Malone DownLoader Kayak Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs - J-Style - Folding - Clamp On
Product Specs:
Watersport Carriers
Kayak
Roof Mount Carrier
No Load Assist
Clamp On
Side Loading
J-Style
Folding
Aero Bars
Factory Bars
Round Bars
Square Bars
Elliptical Bars
Malone
This J-style kayak carrier lets you transport 1 kayak on your roof rack. It leaves room on your crossbars for additional gear, and it folds down when not in use. Includes load straps, tie-downs, and mounting hardware.
Video of Malone DownLoader Kayak Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs - J-Style - Folding - Clamp On
Customer Satisfaction Score:
95% were satisfied with this product
5% of customers were not satisfied
- Wrong item was ordered
- Product did not meet expectations
- Did not fit
Customer Reviews
Malone DownLoader Kayak Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs - J-Style - Folding - Clamp On - MPG114MD
Average Customer Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars (109 Customer Reviews)
This J-style kayak carrier lets you transport 1 kayak on your roof rack. It leaves room on your crossbars for additional gear, and it folds down when not in use. Includes load straps, tie-downs, and mounting hardware.by: Keith05/09/2022
The Malone DownLoader is very good value for the money. The J-style cradle is nice when you have to muscle a kayak on top of a tall crossover or SUV. You can hook the edge of the cockpit onto the base of the cradle and flip the kayak up onto the metal hoop support. Carrier installation and removal is easy and doesn't require any tools. Materials are good, but not great and that's what prevents this product from getting 5 stars IMO. The foam padding is nice enough and has been durable, but the metal plate that attaches the carrier to the roof rails is plastic coated steel and the plastic cracks over time, and leads to rust on the steel plate beneath. Not a big deal, but it might compromise the plate over time. I also wish that the provided nylon straps were longer, and that the ratchet buckles were covered in rubber to protect the roof of the vehicle and the windshield when you're trying to get them around the hull of the boat. We quickly replaced these with longer aftermarket straps that have rubber covers over the buckles. Those minor points aside, the Malone DownLoader kayak carrier gets the job done easily and safely, and does so at a very affordable price point.
by: ddroo2306/05/2022
Used 2 sets of these for the first time today! I was nervous about getting 2 kayaks onto the car. The videos are incredibly helpful and made this easy for us to get onto our RAV4 with the Malone downloader. Great product and we had a fun time kayaking!
by: James10/05/2022
Sturdy build. Love the folding feature. These fit as advertised on my truck rack with the T slot adapter kit. I carried my kayaks on a 3000 mile trip and they always stayed securely in place.
by: Dave09/25/2017
Mounted two malone downloaders on am aftermarket rack on my ram 3500. The cross bars are 3.5 inches wide but the rack hardware accomidates this no problem. I had to purchase longer bolts as the cross bars are thick amd the bolts that came with the racks were not long enough. Used the rack this weekend and theey are amazing. Loadinf amd unloading our 17ft seawards was a breeze and they were very secure during transport. Great rack great price great service!!!!!
by: Ron W05/01/2019
These Malone kayak carriers really do the job. Paired with the Malone Telos Load Assist, getting our sea kayaks onto the topper of our Toyota Tundra is easy for this 70 year old. No more major lifting causing aggravation for my back. Tying down each kayak is quick and easy.
by: Patti K08/14/2020
Malone DownLoader Kayak Carriers are a perfect design. Fold down locking mechanism when not in use is a great feature as well as adjustable upright angles for transporting kayaks. Easy to follow instructions along with sturdy tie downs. Highly recommended!
by: Paul02/23/2023
good product could use better assembly instructions. I did not use plastic insert but wrapped the frame in duct tape with the same effect. aaaaaaaat his will be our 2ndn year od use and they worked well
by: Zana07/04/2020
The rack itself seems great, BUT neither 60mm or 70 mm mounting bolts work for the VA style 2500 series rack. I now have to go to lowes and buy AT LEAST 80mm if not longer so the T Knob can screw in tightly to Jaws adapter and that tightens to the cross bar. The T Knobs have about an inch before you get to the teeth and connect in order to tighten. The thick Jaws are almost too think and takes up room for screw length. The pictures I took you can tell it wont work on a series 2500 VA. I set the T Knob at the least I could before they fell off the screw. I'm surprised no one has complained until now. The other picture shows the parts with the 1 inch space inside the one T Knob
by: Jeff06/04/2018
I'm very pleased with the Malone DownLoader Kayak Carrier. Installation was a breeze, much quicker than I anticipated. Our tandem kayak (13.5' long), easily slid into place, fit well and secure in the carrier, and the tie-downs made securing the bow & stern a cinch - and there was plenty of room for our paddleboard! The best feature is the ability to fold the carriers down when not in use - so much better than having to take the rack off after each use.
