A carburetor does essential work to keep your vehicle running smoothly, and keeping your carburetor clean should be part of your standard vehicle maintenance. In fact, one of the best ways to improve your car’s gas mileage is by removing dirt and grime from the carburetor so that your engine can be fed a healthier mixture of air and fuel. Luckily it is easy to clean your carburetor so long as you have the right equipment.
Top Carburetor Cleaners
The best carburetor cleaners do the work for you and require no scrubbing or elbow grease. Carburetor cleaners are usually deployed as an aerosol spray and frequently a straw is used for targeting the spray into tight areas. Carburetors supply your engine with a precise mixture of air and fuel to maximize combustion. The carburetor regulates the flow of air into your engine and mixes it with the fuel, but dust and dirt and carbon fuel deposits can be left behind in the process and start to build up. Over time symptoms like reduced engine performance, poor gas mileage, hard starting, backfiring, and even black smoke from the exhaust can develop.
Spraying a carburetor cleaner can help to keep the fuel flowing easily into your engine. The cleaners work to dissolve and break apart buildup. As the buildup breaks away and the grime clears out, you are left with a clean carburetor. The best cleaners work fast and dry quickly.
Image | Product | |
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Dip for Deep Cleaning | Berryman Carb Cleaner
| Check Price |
Reliable Spray | WD-40 Specialist Fast-Acting Carb/Throttle Cleaner
| Check Price |
Fast Acting Formula | Gumout Carb and Choke Cleaner
| Check Price |
Low VOC Formula | CRC Carb and Choke Cleaner
| Check Price |
Buying Guide: Top Carburetor Cleaners
Depending on how heavy of a cleaning job is necessary, there are several types of carburetor cleaners available.
Chlorinated
As the name implies, “chlorinated” carb cleaners are made from chlorine. And although it is banned in California due to the number of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), it is pretty standard worldwide because of how effective those VOCs are. It does the best job at removing stubborn dirt quickly and is non-flammable for safety. A chlorinated product can be a good option because it is particularly potent and can clean thoroughly, which is an advantage to you because it will cost you less time and effort to get your engine running smoothly.
Non-Chlorinated
If you do not want to use a chlorinated carb cleaner for health or environmental reasons then this is a good alternative. Since they don’t contain harsh chlorine, these cleaning materials are gentler. It is inflammable and safe to use on any surface including plastic, but it doesn’t dry as fast and may be a bit less effective at removing incredibly stubborn dirt, grime, or deposits.
Aerosol/Spray Can
Manufacturers make it quite effortless and straightforward to use spray carb cleaners. The spray cans let vehicle owners just point and spray to apply the cleaner. Finding a rag that would fit in the small openings of a carburetor is difficult and dangerous, particularly when the vehicle is left on, so providing both the liquid cleaner and the air to propel it in an aerosol spray can makes the entire process more effective.
Dips
Dips provide the most comprehensive cleaning process but they are more involved and require you to completely remove the carburetor from the vehicle. Using a dip, your carburetor is immersed in the cleaner, so it can work into all the areas and remove buildup effectively. With a dip you will get a sparkling carb when finished cleaning, but dipping cans aren’t as popular as aerosol cans because they are more difficult to use.
Best Carburetor Cleaners
Each of these carburetor cleaners offers a good experience and decent value. Read below for specific information on each one.
1. Berryman Carb Cleaner – Dip for Deep Cleaning
Beryman develops and delivers a number of automotive engine cleaners, fuel additives, and lubricants. Their rich experience and broad product line gives them strong expertise in the niche. They provide both VOC and non VOC compliant products. One of their most effective cleaners is the Berryman B-9 Chem Dip.
This non-chlorinated, non-flammable carb cleaner gets to work on all the gunk and grime built up inside your carburetor. This is a simple way to clean all of your parts in one dip, and it’s safe to use on metallic, rubber, and plastic surfaces. It removes oil, grease, sludge, varnish, and more with ease. This cleaner comes with a bin, so you won’t lose any pieces when washing, and it’s perfect for hitting all of those hard-to-reach places.
One significant advantage of this cleaner is that you won’t have to scrape and scrub the parts as much or deal with the toxic fumes generated by an aerosol carburetor cleaner. However, it has its disadvantages: the component you’re cleaning must be submerged in the can for several hours for it to function most effectively.
