TOOENJOY Elevate Universal Lift Assist Review
Having a reliable lift assist for loading and unloading your kayak or canoe is indispensable. The TOOENJOY Elevate Universal Lift Assist comes into play as a robust solution to this challenge. With over 7 years of experience in water sports, I've encountered numerous lift assist products, and the TOOENJOY Elevate stands out in many aspects. This review cover key aspects of this product, providing an insightful evaluation to help you learn more about what racks in best your situation.
Also check out: Best Lift-Assist Kayak Racks
TOOENJOY Elevate Universal Lift Assist Review
Benefits
- Simplifies the loading and unloading process.
- Adapts to various items and vehicle models.
- The construction is seems very durable.
Drawbacks
- May be a bit steep for budget-conscious buyers.
- Initial setup and usage might require some time.
- No name brand with less history.
Product specs
Its innovative lifting mechanism is designed for ease of use, enabling you to effortlessly raise and lower your cargo.
With adjustable mounting points and a variety of accessories, it can be tailored to meet your unique needs, ensuring a perfect fit for any load.
There is an advanced locking mechanisms that securely holds cargo and any belongings.
The sleek design of this lift assist not only adds a touch of style to your vehicle but also minimizes wind resistance, promoting smooth driving and improved fuel efficiency.
- Weight Capacity: 100 lbs (45 kg)
- Material: High-strength steel and aluminum
- Adjustment Range: Fits watercraft up to 36” wide
This rack is suitable choice whether you drive an SUV, a truck, or a compact car.
This lift car roof rack is compatible with most extended crossbar systems, provided the crossbar is at least 47 inches. The recommended center distance between the two bars is 29.76". The position of the kayak racks is adjustable, making it suitable for a wide range of users and compatible with most kayak and bike sizes and styles.
In-depth research
Learn more about our testing & scoring methodology.
Personal take
I was surprised first time I saw this rack on Amazon. After giving it a go, I can say the following:
It is functional and durable choice for individuals in need of a lift assist solution.
The construction is robust and the rack is fairly easy to use.
Although the brand's market presence is not tested compared to brand like Thule or Yakima, this model is very promising.
No complaints so far.
Who is this product for
This lift assist device is ideal for individuals, couples and families who frequently transport kayaks, bikes, or other equipment on the roof of their vehicles.
That's right!
You can strap not only kayaks but also bikes and other cargo. That's why we rate the versatility of this product very high compared to other lift-assist solutions.
Price, Value & Resale
It's not as expensive as the Hullavator Pro which is the leading list-assist on the market.
Since this product is fairly new, it's hard to estimate resale value at the time of this writing.
However, the rack works so unless there are recalls or faulty parts overtime, the resell value should be solid.
Performance & Functionality
The TOOENJOY Universal Lift Assist is marketed for its functionality in easing the roof rack loading process.
It's designed with heavy-duty materials to ensure secure transportation of your gear. This makes it suitable for both shorter and longer trips.
Its maximum weight capacity is 100 lbs, making it a robust choice for transporting heavy kayaks or bikes (including e-bikes).
Btw: the weight capacity is one of the highest when you compare this rack to other contenders from Thule, Yakima or Malone.
Reviews & Brand Reputation
There are only a few reviews available, but they are mostly positive, indicating a good level of satisfaction among users.
The brand TOOENJOY may not be as recognized as other mainstream brands in the outdoor gear industry, which might affect its market presence.
The time will tell whether TOOENJOY with come up with other models in the future or only stick to this model.
Ease of Use & Installation
This rack is really easy to use. I loaded my kayak in less then a minute and my mountain bike under two minutes (including extra strapping.
The load assistance takes a lot of weight off lifting.
However, the installation process can use slightly better instruction and it wasn't detailed in the manuals found in the box.
Luckily, most people are visual and there is a good installation video.
Durability & Maintenance
Constructed with steel and aluminum, the parts are durable and likely a long-lasting solution for your outdoor adventures.
Maintenance details were not specified, but typically, these types of racks requires minimal upkeep.
Make sure you keep dirt and debris away, especially around the locks and other components that are exposed.
