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How to Buy Roof Crossbars for a Kayak Without Stress

How to · Auto

How to Buy Roof Crossbars for a Kayak Without Stress

Get your kayak on the car this spring without draining your checking account all at once.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $450 before anything else
Across the 0% window $25.00/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $450 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.

That kayak sitting in the garage is useless if you cannot haul it to the water, but a solid rack setup is surprisingly steep. Between towers, fit kits, and crossbars, you are looking at a chunk of change before you even touch a paddle. Spring gear sales are the sweet spot for this purchase because outdoor brands drop prices right as the weather turns and people start thinking about the water.

When you are looking at gear like this, keep negotiation separate from how you pay. Dealers and outdoor shops rarely haggle on crossbars, so your best move is timing the sale and using a payment window to spread out the hit. A financing term helps you break a lump sum into manageable pieces without touching your savings.

Remember that the intro window is a deadline, not free money. If you still carry a balance when those 18 months are up, back-end interest will hit hard, so make sure you set up autopay to clear the rack before time runs out.

The steps

  1. 01

    Wait for the spring sale

    Do not buy crossbars in the dead of winter or peak summer. Major outdoor retailers run their best discounts on rack systems right as spring hits. Keep an eye on prices now so you know a real deal when you see one.

  2. 02

    Match the fit to your exact vehicle

    Generic crossbars are a headache and can damage your roof. Use the brand fit guides online to find the exact towers and bars made for your car's year, make, and model. Buy the right parts the first time.

  3. 03

    Spread the cost over time

    The Citi Simplicity® Credit Card gives you 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. Spreading a $450 purchase across that window comes out to about $25.00 per month.

  4. 04

    Factor in locks and straps

    Basic crossbars usually do not include lock cores or tie-down straps. Budget another fifty bucks for locking cylinders so nobody walks off with your rack in a parking lot.

  5. 05

    Install it on a flat driveway

    Do not try to mount a roof rack in a dark, sloped parking space. Give yourself an hour on a calm weekend morning to measure twice and get the tower spacing right.

  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

Are factory roof racks better than aftermarket crossbars?

Factory racks are fine for light loads, but aftermarket crossbars from brands like Thule or Yakima are sturdier and hold a wider variety of kayak carriers. They also sit higher, which protects your car's roof from the bottom of the hull.

Will a roof rack hurt my gas mileage?

Yes, empty crossbars create wind resistance and can drop your fuel economy by a couple of miles per gallon. If you are not heading to the water every weekend, take the crossbars off to save gas.

Do I need a helper to install crossbars?

You can do most rack installations by yourself if you have a step stool. Just take your time aligning the measurements on both sides of the vehicle so the bars sit square.

What is the difference between round, square, and aerodynamic bars?

Square and round bars are cheaper and tough as nails, but they whistle at highway speeds. Aerodynamic bars cost more, but their wing shape cuts down on wind noise significantly.