Transporting kayak on stock crossbars without kayak rack. Best tie downs?

[muscle_doc]

Need to transport a semi-bulky kayak on the stock roof rack without a kayak carrier. Kayak seems to slide everywhere. Don't have any tie downs yet and know I can buy generic ones at Lowes or HD, but what's the fun in that!? Seriously though, I was curious as to what your go-to brand straps/tie-downs were for something like this or for strapping down bulky items on the roof. Any suggestions?

 

[parrotheadmp]

Need to transport a semi-bulky kayak on the stock roof rack without a kayak carrier. Kayak seems to slide everywhere. Don't have any tie downs yet and know I can buy generic ones at Lowes or HD, but what's the fun in that!? Seriously though, I was curious as to what your go-to brand straps/tie-downs were for something like this or for strapping down bulky items on the roof. Any suggestions?

I use these foam rubber blocks that will seat over the factory cross rails or if you don't have those, they will sit on the roof.

https://www.amazon.com/SportRack-Re...7&sr=8-3&keywords=kayak+roof+rack+foam+blocks

The kayak won't slide at all after you strap it down if its sitting on those blocks...

 

[bamma]

Dakine aero rack pads. NRS straps.

 

[LaFJ86]

I flip both my sit on-tops upside down and set them on the rack, use some NRS straps as mentioned above and they'll cinch down really well to keep it from sliding around.

 

[muscle_doc]

Dakine aero rack pads. NRS straps.

I flip both my sit on-tops upside down and set them on the rack, use some NRS straps as mentioned above and they'll cinch down really well to keep it from sliding around.

What length straps do you guys have and how many do you use? On Amazon now and can't decide since these seems to be the go-to for everything strap down related

 

[LaFJ86]

What length straps do you guys have and how many do you use? On Amazon now and can't decide since these seems to be the go-to for everything strap down related

I believe mine are 12' and I use two per kayak, unless I am travelling on the interstate and I will use two then a front and rear strap to keep the nose down.

 

[philsey]

Put a twist in the exposed parts of the straps, and they won't vibrate in the wind. Otherwise ->-> annoying.

 

[RAD4Runner]

I flip both my sit on-tops upside down and set them on the rack, use some NRS straps as mentioned above and they'll cinch down really well to keep it from sliding around.

This^^^
Use only cam-lock straps or knots, NOT ratchet type - the latter makes it easy to over-tighten and possibly deform plastic boat.
Front an rear tie-downs add extra security.

What length straps do you guys have and how many do you use? On Amazon now and can't decide since these seems to be the go-to for everything strap down related

Twelve feet works well for me, but you gotta try what fits your kayak best. If kayak has scupper holes, run strap through one to help keep kayak from sliding backward or forward.

Put a twist in the exposed parts of the straps, and they won't vibrate in the wind. Otherwise ->-> annoying.

Yes^^^

 

[muscle_doc]

This^^^
Use only cam-lock straps or knots, NOT ratchet type - the latter makes it easy to over-tighten and possibly deform plastic boat.
Front an rear tie-downs add extra security.



Twelve feet works well for me, but you gotta try what fits your kayak best. If kayak has scupper holes, run strap through one to help keep kayak from sliding backward or forward.

Great idea on the scupper holes. Was trying to figure out how else to keep them from sliding!

 

[RAD4Runner]

Great idea on the scupper holes. Was trying to figure out how else to keep them from sliding!

To keep it from sliding from side to side, lash down so it's pulled toward one side, i.e., to one raised-rail, or to the set of crossbar towers/feet on side.

It helps that my security cable goes through one scupper hole as well.

UV Rays will get to them regardless so I prefer to refresh my set, instead of using brand-name ones for a very long time. I recently got these straps from Harbor Freight (https://www.harborfreight.com/catal...rder=EAScore,f,EAFeatured+Weight,f,Sale+Rank%
2Cf&q=strap). Made of thicker material than they used to. Now the material texture is same as the stuff they make tow straps out of.

IF you use brand-name straps consider protecting them with Aerospace Protectant 303, and/or putting them under the boat cover if you have one. Yes, it is possible to tighten straps from under the boat cover.