- Effective at coating all the hard to reach areas
- Includes basket, dip etc all for easy clean up.
- Non-Chlorinated and VOC compliant in 50 states
- Made in America
- Dip cleaning is more involved then an aerosol
- Dirt and grime stays in the liquid so questionable reuse
2. WD-40 Specialist Fast-Acting Carb/Throttle Cleaner – Reliable Spray
WD-40 is a brand that people have grown to trust for lubrication jobs and increasingly for specialty aerosol sprays that coat and apply formula. In this specialist application the formula is an all in one carburetor spray with a dual-action cleaning system that break ups baked on carbon deposits and blasts away waste. This product can make the most of a few minutes if you need to clean your carburetor in a hurry as there is no scrubbing or dipping required. Most importantly, the product comes in a compact spray can with a replaceable cap, allowing you to easily reuse it.
The WD-40 Fast-Acting Carb/Throttle Body & Parts Cleaner’s only real flaw is the lack of an applicator straw as a straw helps you to target the cleaner stream for better performance. The can does have a cap that limits splash back and overspray effectively.
- Fast acting formula breaks up carbon deposits
- Powerful aerosol spray knocks loose dirt and grime
- Safe to use around O2 sensors and catalytic converters
- Easier to deploy than a dip
- Not as comprehensive a clean as a dip
- No applicator straw to guide spray
3. Gumout Carb and Choke Cleaner – Fast Acting Formula
When your carburetor is dirty, cleaning it with Gumout Carb and Choke Cleaner is a popular choice. The formulation is effective at removing dirt, grime, and buildup while also dissolving away buildup to help unclog your carburetor. The Gumout’s jet spray is a high velocity aerosol that uses force and pressure to knock off any loose parts while also delivering the cleaning formulation deep into any knooks, crannies, or recesses. Using the Gumout Jet Spray will save you time and effort by allowing you to clean your intact carburetor with a quick aerosol instead of going through the trouble of disassembling it.
Gumout is cost-effective and does the job well. Storage is also simple with a replaceable cap that provides for multiple uses. The only disadvantage is that it is not ideal for complete, deep cleanings of the whole mechanism, because the spray is inevitably a bit limited in what it can reach.
- Removes deposits from carburetor quickly and easily
- Uses a cleaning formulation in combination with an aerosol jet spray
- Attacks the causes of hard starting, stalling, rough idling, and high exhaust emissions.
- Comes with a straw for easy delivery to tight spaces
- Also effective on small engines like lawn mowers and snow blowers
- Highly flammable
- Likely to mar painted metal surfaces
4. CRC Carb and Choke Cleaner – Low VOC Formula
CRC Carb and Choke Cleaner is a low VOC formula that is safe to use in states like California that regulate volatile organic compounds. The formula has a fast acting cleaning action that works to effectively dissolve and dislodge deposits in your carburetor such as gum, sludge, dirt, and dust. CRC products have a strong reputation for quality and are often found in your nearest auto parts shop and mechanics garage.
One of the disadvantages of this product is that as a low VOC formula it lacks some of the power that other formulas contain. Still, this product is less harmful to humans and the environment while still getting the job done. The lack of straw requires that users take care during application. It’s also necessary to avoid using this product near painted surfaces, but it will not harm oxygen sensors or catalytic converters.
- Low VOC formula
- Safe to use in the State of California
- Won’t harm oxygen sensors or catalytic converters
- Less powerful cleaning action
- Some overspray due to lack of straw
Conclusion: Best Carburetor Cleaners
It is easy to keep your carburetor clean so long as you have the right products. Each of the items on this list is effective at cleaning the carbon deposits, mud, dust, and grime that accumulates in your carburetor and around your engine. By keeping your engine clean and running smoothly, your car will last longer and you will receive better gas mileage. Take a look at our list of the top carburetor cleaners and pick one that is right for you, and then get to work taking a little bit better care of what is under your hood.
Best Car Interior and Upholstery Cleaners
There’s something about a car with ultra clean interiors that makes everyone smile. It just tends to set your mood right. Smooth, clean leather upholstery, spotless air- conditioning vents, a gear knob without sticky finger prints on it and a clean instrument panel give you a sense of feeling that you’re in a new car.
