0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and b… Quicksilver Rewards Calculators How we make money
VOATLAS
How to Buy a Roof Rack and Kayak Carrier

How to · Auto

How to Buy a Roof Rack and Kayak Carrier

Get your car ready for the water with end-of-summer sales and a simple payment plan.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $850 before anything else
Across the 0% window $47.22/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $850 spread evenly across the 18-month introductory window on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

Loading boats onto the roof changes how your car handles. You feel the crosswinds on the highway, and you notice the extra pull when you step on the gas. It is a setup you want to buy once and trust for years, but getting the towers, bars, and J-cradles adds up fast when you buy everything new at once.

End-of-summer sales are the sweet spot for this gear. Retailers clear out inventory as the paddling season winds down, making it the best time to find markdowns. Keep negotiation separate from how you pay, since local shops and online gear outfitter prices are usually set, but timing your purchase right does the heavy lifting on price.

That intro window is a hard deadline, not free money. If you still have a balance left when the 18 months are up, deferred interest or standard rates will kick in on what remains.

The steps

  1. 01

    Check your roof type

    Look at whether you have bare roofs, factory side rails, or fixed points. Every vehicle needs a specific fit kit, so do not guess on the measurements. Buying the wrong clips means paying return shipping and waiting another week.

  2. 02

    Hit the end-of-summer sales

    Shop right as September starts to catch clearance events on outdoor gear. Brands often mark down racks and carriers by twenty percent to make room for winter ski equipment. Check both specialty paddle shops and major outdoor retailers for price matches.

  3. 03

    Spread out the cost

    If you are buying a setup that costs about $850, you can use the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card, which gives you 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. Spreading that total across the window comes out to about $47.22 per month. Set up auto-pay so you do not have to think about it.

  4. 04

    Test fit everything at home

    Assemble the bars and J-cradles in your living room before putting them on the car. Check all bolts and rubber pads to make sure nothing is missing from the box. Putting it together on the driveway is much easier than doing it in a windy parking lot.

  5. 05

    Strap down and test drive

    Mount the rack and take a short drive around the block without the boat first. Listen for wind whistle and check that the towers are gripping the roof securely. Once you load the kayak, always use bow and stern tie-downs for safety.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card carries the date a person verified it against Citi and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Citi Simplicity® Credit Card terms →

Common questions

Will a universal roof rack fit my car?

Mostly no. While the crossbars might fit multiple vehicles, the clips and fit kits are specific to your exact make, model, and year. Always use the manufacturer fit guide before ordering.

Are universal J-cradles safe for heavy kayaks?

Yes, as long as your roof rack weight limit exceeds the combined weight of the carrier and the boat. Check your car manual for the dynamic roof load limit, which is what the roof can handle while driving.

Do I need to take the rack off in the winter?

You do not have to, but taking it off saves you a bit on gas mileage. Wind drag from empty racks cuts your fuel efficiency by a small margin on long highway trips.

How long does installation take?

Plan on spending about two hours for your first install. Adjusting the bar spread and getting the pads seated right takes patience.