Roof Rack Tie Down Suggestion/Experiences

[N8do]

Installing a Hooke Rd 4d rack soon, and will be using a cargo bag and MTM hard cases to travel cross country, via highway. What kind of lessons learned and best tie down options/sys are out there? With the Bronco, I'd rather not use the hitch tray option due to the swing out tailgate with the 35. That option has been great for our Durango in the past. So.......we are goin up top! Klick klick pull!

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[Wildsnak]

Eyelets and retractable ratchet straps do me well.

Something similar to this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CG9ZCFWC/?coliid=I3D9WNJJA6IWOE&colid=14OB0NXUAEZTB&th=1

And these: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0942BQ81N?ie=UTF8&th=1

But that's when I'm going full camping gear and top box on top. I also have coolers and stuff and I put those on hitch carrier.

I use the Kuat V2 swingout: https://kuat.com/products/pivot-v2?variant=47404133056810

Unfortunately looks like it has jumped in price also, I got on a sale for about $400 ... a lot $$ but it's amazing and built like a tank with built in hitch tightener. More info about it https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/thre...ret-the-basket-they-bought.81850/post-2567021

 

[N8do]

@Wildsnak , thanks for the details of your set up. I have retractable straps, and I am going to invest in the eyelets now. I definitely see the Kuat as a future investment!

 

[HighVelocity]

I also use a Kuat swing out, but with a large Dewalt box mounted to it.

Whatever you decide, when it comes to tie downs, remember two is one and one is none. Also, strapping and rope are consumable items. Inspect them regularly and replace them when showing signs of wear. I don't want to be picking your broken Walmart chair out of my radiator because your discount isle Harbor Freight ratchet straps were torn.

 

[Wildsnak]

Agree with @HighVelocity , I use two on each box on top. Also, if you can, get the ones like Rhino that have the enclosed hook instead of open, that way it can't come out of the eyelet.

 

[N8do]

Copy all....thanks!

 

[not on the rug]

I use my Thule Cascade on my Hooke Road rack. The box is solid so I don't bother with ratchet straps on it. If you do, make sure you put a twist in the strap (look up a YouTube video) to prevent the straps from flapping and driving you insane. I learned that lesson the hard way many years ago.

The Thule dips low in the front, so I simply remove the 2nd bar of the rack to make space for it when I have the box mounted. Technically, you can remove the front bar and scooch the rack forward if you wanted to strap a bag/bin/storage box behind it. You'd likely have the room.

Be careful with how tightly you ratchet strap things to the rack. Some guys have talked about the possibility of over-tightening and damaging the rack and or the roof.

 

[N8do]

//UPDATE//

Thank you for all the suggestions and I finally put together a cost efficient and somewhat effective way to utilize inexpensive MTM hard cases and tie downs with the Hooke Road roof rack.

I am keeping the @not on the rug suggestion for the future. I know, I did get a set of 4 retractable straps, not Rhino, which I WILL get in the near future. I used brackets and a combination of two M8 eyelets kits to make this happen.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CG9ZCFWC?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B3D9MG3L?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CZMQPYSL?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C1DHC3PN?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title

I used the brackets to secure any lateral movement to negate the boxes from sliding inward, due to smaller base compared to the lids for clearance. This ensure no movement/role allowing the straps to loosen.

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