Best Car Interior and Upholstery Cleaners
Unfortunately, the drawback clean interiors have is that they’re temporary in nature. As soon as you open and close the door repeatedly, dust enters the car and settles around all the tiny and large gaps. A busy week at work, playing outside during the rainy season, or a quick dash to the gym can all lead to your car’s interiors quickly accumulating dust and dirt. Frequent trips with children and pets can make your car’s interior even dirtier.
Fortunately though, there are several excellent, non-toxic upholstery cleaners in the automotive market that are safe and easy to use on your car. When you know how to use them right, your car’s interiors can give off that fresh new car feel. Here are our top picks for keeping your car clean.
Image | Product | |
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Most Effective All Purpose Cleaner | CarGuys Super Cleaner
| Check Price |
Solid Stain Remover | Turtle Wax T440R2W OXY Interior 1 Multi-Purpose Cleaner
| Check Price |
Odor Destroyer | Armor All Fresh FX Carpet & Fabric Cleaner for Cars & Truck
| Check Price |
Fresh Carpets | Woolite Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner Stain Remover
| Check Price |
Dual Spray Bottle | Meguiar’s G9719 Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner – 19 oz.
| Check Price |
Best Interior Car Cleaner: CarGuys Super Cleaner – Effective All Purpose Cleaner
The Super cleaner from CarGuys is an effective all in one cleaner that miraculously and conveniently does the job of about five products, all by itself. Be it your car’s carpets, dashboard, seats, instrument panel or the glove box, this product is designed for use anywhere inside your car that has attracted dust, dirt and grime. The only exceptions are that you cannot use it on glass and glass surfaces like the instrument panel.
Not only is it versatile in terms of the surfaces it can be used upon, the Super Cleaner can be used to remove different types of stains- be it bird poop, tree sap, tomato sauce, bugs or tar. The spray is highly convenient to use and comes with a microfiber cloth. CarGuys also offer a full warranty and will refund your money if you’re not happy with the results of this product.
To get into technicalities, the Super Cleaner spray uses micro particles and nanotechnology to deal with grime and dirt at a molecular level. This ensures that the dirt in your car is dealt with at the smallest level and the cleaning isn’t just confined to a superficial or cosmetic nature.
To add a little more to the Super Cleaner’s versatility, the cleaner can not only be used inside your car but it can also be used on the exterior, on a truck, motorcycle, RV, boat and even inside your house. Such a wide range of applications makes the Super Cleaner a good value for money product. It is also highly recommendable since this cleans multiple surfaces, can be used anywhere and maybe most importantly it clears storage in your house/ garage as many other products can be disposed of once you start using the CarGuys Super Cleaner.
Runner Up: Turtle Wax T440R2W OXY Interior 1 Multi-Purpose Cleaner – Solid Stain Remover
Turtle Wax offers a fantastic all in one purpose cleaner, meaning it does all the work of multiple fabric/ upholstery/ interior materials- specific cleaners all in one. An innovative technology that is used in the Turtle Wax cleaner makes it friendly to different materials like carpets, leather upholstery, plastic and vinyl. This cleaner can be used almost anywhere inside a car.
The cleaner comes with a detachable, all-new micro-scrub brush that cleans deep into fabric fibers. The scrub brush detaches for ultimate ease of use and deep, targeted cleaning. Turtle Wax’s triple action formula cleans, deodorizes and protects fabric, vinyl and carpets. This product is a non- toxic cleaner formulated with oxygenated cleaners that eliminate odors caused by smoke, pets and food. The cleaner is versatile and can be used on cars, trucks, boats, RVs and at home. It removes a myriad of stains, be it coffee, juice, grease, makeup, ketchup, oil, ink, mustard and a lot more.
Buying Guide: Best Car Interior and Upholstery Cleaners
Take a moment to study some common Q&A’s around car interior cleaners. That can act as a guide to help you choose the right cleaner and give you a better understanding of the cleaning process. At the end of the day, it will help to leave your car interior looking its best.
Q. If I buy an all in one brush, do I need other items to clean as well?
A- Yes, you would still need additional items since a multipurpose cleaner would do its job after the interiors of the car have already been dusted. In addition, you will require other items for the cleaning process that are mentioned below.
