Cheap Roof Rack Options

When I worked for a canoe rental place we had these foam blocks that worked great. They're cheap and you can store them in the cubbies in the car. Get something like these and a couple of nylon straps through the doors. For a once or twice a year occurrence it's probably cheaper and quicker than sourcing a whole roof rack setup. Something to consider if your Saris doesn't work out.

 

Understandable. You'll want to make sure the pressure is close to the sides about where a roof rack would attach. Ladders can be tricky if they're narrow they may well rest on the roof panels and those aren't as strong. You shouldn't cinch anything so tight it bows the roof. Really you just want it taut enough to keep from flapping up and down or shifting side to side. Always be sure to tie down the front and back too.

2x4s can also serve as cheap cross bars to distribute the load to the stronger sides of the roof line. You'll want to make sure they are actually held down with the straps too. Use the foam blocks to protect your paint and make sure the wood is tied down too so it doesn't shift under the ladder