How are people tying down the bow end of a kayak fitted to the top of a Honda Fit? The plastic fairing/bumper extends way back. Places that might take a G-hook seem parts of steering or suspension. Engine sump doesn’t really have hook-on spots.
(I’ve got a foam-block-type kit, but seems to me this question would arise even with a mounted rack.)
Top Ties
Take a look at this neat solution:
http://www.rutabaga.com/product.asp?pid=1001675
(Be sure to check out the other product view photos for better clarity)
I’m currently using these both front and rear on my Toyota Matrix. They install easily, are solid for tying to, and tuck out of the way when not in use.
Good Luck!
Delphinus
http://www.AquaDynology.com
recovery hooks?
Often those big plastic fairings under the bumper have a piece of plastic that pops out to reveal a tow hook. Or you might have a big threaded hole hidden in the grill somewhere, with an eye in your car’s tool kit that screws into that hole, to provide a towing location on the front of the car.
That said, securing a loop of webbing under the hood is a way cool idea, IMO.
recovery hooks for straight pulls only
Regarding this solution, the honda fit manual does direct you to connection points like the ones described, but it then warns to only use these for a straight, level tow out of some situation. It explicitly says, not for use as a tie down or for car towing.
Honda Fit tie-down (PAJE top ties)
These seem to be brilliant devices, but a question on the “ultimate” version with the “stopper.” Do I understand correctly that these are not attached to a bolt, but simply behind the closed trink lid, gas tank door, etc.? Is such a connection strong enough?
top ties
They are fitted under one of the bolts that hold the fenders on. Friend uses them on his Honda Fit.
Bill H.
I use em too…
On my Pontiac Vibe (Toyota Matrix cousin), but I didn’t pay 8 bucks for a pair. I just took some old strap lying around, sewed it into a loop and most importantly, put the bolt hole in by heating up a same sized bolt with a torch and melting it through. This bonds the nylon loop together and prevents any fraying. No grommet is needed that way. Also, I would avoid using an existing bolt and instead, use an empty hole (you’ll find one) and bolt though that with stainless hardware and plastic washers.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y194/phreon/hpim1115.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y194/phreon/hpim1116.jpg
Phreon
Take it from an Old Sailor
Use a spring line on the bow, it’s a whole lot easier and just as effective, i.e., run a line from the bow back to the front saddle. This keeps the boat from moving forward. A stern spring line to the rear saddle keeps the boat from moving backwards.
!!
This entirely negates the point of bow and stern tie downs, namely to add extra points of contact between the vehicle and boat. It also does little or nothing to control side to side buffeting. It certainly does nothing to help counteract the boat’s lifting tendency, except to transmit a small portion of it back to the rack, which is opposite of the goal of end tie-downs.
Phreon
I have a 09 Fit…
and use nylon straps attached to a body bolt under the hood. It works well and they hide away nicely when done. On my Fit there a bracket that holds part of the front fenders on.{about 10" from vent grill near the windshield bottom edge} I removed the bolts,and using a fender washer and original bolts ,bolted the straps to that bracket. I made my straps about 14" long,folded and made a hole through the 2 ends of the strap to form a loop. The ends are what I bolted to that bracket. Lift the hood slightly,flick them out for use,close the hood. If you want pictures,e-mail me.BTW I used cut off of a nylon tie down strap that was way to long to make my loops.
billinpa
Awesome
I was looking for a similar solution for my car. This looks like the ticket. Thanks.
As far as using the rescue tow hook I would say this thing is pretty solid and should work but it only gives you one point to tie to so its not really going to do much.
-James
http://www.adventurecanoe.com
Front & Back tie downs…
We have 2 Tsunami 140s and have used the front & rear tie downs from Rutabaga for 3+ seasons. We’ve never had any problems and recommend them to all our paddling friends. (I even have copies of the Rutabaga webpage in my vehicle because so many curious paddlers have asked me where I got them!) The rear ones just close in the rear door of my Forester, and the front ones tuck in under the hood when not in use. Others in our kayak club use them and we all agree that they are GREAT!
Tie down points
http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/topic/best-way-to-affix-canoe-to-car#post-130
I recently added some of these to my Mercedes wagon. They work great.
-James
Thanks also.