- Vacuum Cleaner
- Warm Water
- Brush and Sponge
- Microfiber Towel
Most of the cleaners are sprayed on, then brushed and vacuumed. Always test products first in an inconspicuous area to be sure it is safe.
Q.2- What Type of Car Interior Fabric is the Easiest to Remove Stains From?
A- Generally speaking, the part of the car interior that is going to show dirt the fastest are the floor mats and the seats. Floor mats obviously get dirty sooner but if you live in a hot region where one tends to sweat a lot, the seats might show stains quickly, especially if they are light-colored.
Leather
Leather is easy to clean and wipe off and it dries off in no time unlike fabric seat covers. Leather seats have their own special cleaners. Leather also needs to be occasionally waxed and conditioned to give that shining new look. A versatile all-in one cleaner would do half the job but in some cases, you will require a leather polish to bring out that extra shine.
Vinyl
Vinyl seats are easy to maintain as they only need to be wiped regularly with a good cleaner. That alone takes care of the stains. However, if you live in a hot area, your vinyl seat upholstery could get extremely hot and that makes the passengers sweat frequently, even with the air- conditioning switched on. This requires more attention to keep clean.
Fabric
A lot of cars these days have fabric seats since they are comfortable and are less prone to getting hot or cold quickly. Compared to the other materials, fabric is relatively easier to clean and maintain. Since fabrics have become a popular option in the market, there are a lot of cleaners that compliment it.
A good fabric upholstery cleaner is required to effectively clean fabric interiors, especially if they are light colored.
Q. Should I invest in an expensive cleaner or a low cost cleaner?
A- Cars attract a lot of expensive accessories. They often are not necessary. There are many options in the market that you could opt for but we’ve listed out the best ones for you so you don’t have to invest much time and energy on researching them. We suggest you introspect and consider the amount of shine you look for in your car interior. That should give you an idea of how much you should spend on a cleaner. We mostly suggest a single cleaner that would perform most tasks and would work on different types of surfaces.
Q. How do I remove a stain from my car’s carpet or upholstery?
A- The most important thing when dealing with a stain is to act promptly and start cleaning it up as soon as possible. The quicker you get to a stain the less impact it will have. Don’t leave it to clean up until later.
At the start do not scrub a stain. Blot a stain if it is still wet so that you can remove as much of it as possible before it gets into the carpet. A paper towel or absorbent rag is best at picking up the stain. Next apply a generous amount of a car upholstery cleaner, preferably one with an active ingredient that can foam up the stain out of the carpet. Follow the product instructions, but usually that involves letting it soak in the stain and then wiping it down with water and a towel. Follow up with a vacuum to get it back to feeling like new.
Product Reviews
Each of these car interior cleaning products offers a good experience and decent value. Read below for specific information on each one.
1. CarGuys Super Cleaner – Most Effective All Purpose Cleaner
Key Points at a Glance
- Easy to use and apply
- Multipurpose in nature
- Uses the latest nanotechnology for detailed cleaning
- One of the best and versatile cleaners in the market
- Can be used on a wide range of surfaces
Dimensions and Specs
- Item Weight: 10.6 ounces
- Package Dimensions: 10.79 x 4.76 x 3.11 inches
The Details
One Solution To Clean Them All: This product uses a unique cleaning technology that penetrates the surface at a molecular level to loosen and clean away all of the embedded dirt, oil and grime. Once the dirt is loose, it can be wiped away with a microfiber cloth. The Super cleaner is a safe, no-rinse cleaner unlike some other all- purpose cleaners that use harsh chemical detergents.
2. Turtle Wax T440R2W OXY Interior 1 Multi-Purpose Cleaner – Solid Stain Remover
Key Points at a Glance
- Advanced cleaning formula deep cleans and deodorizes carpet and upholstery in one step
- Formulated with oxygenated cleaners for incredible cleaning and powerful stain removal
- Encapsulates and removes odors caused by smoke, pets, food and more
- Can be used in the car, boat, RV and inside homes
- All-new patent micro-scrub brush cleans deep into fabric fibers, and detaches for ultimate ease of use and deep, targeted cleaning
Dimensions and Specs
- Item Weight: 1.1 pounds
- Package Dimensions: 2.56 x 2.56 x 11.25 inches
The Details
Turtle Wax offers a good cost effective all-in-one solution for removing stains & odors on every interior surface, including carpets, upholstery fabrics, plastic & vinyl. Be it inside your car or at home, you can reach for this cleaner confidently.
