Transporting a kayak isn’t that complicated, but what if you have more than one? Don’t worry. You should be able to find a way to carry multiple kayaks. Depending on your car and how many of them you have, there are a few options available.
You can transport multiple kayaks with cam straps on a roof rack, truck bed, or trailer. The best method for you will vary according to your vehicle and the number of boats. For two kayaks, a roof rack is probably the best option. But a truck bed or trailer might be better if you have three or four.
Then, you can use cam straps to secure the kayaks in place by attaching them to the roof rack, bed truck, or trailer anchor points. After that, you should also tie down the bow and stern of all kayaks to the car. But the process will depend on the method you use and how many you transport.
How To Transport 2 Kayaks?
There are many ways to transport two kayaks. You can do it on your car with or without a roof rack, in a truck, and on a trailer. The simplest way to transport two kayaks is to put pool noodles on your roof and secure them with camp straps. You should also tie down their bow and stern to the car for extra safety.
But depending on the vehicle and equipment you have, the other methods might be more appropriate for you. So let’s explore all of your options!
How To Transport 2 Kayaks Without A Roof Rack?
If you don’t have a roof rack, you might wonder how you can transport not one but two kayaks. Well, it’s probably easier than you think. As I just said, you can use pool noodles, cam straps, and rope to secure two kayaks on your car. Here’s how!
What Do You Need?
Step 1: Put The Pool Noodles On Your Car
First, you will need pool noodles. Ideally, they should be relatively thick, solid, and sticky like these ones. But most pool noodles will work as long as they are long enough to cover the width of both kayaks. You can also use foam blocks, rolled towels, or blankets instead.
Once you have something to protect the kayaks and your car, you can put it on the roof. For extra safety and convenience, you should secure it with rope or straps. Here’s a video to show you how to do it with pool noodles!
Step 2: Load The Kayaks Onto Your Car
After that, you can put the kayaks on top of the pool noodles or whatever else you used as protection and support. If you can find someone to help you load both kayaks on the car, it will be much easier. Otherwise, you can lift them alone one at a time or slide them on the roof with a thick carpet or blanket underneath.
Step 3: Secure The Kayaks With Straps
When the kayaks are on the car, it’s time to secure them. You can take one cam strap and pass it around the roof through a pair of doors. Then, you need to place the buckle on the kayak, insert the strap in, pull it down for a snug fit, and secure the excess. Repeat with the other strap through the other doors.
Step 4: Tie Down The Bow And Stern Of Both Kayaks
For extra safety, you should attach the front and back parts of the kayak to the car. You can use the grad handles and recovery points on the vehicle. Tie down the stern and bow of the kayaks together and to the anchor points of the car with a nylon cord or any rope you have.
Here’s a video demonstrating the third and fourth steps to secure two kayaks properly on your car with pool noodles underneath. In this one, they use a ratchet system. That will work, but I would recommend taking cam straps instead to avoid overtightening and damaging the kayaks.
I have another article with more information on how to transport two kayaks without a roof rack. Now here are other options to consider. There won’t be as many details because most steps are similar.
How To Transport 2 Kayaks With A Roof Rack?
Most roof racks can accommodate two kayaks. If you have crossbars, you can put pool noodles or foam blocks around them to protect the kayaks. Then, you can load the kayaks and secure them to the roof rack. Tying down the bow and stern of both kayaks is also an excellent idea for extra safety.
Crossbars are the most simple form of a roof rack. You can also get two sets of J bars to transport two kayaks. If you don’t have side rails and crossbars on your car, these roof pads would probably be your only option.
Whatever roof rack you choose, the concept is pretty much the same. You load the kayaks on it, attach the straps on both sides of it, tighten it, and tie down their bow and stern. Here’s a video to show you how to transport two kayaks on a roof rack!
You can also secure both kayaks together with one strap going from one side to the other of the roof rack on each crossbar. That will allow you to use two straps instead of four. Then, you should also attach the bow and stern of both kayaks to the roof rack or car for extra safety.
For more information, you can read my article explaining how to transport a kayak with a roof rack. It’s mainly for one kayak, but the concept is pretty much the same with two. You can put them side by side on the crossbars or use two sets of J bars.
How To Transport 2 Kayaks In A Truck?
Transporting two kayaks with a pickup is quite simple. You can open your tailgate, load the kayaks in the truck bed, and secure them with straps. Depending on the size of the kayaks, you might have to stack them up or invest in a truck bed extender.
You could also use a pickup rack or trailer. But it’s generally easier and better to transport kayaks in your truck bed.
How To Transport 2 Kayaks On A Trailer?
A trailer is an excellent way to haul two kayaks. You simply have to load the kayaks on it and secure them. You can also tie down their bow and stern to anchor points on the car or trailer. As long as you have a trailer that can accommodate two kayaks and a vehicle that can carry it, everything should be fine.
