DrDan

Thanks for your response Jasonodsky

With the Mercedes, I had solid steel connection points for front and rear tie downs. With the plastic bumper covers, I haven't really investigated how to rig tie downs without destroying the covers. I will look into the "T" member. The version I saw had the trailer hitch in the front of the truck with eye bolts and chains screwed into the steel bumper for side to side stability. Additionally, instead of just a "T" the vertical member had a 90 degree jog about windshield height over the hood, then another 90 degree vertical above the hood which put the member closer to whatever was being hauled. I have access to a boat and trailer, but with the drought here in central Texas, there is no way to get the boat to the water, hence the canoe. Any information about the weight on the roof? The ironic part is that the canoe is real close to the length of the RX.

Dr Dan

jasonodsky

Hey Dr Dan, I found what you need for the back. Yakima makes it and it's called the drydock. It attaches to the rear hitch and Yakima has a good system that bolts the mount to the hitch to reduce sway. Not sure what you'd do for the front though.

http://www.yakima.com/shop/water/truck/drydock

DrDan

Thanks for the lead. There are a few local distributors around here. I'll check 'em out when I get time. What is interesting is the price of the cross bar at $70 when a plain old piece of iron pipe will do. I'll also checkout a local welding shop.

Dr Dan