The all-new patent pending micro-scrub brush cleans deep into fabric fibers, and detaches for ultimate ease of use and deep, targeted cleaning. Triple action formula cleans, deodorizes and protects fabric, vinyl and carpet. This cleaner is formulated with oxygenated cleaners that encapsulate and eliminate odors caused by smoke, pets, food. It removes ground-in stains, coffee, juice, grease, makeup, ketchup, oil, ink, mustard and a lot more.
3. Armor All Fresh FX Carpet & Fabric Cleaner for Cars & Truck – Odor Destroyer
Key Points at a Glance
- Foam carpet and upholstery cleaner.
- Odor elimination technology works on food, pet, and smoke smells.
- Removable scrub brush to help lift tough stains.
- Priced right.
Dimensions and Specs
- Item Weight: 1.8 pounds
- Size: 11.26 x 3.94 x 3.46 inches
- Contains 22 Fluid Ounces
The Details
Armor All has built a solid reputation for helping keep your cars clean, and the 3-in-1 power foam of this Fresh fx Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner won’t let you down. It works by lifting tough stains up out of the fabric with a foaming, deep cleaning formula that acts fast. The cleaner works best on stains like mud, food, coffee, salt, and grease. For stains that need extra elbow grease, the cleaner has a removable brush that helps you dig deep to bring out dirt.
This car cleaner has a strong citrus scent that makes your car feel fresh and new, but the smell is not for everyone.
4. Woolite Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner Stain Remover – Fresh Carpets
Key Points at a Glance
- Cleans, eliminates odors, refreshes carpets, and discourages pet soiling all in one application.
- Attached brush safe to use on all fabrics.
- Strong odor elimination to help deal with the worst scents.
- Good stain lifting technology for keeping carpets and upholstery clean.
- Safe for Kids and Pets
Dimensions and Specs
- Weight: 1 pound
- 2.5 x 2.5 x 10.5 inch package containing 4 bottles
The Details
Woolite historically focuses on carpets and upholstery in the home but this cleaner is a solid choice for use in your car, truck, or SUV. The formula is a triple action blend that cleans, refreshes, and eliminates odors. This Woolite product has excellent stain lifting technology that makes the cleaning process easy, especially when dealing with tough pet stains like urine, vomit, mud, and feces. For the grossest jobs this is the one of the best cleaners available and it is an excellent choice when dealing with overwhelming odor.
5. Meguiar’s G9719 Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner – 19 oz. – Dual Spray Bottle
Key Points at a Glance
- Easy Spray bottle with dual action nozzle.
- Professional strength, fast acting foam cleaner for carpet and upholstery
- Leaves car carpets smelling fresh and clean.
Dimensions and Specs
- Item Weight – 20.5 ounces
- Item Quantity – 539 milliliters
The Details
This fast acting foam from Meguiars has a professional strength formula that boasts deep cleaning power. This spray can be used as a spot cleaner or all over as a general cleaning solution to leave your car upholstery looking and smelling like new. The bottle has a dual purpose nozzle so that you can switch between a narrow stream for spot cleans or a wide mist spray. Meguiar carpet cleaner penetrates into stains and deteriorates them from the bottom up so that no ground in dirt or grime is left behind. The spray is quick and easy to use because it dries quickly and cleanly without leaving behind any sticky residue.
Conclusion: Best Car Interior and Upholstery Cleaner
Keep your car clean on the inside by periodically applying a strong carpet and upholstery cleaner like the ones on this list. Also always keep a bottle on hand to deal with emergencies like someone stepping on dog poop then stepping into your car.
We picked the above options after carefully scrutinizing the available cleaners in the market. We haven’t suggested cleaners that are specific to a type of upholstery or a particular surface since we intended that you use it all around your vehicle interior and get maximum bang for your buck. As a result, we’ve recommended two cleaners that could be used on almost all types of surfaces and upholstery. The first option is a premium option in case you don’t have limitations on your budget. The second option however is slightly lighter on the pocket but does a similar job. Whatever you choose, these products will leave your car looking and smelling fresh and clean.