The only disappointment I have with the product is the "universal fit mounting blocks". They are designed to fit a Malone roof rack with the rectangular cut out for the roof rack but my factory roof rack has oval shaped bars. The carriers do mount but they lean to one side.
Overall, I'm very pleased and would definitely recommend to anyone looking for a kayak carrier!
by: Luther04/20/2021
The yellow pads on the crossbars are pool noodles secured by zip ties. They provide padding for a third or even a fourth kayak.
by: Rick05/18/2022
I ordered two sets of these. One came missing the bag of bolts and screws. The good people at etrailer contacted the manufacturer and had a replacement parts bag sent out. Thank you etrailer! Otherwise product works well.
by: Andrea 12/14/2021
These racks are easy to install and loading our 40 and 50 pound kayaks is easy as well. We hauled over 1500 miles this year, many at max highway speeds, with no issues. All was snug, quiet, and safe. But, always a but, right away, the plastic strap guides popped right off (1 or 2 disappeared). Some black electrical tape fixed that. And the black plastic/vinyl coating on the mounting brackets cracked and peeled off right away too. More tape. However, both Etrailer and Malone were exceptionally responsive to my complaint and suggestions.
by: Ben08/12/2019
The Malone AirFlow 2 Roof Rack is the most ridiculous bargain I've come across in a long while. I'd been preparing myself to spend $4-$500 on a Thule. A product I was familiar with and had used in the past with great success with Volkswagen's. After some simple research, Malone kept coming up as a affordable, comparable alternative . These days when you see something that is literally less than half of what your planning to spend, your first thought is "too good to be true" or "you get what you pay for". After calling and consulting with Stacey at etrailer.com I purchased the system and COULD NOT be HAPPIER !! It took me less than 20 minutes to have it completely installed on my 2013 Tucson. The construction of the racks and hardware is top quality. My main use of the system will be hauling kayaks and canoes which this will far exceed. Other than the fact that I saved about $300, etrailer prides itself on customer service and that I can, and will attest to their claim. I called and had a bunch of questions before ordering, Stacey was extremely helpful, knowledgeable, patient, and most of all courteous !! There is no doubt that etrailer.com has become my new source for any towing or recreational needs for my vehicle.
by: Julio A03/18/2022
So far so good. Product is easy to set up and instructions are easy to understand. Mounted on a 2018 Subaru Crosstrek with OEM crossbars. It feels sturdy and durable. I like the folding feature easy to raise and lower.
by: Anne 11/01/2021
These attached easily to our roof rack and worked well with the downloader rails. The straps that are included are not as well made as our old Thule straps which have much more padded protection around the buckle, so we will continue to use the Thule straps. The attached strap guide on top of the carrier bar is split for some reason which allows the strap (either brand) to slip out. Again, the Thule kayak carrier has a top threading attachment that works better.
by: Dewy05/13/2022
Hauled Kayaks 3000 miles around western US last summer on top of my popup trailer and made several local kayaking trips here in AZ on top of my Sequoia. Easy to mount and remove, as I do not leave them on the rig all the time. Can have them on and ready to load kayaks in under 10 minutes. Great performance and avoided the overpriced models.
by: Brian07/14/2019
Second order from etrailer, first was for a hitch on the rav4 this one was for a kayak rack and lift assist. One reason for the initial and revisit are the videos. They are well thought out , provide enough info without being boring, and prices that are in line with any other retailer.
I will do business with them again.
Comments
Great, a few things I would change though I would have the loops the straps go through without an opening they tend to pop off halfway through the loading procedure. The lifts are a real life and back savior. Had several people ask where I got them. I do suggest giving them a bit of a wipe with paste wax they can bind a bit otherwise
Brian - 07/14/2020by: Remington08/16/2022
Works great! Easy install, seem solid and durable, and love the ability to fold them down. Would buy these again.
by: Dusty06/08/2022
These kayak carriers are excellent! We use these on our Malone roof rack which is on our Rav4. The carriers are easy to use and assemble to the roof rack very simply. We did order longer straps from a separate manufacturer just to be safe because we wanted to make sure they were long enough for our Pelican kayaks.
by: William03/20/2022
The kayak carriers have been great so far. The folding feature is terrific, especially when needing to park in a parking deck. All in all we are very pleased with the product.
by: John 08/27/2022
Easy to install and liked folddown feature when not in use
by: Stephen07/07/2019
I used these on Toyota Sienna with the Malone aero cross bars. Like others have said, you will need longer bolts than provided to mount on the aero bars. I also used ratchet tie straps since I didn’t feel confident with the tie downs provided. (I had a 100+ mile trip coming up.)
