Step 9 of 11 · Tie Five Knots That Do Real Jobs
Strap a load to a roof rack
Strap a load to a roof rack — step 9 of 11 in Tie Five Knots That Do Real Jobs. Anchor the rope to one side of the roof rack with a bowline. Throw the rope over the load (kayak, lumber, mattress), under the opposite…
Free outdoor skills tip: Strap a load to a roof rack (step 9 of 11 from "Tie Five Knots That Do Real Jobs").
Anchor the rope to one side of the roof rack with a bowline. Throw the rope over the load (kayak, lumber, mattress), under the opposite rack bar, and back up. Form the trucker's hitch mid-line loop above the rack bar. Pull down for mechanical advantage and lock with half-hitches.
Repeat at the front and rear of the load — two trucker's hitches minimum for any roof load. Check that the load does not shift side-to-side by pushing it firmly. If it rocks, add a cross-line. Drive 5 minutes, stop, retighten — rope stretches slightly on the first run.
Pro tip: Protect the rope from sharp edges (rack bolts, load corners) with a rag or section of garden hose slipped over the rope.
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