A classic combination- 15ft canoe and my 240GL wagon. Feelverygranola. Has (factory?) car top carrier. The car has one good tie down point front, one good tie down point rear. I'd like to have two front, two rear and maybe addsome other simple"locating" features to the rack. Proper positioning for canoe? Yesterday it was overhanging more on the front than rear and seemed to ride OK. Does anyone have any tips- add some eyelets to the bumper? Don't want to deface it more than necessary.I'm sure this combination has been done MANY times before. THANKS!! Dave

 

I use mine to haul my 17 foot Grumman canoe all the time I also haul Kayaks on it. As far as tie down locations and types, I prefer to use ratcheting type tie downs they seem to be the most secure and quickest, I used to use ropes and a series of bowline and slip hitch knots but it took way to long. In the front of my 88 240 wagon Ive found on either side right under the headlights, if I wrap the tie down around the front corners on top of the bumper and go underneath I can hook on the brace that supports the front quarterpanel. In the rear I use the bumper, about 6 inches in from either corner on the bottom of the bumper there is a little lip that the hook will catch in quite nicely. As far as using the factory roof rack, I myself do not use it, first off Im not sure its up to task, second with my aluminum canoe it would get all scratched up. Instead Imade my own rack out of a 2x4 and a set ofthe classic rain gutter mountedroof rack supports. My total investment is around 30$ 15 or so for the gutter mounts and 15 or so for the ratcheting tie downs. When its mounted up I can strap two kayaks on either side of it and hit 75 mph without the slightest bit of worry. And as far as granola goes (old school gutter racks + gray aluminum canoe + 2 kayaks + gray 240 wagon == GORP...

 

Toy- thanks for the reply! My first question is- how do you get up to 75 with stuff on the roof? Yes, I should get the ratchet type straps, that seems a lot more secure. I will look for front & rear tie down locations you mentioned. Really didnt want to screw eyelets through the bumper. I'm confused on GORP though. When I bought the car, the guy left a granola bar on the dash for me! Dave

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