YUANSHI Upgraded Universal Folding Kayak Rack

Curated from 66 real Reddit conversations

Refreshed on: February 16, 2025

YUANSHI Upgraded Universal Folding Kayak Rack

Brand: YUANSHI
Price: $44
Snoop Score:
4.9
Sentiment
6.7
Popularity
7.0
Technical
3.0

Snoop's Take

The Upgraded Universal Folding Kayak Rack by YUANSHI is designed to securely transport kayaks, canoes, and other watercraft on your vehicle's roof. Its J-bar style allows for easy mounting on a variety of crossbar shapes and sizes, making it a versatile choice for outdoor enthusiasts. Consumer feedback highlights the rack's durable aluminum construction, with users stating, "I carry a Moken 12.5 V2 on one which is around 72 pounds and a 11.5 recreational kayak on the other. I never had an issue with carrying them." Additionally, features like the included mounting hardware and folding design for space-saving convenience have received positive mentions. However, some users noted challenges with loading kayaks onto the J-style racks and experienced water leaks from straps during rain. Overall, the YUANSHI kayak rack is recommended for those seeking a robust and functional solution for transporting watercraft, provided they are aware of the loading challenges associated with J-style racks.

Not for you? Check out our other rated Kayak, Canoe & SUP Racks

Kayak Rack for Tacoma I’m looking into getting a 10ft kayak for fishing this summer.

Positive Feedback

I switched to J rack and hated them. They are harder to load.

Negative Feedback
Product
4.9
YUANSHI Upgraded Universal Folding Kayak Rack
Single Kayak Transport
8 / 10
Dual Kayak Transport
3 / 10
SUP and Surfboard Transport
5 / 10
Paddle & Gear Storage
4 / 10
See how this compares to all Kayak, Canoe & SUP Racks

What it does well!

Key strengths users can’t stop talking about.
Easy to mount on various crossbars
Kayak Rack for Tacoma I’m looking into getting a 10ft kayak for fishing this summer.
Separate j racks or dual-sided j racks for two kayaks? Which is more secure?
Having them separate gives you some extra room to mount different types of boats.
Would be possible to have something like a Thule roof box and a kayak on my roof at the same time?
Durable aluminum construction
I carry a Moken 12.5 V2 on one which is around 72 pounds and a 11.5 recreational kayak on the other. I never had an issue with carrying them.
Includes all necessary mounting hardware
I have a set of two j-racks and would prefer a single double sided. I also live in the city, so ones that can lay down between use would also be a feature I didnt think about until after purchasing.
Easy to use for transport
It did the job for a 3 hour round trip with a 2.5m kayak.
I started with the Yakima double-sided, and it was a HUGE hassle getting both kayaks (identical 15-foot) on there.
Use the OEM one, get mobile service to do it. I did as much as I could that didn’t involve tightening around the glass before he got there, knocked it down from $90 to $50.
Folding design allows for versatility with different boats
Thanks! Lots of good info there! The reason I thought a folding system *might* be good is so I could take my kayak one day, & my canoe the next, without removing the j-bars.

Where it needs some work!

Areas to watch—feedback on possible improvements.
Difficult to load kayaks onto J-style racks
I switched to J rack and hated them. They are harder to load.
I have had an ORU bay ST for 5 years and I love it.
For a single kayak on the roof, do not do J Racks. Loading them solo is rough and an easy way to drop the boat.
I have a dual sided Jack setup, and it’s a huge pain to use both sides.
Water leaks into car from straps during rain
water getting inside car from the straps when it rained.

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Hidden Hero Hacks

Unexpected tricks and side‑door uses you’ll love.
Suggestions for alternative transportation solutions
It’s easily removable when not in use.
Bed extender side by side or stack and strap
We have a pair of Tucktecs and absolutely love them.
Alternative solutions discussed for kayak transport
It can work though you might be able to achieve the same effect with a pool noodle. Won't last as long tho
Discussion about alternative kayak loading solutions
Not worried about the overall cost, just want to make sure I get the easiest product for my wife to use when she goes solo.
What would your advice be for two kayaks (my fiance and I)? Thanks in advance!
The boat is one half of the equation but the paddle makes up the other half that you directly feel on the water.
As long as the front is tight in the form fitted saddles you’re good.

Buyer’s Cheat Sheet

What to check before you click ‘Add to Cart.’
Discussion on kayak brands and suitability for beginners
I'm in the market to buy my first kayak and I've seen a lot of folks in this subreddit say "buy once, cry once" and recommend against a Pelican for a first kayak if you can manage.
Really, the main thing you should be looking for is **a kayak that suits the kind of paddling you want to do**.
Hull design is 1000x more important than brand.
Ya, they should get a sit-on-top wider kayak, especially for ocean/bay type waters for beginners...takes in less water, more control, easier to get on and flip over, more balanced, easier to transport, no racking required, Portage, easier storage inside or outside, all seasons and weather, can sustain more damages and scratches on shores and rocks and low waters without as much issue, easier to rest and chill on spot, can stand on it, fish on it, more room for legs and stretching and changing positions, more space to rig on supplies and bags, can hold more weight, less maintenance, and are cheaper so won't waste money if they get out of the hobby down the road.
Discussion about alternatives to J-bars for transporting kayaks
If you're looking for basic advice on transporting a kayak, the answers to many common questions can be found on this wiki page.

Cautionary Callouts

Know the pitfalls before they catch you off guard.
Struggles with transporting heavy kayaks
My kayaks are 36" wide and the Ridge is 78.6, I made 78" crossbars and 10ft 12g unistrut for the cantilevered rails with PVC.
Thoughts about foldable kayaks I was looking at getting a foldable kayak but wanted to get peoples thoughts about them.

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