A canoe on top of a VX ?

Hi,

I have a 14ft Canoe that I use weekly during Spring/Summer. Would the rack on top of the VX hold it and would it be safe to use the rack for my canoe? I've never had a rack before and am not sure of what their limitations are. Thanks

Ty

Im sure it could, there is a picture somewhere in the galleries of a canoe that extends further than the total lenght of the VX, on its racks.

I am considering adding a front receiver to the VX so as to use 2 ladder racks (shaped like football goalposts) to haul a long ladder for my business.

I definitely think it could be done. I am not sure if Yakima or Thule makes any attachments that hold a canoe or not, but I am pretty sure there are kayak holders, so more than likely, there is some option out there. If you find it, let us know. A canoe is on my wish list for this summer.

Bart

I've carried an 18' fiberglas kayak on my VX quite a few times. I got the Yakima horizontal wing mounts plus some 'Hully Rollers' (hull-shaped attachments) to add to my stock rack. I tie off the front with a rope attached to the tow hook.

This is what I did.. I drove it probably 2-3 hours, windy roads.. this worked fine...

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...18p6060037.jpg

It wasn't a problem for us this summer. We drove from Southern IL. to Black River Falls, WI. without any problems. (Except for the hunk of rubber that bounced up off of the road from a semi, into the canoe and then back down through my sunroof on the way back home.) I used ratchet straps at the mid-section and tied off the nose to my pushbar that I got from Tone. No worries!

I'd post a picture, but I seem to be having trouble with that for some reason.

Here's a possible solution...

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/w...-Search%20Page

Yeah, no problem. I put my canoe up there all the time.
Peace.
Tom

I like how many VX owners have a canoe. A canoe!??? I've never in my life known anyone with a canoe...and I live in a pretty wet place. Bart, what are you gonna do with a friggin canoe in the desert? Think I need a snowmobile :rolleyes:

We often travel with two Kayaks (14' / 12') on the roof. We had to widen the roof bars with longer tubes (58") bolted to the stock ones and padded with foam pipe insulation. They work fine.

Question, how much pressure (weight) will the roof brackets take?
How do you tie down the Kayaks without marking the paint on the hood from the strap?
Will the roof rack hold the kayaks without a front & rear tiedown?

Any input is welcomed.

Thank you,
Howard (0761)

I don't use a front tie down for that very reason you said.

I use two lever down straps on the side and one rear strap.
It never has failed me doing that way.

Peace.
Tom

howard, anytime i put something on the roof i tie it down from the front tow hook to prevent it from flipping back... cheapo seat belt pad from walmart and put that over the rope where it would touch the hood
http://www.mmmiata.com/images/thumbs/MM122-ST_thumb.jpg

Hey I live in the desert and own a canoe. About an 18 footer plastic canoe. I have the cheap Yakima raingutter towers and they work fine with the canoe.

I have used my roof rack multiple times over the years. Before my Megawarrior, I would haul 2x4's- at least 12- up there. Countless pieces of wall trim. They are tricky. You DO have to secure everything to the racks, and due to the short span, I HIGHLY recommend down to your tow hooks front and rear for anything over- say six feet depending on what it is, or how flimsy.

It holds 125 lbs. Based on the VX "crushing" incident at a junk yard many moons ago several people commented on, LOL how did it ever happen, the structure of this rig is probably double what most cars on the road are. I would push the 125 lbs if I had to. Only for downforce though. Any upforce caused by wind or turbulence I wouldn't recommend because that would stress the mounting hardware only. Especially something that may have the ability to catch the wind up, or even sideways. Since I have gotten my Megawarrior, I know I have pushed the weight envolope, but nothing that would lift or go sideways.

A canoe shouldnt be anywhere near 125 lbs, just watch the wind and idiot drivers when you hit the brakes!!!