Putting A Boat On An Suv: A Step-By-Step Guide

Transporting a boat on top of an SUV is possible, but there are several factors to consider. Firstly, it is essential to ensure that the SUV's towing capacity can handle the weight of the boat. Most jon boats weigh around 200-500 pounds, and the towing capacity of an SUV is typically higher than that of a sedan or coupe. Additionally, installing a roof rack can increase the weight capacity and provide a secure attachment point for the boat. When securing the boat, it is recommended to use strong tie-down straps and drive safely without abrupt changes to prevent the boat from moving or falling off. It is also important to check provincial laws regarding overhang and ensure that brake lights are visible to other drivers.

Check your car's towing capacity and the boat's weight

When preparing to transport a boat on top of an SUV, it is crucial to prioritize safety and avoid overloading your vehicle. Thus, checking your car's towing capacity and the boat's weight is a fundamental step in the process. Here are some detailed instructions and considerations to guide you through this important task:

Firstly, determine the weight of your boat. This is a critical factor, as the boat's weight will significantly impact the towing capacity required. Most boats will have their weight listed in the owner's manual or on the manufacturer's website. If this information is not readily available, you can use a boat weight calculator to estimate the weight. Remember to include the weight of any additional gear and passengers that will be on board, as these will contribute to the overall weight.

Next, you need to find your SUV's towing capacity or rating. This information is typically available in the owner's manual, or you can check the manufacturer's website. Car manufacturers set towing ratings assuming only the driver is in the car, but in reality, you'll likely have additional passengers and cargo. Thus, when calculating the total weight, be sure to include the weight of potential passengers and cargo.

Once you have determined the weight of your boat and the weight of your SUV's cargo, you can calculate the "Gross Combined Weight" (GCW). This is the total weight of your boat, trailer, and vehicle cargo. It is crucial to ensure that the GCW does not exceed the SUV's "Gross Combined Weight Rating" (GCWR), which is the maximum weight your car can safely handle. You can typically find the GCWR on the data plate inside the driver-side door, glove compartment, or another easily accessible area.

It is important to leave yourself extra towing capacity for safety and performance. Long trips, steep hills, and challenging conditions can strain your vehicle, so it's best to choose a vehicle with a higher towing capacity than the minimum required. Exceeding the towing capacity can be dangerous, making the vehicle unstable and difficult to control. It can also cause brake failure and damage to the engine, transmission, and other components.

Additionally, consider the weight distribution and tongue weight. The weight should be evenly distributed across the trailer to maintain stability and traction. The tongue weight, which is the weight pressing down from the trailer's tongue onto the hitch ball, should be approximately 10% of the combined weight of the boat and trailer.

By carefully considering your car's towing capacity and the boat's weight, you can ensure a safe and successful journey. Remember to allow for some extra capacity to account for passengers, cargo, and varying conditions. This will help you avoid overloading your SUV and potentially causing damage or compromising your safety.

Use tie-down straps

Once you have your boat centred on your SUV's roof racks, you'll need to securely attach it using tie-down straps. This is a crucial step to ensure your boat doesn't come loose while driving, which could be dangerous for you and other road users.

It's recommended to use a minimum of two tie-down straps that cross the boat's body and attach to both sides of the roof rack. For extra security, you can use another tie-down strap or a rope to connect the bow of the boat to the front of your SUV. This will ensure the boat is secure both laterally and longitudinally.

When choosing tie-down straps, opt for those that are strong and durable. Look for straps equipped with retractable transoms and heavy-duty hooks. The straps should be long enough to go over your boat and loop under the crossbars of the roof rack.