It’s generally more convenient because it’s lower and more easily accessible than a roof rack or truck bed. The only downside is that double kayak trailers like this one are expensive. But if you already have one, you might be able to modify it and put two kayaks on it.
How To Transport 3 Kayaks?
Some roof racks can accommodate 3 kayaks. You can also stack them up on crossbars or in a truck bed with the tailgate open and secure them. Another safer and more convenient way to transport 3 kayaks is with a trailer. The best option for most people is probably to use stackers.
How To Transport 3 Kayaks Without A Roof Rack?
You might be able to find a way to carry 3 kayaks without a roof rack. For example, you could put two pool noodles on the car, stack the kayaks over them, and secure everything in place. But it won’t be as convenient and safe as roof racks and other methods.
How To Transport 3 Kayaks With A Roof Rack?
There are a few ways to transport 3 kayaks on a roof rack. First, you can put two side-by-side on the crossbars and one on top of them. With this method, you should ideally secure them individually, as shown in the previous video.
Another option is to use stackers, load the 3 kayaks on the side, and secure them with straps. The Thule Stacker is an excellent accessory for carrying multiple kayaks on crossbars. You can also take two sets of J-bars and put saddles in the middle for the third boat.
How To Transport 3 Kayaks In A Truck?
The best way to transport 3 kayaks with a pickup is to stack them in the truck bed and secure them there. You can put two side by side with one on top of them or try to stack them all on the side. Either way, you must secure all the kayaks to the truck with straps, ideally on both their bow and stern.
Depending on the length of the kayaks, you might have to invest in a truck bed extender. You can also install a pickup rack. Then, you will have more options to put your 3 kayaks. For example, you could put two in the truck bed and one on the rack or vice-versa.
How To Transport 3 Kayaks On A Trailer?
Many trailers can easily haul 3 kayaks or more. It will generally be the safest and most convenient way to transport that many boats. A trailer has more space than roof racks or truck beds and is easier to use. But it’s more expensive.
The Magneta UKCT3 is an excellent example of a trailer accommodating 3 kayaks or more.
How To Transport 4 Kayaks?
The easiest way to transport 4 kayaks is to use a trailer. You can also fit them on crossbars with stackers, but it’s more complicated to secure. If you have a pickup, it might be possible to stack 4 kayaks in your truck bed or put some there and the rest on a rack.
How To Transport 4 Kayaks Without A Roof Rack?
If you don’t have a roof rack, you will probably not be able to carry 4 kayaks on the top of your car. But you can secure 2 or 3 of them on the roof with pool noodles and straps. Then, you need to find a way to transport the other ones.
Maybe you can put them on a trailer or directly in your car if you have a big SUV or minivan. You will need to be resourceful and creative with this one, or you might have to take another vehicle for transporting that many kayaks.
How To Transport 4 Kayaks With A Roof Rack?
A few roof racks can hold up to 4 kayaks. You can install stackers on your crossbars. It’s a pair of vertical bars that allows you to stack and secure kayaks on the side more safely and easily. So you can use stackers as a roof rack to transport 4 kayaks.
The Thule Stacker and YAKIMA BigStack Rack can both carry up to 4 kayaks. So these are your two best options.
How To Transport 4 Kayaks In A Truck?
You might be able to put and secure 4 kayaks in your truck bed. If it’s not the case, you should consider investing in a pickup rack. That way, you will have more options on where to put the kayaks. For example, you could load two in the truck bed and two on the rack.
How To Transport 4 Kayaks On A Trailer?
The last but not least way to transport 4 kayaks is to use a trailer. It’s generally more convenient than putting and securing them on a roof rack and in a truck bed. Many trailers can carry 4 kayaks or more. The only problem is that they are expensive.
The Malone Auto Racks 4-Boat Trailer is the perfect example. It has 4 J bars to accommodate 4 kayaks. You can even fold the racks when you don’t use them.
How To Transport More Than 4 Kayaks?
Some trailers can carry more than 4 kayaks. Otherwise, you can also combine two methods. For example, you could use stackers to put 4 kayaks on a roof rack and haul more on a trailer.
Find more multiple kayak trailers on Direct Boat.
Last Thoughts About Transporting Multiple Kayaks!
Finally, there are many ways to transport 2 kayaks or more. Whether you have a roof rack or not, a pickup, or a trailer, I’m sure you will be able to carry multiple boats to your favorite paddling spots. You just need a little bit of resourcefulness.
Depending on your car and the number of kayaks, there are a few options. You can put them on a roof rack, in a truck bed, or on a trailer. Whatever method you choose, make sure to secure the kayaks properly. Then, double-check everything, and you’re ready to go.
Let’s Transport Those Kayaks Safely!
