How to Safely and Securely Strap a Kayak to Your Car

Are you looking for a way to transport your kayak without a roof rack You’re in luck! In this blog post, we will show you how to strap a kayak to your car using only two bungee cords. This method is quick, easy, and secure, and it will save you money on a roof rack.

So How To Strap A Kayak On A Car?

How to Strap a Kayak on a Car

To safely transport a kayak on your car, you will need:

Two sets of cam straps (one for the front and one for the back)
Foam blocks or pool noodles
A ratchet strap
A towel or blanket

1. Place the kayak on the roof of your car.
2. Center the kayak so that it is evenly distributed across the roof.
3. Place the foam blocks or pool noodles under the kayak to protect the car from scratches.
4. Attach the cam straps to the front and back of the kayak.
5. Tighten the cam straps until the kayak is secure.
6. Use a ratchet strap to further secure the kayak to the car.
7. Place a towel or blanket over the kayak to protect it from the elements.

How To Strap A Kayak On A Car

What You’ll Need

Kayak
Car
Roof rack
Kayak straps
Bungee cords
Ratchet straps
Screwdriver
Pliers

Step 1: Install the Roof Rack

If your car doesn’t already have a roof rack, you’ll need to install one. There are a variety of different roof racks available, so you’ll need to choose one that’s compatible with your car.

Once you’ve installed the roof rack, you’re ready to start strapping the kayak on.

Step 2: Strap the Kayak to the Roof Rack

Start by placing the kayak upside down on the roof of your car. Then, attach the kayak straps to the front and rear of the kayak.

Next, attach the bungee cords to the sides of the kayak. This will help to keep the kayak in place while you’re driving.

Finally, use the ratchet straps to tighten the kayak to the roof rack. Make sure that the kayak is securely attached before you drive away.

Step 3: Secure the Loose Ends

Once you’ve tightened the ratchet straps, cut off any excess bungee cords or ratchet straps. You can also tuck the loose ends of the straps under the kayak to keep them out of the way.

Step 4: Test the Kayak

Once you’ve finished strapping the kayak to the roof rack, give it a good shake to make sure that it’s secure. You should also try to lift the kayak up to make sure that it’s not going to fall off.

If the kayak is secure, you’re ready to hit the road. Just remember to drive slowly and carefully, and avoid any sudden stops or turns.

Tips for Strapping a Kayak to a Car

Make sure that the kayak is properly balanced before you strap it to the roof rack. The kayak should be evenly distributed from front to back and side to side.
Use the longest straps possible when strapping the kayak to the roof rack. This will help to prevent the straps from coming loose.
Tighten the straps until the kayak is snug against the roof rack. However, don’t overtighten the straps, as this could damage the kayak.
Test the kayak before you drive away. Make sure that the kayak is secure and that it’s not going to fall off.

By following these tips, you can safely and securely strap a kayak to your car.

Also Read THIS: How To Strap A Kayak On A Roof Rack

FAQs: How To Strap A Kayak On A Car

What is the best way to strap a kayak to a car?

There are a few different ways to strap a kayak to a car, but the best way will depend on the type of car you have and the type of kayak you are transporting. Some of the most common methods include:

Bow and stern tie-downs: This is the simplest and most common method, and it involves using two straps to secure the kayak to the front and back of your car.

J-shaped cradles: These cradles are designed to fit around the hull of your kayak and provide a more secure hold than tie-downs.

Roof racks: If you have a roof rack, you can use it to transport your kayak by attaching it to the crossbars.

Hitch-mounted carriers: These carriers attach to the hitch of your car and provide a secure way to transport multiple kayaks.

What do I need to strap a kayak to a car?

You will need the following items to strap a kayak to a car:

Two straps: The straps should be long enough to go around your kayak and your car. They should also be wide enough to distribute the weight of the kayak evenly.

D-rings: D-rings are metal loops that are attached to your car. You will need to attach the straps to these D-rings in order to secure the kayak.

Carabiners: Carabiners are metal clips that can be used to connect the straps to the D-rings.

How do I strap a kayak to a car roof?

To strap a kayak to a car roof, you will need to follow these steps:

1. Place the kayak on the roof of your car: The kayak should be centered on the roof and positioned so that the bow is facing forward.
2. Attach the straps to the D-rings on your car: The straps should be positioned so that they are evenly spaced across the kayak.
3. Tighten the straps until the kayak is secure: Make sure that the straps are tight enough to prevent the kayak from moving, but not so tight that they damage the kayak.

What are the safety risks of transporting a kayak on a car?

There are a few safety risks associated with transporting a kayak on a car, including:

The kayak could fall off the car and cause an accident: To prevent this, make sure that the kayak is securely strapped to the car.

The kayak could block your view of the road: Make sure that you can see clearly over the kayak when you are driving.

The kayak could damage your car: If the kayak is not properly secured, it could scratch or dent your car.

How can I transport a kayak safely on a car?

To transport a kayak safely on a car, you should follow these tips:

Secure the kayak to the car using a secure method: Make sure that the straps are tight enough to prevent the kayak from moving, but not so tight that they damage the kayak.

Place the kayak in a position where it will not block your view of the road: Make sure that you can see clearly over the kayak when you are driving.

Inspect the kayak for damage before and after transporting it: Look for any scratches or dents that may have been caused by the straps or the kayak itself.

Additional Resources

[How to Strap a Kayak to a Car](https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/how-to-strap-a-kayak-to-a-car)
[Tips for Transporting a Kayak on a Car](https://www.paddling.com/articles/how-to-transport-kayak-car/)
[Safety Tips for Transporting a Kayak on a Car](https://www.kayakacademy.com/how-to-transport-a-kayak-on-a-car/)