Best Way to Secure Kayak to Roof
 

Long story short, I'm putting a roof rack on my van to carry my kayak and was wondering what the best set up is for securing it. The cross members are going to be 2x4s and thats it (4 cross members all together). So with cross members going perpendicular to the kayak which is the most secure way to travel with it?
Thanks!

how are you going to attach the 2X4's?

With Quick-N-Easy Gutter Rail mounts, attached to the drip rail. The van is from the 70s so options for modern racks are limited unless I drill into the roof.

I don't trust douglas fir under stress, you might need to go with a hardwood.

Upside down, couple of pull straps, and bow/stern lines.

This cannot be true. If you have gutters there should be all kinds of options way better than wooden 2x4s. There's nothing the least bit unusual about gutters.

You're right I will probably use treated lumber or some type of hardwood (probably the best option as it won't warp as bad).


Also does anyone use the mounts like the Thule 835 brackets (the ones that put the kayak on its side). I figure I could use those by mounting the brackets to the wood.

Your right, but from what I've found online and people I've talked to it would cost a lot to put a newer one on. So I guess I word that wrong. I could use other cross members besides wood (aluminum, steel, etc.). I am still trying to figure out the best option, so all this input really helps.

The wood could be pretty cool though, especially on a 70s beach-going van.