[farmer17]

I own a construction company and I haul things on the roof of my 2012 Rav4 nearly every day. Plywood is no problem just learn how to make proper knots, I'm amazed at how many people make a mess out not knowing how to tie a proper knot in piece of rope. I can get my ropes about as tight as any ratchet strap with a lot less effort and learning a few simple knots for rigging and tying things is something that everyone should learn.

 

[farmer17]

Farmer17, have you replaced the crossbars? How do you protect them from scratching?

No I haven't it would be nice if they were a little flatter, but they work OK the way they are. Plywood or sheetrock will scuff them up a little but they actually have a pretty good finish and I'm not too worried about scuffs. I'm 5-9 so I can't see the top but even if I could it wouldn't bug me much because its kinda like a pickup bed, it will get scuffed up eventually.

 

[farmer17]

What knot or knots do you recommend for lashing something down to the roof rack?

I could show you in 5 seconds but its kind of hard to explain. I learned this when I was in college working for Bekins Moving company tying down big truck loads of furniture. Just tie down one end and bring the rope over your load, then about 2 feet away from the other side of the roof rack put a loop in the rope and knot it. Extend the rope over the roof rack and then back through the loop you just made, then pull on the rope to tighten it. You will be able to tighten it easily because of the "block and tackle" effect and when you get it really tight, pinch the loop and the rope with two fingers. You will be able to easily hold it with two fingers then make a single loop like you are half tying your shoe lace. You can now let go of the rope and it will stay tight, but put an extra safety knot on the end of the loop just in case. To unload loosen the safety knot pull the loose end and the load is untied.

 

[farmer17]

It's called a trucker's hitch.

That's exactly what it is. Other than the knot for tying your shoelaces it may be the most useful of all knots.