Has anybody had problems with kayak hanging low? Any ideas on how to shorten the straps/raise kayak higher?
461681
It hung WAY low. I modified the system by removing the hook from the pulley and bolting it to a 2x4, I attached the strap to the ends of the 2x4. It creates "D" shape with the straight part of the "D" being the 2x4 with the pulley,and the round part of the "D" being the strap shortened to fit snugly around your kayak. This mod took the kayak 30" closer to the ceiling.
461682
yes I did, I twisted the straps into each other until I achieved the right level. worked good for me.
461683
Throw away the straps provided and buy adjustable tie downs at rei or other. It's still going to drop down the distance of the hooks and pulleys
461684
Yes, I just tied a knot in each strap to adjust the hanging low issue. Worked perfectly.
461685
Get a 2X4 the length of your kayak's width. Cut multiple slots in it and run the straps through. More slots you cut more loops you can make. Make the farthest slots the width of your kayak. The two slots near center where straps exit should be 5 inch apart. Shopped HomeDepot for something ready made. Shelving ,grills. Don't trust those wire weldings. Keep the strap around kayak loosely so you can get the straps on and off easily.I received my hoist this week. Install is a cinch if you follow youtube video for a competitor brand. The ropes are low quality. Easily frayed. Get a 2X4 the length of your kayak's width. Cut multiple slots in it and run the straps through. More slots you cut more loops you can make. Make the farthest slots the width of your kayak. The two slots near center where straps exit should be 5 inch apart. Shopped HomeDepot for something ready made. Shelving ,grills. Don't trust those wire weldings. Keep the strap around kayak loosely so you can get the straps on and off easily.I received my hoist this week. Install is a cinch if you follow youtube video for a competitor brand. The ropes are low quality.... » Read More Get a 2X4 the length of your kayak's width. Cut multiple slots in it and run the straps through. More slots you cut more loops you can make. Make the farthest slots the width of your kayak. The two slots near center where straps exit should be 5 inch apart. Shopped HomeDepot for something ready made. Shelving ,grills. Don't trust those wire weldings. Keep the strap around kayak loosely so you can get the straps on and off easily.I received my hoist this week. Install is a cinch if you follow youtube video for a competitor brand. The ropes are low quality. Easily frayed. « Show Less
461686
I had that problem since the kayak was hanging from my garage ceiling and I couldn't get my car under it. I tied a knot in the middle of the strap and adjusted it accordingly. That worked perfectly.
1966960
Although our kayak rack is in the garage and rests on boards due to dirt floor, I would agree with Scott and LC. Their precautions make sense. It may be possible for the top kayak to become dislodged if it gets blown about by extra strong winds.
612542
Sounds like user error... I have no issue, I am an experienced paddler and I don't have any issue. Make sure everything is pumped up evenly and your skegs are in good shape.
1300224
I don't think it had instructions how to secure it. You kind of just have to loop the straps around the kayak and the carrier
2130518
Mine doesn't go up all the way either but I think it's designed that way. It has not caused any problems for me as the bottom stays on without being hooked on at that point.
753599
Hi, with a kayak, you should be able to rig it to hang any way you like. It may require a double wrap around the hull to ensure it doesn't roll upright, but I'm sure you could figure it out.
986486
I place the kayak in the racks facing out. I run the straps over the top of the j-rack first with the buckle in the middle area of the kayak. The straps come down the kayak sides that are facing outward and loop over the bottom of the j-rack. I then connect the strap to the buckle and tighten. Let me know if that makes sense.
1091292
I am no expert, but I would suggest that you try adjusting where you have attached the hammock to the chain that is attached to the frame. It sounds to me like you have it too tight. Try moving the caribiner down on each chain a few rungs. Give it some slack. Hope that helps.
1363251
I had the same problem, but after a few trys I stretched it full out and it worked, then I had a problem hooking it to the rails as they were wider, I found if you tip the plastic to the outside it will jiggle in place. I have enjoyed using them.
207508
I have exactly same issue. I contacted Lifetime and they don't have any anchors as this is supposed to be free standing. They mentioned that some movement is normal.
1420603
I've used this with one and two kayaks. The only problem i had was with the length of the screws holding the brackets on. The forward crossbar on my mountaineer was closer to the roof and the weight of the kayaks made the screw rub on the roof. My crossbars were flat and the brackets didn't fit that well. i made some modifications and it was pretty secure. Not a bad roof rack for the $$. I like the way this rack system folds down when not in use. I think the J racks are better by far but they're so pricey.
2282782
It can be a bit tricky. But once you get it figured out it will be a breeze. Lets see if i can help. First off make sure you have the rope and pulleys set up correctly. Look at the photo on the package, it helped me as i got mine all messed up. It also works best with a load on it. Hard to lock and unlock with out a load. With some weight on it you should be able to pull up on rope, when you want to lock it just pull into narrow groove on locking pulley bar. the bar will then raise up and lock. To release pull down on rope and slowly lower load while you keep rope in locking bar in the larger part of bar. It works best for me to keep pulley and hoisting rope facing the same direction. If you are at an angle or off set, it wants to lock. Built in safety feature i guess. I use one of these for a deer hanger and i also use two for hoisting my kayak up to the ceiling for storage. Just practice a little with some weight on it and watch how it all works together. You will get it.. Hope this helps
2259429
I cant answer, i use one j hook per kayak. The straps are very long so the kayak model should not be an issue. I do not use the long straps. Gravity and the angle of the bend in the hook keep my tarpon 120 in place. Both my kayaks are 12 feet long and weigh 60-80 lbs depending on cargo. I am short 5'7 and i can lift them off the hooks easily.
2026398
For our 2 kayaks we did not purchase extra tie downs. Someone showed us a different way to put them on the rack but his way required to purchase of extra. We did it per the instructions & it worked just fine.
1687827
hmmm no, probably you know this already but you can adjust the height, try making it lower or higher , or reducing the tension , might help, but I use it all the time , no problem so far
2124952
Contact them directly. They have a modified part now and will be sending the whole new piece to you (more than likely) they did for me when my hammock didn't line up properly.
2170134
Have had no problems with kayak; however, I did lose the FIN while going across rocks. Cannot find a replacement. Just take fin off if you know you are going to be in shallow water.