Best Kayak Racks
Experienced kayak owners are well aware of the troubles they face when trying to safely and securely transport kayaks. Almost no vehicles have the space to store a 10 foot object, and a securely attached kayak rack is the perfect option. A kayak rack is a necessity for adventurers who plan frequent trips frequently. It provides security for your kayak, as well as your car.
Best Kayak Racks
Once you decide to invest in a kayak you immediately begin facing the reality around how difficult they can be to transport. Many vehicles are not going to fit all or even part of the kayak in the back, so a proper roof rack is necessary. A kayak roof rack is the most convenient way to hold your kayak while traveling to a paddling destination. The four main types of kayak roof racks are saddles, j-cradles, stackers, and the most common type which is a temporary pad style rack. If your car roof has no crossbars or side rails, then that last one is the ideal option. For a car with crossbars the j-cradles are an easy option.
Below we have selected some of our favorite roof racks for you to consider taking on your next paddling adventure.
Image | Product | |
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JayLow Rooftop Kayak Carrier | YAKIMA – JayLow Rooftop Kayak Carrier
| Check Price |
Hull-a-Port Rooftop Kayak Carrier | Thule Hull-a-Port Rooftop Kayak Carrier
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Leader Accessories Kayak Rack | Leader Accessories Kayak Rack
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J-Style Car Rack Kayak Carrier | Malone Downloader J-Style Car Rack Kayak Carrier
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J-Bar Rack Kayak Carrier | TMS J-Bar Rack Kayak Carrier
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J-Bar 2 Pairs Universal Kayak Canoe Top Mount Carrier | ECOTRIC J-Bar 2 Pairs Universal Kayak Canoe Top Mount Carrier
| Check Price |
Kayak Rack Buying Guide
Before shopping for a kayak roof rack take some time to consider a few key purchase aspects.
There are a few simple factors you need to study about before purchasing a kayak rooftop carrier. Only after taking some time for proper analysis of the product and your requirements should you buy a kayak carrier. After all, you don’t want to end up purchasing a carrier that won’t fit on your car. The key considerations to make before shopping for a kayak roof rack follow.
Vehicle
Probably the most important thing to consider when shopping for a kayak roof rack is the type of vehicle that you will be using it on. It doesn’t matter what kind of car you drive, there is probably a roof rack that works well for you. However, that doesn’t mean that all roof racks are one size fits all. Before shopping, take some time to look at your vehicle and understand if it has a luggage roof rack and what sort of beams are utilized on it. For instance, some carriers won’t work on round cross beams but will work on octagonal ones.
Kayaks
Be sure that before shopping you take time to understand the dimensions of the kayak you plan to transport. Most of the kayak roof racks will have a weight limit and a maximum size from bow to stern that they can safely transport. Also be aware of how many kayaks you want to move around and if you need a double kayak carrier or if just a single carrier will suffice.
Types of Racks
There are four main types of roof rack carriers for kayaks, and before making a purchase decision you should consider each type as they each have advantages and disadvantages.
- Temporary Pads – If your vehicle does not have a factory installed roof rack on it, you can still use a kayak carrier by installing a temporary pad. This uses straps running through the inside of your car to latch a rack down onto your car roof. This is an affordable option but is only intended for short trips.
- Stackers – These carriers are designed to hold multiple kayaks by standing each of them on their side so they take up as little space as possible. On most cars this allows for four kayaks to be mounted on the roof safely and securely.
- Saddles – The sturdiest option you can buy for your kayak is a saddle rack. The saddles use a large surface area to position your kayak on its hull atop your vehicle. Each kayak takes up a lot of space, but they are held securely. This is a great option when traveling over especially adverse terrain.
- J-Cradles – The J-Style design is the most popular option for kayak roof racks and it has a few key advantages. The J shaped holder makes for easy loading and unloading of a kayak while also holding them tightly. The only disadvantage is that the relatively high profile means that they will be cutting through the wind on long trips.