Overall great quality, price, and service from etrailer. The short bolts are the only thing stopping it from a 5 star rating.
by: Marlene08/11/2020
Great racks, Noah was so helpful with everything, he was very knowledgeable and answered all my questions. ordering was so easy. 2 sets of racks will fit Xsmall crossovers Like my 2019 Hyundai Kona. You will not be disappointed with these racks or company.
by: Vincent06/12/2020
Not just is the product awesome the service and speed in which I got the item was amazing as well. This is now my goto spot for trailer and towing needs.
by: Luke06/16/2019
Installation instructions need improvement. They have black and white photographs. It would help if they were in color. Also, it would help if there were multiple views for each step, not just a single view. Some of the written instructions were vague and unclear. Two different length mounting bolts were provided but instructions did not specify which to use. I installed my DownLoader with the AirFlow 2 cross bars. Even the longer 70 mm bolts provided I feel are too short. I would prefer more thread engagement. While these do fit the AirFlow 2, it seems a little bit of an awkward match. The carrier brackets have a square notched cutout which appear designed for square bars instead. These worked for me, but I’m not in love with this system.
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Do you have a question about this Watersport Carrier?
VS
Yakima JayLow Kayak Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs - J-Style - Folding - Clamp On
Product Specs:
Watersport Carriers
Fishing Kayak
Kayak
Roof Mount Carrier
No Load Assist
Clamp On
Side Loading
J-Style
Post-Style
Folding
Aero Bars
Factory Bars
Round Bars
Square Bars
Elliptical Bars
Yakima
These J-style cradles let you transport 1 or 2 kayaks on your roof rack. Integrated ramps help you to load a kayak from the side of your vehicle. Padded arms fold down when not in use. Clamp to most crossbars without tools. 4 Tie-downs included.
Video of Yakima JayLow Kayak Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs - J-Style - Folding - Clamp On
Customer Satisfaction Score:
96% were satisfied with this product
4% of customers were not satisfied
- Wrong item was ordered
- Product did not meet expectations
- Defective
Customer Reviews
Yakima JayLow Kayak Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs - J-Style - Folding - Clamp On - Y04073
Average Customer Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars (131 Customer Reviews)
These J-style cradles let you transport 1 or 2 kayaks on your roof rack. Integrated ramps help you to load a kayak from the side of your vehicle. Padded arms fold down when not in use. Clamp to most crossbars without tools. 4 Tie-downs included.by: Mitch04/27/2022
The product seems great but I have not figured out how to get it safely attached to my bars. I have an Agricover Adarac on the bed of my truck and the crossbars are 1-1/2 x 1-1/2 inches square. I thought this would work well since it's for up to 3-1/2 x 1-11/16" crossbars, but it isn't secure on these. I'm going to try and figure out an alternate method for attachment though. Thule Hull-a-port Pro's are the perfect (mounting) solution but don't seem to be made any longer.
Comments
The Thule Hull-a-port item # TH849000
Thule Hull-A-Port Aero Kayak Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs - J-Style - Folding - Channel Mount
$349.95 is recommended with Adarac racks. Or you can get tie downs like item # A4000882
Aluminum Tie-Downs for Adarac Aluminum and Aluminum Pro Series Ladder Rack Utility Rails - Qty 4
$19.55 and load stops, item # A4000880
Load Stops for Adarac Truck Bed Ladder Rack Crossbars with Mounting Channels- Qty 2
$36.82, and use ratchet straps like item # EM34416
Erickson Re-Tractable Ratchet Straps w/ Push Button Releases - 2" x 10' - 1,100 lbs - Qty 2
$50.44. If you have a rack like the Adarac Aluminum Series Custom Truck Bed Ladder Rack item # A4001234
Adarac Aluminum Series Custom Truck Bed Ladder Rack - 500 lbs
$631.55 then you can use item # RRS520
Rhino-Rack Nautic Stack Kayak Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs - Post Style - Folding - Universal Mount
$183.00 with the channel.
-- Thule Hull-A-Port Aero Kayak Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs - J-Style - Folding - Channel Mount
$349.95 is recommended with Adarac racks. Or you can get tie downs like item # A4000882
Aluminum Tie-Downs for Adarac Aluminum and Aluminum Pro Series Ladder Rack Utility Rails - Qty 4
$19.55 and load stops, item # A4000880
Load Stops for Adarac Truck Bed Ladder Rack Crossbars with Mounting Channels- Qty 2
$36.82, and use ratchet straps like item # EM34416
Erickson Re-Tractable Ratchet Straps w/ Push Button Releases - 2" x 10' - 1,100 lbs - Qty 2
$50.44. If you have a rack like the Adarac Aluminum Series Custom Truck Bed Ladder Rack item # A4001234
Adarac Aluminum Series Custom Truck Bed Ladder Rack - 500 lbs
$631.55 then you can use item # RRS520
Rhino-Rack Nautic Stack Kayak Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs - Post Style - Folding - Universal Mount
$183.00 with the channel.
