How to Properly Tie Down a Kayak to a Cartop Luggage Rack with Bars | Big Boys Toys | Bozeman, MT

This video is a quick demonstration of how to properly secure one of our kayak rentals to your car if you have a luggage rack with bars on your vehicles rooftop. We use NRS straps that make it a quick an easy way to effectively secure the kayak for travel to your water sport destination. For more on our kayak rentals please visit our website at bigboystoysren...

[@bethdeskins8622]

This is so awesome! For someone who over thinks everything, I appreciate the “no big deal” on which side to tie down and get straps straight. So quick and easy to tie down my boat!

[@Drewlivie]

Beth Deskins - same here. I have made this FAR too complicated. Can’t wait to try this method Saturday morning!

[@josephn1572]

Do I need those extra bars ?? The ones in the middle

[@arnie300]

2 suggestions move the buckle up away from the hull where it does not rub the kayak and put straps opposite of each other. Tighten one from the drivers side and one from the passenger side

[@TrillBelichick]

This guy reminds me of the one white guy in my neighborhood. Super helpful and informative. 🤙🏾

[@wesstevens1379]

Yea You remind me of the one bum in my hood. Unemployed. Ugly as fk. And posting on KZbin to get any attention it can.

[@susie7336]

😂

[@amysunshinekruse8387]

Thank you for making what seemed like an intimidating process straight forward! Props to fellow Montanan!

[@birkach2001]

This video ! I watched it last year and got my kayaks up. But this year I couldn't remember how to do it and I didn't remember this video. I found it, though, after messing with my kayaks for 45 minutes. After watching this, they were up in 15 and we were off for a joyous adventure on the lake! Thank y ou!

[@libbyvanpelt8490]

I’m so glad I watched this! Now I just gotta figure out this daisy chain!

[@josephn1572]

Do I need those extra bars ??

[@jimsawyer6955]

Thank you for taking it slow and stating the seemingly obvious like it not mattering whether it’s upside down or right side up. Everyone else blows through all the little details that rack the brain of the overthinkers like me

[@randyv9175]

Thank you this video really helped. I've had problems tying my kayak

[@icedazee]

Thank you! I a very new to all things tow on roof rack and this is extremely helpful!

[@eamonfanning]

Thanks this was REALLY helpful!

[@jameshuffman5945]

I prefer to have some twist in the straps, it will eliminate or at least reduce vibration noise

[@jameshuffman5945]

oh, by the way nicely done video

[@everything822]

where abouts do you twist the straps?

[@BigDawgStatusIV]

False!

[@augoustinospavlakis3114]

Better the buckles are on the opposite side so the pressure points are also opposite. If on the same side, then the kayak tilts towards that side when you tighten down. Also, very important to tie a knot exactly under the buckle. On many occasions the buckle gets slightly loose and this can be dangerous. If the kayak is a SOT then pass and extra strap through the draining hole and tie it to the bar. This is to prevent it fly off in sudden brake or collision.

[@RealBoiJare]

That’s good to know! Thank you for the advice

[@AugustHawk]

Just bought my first mid-size SUV with factory installed roof racks. I hear so much about "kayak attachments" (J-hooks, Seasaddle, etc.), and I was wondering why I can't just strap my kayak directly to the roof rack since it has 2 cross bars. Then I found this video and was relieved to see this is a possibility for me after all. However, I'd welcome some thoughts or helpful hints regarding this option from those with experience. Thank you!

[@cristim5620]

If you tie it directly to the metal, it may move left to right and if you tie it too tight, it could deform your kayak. To avoid all these, you can put a piece of sponge (like that cylindric pipe insulation that you find at Home Depot) on the cross bars. You can also buy from Amazon specially made pieces of sponge. It is cheaper than a kayak rack and very low profile, so less noise and drag. I carry two 15 feet kayaks on top of my van, I have good racks but I usually tie one of them directly to the cross bar and the other one on the rack because the roof is not wide enough to tie both directly to the cross bars. If you carry two kayaks you may need those J shaped racks.

[@misterh3]

thanks, good explanation and it did the trick.. just got a kayak and the way I was tying it down was not as legit at your method, thanks

[@1152jerry]

Two suggestions: 1- move the buckle so it’s not rubbing on the kayak. 2 - leave the twist in the strap so it doesn’t flap in the wind.

[@genas-mousas]

or put the twist in the door

[@markashlock9017]

Well explained. Thanks!!

