How to Securely Tie Down 2 Kayaks to Your Roof Rack

Are you looking for a way to transport your kayaks without a trailer If so, you’re in luck! In this blog post, we will show you how to tie down two kayaks on a roof rack. We’ll provide step-by-step instructions, as well as tips and tricks to help you get the job done safely and securely. So whether you’re a seasoned kayaker or just getting started, read on for all the information you need to know!

So How To Tie Down 2 Kayak On Roof Rack?

To tie down 2 kayaks on a roof rack, you will need:

– 2 kayaks
– 2 roof racks
– 4 cam straps
– 4 ratchet straps
– 4 foam blocks

1. Place the kayaks upside down on the roof of your car.
2. Center the kayaks on the roof racks.
3. Place a foam block between the kayaks and the roof of your car.
4. Attach a cam strap to each end of the kayaks and tighten it down.
5. Attach a ratchet strap to each side of the kayaks and tighten it down.
6. Make sure the kayaks are secure before driving away.

How To Tie Down 2 Kayaks On Roof Rack

Step 1: Choose the Right Roof Rack

The first step is to choose the right roof rack for your kayaks. There are two main types of roof racks: fixed racks and universal racks: Fixed racks are permanently installed on your car, while universal racks can be installed on any car with roof rails.

If you have roof rails, you can use either a fixed or universal roof rack. If you don’t have roof rails, you will need to use a universal roof rack.

Step 2: Install the Roof Rack

Once you have chosen the right roof rack, you need to install it on your car. If you are installing a fixed roof rack, you will need to drill holes in your car’s roof. If you are installing a universal roof rack, you will need to attach it to your car’s roof rails.

Follow the instructions that came with your roof rack to install it correctly.

Step 3: Tie Down the Kayaks

Once the roof rack is installed, you can tie down the kayaks. There are a few different ways to do this, but the most common way is to use kayak straps: Kayak straps are long, padded straps with buckles on each end.

To tie down a kayak, you will need to:

1. Place the kayak on the roof rack.
2. Thread the kayak straps through the front and rear tie-down points on the kayak.
3. Tighten the straps until the kayak is secure.

You can also use kayak cradles to tie down your kayaks. Kayak cradles are U-shaped supports that hold the kayak in place.

To tie down a kayak with a cradle, you will need to:

1. Place the kayak in the cradle.
2. Secure the cradle to the roof rack with the included hardware.

Step 4: Test the Kayaks

Once you have tied down the kayaks, you should give them a good shake to make sure they are secure. If the kayaks move at all, you will need to tighten the straps or adjust the cradles.

Conclusion

Tieing down two kayaks on a roof rack can be a challenge, but it is important to do it correctly to ensure the safety of your kayaks and your passengers. By following these steps, you can safely transport your kayaks to your next adventure.

Also Read THIS: How To Tie Down A Kayak On A J-Rack

FAQs: How To Tie Down 2 Kayak On Roof Rack

What is the best way to tie down two kayaks on a roof rack?

The best way to tie down two kayaks on a roof rack is to use a bow and stern tie-down system. This system uses two straps, one for the bow and one for the stern, to secure the kayaks to the roof rack. The straps should be long enough to go around the kayaks and the roof rack, and they should be tight enough to prevent the kayaks from shifting.

How do I attach the bow and stern tie-downs to the kayaks?

The bow and stern tie-downs can be attached to the kayaks using a variety of methods. Some common methods include:

Using a cam buckle: A cam buckle is a type of buckle that can be tightened and loosened by turning a lever. To attach a cam buckle to a kayak, thread the strap through the buckle, then through the kayak’s scupper hole. Tighten the buckle until the strap is snug against the kayak.
Using a bowline knot: A bowline knot is a simple knot that can be used to secure a rope to a kayak. To tie a bowline knot, make a loop in the rope, then pass the end of the rope through the loop. Tighten the knot by pulling on the two ends of the rope.
Using a figure-eight knot: A figure-eight knot is a versatile knot that can be used to secure a rope to a kayak. To tie a figure-eight knot, make a loop in the rope, then pass the end of the rope through the loop twice. Tighten the knot by pulling on the two ends of the rope.

How do I attach the bow and stern tie-downs to the roof rack?

The bow and stern tie-downs can be attached to the roof rack using a variety of methods. Some common methods include:

Using a J-hook: A J-hook is a type of hook that can be attached to the roof rack. To attach a J-hook to the roof rack, slide the hook onto the rail, then tighten the knob until the hook is secure.
Using a crossbar pad: A crossbar pad is a type of pad that can be placed on the roof rack. To attach a crossbar pad to the roof rack, slide the pad onto the rail, then tighten the knob until the pad is secure.
Using a ratchet strap: A ratchet strap is a type of strap that can be tightened and loosened using a ratchet. To attach a ratchet strap to the roof rack, thread the strap through the hook, then through the roof rack. Tighten the strap until the kayak is secure.

How tight should the tie-downs be?

The tie-downs should be tight enough to prevent the kayaks from shifting, but not so tight that they damage the kayaks. A good rule of thumb is to tighten the tie-downs until you can’t fit more than two fingers between the strap and the kayak.

What should I do if the kayaks start to shift?

If the kayaks start to shift, you should tighten the tie-downs until they are secure. If the tie-downs are already tight, you may need to add more tie-downs or use a different type of tie-down system.