My Kayak Setup

[Delbert]

I paddle a 16' kayak and transport it all over the east coast. My solution was to put a cross bar on the roof to match the bed rack. 10 ' of spacing between bars is much better than the 4' between the bed mount bars. The additional benefit is that the boat can sit forward and not stick out the back so far.
I agree that none of the racks can resist much uplift. If you push up on the bow you can probably rip the rack right off the truck. I'd love it if Ford would provide mounting points for both roof racks and bed racks so you can bolt right down to the unibody. Subaru does it with the Outback.
The only way I found to fasten a bow line is to use the two tow point holes under the front bumper. You would need a hook or chock to go in the holes and fashion a yoke out of webbing to protect the paint. Not very elegant.
A bike and Yak are the perfect way to experience the outdoors. Paddle downstream and bike back up. I did it for 200 miles from the Blue Ridge to the Atlantic in 15 mile segments.

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[Captain25]

I can't recommend these tie down straps enough. They use the existing bolts under the hood to secure loads and save your paint.

https://www.amazon.com/Thule-Hood-L...sprefix=hood+tie+downs+&+straps,aps,90&sr=8-6

 

[billbillw]

I can't recommend these tie down straps enough. They use the existing bolts under the hood to secure loads and save your paint.

https://www.amazon.com/Thule-Hood-Loop-Strap-529/dp/B004MZXI0I/

That's pricey for what amounts to 50 cents of strap material and a metal grommet. That would be an easy DIY with material from someplace like Ripstop by the Roll

If you aren't up to DIY'ing something, this is more palatable for the frugal minded....
https://www.amazon.com/Boncas-Straps-Anchor-Hauling-Canoe/dp/B07RY1S1FT

 

[Bear]

I can't recommend these tie down straps enough. They use the existing bolts under the hood to secure loads and save your paint.

https://www.amazon.com/Thule-Hood-Loop-Strap-529/dp/B004MZXI0I/ref=sr_1_6?crid=1O7S61W2T2HES&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.lBarIs2EwVujZqHCjnpoq79eVFaNGbTU-RyOwMQkiiZw1rHMJZH1kzxG0K0cCD07WMMIq9uBet-eYr-yE6M4rjWf5_aV67Jb0V3UcvASuCjxFfJIHPfkf-vVNs9KsuFJHFQ4abMViYUo0SVlYR3jgiAJHcCFzoaOFdGNxNDuYhRUTuKsrz3UEHeZCz92d5h0j3_GYimYFWozu4G1R42tRgd3grwSnVFdgYjvLMfEcisWv2ZGParITicc-PLP75ueo0M9Lqgsefzf-xsewVBdnSiUsLI-RWfjE3JLS5bpDcY.pPQXI-qYz-KJ8A-Yrj_Ye46TspEAnseWemqPrVKQvGE&dib_tag=se&keywords=hood+Tie+Downs+&+Straps&qid=1718728601&sprefix=hood+tie+downs+&+straps,aps,90&sr=8-6

I have seen these and I only have one concern when I bolt these down is how bad will it rub against the paint on the fender & hood when it's in use. If I do go this route, I looking at getting some clear tape and placing it where the straps rubs against the paint. I do wished the Maverick could have the front fender hooks like the Bronco has...this would make my ACD life so much simpler.

 

[Captain25]

I have seen these and I only have one concern when I bolt these down is how bad will it rub against the paint on the fender & hood when it's in use. If I do go this route, I looking at getting some clear tape and placing it where the straps rubs against the paint. I do wished the Maverick could have the front fender hooks like the Bronco has...this would make my ACD life so much simpler.

I do Like the Bronco tie downs but I’ve found these work great with little to no rubbing. The orientation of the strap has to be made so that when they are installed, the strap is rising straight up from the space between the hood and the corner panel. They also are concealed under the hood when not in use. I don’t have a photo but I guess you’ll have to trust me that I don't have abrasion issues.

 

[SLJ]

After thinking about this, I need to figure out where to anchor the other end of the bow line on the truck. I'm worried about the line rubbing against the paint....I'll figure out how to protect the paint.

I use hood loops for the bow lines.

 

[BlueOval1954]

I made my first long distance road trip hauling my kayak up North. I have the Ford roll up tonneau cover, Elevate rack, Thule DockGrip, Yakima HandRoll and Kuat hitch bike rack. I use the Yakima HandRoll to push up the kayak to the rack, I place a long think foam cushion on the roof so it has a soft landing when I push it up. Once on top I move the kayak to the Thule DockGrip and stop it down.

I don't use a bow or stern line b/c the Thule DockGrip prevents the kayak from moving left or right. I have a tie down strap in the front and rear of the cock pit opening to hold it down and it prevents the kayak from sliding forward to backwards....The kayak has a 1 inch trim around the cock pit opening with an overhang lip. There is no way for the tie down straps to slip over the cock pit opening.

Driving down the highway with the kayak on top I didn't really notice any handling issues and my gas mileage was around 34 mpg. Since I'm retired I'm not in a hurry so I pretty much drove at 70 mph.

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I like your kayak rack, but could you tell me something about your bike rack ? What kind it is and where to purchase etc ?

 

[VANVLEET]

I made straps that are bolted under the hood, a diy version of the Thule ones. Used them on my Subaru for years with no paint wear. Expect the same on the Mav.

 

[BlueOval1954]

I like your kayak rack, but could you tell me something about your bike rack ? What kind it is and where to purchase etc ?

 

[Bear]

I like your kayak rack, but could you tell me something about your bike rack ? What kind it is and where to purchase etc ?

It's a Thule bike rack with the 2" receiver. I purchased it 2 years ago from REI when it was on sale. It does come with a cable so you can lock up the bikes but I also have a separate cable lock I use along with the Thule cable lock. I typically leave on all summer and it does tilt down a bit so I can open my tail gate partially (I adjust the tail gate cable so it doesn't open all the way). It doesn't interfere with the backup camera or make the truck beep as if there was something close by.

https://www.thule.com/en-us/bike-rack/hitch-bike-racks/thule-t2-pro-x-2---2-_-904450

 

[BlueOval1954]

It's a Thule bike rack with the 2" receiver. I purchased it 2 years ago from REI when it was on sale. It does come with a cable so you can lock up the bikes but I also have a separate cable lock I use along with the Thule cable lock. I typically leave on all summer and it does tilt down a bit so I can open my tail gate partially (I adjust the tail gate cable so it doesn't open all the way). It doesn't interfere with the backup camera or make the truck beep as if there was something close by.

https://www.thule.com/en-us/bike-rack/hitch-bike-racks/thule-t2-pro-x-2---2-_-904450

Thanks man. I think it is a little pricy but I will watch and see if it goes on sale again. I think it will be a nice addition.

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