[@vansonmafeet734]

Perfect! I always use a strap at the bow and one at the stern to tie down as well. Better safe than sorry. Haven't had an accident yet.

[@dhuanabsa774]

Superb,clear instructions video.🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟.

[@pauljr4376]

I an surprised that he did not use anything like a pool noodle on the cross bars. This would have saved having the bottom of the kayak from being damaged from the metal cross bars.

[@brandonar868]

Which is why you should put the kayak bottom side up, not like he did in this video. It will fit better.

[@patrickhubert9676]

i always wrap it around the end of the crossbar, on both sides which prevents it from going left to right when turning corners. (My yak happens to have d clips on top of it to warp he strap around which stops it from sliding also. The way you have it strapped there allows it to slide left and right on the smooth round bar too easily.

[@Jerry-j7c8q]

Please make a video of this.

[@rickkiegel896]

I enjoyed the video but was disappointed that he didn’t mention the kayak seat back. In this position facing up and forward, the seat back will catch air and flip up. Better to face backwards. Yes? Also a twisted strap will flap in the air much less.

[@Jessvixa]

Yes I normally place my kayak with the rear facing the front of the vehicle so the air flow keeps the seat back rest down.

[@Piano4Jesus]

I did this but just curious what keeps kayak from not moving forward or back when driving on highway? Can it slide out under the straps?

[@garycitro1674]

Indeed in almost all other videos I've seen hood and trunk loops used with rope to tie to the stern and bow. Especially if you are riding on the highway at fast speeds I wouldn't take the risk without it.

[@gracekilly]

Any tiedown How To that recommends cam straps is kind of messed up from the start. Those things are notorious for letting go and loosening up on their own.

[@macktruk13]

bow and stern lines, dude?

[@karenskinnerelam]

Yes. Was wondering about bow and stern lines too. My kayak is longer than his.

[@littleleom2011]

Would you go on the highway like that?

[@vkmicrov]

helpful video. Thanks a lot!

[@KnifeCrazzzzy]

Awesome man! Thanks for the Info! What size were these nrs straps???

[@Pennywise130]

Are these 1.5” or 2” straps, also what length is standard for perception kayaks?

[@mirnaespejo6526]

Thanks so much ❤️

[@martinhoney5366]

Great video!

[@bobbysmith9411]

So I’m debating on not buying a kayak carrier and just using my roof racks to tie it down, has it been safe to travel with? Just hate to buy a kayak rack if it’s not needed. Thx Bob

[@JBoney-bi8lh]

Should you put it upside down if it’s a sit in without a hull cover?

[@suzanneshelton3399]

that's my question too

[@marior736]

how long do straps have to be?? so i know what length to order

[@nicholekazarinoff4857]

Looks like the back one is 12' (NRS-12) and the front one is 9', but a quick google says they should be minimum 12' to 15'

[@wmill5992]

Would this work to tie down kayak to existing cargo rack? I have Santa Fe Sport with cargo rack installed on cross-bars.

[@ericelmer5212]

Just like I seen on the last comment those straps need to be twisted otherwise the noise you hear from that is going to kill your eardrums. Also for some reason cam straps don’t work for me the teeth don’t hold the strap tight it loosens up and I don’t know why

[@TroutWest]

What kind of MPH do ya'll trust that to hold the yak to? 80mph?

[@user-uu8wy5xs1t]

35 - 45 all-day.... 60mph for a few miles maybe a couple looks to make sure she rides good.

[@sweetjezus6423]

Thanks man saved us hours of agonizing pain my coworkers first time gotta love watching him pop a cherry

[@k2corc962]

Thought that was Aaron Rodgers for a sec

[@Chevelle602]

Do these straps buzz when going down the highway? I used some ratchet straps to get my kayak home and it vibrated the truck like crazy anything above 40 mph

[@norton750100]

Put a twist in the strap and that eliminates the "buzz" because it breaks up the air flow across the surface of the strap.

[@Noremac2310]

where did you get the crossbars from?

[@cemckenna721]

Thanks for the help! Is this an OK way to tie down a boat for long travel?

[@WillieD7]

Leaving it hull down on crossbars for any length of time (especially in hot weather) will probably dent the bottom of your boat.

[@wildernesstactix4142]

where can a person buy those crossbars???

[@bobbyg6662]

just go get some 1 inch square tubing, U-bolts, and pool noodle for padding

[@wildernesstactix4142]

what cross bars are those for the Ford Escape?

