Yakima JayLow J-Cradle Rooftop Kayak Mount for Crossbars, 1 or 2 Boats

Among my friends, I am the only one who drives a vehicle capable of transporting kayaks without any extra equipment. I have always just thrown them in the back, but I can only fit two inside the vehicle. In an effort to increase my capacity to bring more friends out on the water, I purchased two sets of these racks. They attached directly to my Suburban's aero-style bars, but had cutouts for square bars and sleeves for round bars as well. Once attached, they were very secure. The only way they were going anywhere is if they sheared the crossbars off the roof itself. I purchased the Yakima lock cores, which I felt is an unnecessary secondary purchase. They really should just build these into the racks. Strapping the boats takes less than 5 minutes if you're only putting one on, obviously longer if you're strapping two to a rack. It was kind of confusing at first figuring out what goes where for two on a rack, but now that I've done it a few times, I can get 4 kayaks on my roof ready for the road in less than 30 minutes with one other person to help. The racks came with bow and stern straps, but I didn't really feel comfortable with them in the front after the first trip. The straps would shake with the wind, even with a couple twists in them, and the backpack-style buckles didn't inspire much confidence. I have since purchased two sets of the Yakima Bow and Stern Tiedowns with the ratchet-style tightening system and rope. I use all 4 in the front (since that's where the most force is while driving) and hook them directly into the push bar on the front of my vehicle. I still use the supplied straps for the rear. **The bow and stern straps are the most important part of this whole system. They are what keep the boats in your car at speed. Without them, the wind would shear the rack right off your car. They are only attached with thin sheet metal screws. It is because if this I would recommend getting a better tiedown system, at least for the front. All told, I am very happy with this purchase. I am able to fit 4 boats on the roof of my vehicle, which leaves room inside for friends and gear. I don't have pictures with 4 on there, but you can see if I straightened the rack with the green boat that there is enough room to put another kayak on the other side of the rack. I have had 4 boats on the roof and driven 70mph on the highway with no problems whatsoever (aside from the wind noise, which is unavoidable). I will update if anything changes, but for now, I would definitely recommend these.

It's great! Fits 2 full sized kayaks with the footprint of one kayak rack. You might be confused on how this could fit 2, just watch a YouTube video, it's simple.

I got these to fit on my Yakima aerodynamic cross rails for kayak transporting. They fit snugly and securely and are easy to get on/off and the fold-down feature is really nice so my Rav4 can fit in the garage. I've only used them three times since purchase so I cannot comment on longevity but they seem to be well made with sturdy components. My main dislike is that, combined with the Yakima rail system, they set well in from the edge of my car's roof - enough that I have to use a blanket to protect my car from getting scuffed when putting the kayak on and off by myself. Without the blanket, the kayak would undoubtedly scuff the crap out of my car thru incidental contact. The other thing which may or may not be a big deal is that the folding arm has a bit of a wobble when 'locked' into whatever position. It doesn't seem like a defect as much as just how it is - probably so it is easier to reposition. When my kayak is strapped securely in, it doesn't wobble but time will tell if that wobble wears out the position locking mechanism inside.

I have two sets of these racks for carrying two kayaks on a late model Prius. The kayaks almost touch one another at the top where they lean in but it fits perfectly. I have not tried to put two kayaks on one pair of racks like the description says you can do, but I assume it works. Installation is very easy (at least on Yakima bars) and they seem sturdy - my kayaks weigh 50 lbs each. The racks fold down easily when not in use. I find some of the other reviews confusing. If you tighten the red folding lever before you close it I am not sure how it would come open on its own. I can only assume people are taking the rack out of the box and not tightening/turning the lever before folding it down, which would allow it to randomly come open. When you tighten the thing it is tight. The mechanism works similar to bike seat post clamp. I also do not hear a whistle when I am driving with or without kayaks on the car. Maybe I am deaf or they changed something (but I do have the Yakima wind fairing). The hooks they provide to tie down the front and back of the kayak are pretty useless and clumsy. You really need to get the straps that you close in the trunk and hood lids instead. I have only used the racks three times so far, so if I encounter any issues I will update here. Also, I would buy better quality and lighter kayaks if I had it to do over again.

I really like these and love that they fold down. I did get some whine at interstate speeds so, like others, I put black electrical tape over the holes and it stopped. Love that they lock since I live and kayak in the city. Love that they fold down so I don't have to worry about parking garage clearances or extra wind drag. I have not noticed any unusual wind drag. I thought about taking them off of my Outback during the winter but then was afraid I would never be able to find my silver car in large parking lots! I have two sets for two kayaks and would buy them again. I like the way they tie down, the padded base and the small lip. I am short so had to get a small folding step stool to get the boats on and off of the roof but have had no problems with the straps although I do need to cut off some of the excess.

