different types of kayak loaders?

Different types of kayak loaders are available on the market, each with its own set of features and benefits. Some of the most popular types of kayak loaders include:

Roll-on/roll-off kayak loaders: These kayak loaders allow you to easily roll your kayak on and off of your vehicle.

Hitch-mounted kayak loaders: These kayak loaders mount onto the hitch of your vehicle, providing a secure and stable way to transport your kayak.

Roof-mounted kayak loaders: These kayak loaders attach to the roof of your vehicle, allowing you to transport your kayak without taking up valuable space inside your vehicle.

Advantages Of Using Kayak Loader?

While it may be easy to paddle alone in an extremely heavy vessel such as an ocean fishing kayak or a tandem/double, the process of loading the boat into your vehicle might be difficult.

if you use a kayak loader, you won’t have to lift the whole weight of the boat at once. A kayak loader makes it much simpler to transport a yak when you have a tall vehicle like an SUV or a minivan. You don’t have to hoist the yak’s whole weight to bring it to the top of your roof since it can help you do it.

Easy kayak roof rack loader for car:

Because of the roof rack loader’s slant, you only feel 1/3 of an item’s weight while lifting it. So this must be the most adaptable one-person rooftop loader. You won’t have to worry about loading and unloading issues with this loading system because of its lightweight construction and long-lasting design.

 Easy Kayak Roof Rack Loaders


It’s built from powder-coated aluminum of the highest quality. So it’s light enough to lift, yet strong enough to retain your weight firmly. Unlike other typical roof racks, this one enables you to secure your kayak on the ground before sliding it out of the back of your vehicle. The rack is 82 inches in length. It’s also very light, weighing in at just 41 pounds.

How excited are you about the upcoming holiday season for you? To add insult to injury, loading all of those gears requires manual labor. You’ll love our EZ-rec rack if that’s the case. Loading big items like a kayak is much easier with this method since it almost eliminates the risk of back discomfort and vehicle damage. In addition, its roof-top loading gear gives you a sense of security while venturing into the wide outdoors.

Should I Buy a Lift-Assist Kayak Rack?

A lift-assist kayak rack is a must-have if you’re having trouble loading your kayak or can’t load it at all. Also, if you are physically able yet frequently need to load your kayak by yourself, they are a great choice.

Those who own bigger, heavier kayaks can benefit from lift-assist systems as well, since lift systems will aid lower the kayak’s weight.

How Much Does a Lift-Assist Kayak Rack Cost?

Lift-assist kayak rack costs vary widely due to the wide range of lift-assist options available.

Price ranges for lift-assist kayak racks vary widely, ranging from $50 to $650 or even more. When it comes to carrying the heaviest boats, lift-assist kayak racks are by far the most convenient and efficient option.

Simple additions like rollers or bars that protrude out from the crossbars may be included in lift-assist systems that are less expensive.

How to install a Kayak Load or kayak Roller Assist

Car Glass should be cleaned

Clean the glass of your vehicle before installing the kayak load assist to ensure a proper fit and to protect your kayak or canoe.

Suction cups must be pushed

Use the kayak load lever to keep your kayak tightly in place, and then attach the suctions cups securely to the glass of your vehicle.

kayak should be loaded

Once you’ve fixed the kayak load assist, it’s time to load your kayak onto the vehicle. Load the kayak onto the car’s roof rack by placing it in the center of the roller and rolling it forward.

Using a kayak roller loader is a great way to transport your kayak on the roof of your vehicle. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use one:

How do you load and unload a kayak by yourself?

kayak load:

  • Find a flat, stable surface to load and unload your kayak. Avoid loading or unloading from uneven or slippery surfaces, as this can make the process more difficult and potentially dangerous
  • Position your kayak parallel to the loading surface, with the front of the kayak facing the water.
  • If you’re using a roof rack to transport your kayak, place the kayak onto the rack with the front of the kayak facing the front of your vehicle
  • use straps or tie-down ropes to fasten it to the roof rack or trailer. Make sure the straps or ropes are tightened down securely but be careful not to overtighten, as this can damage the kayak.

kayak unload:

  • When it’s time to unload the kayak, simply reverse the process. First, loosen or remove the straps or tie-down ropes. Then, carefully lift the kayak off the roof rack or trailer and place it onto the ground or loading surface.

FaQ

How do I choose the right kayak loader for my vehicle?

When choosing a kayak loader for your vehicle, it is important to consider the type of vehicle you have, the size and weight of your kayak, and your budget. You will also need to decide whether you want a permanent or temporary mount.

How do I use a kayak loader?

Most kayak loaders are designed to be attached to the roof of a vehicle. Once the kayak loader is properly secured, you can then load your kayak onto the loader and transport it to your desired destination.

How much weight can the kayak roller loader support?

The kayak roller loader can support kayaks weighing up to 75 lbs.

Conclusion

No matter what kind of car you drive, the best kayak loader is a useful addition if you’re traveling alone and need to get your boat onto your roof rack. With heavier kayaks or canoes, they can assist you in loading.

It’s a good idea to consider your financial situation and your own personal capabilities before embarking on a new project. Depending on how often you want to use the loader, you may want to consider its capacity.

Let others know about this article if you find it useful, and feel free to contact us if you have any questions or comments on kayak loading.

Tony K. Henderson
Tony K. Henderson

Hello, My name is Tony K. Henderson. I love to do kayaking whenever I get the time and I am very much fond of fishing too. The techniques and knowledge of being a paddler are amusing. I have shared all my knowledge about kayaking and fishing on my website. Feel free to read them and know more important things and facts about kayaking and fishing. follow me Twitter

Articles: 100

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

1