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Front canoe tie down recommendations

jeembe

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What is a recommended front tie down practice/product that will not scratch to front of my R1T when my canoe is strapped on top?
Due to the blunt front end I'm concerned that tie downs will have a lot of contact with the paint.
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Matchbox

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I used to have that problem with my canoe and trucks back when I carried a canoe - some 25 years ago. Use natural fiber rope (cotton) and the "canoe hitch". Then I would put a towel (diaper back then) between the rope and the truck. I will not guarantee no scratches, but it will certainly help.
 

RickRivian

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Pad the rope.
 

Weck

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With a bed rack, you might be able to get away with not needing to actually tie down the front of the canoe due to the length of the vehicle. With my 12 foot kayak I don't need to as it barely extends past the bars; just the rear bed rack cross bar and front roof cross bar are plenty. I have not tried my 16 ft canoe yet.

On previous vehicles, all I ever did was make a pair of nylon strap loops with a grommets on one end, and bolt those under the front fender mount bolt on both sides. This gives you an anchor point loop you can flop out when needed, and only point of contact is a tiny spot on the edge of the hood both sides.

I have not removed the plastic trim on my R1T yet to see if there is a fender bolt there in the expected location however.
 

Dark-Fx

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Thick PPF where the rope contacts the hood, something to spread the force out on the PPF.
 

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I've hauled canoes and kayaks thousands of miles and never had one slip. If you use cam straps and position and tighten properly it's virtually impossible. Center the widest part in the middle.

If you're not confident in your positioning and strapping, just put another strap from the yoke to the front crossbar to keep it from slipping backwards. You can also use some canoe saddles to give extra grip.
 

Kunzene

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Last canoe trip I tied down to the front tow hooks and padded the straps but still wore through my clear coat on the front edge of the hood. I purchased a pair of T-style hood loops since then but haven’t used them yet. Have a trip planned over memorial weekend I can update then.
Rivian R1T R1S Front canoe tie down recommendations IMG_4193
 

jimmymatt

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Last canoe trip I tied down to the front tow hooks and padded the straps but still wore through my clear coat on the front edge of the hood. I purchased a pair of T-style hood loops since then but haven’t used them yet. Have a trip planned over memorial weekend I can update then.
IMG_4193.webp
Are you using Yakima gunwale brackets?
 

Kunzene

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.purchased a pair of T-style hood loops since then but haven’t used them yet. Have a trip planned over memorial weekend I can update then.
Update - the hood loops didn’t work - hood wouldn’t close completely over them. I strapped down to a single front tow hook super tight, padded it, and got no rubbing or damage to the hood.
Had a great trip too!
Rivian R1T R1S Front canoe tie down recommendations IMG_3422_Original
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