I’ve been using the Yakima JayLow rack to transport one of my kayaks, however I’m worried that the one I got is defective. I bought this model because the bar can be set at two angles, a tilted angle if you are carrying a single kayak, or at a 90 degree angle straight up so you can carry two kayaks. It’s supposed to be able to be locked in either of those positions.
However the one I have, when locked in either position, it takes only a moderate amount of pressure to push the bar out of that position. I normally have it pointing straight up, and a not even firm press will push it into the tilted position, and more worryingly, further pressure will push it EVEN MORE tilted.
Anyone who owns the JayLow has this issue, or is your rack solidly locked in both positions? Am I using it wrong? I don’t think there is any tightening to do. As far as I can tell you just pull the red lever to unlock the J-arm, then push the lever back to lock it in place, but neither of my J-arms are staying locked.
The red handle is a cam with a threaded bolt attached. With the handle unlocked rotate clockwise 360 degrees to tighten the locking action. Repeat as necessary.
In addition to Marshall’s advice, I can add that this tightening is much easier if you clamp the uprights, or squeeze them together before you try turning the red lever.
Any idea how to fix a stuck red handle on the Yakima JayLow? Ambitious son spun it while it was flat and locked. Now it is loose and when it is fully in the open position will only move a few degrees. Help please!
the red handle is loose? And will only close a few degrees toward the lock down position? That suggests to me that you son tightened the cam too much, and all you need to do is turn it while it is in the open (unlocked) position to loosen it, but I am not sure I am understanding your situation…
Thx for the quick reply. He mounted them and to tighten them up he spun the red handle in the locked down position. The red handle will open up now but once open will not turn to loosen or tighten without a lot of force. The red plastic in the center is slightly bowed out as it was spun against the metal blocking piece as well. I can’t see how to open that mechanism to see why it is locked. Maybe cross threaded?
If you refer to the manual that Marshal posted up thread, you will see how it works. If your son kept the handle closed and turned it around to tighten, rather than using it like a lever, then I am not sure. I have only opened (unlocked) it to adjust how much force it takes to lever it into the locked position.
But I would call Yakima. I have in the past, and they are responsive and helpful.