I've been carrying kayaks (70# each loaded) and canoes on top of my Camry
for the 5 yrs I've owned it (well over 20,000 trip miles), boats upside down
(less noise), with a little shaped micocell foam padding on the Thule
crossbars to cushion and prevent abrasion. The thin metal roof has developed
a small wavy stress pattern about 10" out from where each rack connects,
probably from the high stress of multiple boats at highway speeds above 70
mph. It's hardly noticeable, but would impact the resale of the car to most
people.



Fore and aft lines are connected to the 2 front and rear under-bumper
tow-rings on the car's frame. I've tried 5/16" and 3/8" lines, and the 3/8"
are easier to find, lower cost and easier to handle. Each line is about
12.5' and has a snap D-ring on each end for easy on and off attachment to
the undercarriage; no flashlight required in the dark.



At first, I used nylon line, but in Texas heat, it stretches so much on a
long trip, that frequent retying was necessary. Replaced the nylon with
braided Dacron line last August, and now there is no retying required.



The racks are easy to remove and replace, and I do this often.



See you on the water,

V-



"Tinkerntom" wrote in message
oups.com...
I can speak from experience. It was only a three hour cruise... er make
that a three minute transport from shore to storage. I was tired and
only tied on with lines over the hull. At first stop, I was horrified
to see my kayak launch out over the hood of my van, like a bar of soap
coming out of your wet hands.

The Overflow luckily is used, plenty of scratches, and 40 ft of sliding
on asphalt did not hurt it any. The thought of causing a serious
accident did get my attention! However the worst was having to get out
and pickup the pieces and put it all back together, with all those
other folks pointing their finger, and gauking at me! They had a good
laugh!

Be sure and use the bow and stern lines, :-() Sheepish me, TnT