Rated 5 out of 5 by photoTed Easy to use, holds kayaks securely
It's been years since I used my kayaks because I sold the SUV (in favor of a hybrid) that had a roof rack. As my grandson grows I figured kayaking would be fun and found this carrier at my most trusted vendor.
It's quick to use and holds the boats securely. Alone I got a 12.5' kayak on the car in 10 minutes. While it comes with straps to hold the bow to the front of the car, I did not find those necessary, at least for the 20 minute trips I've taken so far.
I have purchased three.
June 12, 2013
Rated 5 out of 5 by kalysp gets the job done
I bought the universal car top kayak carrier for a quick way to transport my kayak. It is easy to use, and with all things made for universal purpose, it gets the job done. I have a small car, and find that the middle supports going through the open doors, and then shutting the doors on the straps provides the safest and sturdiest fit.
May 15, 2013
Rated 5 out of 5 by maggpie Great Kayak Carrier
I love this kayak carrier. It is simple to use and I love that when you are done you can just tuck it away in your trunk until you are ready to use it again. Makes it easy to let someone borrow your kayak also.
September 19, 2012
Rated 5 out of 5 by fishforever UNIVERSAL CARTOP KAYAK CARRIER
The carrier worked well for me. After I left the store I travelled 57 mi at 60 mph and got home ok with the kayak still very secured. I did not have a cover on and if it has rained I would have had water in it since the kayak is right side up. A secured cockpit cover will solve the problem in case of rain.
August 13, 2012
Rated 5 out of 5 by JNR527 So easy to use
I bought this 2 weeks ago, when I received my first kayak as a gift. I had no idea how to use or what to do, but this product is super easy to use and convenient to store. I love how everything fits back into its own small bag. LLBean has great quality products and I know if I ever need to return they will take care of it immediately, I love llbean and will be back for more!
July 18, 2012
Rated 5 out of 5 by Louise111 love it on sunny days
This carrier works great. Fits over the wide car-top carrier rails on my Toyota Sienna. I did as another reviewer did and put a blanket on the back of my van to protect it as I slid the kayak into place. The only down side is that the kayak sits right-side-up and if it rains, it will fill with water. I need to get a cover for my kayak which will make it harder to lift because if the cock-pit is covered, there is no place to grab. I'm working on the dilemma. Still, the price is right and it's an easy-to-use carrier!
June 28, 2012
Rated 5 out of 5 by GreatNorthWoodsGuy Car Top Carrier
Not wanting to spend hundreds of dollars on a cartop carrier, this foam carrier and straps is a great value. I'd recommend this to anyone who wants to paddle, yet has a limited budget.
June 27, 2012
Rated 4 out of 5 by DrReader45 Good Budget Alternative
The carrier works well enough; the boat felt quite secure on a 60-mile highway trip at speeds close to 65 mph. Two minor concerns -- the V-shaped tie system puts a fair amount of strapping in front of the windshield, and the wind effect can be quite noisy even at speeds as low as 30mph. With a 12-foot kayak, there's a lot of extra strapping to be tucked away. But it's hundreds cheaper than a hard track, and can be used on any vehicle.
June 13, 2012
Rated 4 out of 5 by Darthstar kayak cartop karrier
I was a little nervous at first having used the Thule set up on a friend's car all season but it worked just fine. I added locking caribiners to make myself even less concerned and the kayak stayed up on the roof of my small car on highways and back roads with no problem. I'll be using this set up a lot next summer!
November 20, 2010
Rated 5 out of 5 by lynb Works great!
I was initially unsure of using this, but it was recommended to me as an easy, inexpensive way to transport my kayak (I have no roof bars). All the buckles and straps stay where you put them and hold the kayak very securely. Good directions included also.
July 10, 2010