Brand of Rack
One of the easiest ways to differentiate between the different racks is the brand name. Often the companies that are constructing high quality kayak roof racks also have expertise in roof racks for other sports like bikes or skis and snowboards. These brands have high quality manufacturing facilities and good support. On the other hand, shoppers can save a lot of money by purchasing from an off brand import shop that brings in roof racks from overseas. These racks are often similar to the brand name offerings but are sold at a substantial discount.
Materials and Reliability
The problem, of course, with buying an off brand roof rack is that you have concerns about the long term durability. Cruising down the highway towards your favorite watering hole is not a good time for a parts failure that sends your equipment scattering across multiple lanes. On the other hand, the j-style kayak roof racks are not terribly complicated to construct and they are primarily made of steel, so the risk of a catastrophic failure due to using an off brand product is probably quite low. Shoppers need to make their own decision about the balance between price and reliability when looking for a roof rack kayak carrier.
These are the top pointers you need to see before purchasing a kayak carrier. We have listed the top carriers, now you should study which product below best fits your criteria and requirements.
1. YAKIMA – JayLow Rooftop Kayak Carrier
Yakima focuses on helping you do more of what you love without having to fuss with gear transportation. Most people are familiar with their bike racks but they also provide mounts for cargo, skis and snowboards, surfboards, and boats. Their J-Style rooftop kayak carrier is sturdy and reliable, making it a must for users carrying more than one kayak. It easily supports a single kayak in a J-cradle position, but it shines when it carries two kayaks in a vertical, stacked position with ease. This J-style fold-down kayak carrier can hold up to 110lbs combined. The kayak carrier is compatible with most vehicle’s factory crossbars, be it round, square or aerodynamic crossbars.
This YAKIMA kayak carrier comes with all the necessary straps and gear needed to secure the transportation of your kayak, specifically straps and tie-downs for the bow and stern. The installation is tool free and super easy as the carrier comes fully assembled out of the box and folds down when not in use. Lock cables for added security are available but sold separately.
Key features at a Glance
- Carries two kayaks.
- Foldable rack for better clearance
- Tool-free installation
- Low maintenance
- Includes straps and hardware.
Dimensions and Specs
- Brand: YAKIMA
- Color: black
- Item Weight: 11 poundsC
- Comes fully assembled
- Dimensions: 6.69” L x 6” W x 20” H
2. Thule Hull-a-Port Rooftop Kayak Carrier
This easy-to-use, high-performance carrier for a single kayak comes from Thule. This reliable brand has made the process of carrying and transporting kayaks easy thanks to this wide-mouth, J-profile carrier. It offers simple loading and unloading through the wide mouth profile and the angled shape makes for a solid, space-saving design. It has durable straps for additional tie-downs of your kayak, which helps put the driver’s mind at ease while traveling with the kayak.
This kayak carrier has a rust-resistant coating that is made to last. Thule also offers a buckle bumper that helps protect the kayak and the car from scratches.
Key features at a Glance
- Can hold different types of kayaks.
- Angled shape provides stable design.
- Thick all-weather pads for protection
- It fits Thule rack systems, most factory racks, and round bars.
Dimensions and Specs
- Brand: Thule
- Color: silver
- Item Weight: 8.7 pounds
- Dimensions: 7.7” x 15.1” x 20.3”
3. Leader Accessories Kayak Rack
This J style carrier is a double kayak rack consisting of four pieces that securely hold your kayaks while transporting them from one destination to another. The kayak carrier is heavy duty and it has steel construction, making it difficult to rust. It can safely transport a canoe that measures up to eight feet long and 150 lbs.
The carrier has extra foam padding, which reduces the risk of any scratches on your vehicle or kayak. This product by Leader Accessories is conveniently multipurpose and can be used for carrying kayaks but also a canoe, surfboard, skis, or snowboard. Note that this carrier won’t fit on round bar roof racks.
Key features at a Glance
- Easy and safe for transportation
- Extra foam padding
- Multipurpose use
- Includes extra four-piece tie-down straps.
Dimensions and Specs
- Brand: leader Accessories
- Item Weight: 15.52 pounds
- Dimensions: 17.5 x 9.5x 7 inches
4. Malone Downloader J-Style Car Rack Kayak Carrier
This J-style universal car rack by Malone is one of the top picks amongst kayakers. This kayak carrier has a built-in boarding ramp that assists in easy loading. In addition, this universal car rack has included bow and stern lines, which further help in the smooth loading and transporting of the kayak.