Sierra K - 05/03/2022
Helpful Linkby: Michael V.04/19/2021
The Yakima JayLows are ready to go out the box and very easy to set up. They attached to our vehicle’s factory crossbars with ease and seemed secure on the road with little to no movement with kayaks attached. We haven’t tested them on the highway yet, but I’m confident that they’ll be fine as long as you strap the kayaks correctly and use tie downs. I’m extremely happy with the JayLows and I’m considering purchasing another set if we get a third kayak. I HIGHLY recommend that you watch the videos on setting up and securing kayaks on the racks prior to first use.
by: Robert07/13/2021
The Yakima products are doing great. Just got home yesterday from a 18 day trip using them in Michigan's upper peninsula. Love them. Great products. Thanks again.
by: Timothy04/05/2022
Easy to install. On my first trip, they fell open instead of remaining upright in carrier position, it might have been an operator error. I like the idea of being able to use them for two kayaks, however, I have determined that this would be too much weight on one side of my factory roof crossbars. I do like they are sturdy and look better than standard J hooks. A bit on the pricey side unless you only have to buy one for the job of carrying more than 1 kayak. Easy to Secure to cross bars, nice that they fold down.
by: Gary F08/05/2016
I really like these kayak racks. They come fully assembled, and they installed easily on the aero crossbars of the factory roof rack on my 2015 Toyota Tacoma. The "ramps" on the front really do help in loading the kayaks, because you don't have to lift the kayak up as high. I opted to get two sets for our two kayaks, rather than try to transport two with one set of racks, because it seemed like it would be much easier to load. I agree with some other reviewers that the directions are a little cryptic, but the installation process is pretty self-evident. I also agree that the provided S hooks are a bit small (I'm going to replace them with carabiners), but these are minor issues. Overall, the racks are very sturdy, and I like the fold down feature. I also got the locks (not available for many of the Thule racks) because it seems like a small investment to protect the larger investment. My wife and I took our kayaks to a lake today using the new racks, and had no problems loading, unloading, or tying them down. Loading is a two-person job, however, at least for us and our 12-foot boats on a pick-up truck. We carry a folding two-step stepladder to make the reach easier. These racks are well worth the cost, and I would certainly recommend them to my fellow kayakers. And great service from etrailer, as always.
by: Andrew 09/25/2022
The carriers are very versatile. We often use them to transport two kayaks. It's great that they fold down because that allows us to go in and out of our garage without removing the carriers.
by: SJHughes12/23/2017
These work great. I went ahead and picked two sets for our two kayaks rather than try to wrestle two kayaks down to a single set. Comes with all needed straps, hooks, etc. Makes loading and unloading so simple. Being able to fold down the uprights when not in use is nice to reduce the clearance height of the overall vehicle for entering / exiting garages etc. The are a bit noisy with whistling sounds due to wind when in the empty and folded down position between 40 and 60 mph. This is well documented in other forums and reviews also. Not a deal killer, but loud enough to want to leave the sunroof closed.
Note that the deflector shield does not help with this on my vehicle application.
by: Dan 09/18/2022
Have used these primarily with one kayak on several occasions, though have used it for two once. Works well in both modes. Very solid product and secures your boat tightly with no movement. I feel confident at freeway speeds. High quality straps as well.
by: Paul06/29/2018
These work great. Easy to install and the hold the kayak nicely.
Very happy with eTrailer service!
Comments
Careful if it is windy - We took our Kayaks up the 395 from Los Angeles to Lake Tahoe and back. On the way back we hit wind gusts from the side and it ripped the factory Jeep rails right out of the roof. Because of the straps provided from the boats to the front and rear bumper they did not blow off the car entirely. It seems like the boats on their edge just catches too much wind if it comes from the side. From now on we just put the boats basically flat on the Yakima racks and that seems to work well. You have to be careful when you tie them down but I think it would have saved a $3000 repair bill to fix our roof.
