12' jon boat on top of mini-van?

[rancocasrich]

I want to transport my 12' jon boat to our vacation home 1000 miles away on top of our Chrysler Town and Country. I don't have a trailer and don't want one. For short trips the jon boat fits in the back of the van and hangs out. I plan to reinforce the roof rack (rated for max. 150 lbs.) with 2X4's and tie down the front and rear of the boat to the bumpers. Has anyone ever done this? any suggestions and opinions are appreciated. Thanks.

 

[steelespike]

Re: 12' jon boat on top of mini-van?

I used to put my full sized 15 ft LoneStar utility on top of my full size Dodge van.I only went about 100 miles.Get yourself some ratchett tie downs.
If that is a 12/32 it probably only weighs less than 100lbs.You could weigh it on the bathroom scale.I think I would try some of those hard foam pads they use for canoes.
You could also strap it to the van as well as the rack.

 

[arks]

Re: 12' jon boat on top of mini-van?

Should be no problem- as long as you secure it properly. This might sound funny, but MAKE SURE you have those tie-downs front and rear! I've seen people going down the interstate with boats tied only around the middle, and that my friends, is an accident just waiting to happen. Without proper front and rear connections the wind can catch the bow pretty easily and then, OOPS- there she goes!
For sure, it'll be a little tricky getting into the rear hatch with the tie-downs, but 'ya just gotta do it!! No shortcuts.

 

[Mike722]

Re: 12' jon boat on top of mini-van?

You also want to make sure the ends of the tie straps will not flop in the wind. If they are loose they will beat the paint off the top of the van. At the beginnning of the trip you will want to drive 20-30 miles and recheck the tie downs. After that every fillup or sooner at the beginning of the trip.

It is amazing how much some straps will loosen or the foam pads shift allowing the load to move.

 

[arboldt]

Re: 12' jon boat on top of mini-van?

Front and back tie-downs are essential, but I'd add to have at least two tie-downs front and back. Go from each side of the bumper to either the corresponding side of the boat or a center point (depending on what the boat has); do this both front and back. When we would carry a canoe on top, that extra stability was really appreciated when a big rig passed us on the freeway, or we encountered a significant crosswind.