To increase the overhead clearance, the rack has clever fold-down technology that moves the carrier out of the way. The carrier also has oversized padding for more security and protection of the kayak and vehicle. The mounting hardware fits all factory vehicle crossbars including oval, square, and round cross rails.
Key features at a Glance
- Built-in boarding ramp
- Fold-down technology
- Extra padding
- 60mm and 70mm pre-coated mounting bolts
- Loading straps and buckle protectors
Dimensions and Specs
- Color: multi
- Brand: Malone
- Item Weight: 10 pounds
- Dimensions: 21 x 10 x 8 inches
5. TMS J-Bar Rack Kayak Carrier
The J-Bar Rack by TMS is a superb kayak carrier with a steel design for strength and adjustable padding for extra protection. The kayak carrier can accommodate kayaks up to 36 inches wide and can handle weight up to 75lbs. The installation process is easy thanks to the quick on/off hardware.
This is a well designed kayak carrier that safely transports kayaks. The J style and wide mouth make loading and unloading easy.
Key features at a Glance
- Steel design
- Adjustable padding
- Quick on/off hardware
- Easy loading and unloading
Dimensions and Specs
- Brand: TMS
- Material: Alloy steel
- Item Weight: 8 pounds
- Dimensions: 17.5 x 12.5 x 6.5 inches
6. ECOTRIC J-Bar 2 Pairs Universal Kayak Canoe Top Mount Carrier
ECOTRIC is an importer that offers a low cost kayak rack carrier from China. The framing is made of high-quality steel and adjustable padding for proper security and protection of your gear during transportation. The carrier can accommodate kayaks up to 36″ wide and it fits almost all square and flat crossbars. You can quickly attach this rooftop J-style carrier to your SUV or car for easy transportation of your kayak or canoe.
This budget option is available for a low price but does not offer the same durability as other options. Still, since the kayak racks are mostly steel construction this is a perfectly safe option for transporting your boats around.
Key features at a Glance
- Accommodates kayaks 36″ wide.
- Includes four racks for two kayaks, four straps, and a set of mounting hardware.
- Wide mouth J bar design
Dimensions and Specs
- Brand: ECOTRIC
- Color: black
- Item weight: 15.6 pounds
- Dimensions: 17.6 x 11.65 x 6.14 inches
Conclusion: Best Kayak Racks
Each of the kayak roof racks on this list can help you safely and reliably transport your kayak to and from the water. Ultimately, it is important to take some time and consider how often you will be using the carrier and how much you want to invest. There are a lot of great options available on this list, and ultimately they have minor differences. Take some time looking at each of them to determine which of them is the best kayak rack for you.
What Are the Best LED rock Lights for your Jeep, Truck or SUV? Find Out in Our 2021 Review
Overland enthusiasts and truck tuners can both agree on the need for a great set of rock lights. The best LED rock lights are mounted underneath your vehicle and light the path around your truck as you travel off road. The rock lights are designed to compliment your forward facing light bar and side mounted ditch lights. The LED rock lights have also become popular for street use as they create a warm multicolor glow that emanates from the car underbody.
Best Rock Lights for Jeeps and Trucks
ARB BASE Roof Rack Review
ARB Base Rack: The Best Roof Rack for your SUV
One of the most meaningful upgrades that drivers can make to their SUV is a new roof rack. The roof rack that comes standard on your vehicle from the factory is limited by the weight that it can carry and the crossbars available to strap loads onto. Drivers dream of piling tents, bikes, and other overland gear up on the roof without realising that most vehicles have a roof rack weight limit of just 165 lbs.
ARB Base Rack
ARB has been exporting rugged 4×4 parts out of Australia since 1975 and this year they are reinventing the roof rack with their revolutionary ARB Base Rack system. Instead of taking incremental steps forward, ARB has leapt into the lead on roof rack system with an innovative approach to rooftop storage that lets drivers haul more and worry less. Adventurers do not travel as light as they used to, and with the inside of the truck full there is more gear than ever to be stowed safely and easily to the roof. Enter the ARB BASE Rack. [Read more…] about ARB BASE Roof Rack Review