Can you put a kayak on a Ford Focus?

Yes—it's possible to carry a kayak on the roof of a Ford Focus with the right rack setup and secure mounting, provided you stay within the car’s roof-load rating.

Understanding the roof load on a Focus

Before mounting, know that the Focus has a maximum roof-load rating that includes the weight of racks and accessories. Exceeding this limit can affect handling and safety. On most Focus variants with roof rails, the recommended roof load sits around 75 kg (about 165 lb), but exact figures vary by year, trim, and whether factory rails are present. Always check the owner’s manual or the door jamb placard for the precise rating before loading your kayak.

Gear you need to transport a kayak safely

To securely transport a kayak on a Ford Focus, you’ll need a few essential items. The following list covers the gear commonly used for a safe and stable setup.

• A compatible roof rack system (factory rails or aftermarket crossbars) rated for the kayak’s weight.


• Kayak cradles or saddle-style carriers that fit your kayak’s hull shape.


• Protective padding or rack pads to prevent hull damage and reduce noise.


• Durable tie-down straps (cam or ratchet) capable of withstanding wind and highway speeds.


• Bow and stern lines or extra tie-downs to secure the kayak at the ends for added stability.


• Optional: a helper to lift the kayak and, if available, lightweight loading aids.

With the right gear selected and correctly installed, you can mount a kayak on a Focus without compromising safety or performance.

Choosing the right carrier and setup

Different kayaks require different cradle configurations. Shorter, lighter recreational kayaks may use compact saddle racks, while longer touring kayaks benefit from full-length J-cradles that cradle the hull more securely. Ensure compatibility with your roof rails or crossbars and distribute weight evenly to minimize wind lift and noise.

How to load and secure a kayak on a Ford Focus

Follow these steps to load and secure the kayak, ensuring it stays put on the highway and in gusty conditions.

1. Check the roof-load rating in the owner's manual or on the door placard to confirm the maximum allowable weight.


2. Assemble and attach the rack system per the manufacturer’s instructions, ensuring all components are tight and level.


3. Place padding on the cradles to protect the kayak and the car’s paint.


4. Carefully lift the kayak onto the rack with the cockpit facing upward, resting the hull on the cradles.


5. Secure the kayak with bow and stern lines to solid anchor points on the vehicle, then tighten the main straps in a criss-cross pattern.


6. Check for movement; if the kayak shifts, readjust the straps and re-tension until it is firmly immobilized.


7. Take a short test drive and re-check all connections after a few miles to ensure no looseness has developed.

Adhering to these steps reduces the risk of the kayak shifting or coming loose while driving.

Safety considerations and practical tips

Transporting a kayak on a small car like the Focus requires extra caution. Consider these practical tips to stay safe on the road.

• Never exceed the roof-load rating; weight includes racks and the kayak itself.


• Use a complete set of tie-downs and secure both the bow and stern as well as the roof straps.


• Pad all contact points to prevent hull damage and reduce road noise.


• Be mindful of height restrictions in garages, drive-throughs, and tree-lined routes.


• Re-check straps after long drives or after encountering strong crosswinds.

Proper loading and routine checks help protect both your vehicle and the kayak while traveling.

Alternatives and considerations

If the roof-load is a concern or you haul kayaks frequently, consider these alternatives to make transport easier or safer for the Focus.

• Opt for a lighter kayak or shorter model that fits more easily within typical roof-load limits.


• Use a hitch-mounted rack or a trailer specifically designed for kayak transport if your Focus is compatible.


• For occasional trips, renting a roof rack or seeking professional installation can be a cost-effective option.

These alternatives can reduce load on the roof while still enabling you to enjoy water-based recreation.

Summary

Yes, you can put a kayak on a Ford Focus with the right equipment and careful loading. Always verify the specific roof-load rating for your model, choose compatible racks and carriers, and secure the kayak with appropriate tie-downs and bow/stern lines. By following manufacturer guidelines and best practices, you can safely transport a kayak to your next water destination without compromising vehicle handling.

How to attach a kayak to a car with no roof rack?

Go to Walmart and buy the large diameter pool noodles . Most kayaks can fit side-by-side on top of a car If not, put noodles between the kayaks and stack them and strap them together. Add bow and stern straps and 1-2 lateral straps to the car frame and you are good to go.

Can any car hold a kayak?

It is easy to transport a kayak on almost any car including sedans, compacts, hatchbacks, SUVs, vans, and trucks. Roof racks are nice, but are definitely not necessary.

What year to stay away from Ford Focus?

The Ford Focus years to avoid are 2012-2016, due to major issues with the automatic PowerShift transmission. Other years to avoid include 2007 and 2008 for electrical and steering problems, and 2017–2018, which had lingering transmission and other issues, although fewer than previous years. 
You can watch this video to learn about the common problems in the 3rd generation Ford Focus: 1m1A Auto: Repair Tips & Secrets Only Mechanics KnowYouTube · Apr 13, 2022
Problematic model years

• 2007–2008: These models are associated with faulty electrical systems, door handle failures, and frequent issues with steering and suspension. 
• 2012–2016: This range is considered the most problematic, primarily due to the PowerShift dual-clutch automatic transmission, which frequently failed and is expensive to repair. Problems included hesitation, jerking, and complete failure, often before 100,000 miles. Some models in this period also had issues with power steering and electrical glitches. 
• 2017–2018: While improved, these years still saw some lingering transmission problems and sporadic electrical issues. 

What to look for in other model years

• Manual transmission: The problematic issues mainly affected the automatic versions of the third-generation Focus (2012-2018). Models with a manual transmission from this period are generally considered more reliable. 
• Earlier models (pre-2012): While not entirely trouble-free, models before 2012, especially around 2011, are often seen as more reliable than their successors due to simpler transmissions. 
• Later models (post-2016): The 2018 and 2019 models are often praised for improved reliability and handling. 

You can watch this video to learn about common problems with Ford Focus models: 1mCarAraCYouTube · Nov 13, 2023

How big is a boot on a Ford Focus?

The Ford Focus has an average-sized boot at 391 litres, which is a bit bigger than the 380 litres found in a Golf and smaller than the 400 litres found in the Honda Civic. It's a good, usable space, though there's no underfloor storage.