Safety & Security
The robust construction and the 100 lbs weight capacity provides a super secure level of safety for transporting most of your gear.
Make sure you don't go over the limit. It's easy to load it up more because the weight is greater compared to other racks.
Versatility & Expandability
This category is a complete winner for the rack.
Its universal design is compatible with various vehicle models from cars, SUVs, vans and can assist in loading different types of equipment, from kayaks, bikes, and roof top carriers.
Design & Appearance
When I first saw the design, I was wowed!
It's definitively geared towards providing a practical solution for loading equipment but it really looks stylish!
You can also fit two racks on your vehicle as long as you have space on your cross bars.
After-Sale Service
No information was found regarding the warranty, customer service, or any after-sale services offered by TOOENJOY.
Storage & Portability
The rack is designed with space-saving in mind as it folds down.
However, it is one of the bigger racks on the market so while storing it won't take the entire space, it does take more space than other lift-assist racks.
It is on the heavier side of things but the portability is still good for a single person to take care of it.
Alternatives and competitors
When considering alternatives, the Thule Hullavator Pro and the Yakima ShowDown are noteworthy competitors. The TOOENJOY Elevate stands apart with its universal design and a good balance of price and performance.
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User reviews
Sturdy and Adaptable – A Pleasant Surprise!
Rating: 4.8 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I was initially skeptical about opting for a non-name brand kayak rack, but this product shattered all my doubts. Mounted it on my 2021 Sorento with Thule Wingbar Evos, and the fit was perfect! However, do note that you might need longer bolts (M6x10 worked wonders for me). The build is exceptional, and despite being a novice, I found the assembly straightforward. It's noteworthy that this rack necessitates adjustable crossbars – so be sure before you invest. Once set, it handled my XL Malibu ocean Kayaks like a dream, even at 75mph. People can't help but notice, and I'm more than happy to rave about it!
Great Concept, but not fully there yet
Rating: 3.5 ⭐⭐⭐
Purchased this rack with high hopes, especially with my mobility concerns in mind. While the robust build is evident, its user-friendliness leaves much to be desired. The assembly was a task, but the real challenge was dealing with the sticky locks. It's alarming how quickly it springs up post-unlocking – got a chin surprise the first time around! It's a brilliant idea, but there's room for improvement in execution. I hope the manufacturer takes note of this and refines the design.
Using this for multiple things!
Rating: 4.6 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I never anticipated a kayak rack to be this versatile. It was a breeze to assemble and fits seamlessly on my Cowie roof rack bars with T slots. It's not just for kayaks – it supported my old rooftop bike carrier too! Even used it for ladders, so it's more than just a 'kayak' rack for me. It's sturdily built, mostly metal, and gives a sense of security. Whether you're looking for a kayak-specific solution or something more multi-functional, this rack won't disappoint.
Expert Q&A
Q: What is the weight capacity of the TOOENJOY Universal Lift Assist?
A: The TOOENJOY Elevate Universal Lift Assist has a weight capacity of 100lbs (45 kg), making it suitable for carrying kayaks, bikes, and potentially other gear within this weight limit.
Q: What types of gear can it accommodate?
A: The can carry a variety of gear including kayaks, bikes, canoes, cargo, snowboards, and other items.
Q: What type of crossbar systems is the TOOENJOY Lift Assist Roof Rack compatible with?
A: The TOOENJOY Lift Assist Roof Rack is compatible with most extended crossbar systems. However, the crossbar on your vehicle should be at least 47 inches. The roof rack should be adjustable, and the recommended center distance between the two bars is 29.76".
Q: How does the Lift Assist feature on the TOOENJOY roof rack work?
A: The rack includes release handles that, when pulled, lower the bracket to a suitable height, making it easy to load and unload your kayak at waist height. Additionally, the rack has extending arms that aid in effortlessly lifting your kayak to a secure position on the roof of your vehicle.
Resources & references
The TOOENJOY Elevate Universal Lift Assist is a solid investment for water adventurers seeking a reliable, user-friendly solution for transporting their watercraft. Its universal design that accommodates not only kayaks, but also bikes, its durable construction provide outstanding value, setting it apart in a competitive market.