[jonnyace84]

Hi All, I just went through the headache of setting up a crossbar & kayak j-cradle mounting system (headache b/c it's a tandem kayak that weighs 80lbs and i'm 5'5"), only to realize that there do not appear to be any obvious/safe tiedown (tie-down?) points for the bow/stern straps. This seem crazy to me, given that its a Subaru! Even if I could find a point, which I can't (everything down there is plastic), aren't I going to scratch the **** out of the front and rear bumpers? Does anyone have any suggestions!? Thanks!

 

[packduckrock1]

Front: On my car (still waiting for the Ascent) i use a short piece of rope that i tied a loop into. I put the end with the knot under the hood with the loop hanging out. Works great. Below is an example, i'll try and get pictures of my set up tomorrow.

Rear: Do you have a hitch? Can you go down to the chain hooks?

 

[jonnyace84]

Hi, thanks for the response. I guess I can consider your option for the front..it doesn't scratch ur car? no hitch on mine....and, not sure what u mean by chain hooks?

 

[Subiesailor]

The hood strap is the way to go but I haven’t seen the hood vs fender setup on the Ascent yet. The straps won’t scratch or damage the hood if they are installed in the right location.

How long are your kayaks? With the Jrack and shorter kayaks often times a bow tie is all thats really needed for high speed and/or windy car trips.

Its when you get into the longer hulls 16-18ft especially open deck style hulls like a canoe where the bow and stern ties become multi functional and important.

 

[packduckrock1]

Hi, thanks for the response. I guess I can consider your option for the front..it doesn't scratch ur car? no hitch on mine....and, not sure what u mean by chain hooks?

No scratches, never had a problem with any damage. They sell straps specifically for this set up, i just went the cheap route and created the same thing out of a length of rope.


Chain hooks would be apart of the hitch set up so you wouldn't have them either. Once my Ascent comes in i may be able to provide more recommendations for the back. I have a 17' single person kayak so i will need to figure it out eventually!

 

[jonnyace84]

Thanks for the advice packduckrock1!

 

[jonnyace84]

Hi Subiesailor, thanks for the info. It's a 14.5ft sit-on-top 80lb tandem, so I definitely need the straps...can you elaborate on what the 'right location' is for the straps? Also, is this what you'd recommend? https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M300IYN/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

 

[RWH]

Thule 530 T-strap Loop or the Malone T-strap Loop can also be used in the rear hatch similarly as is shown for the hood. I have done this many times. The bolt-on hood loop (Thule 529 or similar from other mfr. or home made) is OK if there is a good, secure place to attach them that is close enough to the top of the fender so the loop protrudes out far enough for a usable loop after the hood (or hatch) is closed. As for abrasion, you can apply a layer or two of duct or packaging tape to the hood/ hatch where the strap contacts the edge. Take the tape off when done. Don't leave tape on the painted surface for more than a week or so or it will be difficult to remove.

 

[packduckrock1]

Thule 530 T-strap Loop or the Malone T-strap Loop can also be used in the rear hatch similarly as is shown for the hood. I have done this many times.

This occurred to me during this thread but i had never tried it before. My kayak stick out the back far enough that the strap wouldn't be in contact with the car at all. I always just went to the tow hook underneath my rear bumper. I might try this in the future.

 

[FoRealz]

Page 420 and 421 of the owners manual mentions front and rear tie down holes. Not sure if that helps you

 

[SaffronRouge]

In my experience, the bar spread available on the Ascent really makes the front and back tie downs unnecessary. My bars are probably a good 4ft apart (as far as my 5'4" stature would allow) I may consider them for a long hwy trip, but not really for everyday trips. Also, you really don't need a special hook on your Ascent for your strap, just find a flat metal area under your bumper, hook it and tighten up your strap.