Attwood J-Style Kayak Roof Rack Carrier Kit 11438-7, Steel Cross Bar Mount, 120 lb Capacity

The Attwood J-Style Kayak Roof Rack Carrier Kit (11438-7) mounts securely to most standard and aftermarket roof rack cross bars, holding a single kayak on its side in a J-shaped cradle for easy loading and unloading. Built from durable powder-coated steel, the carrier is rated to hold up to 120 pounds and includes foam rubber protection pads at the contact points to cushion the kayak's hull and prevent scratches during transport. Because it clamps directly to existing cross bars rather than relying on straps around the vehicle body, it keeps the kayak positioned on its edge, freeing up roof space for additional cargo or a second carrier. The kit ships with detailed instructions for a straightforward installation, and the J-cradle design is a common choice for paddlers who transport their kayak regularly and want a dedicated, always-ready mounting point rather than assembling a strap system each trip.

Specifications

• Brand: Attwood
• Manufacturer Part Number: 11438-7
• Style: J-Style
• Material: Powder-Coated Steel
• Weight Capacity: 120 pounds
• Mounting Type: Standard and Aftermarket Roof Rack Cross Bars
• Included Components: Foam Rubber Protection Pads, Installation Instructions
• Weight: 2.1 pounds
• UPC: 022697143808
• Warranty: 90 Days

Fitment

Fits most standard and aftermarket roof rack cross bars; a universal cross-bar mount rather than a vehicle-specific fitment.

Replaces (OEM)

No OEM cross-reference numbers apply to this part.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Attwood 11438-7 kayak carrier? The Attwood 11438-7 is a J-Style kayak roof rack carrier that mounts to a vehicle's roof rack cross bars and cradles a single kayak on its side for transport.

How much weight can this carrier hold? The 11438-7 J-Style carrier is rated to hold up to 120 pounds, thanks to its powder-coated steel construction.

Will this fit my roof rack? It is designed to mount to most standard and aftermarket roof rack cross bars, making it a universal fit for vehicles that already have cross bars installed.

What is the carrier made of? The 11438-7 is built from durable powder-coated steel, which resists corrosion and holds up to repeated loading and unloading of a kayak.

Does the kit include padding to protect my kayak? Yes, the Attwood 11438-7 includes foam rubber protection pads at the cradle's contact points to prevent scratches to the kayak's hull.

What comes in the box with the 11438-7? The kit includes the J-style steel cradle, foam rubber protection pads, and detailed installation instructions.

Is installation difficult? No. The 11438-7 is designed for easy installation onto existing roof rack cross bars, and detailed instructions are included to guide setup.

How is the J-style design different from a strap-on foam block carrier? The J-Style 11438-7 clamps directly to roof rack cross bars and holds the kayak upright on its edge in a steel cradle, while a foam-block system uses pads and straps across the vehicle roof without requiring existing cross bars.

Does Attwood make a version for vehicles without roof rack cross bars? Yes, Attwood offers a separate rack-free, foam-block carrier kit (model 11441-4) for vehicles that lack cross bars; the 11438-7 J-Style kit specifically requires existing cross bars for mounting.

How much does the 11438-7 carrier weigh? The Attwood 11438-7 J-Style kayak carrier weighs 2.1 pounds.

Is this a genuine Attwood part? Yes, 11438-7 is the genuine Attwood manufacturer part number for this J-Style kayak roof rack carrier kit, backed by a 90-day warranty.

Can this carrier be used for more than one kayak? The 11438-7 is a single J-style cradle designed to carry one kayak; additional units can be mounted alongside it on the same cross bars for multiple kayaks.