Easy to install and use! 2 Year Update - The quality of this Kayak carrier has been excellent! I leave the carriers on my car 100% of the time. The foam has held up to the exposure and use with no tearing and minimal wear showing. I am not a daily user, but probably monthly and at least twice yearly to transport about 700 miles round trip. My only complaint about this kit is regarding the included straps. I don't think they are sufficient. If I am going to put something like a Kayak on top of my car, then I want to know it is secure. I transitioned to ratchet straps. I would recommend this to anyone using this setup! I didn't dock the product because of this though because I think this is a needed upgrade for any carrier of this style. The quality of the Yakima carrier is excellent. I have used it in both configurations to transport either one or two kayaks. My experience is that in any configuration, the kayak(s) are held firm with no wobble. Lastly, I love that these fold down when not in use! Laying the carrier down makes it easy to keep on the car because my car would not fit through the garage door while they are in the upright position.

just recently got a kayak and was using the foam blocks you put on top of your car but it was a huge hassle for me to tie down. Wanted something that was easier to load my kayak on and worked with my roof rack. I looked at several options before narrowing it down to this style and based on price and reviews, this brand. I have used it twice so far and love it! The cradles fit easily onto the roof rack of my Pathfinder and the tie downs that come with it are strong and easy to adjust. I still have to use a step ladder to tie down(I am only 5'6" and have a mid size SUV so putting anything on the roof requires the stool) but putting up my kayak was quick and easy. I was able to load, tie, and leave before before the people next to me got their canoe tied down(there were 3 of them!) I am always concerned when I first tie things on the roof(I am probably not alone thinking all the bad things that can happened if your load comes loose)but mu kayak did not budge at all even at freeway speeds. I would highly recommend this. I will be looking into getting the locks for it so I can leave it on my vehicle in the summer but for now I just remove them when not in use.

I am admittedly new to Kayak racks, however, this was extremely easy to use and in no time I was getting my kayak loaded up to go places in just a few minutes. It secured well and easily to my Honda Passport factory default rails, and would many others I'm sure. The Yakima straps are very sturdy and strong, unlike some other's I bought to secure a second kayak that snapped while I was loading the second kayak. It held my Kayak securely through several road trips from local bumpy gravel roads to highways going 80 mph or so. Loading a second Kayak was also pretty easy to do, you WILL however need a second set of bow/stern straps and they recommend a second set of hull straps (although I have managed without). Just make sure your additional straps are Yakima, too, so they don't bust like the Chinese ones I got. It also stores easily in the box it came with when I'm not using it. Honestly I'm not sure I could be more satisfied with the product, it has performed well for me and was even cheaper than some other brands I don't think would have performed as well. I will update when I've used it for a longer period of time (I'm at 2 months of fairly frequent use now).

I really love these kayak racks. They install very easily on my Thule crossbars in under five minutes, and store perfectly under the cargo space of my Hyundai Tucson when not in use. I only started kayaking this year and was worried about how to transport the kayak, but these racks are very easy to install on the crossbars and to secure the kayak. The racks also came with the necessary bow and stern lines with an adjustable protector to prevent damage to the paint where it contacts the front and rear of the car. I would highly recommend these racks, they are worth the money in my view.

These are the best J racks I've ever used. Solid construction with no assembly required. They fit tightly to aero cross bars and I'm able to easily carry two 12 ft kayaks knowing they will not move. The load assists are a real bonus when getting the boats on. I did not bother getting the locks as they mount and dismount so quickly I just take them off and lock in the trunk. Worth the money.

Very easy to get on and off. The ability to fold them down when not in use is nice if you don't want to take them off each time. Much better than my old J cradles.

Well, we spring for two sets as you can see. They work absolutely great, were a breeze to put on, and we did get the locks also so we can leave them on through the summer. The straps that come with them are so easy to use and seem to hold tight without crushing the kayaks. Very happy that we can load up on a nice day and hit the water without a huge production. They also fold down and blend in fairly nice when not in use, very happy

UPDATED: After 4 years, still LOVING this rack! Received it in less than a week, small compact box. Incredibly easy to set up - it fit right on our Toyota Highlander rack, very clever design. We used it for two kayaks as well as for one kayak. We actually placed the second kayak on its keel, with foamies (which we had) but tied it to the rack and the other kayak. We had to improvise a bit as our vehicle does not have metal front hook, but we got it to work. It was GREAT! I can't get over how easy it is to install and to use. Our kayaks have never felt so secure! Wow. We are very, very impressed.