Leader Accessories Folding Kayak Rack 4 PCS/Set J Bar Car Roof Rack for Canoe Surf Board SUP On Roof Top Mount on SUV, Car and Truck Crossbar with 4 pcs Tie Down Straps
$129.99
Price: $129.99 - 129.99
(as of Feb 13, 2025 15:54:32 UTC – Details)
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Vehicle Racks & Carriers
Fold Down Kayak Roof Racks
Transporting a kayak doesn’t have to be a hassle. With fold down kayak roof racks, you can ensure safe, secure, and easy transportation without compromising the integrity of your vehicle or kayak. In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about folding kayak racks, their features, benefits, uses, and why they’re the ultimate choice for kayak enthusiasts.
Why Choose a Fold Down Kayak Roof Rack?
A fold down kayak roof rack offers more than just a simple transportation solution. Let’s explore why it’s the best option for securely carrying your kayak.
1. Heavy Duty Construction for Maximum Durability
One of the key advantages of fold down kayak roof racks is their heavy-duty construction. Made from 22mm diameter and 1.5mm thick steel tubing, these racks are designed to resist extreme weather conditions and carry heavy loads, with a weight capacity of up to 150 lbs. The black powder-coated steel prevents rust and ensures the racks last a lifetime, making them the ideal solution for kayak transport.
2. Space-Saving and Convenient Folding Design
The folding kayak rack design is ergonomic and easy to use. You can quickly fold the racks flat when not in use, ensuring better clearance for your garage or parking. This ergonomic quick-release design makes it easier to fold and raise the racks than traditional models.
3. Scratch Protection for Your Kayak
To ensure that your kayak remains in pristine condition, the fold down kayak roof rack features foam padding and rubber pedals. These additions help to prevent scratches and damage to the kayak during transport, providing peace of mind while on the road.
4. Universal Mounting for Versatility
Whether you have square, factory, or aerodynamic crossbars, these racks are designed to be compatible with most crossbar systems, except for round bars. This universal mounting design makes the fold down kayak roof rack suitable for a wide range of vehicles, allowing kayak enthusiasts to transport their kayaks easily.
How to Install a Fold Down Kayak Roof
Step 1: Preparing Your Vehicle
Before installing the fold down kayak roof rack, make sure your vehicle has the proper crossbars installed. Clean the area to ensure a secure and scratch-free installation.
Step 2: Attaching the Rack
Follow the provided instructions to attach the rack to your crossbars. The universal mounting design ensures a straightforward installation process that doesn’t require specialized tools.
Step 3: Securing Your Kayak
Once the rack is installed, place your kayak on the rack, ensuring it’s properly centered. Use the included tie-down straps to securely fasten the kayak to the folding kayak roof rack.
Key Benefits of Fold Down Kayak Roof Racks
1. Protection Against Damage
The foam padding and rubber pedals on the fold down kayak roof rack reduce the risk of scratches and scuff marks on your kayak during transport, ensuring your equipment remains in excellent condition.
2. Easy Loading and Unloading
The foldable design and quick-release mechanism make loading and unloading your kayak quick and hassle-free, reducing the time spent preparing for your next adventure.
3. Increased Clearance and Storage
The ability to fold the racks flat when not in use ensures better clearance when driving into your garage or parking spaces, giving you more flexibility without having to remove the racks.
4. Versatile Usage for Different Sports Equipment
In addition to kayaks, this versatile folding kayak roof rack can also be used to carry other sports equipment such as canoes, surfboards, snowboards, and stand-up paddleboards (SUPs), making it a great all-around option for water and snow sports enthusiasts.
Common Uses of Fold Down Kayak Roof Racks
- Transporting Kayaks: The primary use is to carry kayaks, making it easier to take your kayak to various water bodies without worrying about damage.
- Carrying Surfboards and SUPs: In addition to kayaks, the folding kayak rack can be used for other outdoor gear, allowing you to transport multiple types of equipment.
- Snowboard and Ski Transport: During the winter, use the fold down kayak roof rack to carry snowboards and skis, making it an all-season solution for outdoor enthusiasts.
Why Fold Down Kayak Roof Racks are the Best Choice for Your Kayak
1. Durability
Made with heavy-duty construction and black powder-coated steel, this rack is built to withstand harsh weather conditions, ensuring it remains functional for many years.
2. Convenience
The folding kayak roof rack can be folded flat when not in use, allowing you to save space and avoid the hassle of removing the racks entirely.
3. Versatility
With a universal mounting system, the fold down kayak rack fits a wide variety of vehicles, making it accessible for almost any car model with crossbars.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the weight capacity of a fold down kayak roof rack?
The fold down kayak roof rack can carry up to 150 lbs, which is more than sufficient for most kayaks and outdoor equipment.
2. Is the rack compatible with all crossbars?
The fold down kayak roof rack is compatible with most square, factory, and aerodynamic crossbars, but not with round bars.
3. How do I install a fold down kayak roof rack?
The installation process is easy and straightforward. Attach the rack to your vehicle’s crossbars and secure the kayak with the included tie-down straps.
4. Does the rack protect my kayak from scratches?
Yes, the foam padding and rubber pedals on the fold down kayak roof rack reduce the risk of scratches and damage during transport.
5. Can I use this rack for other sports equipment?
Absolutely! In addition to kayaks, you can use the folding kayak roof rack for transporting canoes, surfboards, snowboards, and SUPs.
6. How much clearance does the folded rack provide?
When folded, the fold down kayak roof rack offers significantly better clearance, allowing you to drive into garages or tight spaces without removing the rack.
7. How durable is the fold down kayak roof rack?
The heavy-duty construction and black powder-coated steel ensure the rack is highly durable, rust-resistant, and can withstand harsh weather conditions.
