Guide To Kayak Loaders For Cars And SUVs 2025

When your kayak is heavy or if you're on your own, it cannot be easy to get it onto the roof of your car or SUV. There might be an easier way to load kayaks with kayak loaders.

To better understand what loaders are and how they might help you on your next kayaking trip, we've put together this guide.

How Do Kayak Loaders Work?

It would be best to have a kayak loader to load your kayak onto your vehicle's roof rack.

A kayak loader is not a roof rack but works in conjunction with one. It is designed to make loading easier without lifting the entire weight of the yak.

They can assist you in lifting the craft onto your vehicle's roof, taking some of the weight load. The type of loading help you need depends on what you need.

Some are gas assisted, which can help lighten the load; others provide load support that you can use to load one side of the yak at a time.

How Does A Kayak Loader Work?

If you have a kayak or tandem/double that is particularly heavy and you want to paddle by yourself, loading it onto your car can be difficult. However, kayak loaders allow you to lift only a portion of the vessel's weight at a time.

With the help of a kayak loader, loading a yak can be much easier if you have a tall car, such as an SUV or minivan. In other words, it can assist you in getting the yak up to the height of your roof without you having to lift its entire weight.

The tool also allows people to take their yaks on the road without needing a second person or requiring much upper body strength.

How should I choose a loader?

Lift with the gas assist

A kayak loader with gas assist technology can help you load heavier kayaks onto your car's roof. A loader with gas assistance can make your yak appear lighter by taking some of the weight of your vessel as you lift it to the top, especially if you have a taller vehicle or SUV.

Loading from the side (and rear)

How to load a kayak on your vehicle with only one person

With a side loading rack, loading a vessel can be easier since you can stand closer to your car.

Loading from the rear may be more difficult if you drive a sedan or vehicle with an extended trunk. You may need rollers to load from the bottom.

One Person Kayak Loader