[@cr2542]

Is this safe without having no tie in front and rear of the car?

[@Sgianachlais]

Probably safe enough for a kayak of this short length, anything longer you might consider bow and stern tie downs attached to bonnet or tow-hitch. Lots of debate on youtube regards tying down bow and stern. Small kayak, short distance, this method works ok.

[@limirl]

Will this not work with s-hook's that are frequently on one end of the cam straps?

[@TheFishingMommy]

limirl I just loop that strap around and hook the S to the strap where there’s tension.

[@Froggy1000]

Late reply but the best way to do it with traditional s hook ratchets is to do exactly as he did, but when you will connect the two s hooks on the top of the middle of the kayak. Then you will pull it tight and ratchet it down. Think of it as it looks like a chain loop!

[@Habsolutely]

thanks bro

[@kostyafomin595]

Unless this kayak has a flat bottom, this is the wrong way to attach it to the roof. It has to be turned upside down in order to avoid causing indentations on the bottom of the kayak

[@evelyns4144]

Step one be tall lol

[@allanhughes7859]

I HONESTLY CAN NOT BELEIVE WHAT i HAVE JUST SEEN WHAT ABOUT FRONT AND REAR TIES IN MY COUNTRY IF YOU DO NOT TIE AT THE FRONT AND REAR YOU ARE NOT INSUERD IF ANYTHING HAPPENS MODERN CARS TRAVEL AT FAST SPEED WHAT ABOUT AIR INDUCTION JESUS JUST SKIP PAST THIS ONE AND HAVE A GOOD LOOK AT OTHERS FOR GOD SAKE !!!!!!!!!!!! IF YOU ARE NEW TO THIS !

[@seanpatun9875]

I use ratchet straps, but just don't tie them too tight.

[@verona1pirate]

you said tie down like i thought we would be using rope!!,, :[

[@victormeldroo]

everything you should never do ???????????

[@6FtSarah]

Um too dark.

[@Charlotte-rr5dh]

Just used this today as I picked my kayak up :) it worked like a charm thank you for simple instructions

[@gerardsmulevich6594]

Isn't that first buckle digging in to the kayak's hull gouging it?

[@serigraph73]

what are the length of the cam straps in this video?

[@richnewman]

12 feet. That's what the twelve means in "NRS-12" written on the strap.

[@genso3065]

Awesome. I'm going kayaking for the first time today, I bought my kayak two years ago and it never touched water. 😅 And I spent too much time strapping the yak when I first bought because of my bad luck. Haha. Thanks for this

[@ΔημητρηςΜπατσης-ξ5χ]

Nice, thanks my friend. You could also put some kind of bicycle inner tube on the cars' bars, so it dosn't move at all at hard braking.

[@romankifyak4174]

Link to those straps?

[@Alimck333]

You saved my life today, spent hours trying to secure a kayak 🙏🏽 cheers from Australia

[@waterstridersup4368]

no good

[@robertrogers7775]

Very informative. Thanks for the great pointers.😃

[@outsider1253]

Thanks for this very simple way to tie down the boat. This video was just what I was looking for. To the point with no fluff. Love it.

[@ckallen1546]

Wait... Wouldn’t it be more aerodynamic for the kayak to be upside down? Less of a chance of wind catching and (trying) to turn the kayak into a sail? And how much tension is needed? Not much on the back...but strong on the front? -Single Mom (not on food stamps & having a deadbeat ex) just trying to save a buck. NOT trying to kill the (probably) nice people driving behind me, as I take the kids kayaking.

[@suzanneshelton3399]

my question too

[@gracewatlington2097]

Your cute fave makes video better lol! Ty

[@erikaromero1295]

How would you strap on 2 kayaks to a roof rack?

[@DGantt25]

I think you would probably need a kayak rack or two then. Most vehicles aren’t wide enough to hold two kayaks on the roof, unless you stand them on their side, and to put them on their side you need a rack.

[@3genac]

@@Henryjamesklein Probably? Have you tested your technique?

[@Tidewater_paddler]

I'm going to try this method this season.

[@scottsmith4145]

Great video. The only thing I would add is if you have carry handles or something similar attached to the boat use them to route your strap through! Otherwise its possible your boat could slide out the back or front and onto the road. Especially if its a longer heavier kayak.

[@sarahalexander4842]

I've been worried about this.

[@moeenahmed6853]

Hi, can you use this method for tieing down timber and MDF boards on your car...????