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use the tie-down straps:

• Position the buckle of the strap: Place the buckle of the strap on the side of the boat, a few inches above and to the side of one of the crossbars.
• Toss the other end of the strap over the boat: Throw the loose end of the strap over the boat, ensuring it lands on the other side.
• Loop the strap under the crossbar: Walk to the other side of the SUV and grab the end of the strap. Loop it underneath the crossbar, then toss it back over the boat. Make sure the strap is positioned inside where the crossbar attaches to the vehicle. This will prevent the strap from slipping off the end of the crossbar.
• Repeat on the first side: Go back to the first side and loop the end of the strap underneath the crossbar, then up into the cam buckle. Ensure the strap is inside where the crossbar attaches to the vehicle.
• Tighten the strap: Pull on the loose end of the strap to tighten it and remove any slack. Continue pulling until you reach the proper tension.
• Tie off the loose end: Once tightened, tie off the loose end of the strap just below the cam buckle.
• Repeat with the second strap: Use the same technique to secure the second strap to the other crossbar.
• Check the security: After tightening both straps, grab the ends of the boat and shake it gently to ensure it is secure. You can also try pulling on the straps themselves to make sure they are tight enough.
• Secure the bow and stern (optional): For added security, especially if you'll be driving at high speeds or in windy conditions, consider using ratcheting bow and stern lines to secure the front and back of the boat to your vehicle.

Remember to stop periodically during your drive to check that the straps are still tight and secure, especially if you've just purchased new straps, as they may be more prone to stretching. It's also a good idea to check the straps after any sharp turns or sudden stops.

By following these steps and using the appropriate tie-down straps, you can safely transport your boat on top of your SUV.

Install a roof rack

Installing a roof rack on your SUV is a great way to expand its storage capabilities. There are several types of roof racks available, and the installation process will depend on the type of roof rack you choose and the type of roof your SUV has. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to install a roof rack:

• Look at Your Vehicle: Before installing a roof rack, you need to determine the type of roof your SUV has. There are three main styles: raised rails, hidden mounting hardware, and bare roofs. SUVs often come with raised rails, which makes mounting the rack easier.
• Learn the Parts of a Roof Rack: A roof rack typically consists of mounts, crossbars, towers (or racks), and accessories. Mounts attach the roof rack to the vehicle, crossbars run across the roof and hold mounting hardware, and towers connect the mounts and crossbars. Accessories are designed for specific items such as kayaks or roof cargo baskets.
• Choose the Right Roof Rack for Your Vehicle: Consider the type of roof you have and the items you'll be loading onto the rack. If you have raised side rails, you'll need a foot pack and crossbars. For other roof types, you'll also need a fit kit.
• Install the Roof Rack: The installation process will vary depending on the type of roof rack and roof you have. Here are some general steps:

• For raised rail installation, assemble the base system by connecting the mount and crossbars. Attach the clamps to the raised rail system according to the manufacturer's instructions, then mount the rack using the clamps.
• For track system installation (hidden mounting hardware), purchase a roof rack designed for these mounting points. Install the mount with bolts or other hardware, then assemble and attach the crossbars to the roof following the directions.
• For bare roof installation, you can use a clip-style roof rack that mounts to the car's door jamb or rain gutters. Install the supplied clips, then mount the cross bars into the clips.
• For a permanent bare roof installation, you'll need to drill holes in your vehicle using a template provided with the rack. Drill holes in the correct positions, install the hardware, and attach the rail system or crossbars.

Test the Roof Rack: Once you've installed the roof rack, test it by adding cargo or equipment and taking a short drive to ensure that everything remains secure. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions during the installation process and wear eye and hearing protection when working with power drills.

By following these steps, you'll be able to safely and securely install a roof rack on your SUV, which is an essential step in preparing to transport a boat on top of your vehicle.

Place the boat upside down on the car

When loading a jon boat onto the top of your car, it is recommended to place the boat upside down. This is because it will be more stable and less likely to wobble due to the shape of the hull. This will also make it easier to tie down securely due to the increased surface area between the straps, the boat and the car.

Before placing the boat on the car, it is important to check the weight of the boat and the towing capacity of the car. Most jon boats weigh around 200-500 pounds without any objects on board, which is usually within the towing capacity of a car. However, it is important to double-check this to avoid overstraining the car's engine, transmission and other components, which could potentially cause damage.

