[RobInCov]

Hi Forum. Iwant to carry a canoe on the roof bars on my Ecosport but would feel safer if the front and rear was also tied down. The rear is no problem as I can lash to the towbar, however the doesnt seem to be anything suitable at the front.
Has anyone found something sturdy to tie to at the front? ??

 

[Tall Timbers]

Maybe you could install the tow hook into the front bumper and tie off to that. I wouldn't know if what the tow hook screws in to is strong enough, but if you also have it latched down in the middle, that would probably work. I do know that if a person ever needs to use the tow hook, they need to exercise great caution so as not to damage the area around the tow hook when pulling the vehicle back on to the road.

 

[RobInCov]

Thanks. It is plenty strong enough and i have been using that but i was hoping to avoid it to minimise the risk of losing the plastic cover

 

[Corkiz Echo]

They make loops that attach under your hood for tie-down. I used it on my Focus for my 12.5' kayak. Haven't tried on my EcoSport yet as I just got it Friday.

 

[RobInCov]

They make loops that attach under your hood for tie-down. I used it on my Focus for my 12.5' kayak. Haven't tried on my EcoSport yet as I just got it Friday.

.... i don't believe these are available in the UK ??? I am still using the front towing eye for my 15ft Grumman Canoe

 

[Daniel-J]

How big is your canoe? Specify the model, there may be another way out of this situation. For example, I have SUNDOLPHIN. I use special ropes and cling to the bottom of the car, it won't take long to remove or install.

 

[Jabango]

Maybe you could install the tow hook into the front bumper and tie off to that. I wouldn't know if what the tow hook screws in to is strong enough, but if you also have it latched down in the middle, that would probably work. I do know that if a person ever needs to use the tow hook, they need to exercise great caution so as not to damage the area around the tow hook when pulling the vehicle back on to the road.

That'll work. I have a pretty big kayak too. I have the BKC 12-foot.

 

[eford]

Yakima sells one for ecosport https://www.levittownfordparts.com/sku/vkb3z-7855100-c.html

 

[RobInCov]

Yakima sells one for ecosport Genuine Ford Kayak Carrier By Yakima - VKB3Z-7855100-C | Levittown Ford

The canoe carrier is not an issue.... They are available in the UK.
My problem is where to lash the front of the canoe when it is on the rack. Obviously it is strapped securely to the rack but it really needs lashing at the front.

I currently use the front towing eye however there was an accessory shown at the Detroit Auto show that lashed to two points at the bottom of the screen behind the bonnet (oops, hood in US)

Ford Customer Service were less than helpful and finally told me that particular accessory is not available in the UK and then stopped replying to me.

1 - where do other people lash the front of their 15ft + canoes on their Ecosport.?

And

2 - does anyone know the Ford service part number for the plenum lash point kit?

 

[RobInCov]

How big is your canoe? Specify the model, there may be another way out of this situation. For example, I have SUNDOLPHIN. I use special ropes and cling to the bottom of the car, it won't take long to remove or install.

It's a 15ft Grumann aluminium canoe. But there are aero shields on the underside so nowhere to tie

 

[j c joossens]

mounts under hood

 

[RobInCov]

mounts under hood View attachment 207

Great... But what do they attach to under the hood?

 

[j c joossens]

Great... But what do they attach to under the hood?

Great... But what do they attach to under the hood?

to fender bolts.....theres also these that have a post instead of the grommet that catch under hood if you dont want to pull bolts to install the ones shown.

 

[j c joossens]

to fender bolts.....theres also these that have a post instead of the grommet that catch under hood if you dont want to pull bolts to install the ones shown.

 

[RobInCov]

Thanks.... I haven't seen these in the uK