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ryckiej
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03/07/2017 11:15AM   (Thread Older Than 3 Years)
Good Morning All
When I strap my canoe to the top of my car, the tie downs leave an imprint on the car that I can only get out by using polishing compound. Does anyone have some great suggestions on something that I can wrap around the tie-downs to eliminate this?
 
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03/07/2017 11:18AM  
I've used a cut up milk bottle, making plastic protectors. Now the old wagons beyond the extra care so I stopped.

butthead
OldFingers57
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03/07/2017 11:37AM  
I use foam pipe insulation that goes around the strap. You could also use foam pool noodles.

Another option is to use the material that they use to protect car hoods on auto carrier semis. It is a peel and stick smooth material that does not use adhesive.
TrekScouter
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03/07/2017 01:10PM  
Electrical tape over blue painter's tape. The painter's tape is meant to be removed easily. The electrical tape is sturdy.

ozarkpaddler
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03/07/2017 03:30PM  
Do you use these kind of tie downs? Never a problem with paint rubs with these.






If you're tying to the front, I've tried pipe insulation and lambs wool (like the kind that wraps around a golf bag strap) and pool noodles with minimal or no damage. But installing the tie downs between hood and fender is so much better and nicer on the car finish.
03/07/2017 06:23PM  
The strap pictured above works well for me, I use tie wraps to secure all tie down points too. If it all tied down and very secure, the canoe does not move at all regardless of wind direction or velocity. I would guess the wind at at least 40 mph and then factor the driving speed of 65 to 70. that is the max that I have tested the canoe straps and ties.
OldFingers57
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03/07/2017 07:09PM  
quote ozarkpaddler: "Do you use these kind of tie downs? Never a problem with paint rubs with these.






If you're tying to the front, I've tried pipe insulation and lambs wool (like the kind that wraps around a golf bag strap) and pool noodles with minimal or no damage. But installing the tie downs between hood and fender is so much better and nicer on the car finish.
"

I have my tie downs like that however the shape of my hood I still need foam pipe insulation to protect the straps from rubbing.
old_salt
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03/07/2017 09:30PM  
I use old cotton t-shirts. Just wrap and stuff any loose ends so no flapping.
03/07/2017 09:37PM  
Not sure I understand the problem. The tie downs I use go under the rack and over the canoe. They never touch the roof of the car. No marks because there is no contact. What am I missing...
03/08/2017 07:22AM  
quote OldFingers57: "
quote ozarkpaddler: "Do you use these kind of tie downs? Never a problem with paint rubs with these.


I use those as well on my 4Runner. None of the tie down straps touch my car.





If you're tying to the front, I've tried pipe insulation and lambs wool (like the kind that wraps around a golf bag strap) and pool noodles with minimal or no damage. But installing the tie downs between hood and fender is so much better and nicer on the car finish.
"

I have my tie downs like that however the shape of my hood I still need foam pipe insulation to protect the straps from rubbing. "
OldFingers57
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03/08/2017 07:47AM  
quote Frenchy19: "Not sure I understand the problem. The tie downs I use go under the rack and over the canoe. They never touch the roof of the car. No marks because there is no contact. What am I missing..."


We were talking about the front tie downs on the hood not the rack ones.
eroom
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03/08/2017 09:17AM  
I sometimes use an old bicycle inner tube cut into three or four inch pieces. Run the strap through the tube and place it where needed.
joetrain
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03/08/2017 09:32AM  
I no longer use the under the hood strap attachments. Now I use a 16 inch piece of rope tied in a knot and simply place it right where the hood latches and then close the hood on it. I threaded on a 1 inch pvc coupling on the rope before I tied the knot on it. Now I can strap from the front of the canoe right to the center of the car and don't have straps in my line of sight while driving. I strap to the racks as well and use the same rope trick at the rear of the car.

I just returned home from over 2000 miles of driving with the canoe on top. No issues and no damaged paint.

Now my question is what do you all do with the extra strap material that is hanging loose after you strap to the racks? I have been just closing the car door on it after giving it a few twists but when it rains it wicks water into the car.
~JOE~
03/08/2017 10:05AM  
My straps are dedicated canoe tie down straps so I just cut them down and burn the ends.
OldFingers57
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03/08/2017 12:38PM  
quote joetrain: "I no longer use the under the hood strap attachments. Now I use a 16 inch piece of rope tied in a knot and simply place it right where the hood latches and then close the hood on it. I threaded on a 1 inch pvc coupling on the rope before I tied the knot on it. Now I can strap from the front of the canoe right to the center of the car and don't have straps in my line of sight while driving. I strap to the racks as well and use the same rope trick at the rear of the car.


I just returned home from over 2000 miles of driving with the canoe on top. No issues and no damaged paint.

Now my question is what do you all do with the extra strap material that is hanging loose after you strap to the racks? I have been just closing the car door on it after giving it a few twists but when it rains it wicks water into the car.
~JOE~"


I usually just throw a few more half hitches in it to eat up the slack.
03/08/2017 02:34PM  
I use ratchet straps across the canoe in front of and behind the centerpoint. They attach to the rack and there is no need to tie down the front under your hood. I've always wondered why people tie a rope in the back...
OldFingers57
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03/08/2017 03:17PM  
quote jamotrade: "I use ratchet straps across the canoe in front of and behind the centerpoint. They attach to the rack and there is no need to tie down the front under your hood. I've always wondered why people tie a rope in the back..."


I do the rope in front and back for two reasons:

1. It stops the canoe from going side to side when passing or getting passed by a semi.
2. In case the roof rack straps should loosen up it is not going to slip out.

As for ratchet straps you need to watch when you tighten them as you can over tighten easily with the ratchet and damage the canoe.


03/09/2017 03:05PM  
Good points. I suppose you are right to be cautious. We are always very careful with the ratcheting and have never had an issue.
03/09/2017 03:14PM  
quote joetrain: "
Now my question is what do you all do with the extra strap material that is hanging loose after you strap to the racks? I have been just closing the car door on it after giving it a few twists but when it rains it wicks water into the car.
~JOE~"


Daisy Chain Straping works well, unties easily. I just daisy chain up the tight strap, end with a half hitch around strap to secure.


butthead
 
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