8. Are tie-down straps included with the fold down kayak roof?
Yes, the fold down kayak roof comes with four tie-down straps to securely fasten your kayak during transport.
9. Can the rack be used in all weather conditions?
Yes, the rack is designed to withstand all weather conditions, thanks to its rust-resistant black powder coating and heavy-duty construction.
10. Is the rack easy to fold and store?
Yes, the folding kayak roof features an ergonomic quick-release design that makes it easy to fold and store when not in use.
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Dad –
They do the job well
I purchased these to replace some permanent J-Hooks which weren’t foldable. Now, I can park my car in the garage and have seen marginally better fuel efficiency with my car. Installation was as easy as my other J-Hooks…as long as your cross bars aren’t round, you’ll be fine with these. I make a point of checking the tightness every so often and they’ve held up very well for the month I’ve had them on my car. I’ve been at highway speeds with my 10-foot kayaks strapped in and I haven’t experienced any issues at all.The latch mechanism which is used to open and close the bars seems to get the most attention from other reviews, so I’ll focus on that. Yes, the latch is plastic and I can see it as a point of weakness, but it has a very durable, sturdy feel to it. It’s very thick plastic which doesn’t feel like it has any give to it. I feel confident that it is going to last quite a while. The teeth that hold the long bar in place are also very well designed. They are large, squared-off, almost gear-like in shape and they lock the bar in place exceptionally well. When locking the latch, you do need to make sure the teeth are lined up before locking…I can see that as a point of frustration for some. But with a little common-sense care, things lock into place quickly and easily.Overall, I’m very satisfied with these as a safe and secure way to haul my kayaks.
Paul B –
Excellent rack for this pricepoint
I bought this rack system in March of 2021 when we bought our 12′ Wilderness Kayaks. I’ve used it heavily for 2 seasons and it has performed exceptionally well. It’s easy to install and remove but I leave it on all season until it’s time to replace it with the ski rack. The angle of the upright supports is adjustable and they fold down completely flat when not in use. The tension straps provided are more than sufficient to secure 2 12′ kayaks to my Jeep Grand Cherokee without having to put additional lines to the bumpers to secure the boats. We’ve gone on 4+ hour drives with the kayaks in place and have never had a problem.The finish of them has held up very well. The hardware is Zinc coated so some of the areas are showing a very minor amount of rust. Those concerned can easily change out the provided hardware with stainless by going to your local hardware store for replacements. The black powder coat on the steel tube frames have held up nicely and even the foam pads are still in great shape. There’s all kinds of racks you can buy but this one works well and is a great value. I highly recommend it.
E. Manley –
A great choice if you want to save some money
It’s ridiculous how much more expensive the name brand cradles are. I used these for one season so far on my Yakima HD crossbars and they performed excellently.I do have a few minor complaints below, but overall for the price they are still worth the small added costs described below.I did have to get slightly longer carriage bolts (a couple bucks at Home Depot) instead of using the included ones due to the thickness of these crossbars. Also used lock nuts instead of the plastic hand knobs since I don’t intend to frequently put them on and off.Left in place for a good 6 months, no degradation of the foam padding from exposure to the elements, yet. The mechanism for locking the cradles in position takes some effort to manipulate, but so far holding up well.The included straps work okay, but they aren’t very durable. Worked fine for a couple of uses, but began to show wear quickly.At the cost of this set, though, I still consider it a bargain for the kayak cradles alone. Definitely recommend purchasing some decent straps and don’t count on the cheap ones included here.
Maria K –
Awesome for two
Love these! Easy to attach to vehicle and very sturdy. Holds two kayaks great. Only giving 4 stars because the straps provided aren’t good quality at all. Will definitely want to replace and skeptical about relying on those alone.
Robert huff –
A little Leary
I read a lot of reviews about these but thought I would give it a try. Works great don’t know why there are so many 1 star reviews. Install them correctly and make sure the bolts are tight and your kayaks are tied down correctly and you are good to go. Over 10,000 miles of being on the roof with 2 kayaks and no problems
GraniteHorse –
Amazing quality and design but Hardware doesn’t work, Disappointed
So was super excited with the quality and fold down design of the kayak racks for my flat bar roof racks, but upon trying to install found out that the bolts it comes with are way too long! No matter which way you turn them they are too long.If you follow directions, they hit my roof and if left would damage my car, even empty, would be worse if loaded weight on it. Tried flipping the opposite direction, and this gouges the kayaks, not good either.So only option is to return, or hunt for the metric bolts that are the right length or try to cut bolts. Either way, it’s time and money I should not have to spend or do, given what was paid for these racks!As stated in my video we are deciding whether they will be kept, I have after weeks of searching found metric bolts that are short enough to not gouge my car, but I am not certain they are working properly, so since I still have time I may still opt to return these as I am just not happy with how much I spent and how they are working.It’s sad because the overall quality and fold down design is awesome but the fact it came with hardware that doesn’t work and doesn’t fit the flat bar too well, as they described…I’m just not sure I want to keep and risk having my car damaged. I included the last two pics to show it on my car with the shorter bolts I found, but these racks still just don’t fit well and we’re supposed to be for my type of roof racks. Even with the shorter bolts, the wing nut that goes on bottom will still hit and scratch my car once the weight of kayaks is on the holders.Very disappointed….Haven’t been able to use, so we had to cancel 2 different kayak trips that were planned.
Gary Matteson –
Good quality, cost-effective
good, solid kayak carrier!
Graham Tate –
Attached two kayaks at the same time. 2 hour drive in rain with high winds over a pretty good sized bridge. Rock solid.