Transporting your kayak from your vehicle to the water’s edge can be the most challenging part of a paddling adventure. A reliable kayak carrier eliminates the struggle of carrying a heavy, awkward boat, saving your back and energy for the fun part. Whether you need a cart for rugged portages or a roof rack system for secure highway travel, the right gear makes all the difference.
ABN offers a range of universal carriers designed to meet various needs, from simple foam blocks to heavy-duty carts. This roundup explores the best ABN and comparable universal kayak carriers available, highlighting their key features and benefits. Our goal is to help you find the perfect solution for easy and secure boat transport, ensuring you spend less time lugging and more time on the water.
Our Top Picks for ABN Universal Kayak Carriers
- ABN Universal Kayak Carrier 2-Pack – Trolley for Carrying Kayaks
- Bonnlo Universal Kayak Carrier – Trolley with Inflation-Free Solid Tires
- Taelakeni 2 Pairs Kayak Carrier Racks, Universal Cars Kayak Roof J Bar
- MorTime 27″ Heavy Duty Kayak Cart, Universal Kayak Carrier for Floats
- SUDOO Folding Kayak Roof Rack for 2 Kayaks Universal Kayak Carrier
- ABN Universal Kayak Carrier – Trolley for Carrying Kayaks, Canoes
- WOOWAVE Kayak Carrier Deluxe Carrier Kit Universal Soft Standard Foam
- ABN Adjustable J Hook Kayak Carrier with 8 Tie Down Straps
- ABN Universal Kayak Canoe Carrier for Car SUV or Truck
ABN Universal Kayak Carrier 2-Pack – Trolley for Carrying Kayaks
This two-pack from ABN provides excellent value for paddlers who own multiple boats or frequently go out with a friend. The carrier is built for practicality, capable of transporting kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, float mats, and even small jon boats. Its durable construction features high-strength anodized steel, which provides a robust 200-pound weight limit per cart while keeping the unit’s own weight manageable at just 8 pounds.
The tire design is a key benefit for handling varied terrain. The 9.5-inch knobby tires are easy to inflate and allow for smooth movement across challenging surfaces like sand, gravel, and wooded trails. This makes the journey from your car to a remote launch spot significantly easier, preserving your energy for paddling.
Bonnlo Universal Kayak Carrier – Trolley with Inflation-Free Solid Tires
The Bonnlo kayak trolley stands out with its inflation-free solid tires, eliminating the worry of flats during your excursion. The large-diameter, 10-inch by 3-inch solid PU tires are odor-free and provide a streamlined movement over sand, lawns, and other rough terrain. With a 200-pound capacity supported by a larger diameter aluminum pipe frame, this cart is built for heavy-duty use.
Convenience is a major advantage of this model. The boat dolly assembles easily and is designed to fold down, making it simple to transport in your car when not in use. You can even disassemble the kayak wheels to pack them into your kayak’s hatches, ensuring you have your cart with you for the return trip from a through-paddle.
Taelakeni 2 Pairs Kayak Carrier Racks, Universal Cars Kayak Roof J Bar
For secure vehicle transport, the Taelakeni J-bar racks offer a reliable solution. This set of two pairs is designed to mount on virtually all crossbars and load bars on the market, though it is not compatible with round bars. The classic J-bar design provides a stable and elevated cradle for your kayak, helping to prevent damage during transit.
Constructed from high-quality steel with a smooth baking finish, these racks have stronger anti-corrosion ability and are not easy to rust, promising a longer service life. With a carrying capacity of 150 pounds per pair, they can handle a variety of items including kayaks, canoes, surfboards, ski boards, and snowboards, making them a versatile addition to your gear.
MorTime 27″ Heavy Duty Kayak Cart, Universal Kayak Carrier for Floats
The MorTime kayak trolley is engineered for sturdiness and user-friendly operation. It features a solid aluminum frame and a sturdy double-leg kickstand that can withstand up to 165 pounds. The high-strength anodized steel construction ensures durability and longevity for many seasons of use.
This model includes large 10-inch by 3-inch solid knobby tires made from high-quality PU with no chemical smell. The tires roll smoothly across rough surfaces like sand, gravel, and wooded areas. A standout feature is the spring-loaded kickstand, which allows for quick loading and folding without any tools. Foam bumper pads on the arms protect your kayak from dents and scratches.
SUDOO Folding Kayak Roof Rack for 2 Kayaks Universal Kayak Carrier
The SUDOO roof rack system offers a clever folding design that enhances convenience and fuel efficiency. When not in use for transporting your kayak, the rack folds completely flat. This design cuts down on wind resistance, which is beneficial for your vehicle’s fuel economy, and also reduces the overall height of your vehicle for easier garage parking.
This set includes four J-bars, allowing you to transport two kayaks securely. The easy-to-assemble design is supported by an installation video for step-by-step guidance. Paying attention to the connector holes during assembly ensures a correct and secure setup for safe travel.
ABN Universal Kayak Carrier – Trolley for Carrying Kayaks, Canoes
This single ABN trolley offers the same reliable performance as the two-pack model, perfect for the individual kayaker. It is a practical tool for carting your kayak, canoe, paddleboard, float mat, or jon boat with ease. The durable build includes a 200-pound weight limit and is constructed from high-strength anodized steel for longevity.
Weighing only 8 pounds, it is easy to handle and store. The 9.5-inch knobby tires are easy to inflate and are designed for smooth movement across a variety of rough surfaces, including sand, gravel, and wooded areas, making your portage significantly less strenuous.