It is also important to consider the length of the boat in relation to the car. Each province has a law regarding overhang—if the boat hangs too far beyond the back bumper or rear axle, a red flag must be displayed at the back of the boat to warn other motorists.

To protect the car's roof from dents and scratches, it is recommended to install a roof rack before placing the boat on top. This will provide a separation between the boat and the car's roof. The boat should be centred on the roof rack to ensure it is secure and does not decrease the car's aerodynamics when driving.

With the boat upside down and centred on the roof rack, it can now be securely attached using tie-down straps. It is suggested to use a minimum of two straps that cross the boat's body and attach to both sides of the roof rack. For added security, an additional strap or rope can be used to connect the bow of the boat to the front of the car.

Drive carefully

Driving with a boat on top of your SUV requires extra caution. Here are some essential safety tips to keep in mind:

Check Your Vehicle's Towing Capacity:

Before loading a boat onto your SUV, it is crucial to ensure that your vehicle's towing capacity can handle the boat's weight. Check, double-check, and triple-check the weight of your boat and the towing capacity of your SUV. Overloading your SUV can strain the engine, transmission, and other components, potentially causing damage. Remember, SUVs are designed to handle heavier loads, but it's important to stay within their limits.

Protect Your Vehicle's Roof:

When placing the boat on your SUV, consider installing a roof rack to create a separation between the boat and the vehicle's roof. This will help prevent dents and scratches on the roof of your SUV. Make sure the roof racks are durable and appropriately sized for your vehicle's width.

Secure the Boat Properly:

Use strong and durable tie-down straps to securely fasten the boat to the roof racks. Place the boat upside down on the roof racks to increase stability and make it easier to tie down. Use at least two tie-down straps that cross the boat's body and attach to both sides of the roof rack. For added security, consider using an additional tie-down or a rope to connect the bow of the boat to the front of the SUV.

Drive with Caution:

When driving with a boat on top of your SUV, it is important to drive safely and steadily. Avoid abrupt stops, acceleration, or sharp turns, as they can cause the boat to shift or, worse, fly off the roof. Stay within speed limits and maintain a conservative driving style to ensure the boat remains securely in place.

Plan Your Route:

Consider the route you will be taking to your destination. Opt for roads with gentle slopes and good traction. Avoid routes with low-traction surfaces or obstacles that may pose a challenge when driving with a boat on top of your SUV.

Be Mindful of Height Clearance:

Keep in mind that the height of your vehicle has increased with the boat on top. Be cautious when passing through areas with low-hanging obstacles, such as tree branches or garage entrances. Plan your route to avoid such obstacles, or take alternative routes if necessary.

Get Assistance:

Loading and unloading a boat onto an SUV can be challenging to do alone. Whenever possible, enlist the help of another person to assist you in safely securing the boat onto the SUV and removing it once you reach your destination.

Maintain a Safe Distance:

When driving with a boat on your SUV, be mindful of your surroundings and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles. The added weight and height of the boat may affect your SUV's handling and braking distance, so it's important to give yourself extra space on the road.

Regularly Check the Boat's Security:

During your journey, make frequent stops to inspect the boat and ensure it remains securely fastened to the SUV. Check the tie-down straps and adjust them as needed to ensure they are tight and in good condition.

Follow Traffic Rules and Regulations:

Just like regular driving, obey all traffic rules and regulations. Be especially cautious when passing through areas with speed limits, stop signs, or traffic signals. The added weight of the boat may affect your SUV's performance, so it's important to allow for greater stopping distances and be mindful of your surroundings.

Be Aware of Wind Resistance:

The boat on top of your SUV will create wind resistance, which can affect your vehicle's handling and fuel efficiency. Be prepared for increased fuel consumption during your trip. Additionally, be cautious when driving in windy conditions, as strong gusts of wind may impact the stability of the boat on your SUV.

Remember, driving with a boat on top of your SUV requires extra attention to safety and caution. Take your time, plan your route, and follow the above tips to ensure a smooth and secure journey to your boating destination.

Frequently asked questions