Adding Security to Carry Long Paddle Board on Honda Fit

Question:

Extending the carrying base of an Aero Bar roof rack for Honda Fit. I want to carry an 18 foot paddle board of my Honda Fit. I can get it on the rack but would like to have the board braced a little better for road trips. Right now it seems pretty secure strapped down for 35-45 mph travel, but now sure how this would be for interstate travel. I have fore and aft tie downs which might be enough, but thought Id get your opinion

asked by: Bob D

Expert Reply:

That does look pretty iffy in regards to traveling at high speeds on the interstate and there is one thing you can do that I recommend, and that's add a trailer hitch and load extender.

You did not mention what year your Honda Fit was but since load extenders require a 2 inch hitch, if your Honda Fit is a model year 2009 to 2014 you need the EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver # 306-X7286 or if you have a 2015 to 2017 Honda Fit you will need the EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver # 306-X7273. These trailer hitches are the only ones that fit your vehicle that have a 2 inch hitch.

With these hitches you could then use the Rhino-Rack T-Load Hitch Mounted Load Bar # RTL002 which will give you a mounting point that will be 54-1/2" to 66" above the hitch, which you would need to verify wouldn't be too tall for your Honda. It has a pair of load stops and you can add additional tie-downs like the Thule Load Strap Cinch Straps # TH521.

The other option is simply to drive much, much slower on the interstate.