Moderator: volvite
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Maybe it's taking the place of running it down the hood to the far front? I can appreciate the desire not to have something rubbing on the body, protected or not. I do agree though that an alternate mount point would ensure more security. I like the design overall though.NVSteve wrote:could you explain why you need a front point?
end caps... Looks tough. Ok, So, I thought about it some more, and realzied with the help of a great friend (even if he does drive a GMC 
) that an entire new rack is over $600 in material alone, and while we never charge each other (I'm the I.T. -PC guy), I did not foresee the unreal amount of labor involved, NOR did I take into account just how strong (or weak) that factory roof or factory rack really is.
To me its all this junk that would get trapped between the protector and the paint that I would worry about. But on the flip side you're not driving around like that 24-7 so the likely hood of causing any damage is significantly lower. Although a front mount receiver with a draw bar sticking out 12" or so would make for a might fine forward tie down pointNVSteve wrote:they're way too soft to mar the paint
)Each one is 16' long. It isn't vertical because I don't want most of my boats hanging out over the hood in free space & oncoming wind. I have them centered on the yak cradles/roof rack, and it's just about right (front & rear have the same distance of overhang).Marginjoey wrote:Thanks for the pic, unsure how big the Kayaks are, they look like (from this angle) like the tie down ropes are nearly vertical there.
Before going with rope, I had always used straps. One thing you need to do is twist the straps before connecting to the boat. The biggest reason for this is that if you use the straps untwisted, they will flutter and eat through paint in no time flat. Also, if you twist them, you can also easily use tubing.My issue is, if you scroll back to my orig. first pic., is that the 2" ratchet strap is a bit beefier and wider than the rope, AND I ratchet the crap out of it.
There's frame, but I would have to go around the bumper & up and underneath to attach. Too many sharp angles and rub points involved, too much plastic bearing the load and too much free play is involved (I've tried it). With the tow hook, I tighten things down at the house, drive a few miles over speedbumps & rough roads to the gas station, tighten down again & I'm good to go for 500+ miles. When I attached under the bumper, I had to pull over and tighten every so many miles.Also, I believe you can skip the tow hook cuz the frame is nearby, therefore even load distribution on the 'yaks!
Nice and safe! Smart! 
