Tying Off Lumber On A Roof Rack...

[Derek Arita]

Can't tell you how many times I've had to do this. I own a small SUV, actually the wife's, and I've had to transport boards this way for years. Problem is, every time I do it, it's like I never did it before and I have to figure it out all over again.
I've seen others to do and they always seem to slip the rope thru a loop, bring the rope back on itself, then tie the loose end to the stretched part. Why it doesn't just slip down the rope and loosen at the loop, I don't know. Anyhow, what's the trick? What's the secret? Is there a gadget I can buy to make it all easier, yet secure?

[Rob Steffeck]

Its a truckers hitch and invaluable.

http://www.animatedknots.com/truckers/index.php

[Dave Houseal]

Sounds like you're talking about a clove hitch....

http://www.realknots.com/knots/hitches.htm

I usually add the extra half hitch too.....

http://www.sherrilltree.com/site/PKnots/CloveHitchHalf.html

Knots are something that are so useful, and I don't know half what I should...but FIL was a coastie....so I'm learning....hahaha

[Don Morris]

I have a RAV4 and have transported full sheets of plywood and 16' sections of crown molding and other long sections of wood. I agree, tying them down is a hassle, but can be done with the help of some good nylon web tie downs that I've accumulated over the years. For plywood, I put two 2 X 4's on the roof rack and place the plywood on top of those to stiffen the plywood, otherwise it flops up and down at highway speeds. I use 4 hand clamps at the corners to hold the plywood to the 2 X 4's. Then I use the nylon web tie downs I've got in the photos of below. A couple tie downs cross ways, and at least one front to back. Make sure you get tie downs that are long enough to accommodate your needs. I had to look some to find those with a length I needed/wanted. The ratcheting type I bought won't go all the way over the top front to back, just side to side. Wrap the straps around the roof rack structure here and there to prevent excess slipping and you should be good to go.

[Eric DeSilva]

I've always liked the theory behind these guys: http://www.amazon.com/F9S-02-01-Figure-9-Tightener-Black-Small/dp/B001C3LEMW/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=automotive&qid=1282684251&sr=8-2-catcorr, but the reality is that I use ratcheting webbing tie downs, which are pretty hard to screw up.

[Michael Peet]

The ratchet straps that came with my Thule kayak rack serve double duty when it comes to hauling wood.

Mike

[Van Huskey]

I am a ratchet web strap kinda guy as well. Seems to always do the job well.

[Thom Porterfield]

The knot you describe may also be a taughtline hitch.

[Tom Ewell]

Robs got it, the truckers hitch.

[Derek Arita]

Robs got it, the truckers hitch.

Yes! I think that might be it. I've been practicing it for an hour. Thanks!

[Zach England]

http://www.cybersalt.org/images/stories/cleanlaugh/cleanweirdimages/loaded.jpg

Do like this guy.

[Derek Arita]

http://www.cybersalt.org/images/stories/cleanlaugh/cleanweirdimages/loaded.jpg

Do like this guy.

That's a joke...right?

[Dan Hintz]

That's a joke...right?
Oh, the things we tied to roofs when I was a stock monkey at Toys R Us :rolleyes:

My two favorites were a ping pong table on top of a jetta (or similar... thought the roof was going to cave in, and the guy thought clutch drops were perfectly safe to get things moving), and a pre-assembled playhouse on top of a station wagon (I heard later it flew off while the guy was trucking down the highway at 70+ and blamed us, of course... wanted a new one, even though he insisted on having the pre-assembled floor model because it was all we had left in stock).

[ray hampton]

http://www.cybersalt.org/images/stories/cleanlaugh/cleanweirdimages/loaded.jpg

Do like this guy.


if this car are front-wheel drive WHO WILL drive the car

[Myk Rian]

That's a joke...right?
No, it isn't a joke. Really happened at, I believe, a HoPo store.
There were bags of concrete in the back seat too. There is a whole story published about it.
The driver was found sleeping in the front seat while the motor was running.
Store employees had suggested he not do it, but insisted anyway.
Here's the skinny on it.
http://www.swapmeetdave.com/Humor/Workshop/Overload.htm

How's this one?
http://www.tensionnot.com/images/images/slideshow/Automobiles587.jpg

[Eric Wheeler]

When I worked at Lowe's an old guy bought a sheet of plywood and asked for help loading it, he pulls around in a brand new Cadillac...New as in still had the temp license plate on it...and wanted it tied to the roof. I refused to load it, cuz I knew any scuffs or scratches would be blamed on me. He got all upset that I refused so I called my manager, and I guess the manager ended up helping him load it after signing some sort of waiver.

[Jim Heffner]

Just buy some good quality ratchet straps and tie it down in both directions,
length wise and cross wise. They will do the job with a whole lot less hassle.