That awful hum!!

[hookncook]

I have a rack on the top of my minivan.

When I put my canoe on the top of my rack, I use straps. The straps make an awful hum and vibrate on the roof. Sounds like a hail storm.

Any idea how to cure this?

[Krantz]

Do you mean a ratchet strap? You could try putting a twist in it. Have seen many truckers do that.

[yoppdk]

I've gotten some nylon rope with ratchets that seem to work as well as the straps, but without the flapping/hum. Or twist the straps as earlier mentioned ... works too.

[ted4887]

Twist 'em like the others have said. Works like a charm.

[LightningBG]

are the straps holding the rack on, or the canoe to the rack? I'm trying to envision why the straps would be down on/near the roof.

[schweady]

Sounds like you're running a loop of strap all the way around the canoe and the strap under the canoe is thrumming away on top of the roof. Try running the strap over the top of the canoe, around the roof rack support post, and back over the top of canoe again, around the opposite support post and secure the ends together. Far more secure this way, too.

[OnAFly]

TWIST TWIST TWIST!!!

[LightningBG]

and put a small chunk of carpet under the ratchet so it doesn't bang up the canoe. Plush side towards the canoe.

[bobbymalone]

I don't see how a vibrating strap can sound like a hailstorm unless it's transmitting vibration through the canoe and onto the roof rack.

Do you use those foam blocks to separate the canoe from the roof rack?

[BartmanMN]

Twist 'em like the others have said. Works like a charm.

+1 This is the trick.

[leech~~]

Run the straps through those foam pipe insulation tubes and then tighten down. Works for me and adds some protection from the strap rub!

[LightningBG]

I don't see how a vibrating strap can sound like a hailstorm unless it's transmitting vibration through the canoe and onto the roof rack.

The straps are hitting the roof.

Or.... the straps are just catching the wind and humming in the air.

[schweady]

Sounds like you're running a loop of strap all the way around the canoe and the strap under the canoe is thrumming away on top of the roof. Try running the strap over the top of the canoe, around the roof rack support post, and back over the top of canoe again, around the opposite support post and secure the ends together. Far more secure this way, too.

I've had them both ways (a "helpful" buddy looped them all the way around and I left them... short trip) and yes, looping them around and running them just above the roof DOES produce a sound like a hailstorm, twisted or not. Do it the correct way -- described above (the twist is assumed) -- and reduce your sound problems.

[hookncook]

Yes, i did have the straps going under the Canoe and they were hitting the roof. Thanks for the advise, I now double strap the canoe over the canoe bottom.

I also twist the lines and prevents the hum as well

Thanks for the tips guys!