WOOWAVE Kayak Carrier Deluxe Carrier Kit Universal Soft Standard Foam
For a budget-friendly and versatile roof transport solution, the WOOWAVE deluxe carrier kit is an excellent choice. This standard kit fits any car model and includes 2 foam blocks, 2 tie-downs, 2 load straps, S-hooks, and a storage bag. It’s a great way to transport a kayak without a permanent roof rack system.
The kit is lightweight and portable. The 12-inch gunnel-style foam blocks are made from non-skid EVA foam with a universal cut-out profile that fits round, square, and oval load bars. They provide UV resistance and anti-tear strength while helping to prevent scratches on your car’s top. Installation is quick and easy, with all necessary straps included for a secure hold.
ABN Adjustable J Hook Kayak Carrier with 8 Tie Down Straps
This ABN J Hook carrier system is designed for a secure and adjustable vehicle transport experience. The J-hook design allows for an upright kayak position, which is ideal for saving space and transporting multiple boats. The adjustability ensures a custom fit for various kayak sizes and shapes.
Included with the carrier are eight tie-down straps, providing all the necessary hardware for a safe and robust installation. This comprehensive kit means you have everything you need to securely fasten your kayak to your vehicle’s crossbars, giving you confidence on the road.
ABN Universal Kayak Canoe Carrier for Car SUV or Truck
This ABN universal carrier is a versatile solution designed to work with cars, SUVs, and trucks. Its universal design aims to provide a secure mounting option for a wide range of vehicles, making it a flexible choice for households with different cars.
The carrier is built to handle the rigors of transporting kayaks and canoes on the highway. It focuses on providing a stable platform to keep your boat secure during travel, offering peace of mind from the launch point to your final destination.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best ABN Universal Kayak Carrier
So, you’re thinking about getting an ABN universal kayak carrier. Smart move. Having a good carrier completely changes the game when it comes to transporting your boat. No more awkwardly trying to shove it in the back of a truck or praying it stays put with a bunch of old towels and ratchet straps. I’ve been through a few carriers in my time, and I’ve learned what separates a good one from a great one. Let’s talk about what you should be looking for.
First up is compatibility. The term “universal” gets thrown around a lot, but you need to make sure it actually fits your setup. Look at your vehicle’s roof rack—are they round bars, square bars, or maybe even factory rails? Most ABN carriers are designed to be pretty flexible, but double-check the product details to see the exact range of bar thickness it can handle. The last thing you want is to get excited about a new carrier only to find it doesn’t clamp onto your specific crossbars.
Next, consider the padding and protection. Your kayak isn’t cheap, and you don’t want it getting scratched up or dented on the ride to the lake. A good ABN universal kayak carrier will have thick, high-density foam padding. This foam cradles your kayak securely without being too harsh on the hull. I always look for carriers where the padding is replaceable or, at the very least, seems durable enough to withstand sun and rain without crumbling after one season.
Then there’s the strapping system. This is the part that does the actual securing, so it needs to be robust. You want strong, non-stretch nylon straps with reliable buckles. Some carriers come with a single strap, while others have two for extra security. I personally prefer the two-strap system; it just feels more stable, especially on longer highway drives. Also, check for features like extra-long straps if you have a wider kayak or a J-hook style carrier that might need more length to reach the anchor points on your roof rack.
Finally, think about capacity and ease of use. Know your kayak’s weight. A good carrier should have a weight capacity that comfortably exceeds your boat’s weight, giving you a solid safety margin. And don’t forget about loading it by yourself. Some carriers have a pivoting or tilting feature that makes it a one-person job to get the kayak up and secured. For me, that’s a huge quality-of-life feature. It means I can decide to go for a quick paddle on a whim without needing a second pair of hands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will an ABN universal kayak carrier fit on my car’s roof rack?
In almost all cases, yes, that’s the whole point of the “universal” design. These carriers are built to clamp onto a wide variety of crossbar shapes, including round, square, and oval bars. Just make sure to check the product specifications for the exact range of crossbar diameters it can accommodate. It’s a simple measurement you can do with a tape measure on your existing roof rack to be 100% sure before you buy.
How many kayaks can I carry with one of these carriers?
Typically, one carrier is designed to hold one kayak. To transport a single kayak safely, you’ll need two of these carriers placed on your roof rack, one near the front and one near the back. This provides two stable points of contact and prevents the kayak from bouncing or swaying. If you’re looking to carry two kayaks, you would need a total of four carriers, setting up two pairs on your roof rack.
Is it safe to drive on the highway with my kayak on this carrier?
Absolutely, if it’s installed correctly. The key is to follow the instructions carefully. Ensure the carrier is tightly clamped to your crossbars and that the straps are cinched down securely around your kayak. I always give the kayak a firm shake from both ends after it’s strapped down. If there’s significant movement, I tighten the straps a bit more. It’s also a good practice to stop and check the tightness after the first few miles of your drive, just to be safe.
What’s the best way to protect my kayak from scratches?
The carriers themselves are your first line of defense with their thick foam padding. However, for extra protection, especially on longer trips, I sometimes use an additional soft moving blanket between the kayak hull and the carrier pads. Just make sure it doesn’t interfere with the strap’s grip on the kayak. The main goal is to prevent any direct contact between the hard plastic of the carrier and the surface of your kayak.
Can I leave the carrier on my roof rack when I’m not using it?
You can, but I don’t really recommend it for long periods. While they are built to be weather-resistant, constant exposure to sun, rain, and road debris can cause the foam and straps to degrade faster. It also creates extra wind noise and reduces your fuel efficiency. They are usually quick to install and remove, so I tend to just put them on when I know I’m going kayaking and take them off when I get home.