Paul - 06/29/2019by: Amanda05/05/2021
These make it easier for one person to load a kayak up on the roof by themselves. We have used them for a whole year and they are holding up well so far.
by: Dale06/21/2020
Easy to use. Does as expected. I use it to hold 4 ~ 10' Pelican kayaks on the ARE truck cap Yakima rack. Installation took less that 30 min.
by: Jeff 09/09/2022
The kayak carriers worked very well.
by: Gary07/20/2020
Highly recommend etrailer.com. This is the second time I have used them for a product either for towing or roof racks and there service is excellent. Also they are always on the mark with regards to fit for the vehicle. The staff is very knowledgable and friendly. Would highly recommend them.
I like the Yakima product I ordered and I think it looks great on the 4Runner. It was easy to install with the exception of one confusing piece of the instruction. It was not clear in the fit kit instruction manual what was being referred to adjust the spacing of the foot piece now attached to the bar (in Step 2 of installation). In addition to this etrailer video, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQhsOY7zvuE this etrailer video shows it better at about minute 1:50 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-IZFFJnUWc4 That screw needs to be loosened and THEN the foot will slide easily in and out when it is pushed upon. I am pointing to it with a pen in the picture in my review. Hope that helps others avoid some frustration I had.
I would definitely recommend.
by: David04/17/2020
The bars along with the kayak carriers (Y04073) worked perfectly. Easy to install. The lock system (Y07208) keeps the carriers and the bars secure. The kayak carriers are easy to take off to reduce noise. The bars stay on all the time and are not noticeable noise-wise. We've taken several trips of 1000 miles or more and many local trips without any issues.
by: David04/17/2020
The bars along with the kayak carriers (Y04073) worked perfectly. Easy to install. The lock system (Y07208) keeps the carriers and the bars secure. The kayak carriers are easy to take off to reduce noise. The bars stay on all the time and are not noticeable noise-wise. We've taken several trips of 1000 miles or more and many local trips without any issues.
by: Marvin 07/09/2022
Great for one Kayak not good for a second kayak cross bars they are mounted on can dent a kayak. That’s why I bought this second one to protect my kayak.
by: Paula06/18/2020
Easy to install. Cradles my kayaks securely. Superb value with timely shipping and delivery. My CRV is now ready for summer and transporting two kayaks!!
by: Chris G08/09/2016
I'm very impressed, but not surprised, at the quality of another Yakima product.
I've somewhat placed the cart before the horse as I've not yet received the kayak I recently ordered, however, by then I will have my JayLow installed on my existing Yakima cross bars & be good-to-go.
I purchased this particular kayak carrier due to the side loading feature as well as the ability to fold it down, thus I can keep it installed while parking in my garage. That of course as long as the kayak is not on top as well!
Comments
Tie-down straps permanently attached to the rounded top of the rack sure would be convenient.
Chris G - 08/09/2017by: Joseph08/17/2022
They broke after one use. Made poorly. We had a great experience with our first set of these but during the pandemic we have found that there was a drop off in quality
Comments
The Yakima brand is one of the higher quality options we carry so I am surprised to hear this. If you can let me know specifically what broke on these carrier I am happy to assist you. They do have a limited lifetime warranty.
-- Heather A - 08/25/2022by: Tracy 08/13/2022
Fantastic service and quick shipping. Etrailer never disappoints.
by: Peter11/30/2022
Great Product!!
by: David04/19/2019
Fantastic addition for the kayak lover.
Super easy to install and looks slick too ??
by: David04/10/2022
I am using these for two kayaks. They were easy to mount and easily hold the kayaks as I had hoped.
by: Paul R.04/17/2019
It whistles.
I would absolutely love this carrier if it didn't.
I have two of these each on my 2009 and 2013 Subaru Outbacks.
These carriers whistle like a bastard from 30 miles an hour up to 50 or 60, and loudly.
I regret buying them for that reason. I have had other carriers that don't whistle. When the boats are on they don't whistle, and I think I've gotten used to the sound whether in the lowered position or the up doesn't matter. The whistling honestly ruins my review. Other than that fact, I love the carriers. They are durable, cushioned for my carbon boats, the non skid rubber keeps them from moving around, the plastic angled slide makes it easy to slide the boats up into the cradle, the super simple fold down makes it easy to go through the car wash, and I bought the Yakima lock system which gives me peace of mind on my roof racks.
I am getting used to the sound and it doesn't register much any more, but I would choose something else next time, though these will probably last a long time for me.
by: William05/22/2019
the product was great but the roof rack, unfortunately, slid around due to the friction-only mounting on my Honda Fit. We almost lost our kayak due to that. But there was no problem with the yy04073
Comments
I actually bought a new car, so this rack does not fit it. Im thinking of purchasing a suction cup type rack to avoid the difficulties with the friction type racks that kept sliding around.
William - 05/23/202025
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