? re front tie down point for canoe/kayak?

[recurve]

Hi folks,
Those of you that carry stuff on the roof, particularly canoes and kayaks, what are you using for your front tie dowm points? Any experience or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

I am probably going to go with the nylon webbing out from under the hood if I can find a couple of good spots to bolt it in. there is a square hole on the passenger side that will work but still looking on the drivers side.

Thanks a lot

[PhotonDreams]

With your spare tire there is one big eyelet hook for towing that might work for you. Pop out that little square plug in the front bumper and that's where you screw it in. If you need another for the other side either get one from the dealer, a junk yard or an online junkyard. You might need a piece of rubber hose to protect the front of the hood. Hope this helps.

[becks]

PhotonDreams..That's a good idea. I just purchased 2 kayaks last week. Recurve, when you run the nylon straps to the front bumper area give them a couple twists, and that will minimize the fluttering of the straps.

[ThePhantom]

Been using the front tow hook to tie down canoes and kayaks for years on my 04, and plan to do the same with my 11. Works great.

[caf2461]

I haul two kayaks with the Thule system and do not use front tie downs.

[becks]

I have been looking on-line for a 2nd Towing Eyelet without success. Anyone know where I can pick one up ? Thanks

[Ralph6410]

I suspect it is a metric size and wonder if a standard metric eyebolt would work. They make extended eyebolts as well but may be harder to find in a metric size. If the "eye" on a standard eyebolt is too large one could conceivable make something up. A short length of threaded rod (a long set screw) screwed into a coupling nut and then screw the eyebolt into the other end of the coupling nut you would probably have enough standoff to clear the hole. All the parts should be available at any commercial bolt supply place.

Good luck

[luck123]

Originally Posted by caf2461

I haul two kayaks with the Thule system and do not use front tie downs.

+1 (although just one kayak)

[becks]

Thank you Ralph

[becks]

Thank you Ralph

[recurve]

On the Yakima racks website they show 2 loops of webbing with a grommet (anchor straps - in the water accessory section). Looks like these can be bolted through holes in the metal above the headlights - (pop out the black plastic pushclips first).
Then they can stick the loops through the space between the hood and the front fenders when in use and hide them in the engine compartment when not in use.
Anyon ever tried this before? Seems like the folks on the paddling forums do this regularly.
Thanks

[fendertweed]

Originally Posted by caf2461

I haul two kayaks with the Thule system and do not use front tie downs.

you may want to check Va. code, I think front & rear tie downs are required in Va.

[caf2461]

Originally Posted by fendertweed

you may want to check Va. code, I think front & rear tie downs are required in Va.

Nothing on canoes/kayaks that I could find anywhere. There is laws on hood scoops. Law 46.2-1155 defines how logs and hog sheds should be secured to your vehicle - it simply states "use reasonable care to prevent the load from shifting or falling."

There is no way that these could come off or shift by wind or highway. I use Thule straps and rear tie downs in case of an accident but they would only be necessary if the head on collision was strong enough to tear the Thule roof rack off the vehicle.

[fendertweed]

Originally Posted by caf2461

Nothing on canoes/kayaks that I could find anywhere. There is laws on hood scoops. Law 46.2-1155 defines how logs and hog sheds should be secured to your vehicle - it simply states "use reasonable care to prevent the load from shifting or falling."

There is no way that these could come off or shift by wind or highway. I use Thule straps and rear tie downs in case of an accident but they would only be necessary if the head on collision was strong enough to tear the Thule roof rack off the vehicle.

interesting ... my wife was told at REI that it's legally required (F & R) in VA but not MD...

[earlyd123]

Has anyone found a way to add a bar on a 2010 HL using the Yakima Q clips (or the Thule equivalent)? I have the roof rails, but the spread is pretty short for 16+ ft. canoes. The Yakima site does not list any for that model, but I wonder if the area above the front doors is similar enough to another vehicle that something might work. I wish the 2010 HL model had the long rails of the older models. The short spread makes a big difference in the wind. Any thoughts?