Originally Posted by arjflyr

I had a TopFive Rack on my TJ to carry my canoe, and intended to get another rack for my JK. But after looking at what is out there, and how much they cost, I decided to find another way to haul the canoe. I saw some of the other posts using the Yakima Dry Dock in the back. I liked the idea and just needed to figure out what to do about the front. After keeping an eye on Craigslist, I was able to pick up a new in box Dry Dock for $100. Taking a look at the way the cross bar mounted on the Dry Dock, I figured I could do the same thing up front. I picked up some 1" x 2" steel tube for under $10. Once I got them fit right, I found a place that powder coated them for $20. I already had the Yakima cross bars. It seem very stable, but I have only had it out to a few local lakes.

Originally Posted by arjflyr

Hey guys, thanks for all the responses. I have had a crazy year and have not seen all the questions. I would be happy to answer any questions you have. I had the front rack on for most of the summer last year. There is some noise from having it on there, but not bad. The one issue I did have is with the soft top. Because the cross bar sits right over the top of the windshield, the top will not just fold right down. I had to kind of slide it under it. Not sure if that makes sense. The cross bar needs to be just about an inch farther forward, then it wouldn't be an issue. I took the front off for the winter. There was no scratching at all. The only long trip I took with it was up to the Boundry Waters Canoe Area in northern Minnesota in September. It worked great. No problems, even at 80 mph on the freeway. The crossbars are Yakima, as are the canoe stops. I then just strap it to the bars. I also use a front and rear tie down rope.

I have been very happy with the set up. Total I have maybe $180 into it.

Originally Posted by arjflyr

Originally Posted by mmcan

There's no way that thing will float with a JK attached to it,...