Hood Tie-downs?

[Jackhole]

Hey new member here, has anyone used the looped openings at the windshield washer fluid sprayers on the hood to tie down a boat or kayak on the roof? I know they are designed to tie down the windshield when open but was wondering if they could handle a beefier task? Thx

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[ZTMAN]

I would not use the windshield tie downs. You are most likely going to warp the hood sheet metal if you apply the force necessary to strap down the boat or kayak

 

[Mr._Bill]

Hey new member here, has anyone used the looped openings at the windshield washer fluid sprayers on the hood to tie down a boat or kayak on the roof? I know they are designed to tie down the windshield when open but was wondering if they could handle a beefier task? Thx

For something like that, I think you would be better off with a roof rack, or the rack pieces for the trail rail system.

 

[eaglerugby04]

Hey new member here, has anyone used the looped openings at the windshield washer fluid sprayers on the hood to tie down a boat or kayak on the roof? I know they are designed to tie down the windshield when open but was wondering if they could handle a beefier task? Thx

They look sturdy, but I would probably use something like the bumper instead.

 

[Discount Tire]

Welcome to the forum. Enjoy your new Gladiator.

 

[TheITGuy]

Hey new member here, has anyone used the looped openings at the windshield washer fluid sprayers on the hood to tie down a boat or kayak on the roof? I know they are designed to tie down the windshield when open but was wondering if they could handle a beefier task? Thx

Use the front tow hooks and a roof rack.

 

[ATLalien]

I had thought about this same thing and decided against it. Didn't look quite sturdy enough for that. The problem with using the tow hooks on the bumper is that they curve inward and I can't see how rope would stay affixed to that. It seems like without a roof or bed tack, securing a canoe or kyak isn't going to be easy with this truck. I haven't tried mine yet, so I'm curious to see how folks have done it.

 

[canyonrat]

Hood loops.

 

[Jackhole]

I had thought about this same thing and decided against it. Didn't look quite sturdy enough for that. The problem with using the tow hooks on the bumper is that they curve inward and I can't see how rope would stay affixed to that. It seems like without a roof or bed tack, securing a canoe or kyak isn't going to be easy with this truck. I haven't tried mine yet, so I'm curious to see how folks have done it.

I had thought about this same thing and decided against it. Didn't look quite sturdy enough for that. The problem with using the tow hooks on the bumper is that they curve inward and I can't see how rope would stay affixed to that. It seems like without a roof or bed tack, securing a canoe or kyak isn't going to be easy with this truck. I haven't tried mine yet, so I'm curious to see how folks have done it.

Exactly my problem! The tow hooks don’t allow for that kind of application.

 

[Jackhole]

Hood loops.

Hood loo

Hood loops.

Sorry but what are “hood loops”?

 

[BAT]

Can you not use a bed extender attached to the trailer hitch. Load it in the bed of the truck and secure it.

 

[canyonrat]

Sorry but what are “hood loops”?

Sorry I have no kayak carrying experience. I bought some of these a few weeks back to rig up my hard top hoist. My understanding is Kayak folks use these for front end tie downs. Like what you were looking to do with the windshield tie downs.
https://www.rei.com/product/818318/seattle-sports-hood-loops

better pic:
https://www.amazon.com/Sherpak-Seattle-Sports-Hood-Loops/dp/B081VLCD5T

 

[Blade1668]

I'd find a solid tie down points from bumpers, remember the hood just has 2 plastic latches and safety hook too. It doesn't seem like much. Just for that I installed eyebolts on my Comanche bumpers for hauling a canoe.

 

[ciarraikerry]

Sorry I have no kayak carrying experience. I bought some of these a few weeks back to rig up my hard top hoist. My understanding is Kayak folks use these for front end tie downs. Like what you were looking to do with the windshield tie downs.
https://www.rei.com/product/818318/seattle-sports-hood-loops

better pic:
https://www.amazon.com/Sherpak-Seattle-Sports-Hood-Loops/dp/B081VLCD5T

I’ve used hood loops in the past and they worked well. Then you just tuck them under the hood when not in use. Your main binding of the boat should be on whatever rack you are using with the bow and stern lines preventing the ends from moving a lot and acting as a lever against the rack. It is not necessary to have them super tight. I do not have my JT yet but I’m trying to figure out my kayak hauling situation. I had a gobi rack on my JK and want to avoid that as a solution on the JT. I have a 12’ and a 14’ so I do not want to use a bed extender for long camping trips. Especially if I make a trailer with RTT.

 

[chuckfinley79]

If you’re not going too far I used to put ours in the bed of my Colorado against the tailgate and run a ratchet strap over them and through the back doors with a folded up blanket for padding (short trips, 10 minutes or less) or lay them in the bed with the tailgate down and run a ratchet strap through the carry handles on the kayaks for longer trips.

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