[Alathorne]

So I need to haul lumber too long to fit inside. Where do you recommend tieing down the front and rear of the lumber so the wind does not tear my wood apart or my roof off? I am not seeing a good place to hook my tie-downs especially in the front.

 

[Sean Nelson]

I'm fortunate to have a trailer hitch installed, which makes a great tie-down point at the rear. But I share your concern about finding something sturdy at the front. The best thing I can think of is to use the front tow hook, as long as your load doesn't need to be centered left/right.

 

[California]

Don't know if I'd carry much lumber on that short front-to-back rack but I would definitely use at least two good ratchet straps, ratcheted very tight, around the lumber bundle so nothing could slip out. That's in addition to then attaching the bundle securely to the rack. Plus the tiedown to the trailer hitch. Then drive cautiously, in an hour with little traffic.

You're probably safer than the contractor with stuff on his lumber rack.

 

[Alathorne]

I'm fortunate to have a trailer hitch installed, which makes a great tie-down point at the rear. But I share your concern about finding something sturdy at the front. The best thing I can think of is to use the front tow hook, as long as your load doesn't need to be centered left/right.

Thanks, I was thinking of installing a trailer hitch at some point. The idea of using the tow hook is a good one though. Now I just need a solution for the rear. I went to the lumber store and had them cut the planks to fit inside my Bolt. My projects are generally small, so that's probably what I will stick with for at least a while.

 

[Sean Nelson]

I went to the lumber store and had them cut the planks to fit inside my Bolt. My projects are generally small, so that's probably what I will stick with for at least a while.

I've transported 8-foot 2x4 studs inside my Bolt a couple of times - they fit diagonally across into the front passenger side with the hatch closed.

 

[boltage]

So I need to haul lumber too long to fit inside. Where do you recommend tieing down the front and rear of the lumber so the wind does not tear my wood apart or my roof off? I am not seeing a good place to hook my tie-downs especially in the front.

Put these in the hood to get tie down points in front:

Sherpak™ Quick Loops

Simply open your hood or trunk, position the loop where you want it (so the web loop end emerges through the gaps) and close. The Quick Loop locks in place with the pressure, providing a quick, easy loop to lash your straps to.

www.seattlesportsco.com

 

[One1whaoo.]

Those won't keep your roof from becoming flat, but go for it.