Thule rack modifications........

I have a plain Thule rack on my vehicle.  I am planning on buying a new kayak this year and have opted to not spend over $200 dollars on the kayak attachments for my rack.  What other options do I have for safely strapping my kayak down to my racks with out damaging my kayak or becoming unstable on the road?  My rack has the square tubing.

Thanks,

Mike

You can add pool noodles to the rack.  They add a little cushion to the bars. 

Place the kayak upside down on the bars and strap them down.  Use bow and stern tie downs.

See this thread:

http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=47730.0

Thanks for the quick response.  I have all the tie downs, so it should be pretty easy to do.

Mike

I have the same set up. The Malone car top kit is about $30. It comes with all needed straps and some nice foam blocks that fit nicely on the thule bars. I recommend Malone brand only because I have the same type of car top kit in an off brand and everything about it is junk

if you go with the pool noodles get a roll of PVC tape for plumbing and wrap them with it or they will not hold up...this what I was told and have used the tape, works well for me.

I go straight upside down kayak onto bars, no foam padding or anything.  Padding isn't necessary.

I do however use bow and stern tie downs, in addition to my regular straps, religiously.

with the noodles there is no slip and no need for front n rear straps

with the noodles there is no slip and no need for front n rear straps

Without bow and stern lines on a roof rack your asking for the whole rack to rip off.