Bummer 2 yaks came off a suv on 680

Ratchet ties directly to cross bars sounds super simple. Do you cover the cross bars in foam (like pool noodles or something?)

Exactly what I do, pool noodles on factory crossbars, yak upside down. As mentioned don't go crazy with tightening down those ratchet deals.

On the third page and not one person has mentioned the danger to those on the road with you when a yak gets loose.

Think about it, you loose a yak and maybe get a ding, the guy behind you could loose a life.

If you want to keep thinking about your problems if you loose your yak on the freeway, think about your liability.

I've added a bike cable to my setup, after the yak gets strapped down to the rack, the cable goes thru a scupper and is attached to a ty down in the bed of the truck that is ultimately bolted to the frame.  Keeps honest people honest and if a strap fails the yak is gonna stay with the truck. 

Mine goes on a trailer with the cross-spars wrapped in pipe insulation foam. I've got a truck, but it has a big toolbox in the bed. So on the trailer it goes!

Ratchet ties directly to cross bars sounds super simple.

When I first got my kayaks, I was advised against ratchet straps because of the potential for oil-canning.  It's very easy to put too much pressure on the hull if you over tighten them.  The preferred method is to use cam straps. 

I like the cradles, keeps the salt water and the fish smang off the car.
Use the strap attached to the cradle through the handle on the side of the yak another at the back with a bunji to the bumper  and a front strap to the tow point under the car. 4 point tie down = double protection.

On the third page and not one person has mentioned the danger to those on the road with you when a yak gets loose.

Think about it, you loose a yak and maybe get a ding, the guy behind you could loose a life.

If you want to keep thinking about your problems if you loose your yak on the freeway, think about your liability.

I've added a bike cable to my setup, after the yak gets strapped down to the rack, the cable goes thru a scupper and is attached to a ty down in the bed of the truck that is ultimately bolted to the frame.  Keeps honest people honest and if a strap fails the yak is gonna stay with the truck.

Mine have came off but were still attached to the car. Never have I had one come completely off. They came loose and slid off the side. Your right about that danger. So maybe the question should be have you lost one where it was all the way off. Mine were during a cross wind, with blocks when starting out yaking. So how many times or miles do you travel before checking how they are riding up there. Most of the time mine are tied in the bed of the truck. Never a problem there, it is when the dynamic of a rack is added. Now I have a rack for the truck because of the 5th wheel. And that brings back memories of those foam blocks. At least I can see the bow of the yaks with this rack. I did mount one on top of my trailer. Went thru Calif Oregon washington and Idaho. I did that twice and was freaked the whole time. I knew they were tight but still worried a lot. 

Ratchet ties directly to cross bars sounds super simple.

When I first got my kayaks, I was advised against ratchet straps because of the potential for oil-canning.  It's very easy to put too much pressure on the hull if you over tighten them.  The preferred method is to use cam straps. 

  Totally agree !   I just hauled 26 kayaks across the continent using cam straps.   
      Checked twice daily ( 26 each,,, x2 per kayak  )        Even through Barstow with 50+mph gusting headwinds

Doesn't everybody know to have an added safety line thru the handle to make sure that yak stays with the car if it comes off the rack. If you take somebody out on a motorcycle it is going to change your life and not for the better. One of the first things Bay Area Sea Kayakers teach you.

I was going too fast on a rough dirt road to Indian Creek Reservoir and hit a dip in the road which made the entire front and rear racks fly off the trailer with the Hobie Pro Angler still attached.  Luckily the racks landed inside the trailer and I had to install the racks back into position, not an easy task by myself being that the yak weighs over 100 lbs.
Now I use 3 ratchet straps which should hopefully never come loose.

now its my turn to be a nervous wreck.  First time I have carried the Kayak on top of my camper.  Cant hook up a bow line  so in addition to  the two ratchet straps to the cross bars and a ratchet near the bow going from rack rail to rack rail I have two lines going through the scuppers tied into the cross bars.  Oh and with this set up my minimum clearance is 12'6"  Heading out in the morning dark to Rancho Seco

Better to be safe than sorry ...

   You can replace a kayak, but you cannot replace someone elses life if it flew off & did the unthinkable like cause a deadly car wreck.

Be safe & have a great weekend!!!!

Bill

I've been using the Malone Sea Wings, as the Predator doesn't go upside down. 

Sure it does!