Reddit mentions: The best boat trailer tie-downs

Toyota Yaris hatchback owner here.

Inspired by an item I saw on Amazon, my DIY solution was to make a set of loops to slide into the rear hatch door. I did so using nothing more than some 1" nylon webbing, some old synthetic wine corks, and a sewing machine -- shown HERE ... 'zon version HERE.

As it happens, they fit perfectly in between the gap on the Yaris and are super secure. I would note that I use cam buckle straps, rather than ratchet straps, though. This ensures that I never over-tighten the rigging and damage either the car or kayak.

I made similar loops for under the hood of the car, affixed directly to the frame of the car using existing bolts, as a place to run the guyline from the front of the kayak, as to not damage the paint on the car (though looking at my picture, you might wonder why I care; horray sun damage!)

If you go the kayak route, you can save a bundle for your roof racks if you already have the rails on your vehicle.

These have great reviews on Amazon. I just bought them and used them twice with success. You can also throw in these loops for securing the bows and sterns to your vehicle.

Look for a local outfitter, the family owned and ran type store. I have always had the best luck with them, and the customer service is untouchable. They go that extra mile to make sure you return.

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I had an older Jeep but it did just fine ..I got some rack pads and tied it down bow and stern as well as side to side.....these work really well for the front of the car.

> but I don't want to have to tie down the front (like you have on your fenders) or the rears,

It's actually under the hood and under the trunk. There is nowhere on the frame of my wife's car to attach something. To be honest, it didn't feel necessary to do the front and back because the mount held it in place very well. But, I feel like it's a backup in case the mount comes off the rack itself.

There is a way (though not so easy) to haul kayaks on your JK - to address some of your concerns:

For easy bow line connection point - this might work
They mount under the hood and flip under the hood when not in use...

For the kayak/canoe to be on the roof - I've seen a configuration where:
There was a square tube mount that mounted directly the the sides of the windshield and the rear set of cross bars was actually a T rack that was mounted on the hitch...the windshield mount looked something like this, but I recall it bolted directly to the sides of the windshield in the factory holes...thinking more about it, I don't think it was a JK. The rear looked like this

As for seats soaking up mud...Its a Jeep! ;-)....maybe consider neoprene seat covers?

Hello fellow 'yaker! Greetings from the frozen plains of Iowa. One tip I have: I got a pair of hood tie downs like this: Seattle Sports Built USA Sherpa Hood Loops (Pair) - Under Hood Anchor Point for Tie Downs https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0024ALDMS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_NyJxCb2WCCZXS

Find a bolt that goes into the body near the hood line. Then the straps stick between the hood and the body. I tuck them out of the way under the hood when not in use. Looks cleaner and doesn't rub on the paint at all when attached to the front of the kayaks. Happy trails ✌️

I have a Chevy Cruze and an 11 foot kayak, what I do is first unscrew the antenna at the center of the roof. Most cars this can just screw and unscrew no problem.

I have 2 foam blocks like this Centering it as best I can. I try to put them right before the windshield and rear window, the area with the most support. When I load my kayak there is a small part that actually touches the roof so I just put an old towel under it to prevent scratching. The towel is pinned by the kayak and not going anywhere.

Next I put these things under the trunk and hood so I can use a rope to tie down the front and back. I have tried running this system without tying down the front and back and I would not feel comfortable driving more than a couple miles going <30 MPH.

Now I use straps like this and open all my doors and loop it over the kayak and through my car. Again trying to stay close to the front for more strength.

Then I just tighten the front and back ropes to make sure its not going to move left to right, and double check the straps across the kayak.

It seems like a lot but the whole process of loading and tying down takes maybe 10 minutes and that's alone. Quick drive around the block to make sure its good and I'm okay with driving for a couple hours before I want to check it.

This system has worked well for me and the only damage to my car has been the straps will move around a little near the door and leave marks but those are easily buffed out.

Have you considered foam racks? Copy and paste from my post earlier:

I have a 2000 civic hatchback DX so we basically have the same car but my car has a bigger butt. I bought this 25$ foam kit off amazon and it works fine. I also got these hooks and installed them on the radiator bolts and carry the kayak in the center of the roof. Two straps that came with the foam kit across the kayak and through the door shutting both doors on the straps, one more like it from tail of kayak to tow hook in the back, and one of the ropes off the nose like a V attaching to these two hooks on the front of the car. If you want to go more expensive there is this 90$ inflatable roof rack. I went with the cheaper route because I usually have a truck but the few times I don't I want to be able to still go out. I've yet to have an issue with the foam blocks. They work really well.

Edit, I also have a moonroof installed on my car. Tightened down tighter then it probably needs to be, the kayak almost touches the moonroof.

They also make wider ones for non V shaped kayaks also.

This is always my suggestion for anyone asking the best way to have removable but effective tie down points.

Use these underneath the hood and hatch for quick non permanent tie down points. Sherpak 078115 Quick Loops (Pair) , Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0024AVPO4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_JDZIBb99AK3JQ

And these so you don't have to worry about dealing with knots. Sentry Ratchet Kayak and Canoe Bow and Stern Tie Downs 1/4" Grow Light Heavy Duty Adjustable Rope Hanger (2-Pack) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XVFDM5W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_IFZIBbHAJX6WB

Also curious where you attach in the front. I got these, which I think will be perfect for my paddleboard...if it ever gets delivered.

https://www.amazon.com/Sherpak-Built-U-S-Hood-Loops/dp/B0024ALDMS/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=hood+loops&qid=1557702207&s=gateway&sr=8-3

These have been awesome for me so far. It's ridiculous how useful something so simple can be.

Edit: Actually the pictures down show how these work. Here's a video that explains it better.

I have one about half way up on each side of the hood of my car (I have convenient bolts there) - I find that two tie downs at the front make it easier to see if anything is moving above my head as well as being more stable. I had an accident last year involving a failed rack and a 15 ft long yak, so I take the kind of care that someone who learned a lesson takes.

On my old car I used tow hooks. On my current vehicle, I use the tow hitch in back and there is a part of the grill I can loop around that includes the frame. I would not suggest just a piece of the body, definitely go for the frame where ever you can get to it.

Hood loops are a good and inexpensive option for the front. Use a bolt inside the hood then just pull them out or tuck them in when using or not.

I highly recommend something like this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0024ALDMS/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1522112820&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=hood+canoe+straps&dpPl=1&dpID=41P7694VwpL&ref=plSrch

Get a yakima rail grab kit with 66" bars. The longer length will allow you to add things such as paddle mounts, strap stops, and even awnings. Plus more weight capacity and the boats will sit a little higher off the truck.

Quick loops are awesome for bow lines.
Sherpak Quick Loops (Pair) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0024AVPO4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_l4CuzbE696JZX

The straps are good, here is another option as well. I dont like the straps in my line of site when driving so I use the back doors and it works fine.

Nice truck! I got myself a pair of these a while back so my straps weren't rubbing...

Seattle Sports 078000 Sherpak Hood Loops, Pair (Black) https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0024ALDMS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_-1FBDb4Q6TRWF

Might be worth checking out in your case!

Yes as long as your ropes and straps are tied off correctly. I recommend these straps in con junction with that kit.

Built U.S.A. Sherpak Hood Loops (Pair) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0024ALDMS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_oRUMzbPXKMCJD

Not what OP used, but theselook useful.

So there's a "tow hole" under in the left front, you'll see it. It's a metal piece with a large hole and a smaller hole. I use these hooks. ( https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XVFDM5W?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share ) . They fit perfectly in the small hole.

The back also has a small hole in the metal frame the hook fits into.


As for scratching, this is my first time trying it out. From the looks of it there was a very tiny bit of scratching but now I've adjusted it and wrapped a microfiber towel around the rope that makes contact with the front/back.

Don't forget to tie down the front! I bought a pair of these from the suggestion of someone from the mazda3revolution forums. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0024AVPO4/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I also wrapped the rope in some microfiber (where it touches the paint) to protect the car, but base don the length of the canoe, you won't need to worry about that.

Get yourself some hood loops and make the world a better place for everyone.

i use the goalpost thing in the back off my hitch receiver. and i use the foam blocks on the cab roof. it works well for me. i tie the front down using something like this it keeps everything tidy.

Look into getting something like these and tie the knot around them instead.

I have J bars and a set of these ratcheting cords to secure them.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B06XVFDM5W?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

Check these out for more tie-down points:

Sherpak Hood Loops

Hood/Trunk Tie down Loops

Also, as others have said, you should look into a roof rack with stacker bars.

LE KAPMOZ Quick Hood Loops Trunk... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GF8FSF5?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share



FishYuan Sentry Ratchet Kayak and Canoe Bow and Stern Tie Downs 1/4" Grow Light Heavy Duty Adjustable Rope Hanger (2-Pack) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XVFDM5W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_erFjDbWJCQMZH

I use these for my kayaks, but also not concerned with them rubbing the paint on my 06. They just fold under the hood when not using them. https://www.amazon.com/Built-U-S-Sherpak-Hood-Loops/dp/B0024ALDMS

Oh ya, I saw 2 eyelets. One was threaded, one not. But what about the other end?

Nevermind, I will order a pair of these for the other end

https://www.amazon.ca/gp/aw/d/B07GF8FSF5/ref=sspa_mw_detail_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I use these under my hood and in my back hatch: https://www.amazon.com/Sherpak-078115-Quick-Loops-Pair/dp/B0024AVPO4/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1486403622&sr=8-2&keywords=hood+loops

And I carry an 18-foot aluminum canoe on foam blocks just fine.

I use these for bow and stern lines and I have two of these bolted down under the hood of my truck (one on each side) as you can see here. I just direct hook in the back of the truck bed.
Just remember that they are just there to hold the boat in place while braking or accelerating, they are also good for keeping the boat in place during wind. That being said, don't crank them down as you can damage the boat.

As far as dragging your boat I don't recommend dragging it more than you have to. I will drag mine up onto the beach or on grass a bit to move it but if I am transporting it more than a few feet I pick it up.

Hell yeah! I'm going to pick up a set of these cheaper ones.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0024ALDMS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_MUSFDb5W4R8MX

Thanks for the suggestion!