Roof Rack Rod Holder

[Brandon Underwood]

I used the search function, but couldn't find anything, I was wondering it anyone had ever made one of these from pvc pipe that fit on roof racks. I just traded my pick up for a Trailblazer (had to get a baby hauler) and now I'm having an awful time carrying my poles around (one has already gotten broken). I tend to take my poles about everywhere with me, just in case someone says, "hey, wanna go fishing!?" or I get the wild urge to go myself. I had thought about a pvc pipe about 8' long and 8" od with a solid cap on one end (towards the front of the vehicle) and one of the twist off caps on the other end. My only dilemma truly, is how well do they work? Would this possibly beat the snot out of my reels, and if so, is there anything I could do to prevent this? And mounting, I haven't quite figured that part out yet. I'm not too worried about locking, as very few people around here know what a baitcaster is, much less know how to use one, nor would they necessarily know what is even in the tube, as it wouldn't be very apparent, and also, I never really park anywhere that it might get stolen. Anyways, I hope to hear from you guys with ideas, experience, or advice, and thanks in advance.

-Brandon

[tmier]

Try using bungies or straps inside your car. Run them from the coat hanger on one side to the other. Put the rods on top, and use velcro straps to hold them in place. Saw this in field n stream and have it rigged in my buddys suv.

[JacobK]

basspro sells a cheap but efficient rod holder for the inside of your car.

[tomustang]

Look for an in-car rod rack, or make one

I can fit up to 7'6" rods in my little suv and no room is wasted

[new2BC4bass]

I just bought a Yakima Roof Rack system (Thule has discontinued models for my car) a few minutes ago for my 2004 LeSabre. Picked up a Porta-Bote to fish in. I also wanted some place to carry my rods other than inside the vehicle. I often have 5 people in the car, so rods in it are a big pain. I like your idea of PVC tubes. I've kept all the tubes my rods were shipped in. Wish I had read this thread first. I bought the Yakima Powderhound ski rack for my rods. Young man I talked to said they sell a lot to fisherman for carrying rods. Unfortunately this leaves my rods where something from the road could hit them. Maybe I can put the tubes in the ski rack for ultimate protection.

I didn't check out the inside vehicle rack because I don't think it would work in my car. If anyone knows otherwise, please speak up. I'm sure I could find something else to put in the ski rack.

[JacobK]

I just bought a Yakima Roof Rack system (Thule has discontinued models for my car) a few minutes ago for my 2004 LeSabre. Picked up a Porta-Bote to fish in. I also wanted some place to carry my rods other than inside the vehicle. I often have 5 people in the car, so rods in it are a big pain. I like your idea of PVC tubes. I've kept all the tubes my rods were shipped in. Wish I had read this thread first. I bought the Yakima Powderhound ski rack for my rods. Young man I talked to said they sell a lot to fisherman for carrying rods. Unfortunately this leaves my rods where something from the road could hit them. Maybe I can put the tubes in the ski rack for ultimate protection.

I didn't check out the inside vehicle rack because I don't think it would work in my car. If anyone knows otherwise, please speak up. I'm sure I could find something else to put in the ski rack.

as long as your longest rod doesnt exceed the length of your roof you should be fine.

[BrASSmonkey]

I have built a rod tube similar to what has been described. I bought some PVC tubing and 2 end caps. I drilled a hole perpendicularly through the end caps and tube and inserted a bolt with an eye, and fastened them with 2 nuts each. I then bought tie down straps, which I used to fasten the rod holder through the eyes in the bolts to the frame of my car. I used this for rods with no reels on them.

I wish I had pics of this setup since I don't think that my description is very good lol. It works well though. We used it to take 4 1 piece rods down from Ontario, Canada to Florida for my brother's bachelor party.

[webertime]

I just bought a Yakima Roof Rack system (Thule has discontinued models for my car) a few minutes ago for my 2004 LeSabre. Picked up a Porta-Bote to fish in. I also wanted some place to carry my rods other than inside the vehicle. I often have 5 people in the car, so rods in it are a big pain. I like your idea of PVC tubes. I've kept all the tubes my rods were shipped in. Wish I had read this thread first. I bought the Yakima Powderhound ski rack for my rods. Young man I talked to said they sell a lot to fisherman for carrying rods. Unfortunately this leaves my rods where something from the road could hit them. Maybe I can put the tubes in the ski rack for ultimate protection.

I didn't check out the inside vehicle rack because I don't think it would work in my car. If anyone knows otherwise, please speak up. I'm sure I could find something else to put in the ski rack.

Unless you hit a Moose or perhaps a Cow at high speeds you will not damage the Powderhound. I used to work is ski/bike shops and we had one come back for a warranty (someone tried to break into it and just messed the thing up). Yakima asked that we destroy the box... 3 of us took hammers and ourselves to it and the thing (when closed) laughed at our efforts. A sawsall on the other hand, showed it who's man.

Get some foam padding(~1/8" - 1/4" thick) for the bottom and sides to prevent too much slippage and marring of the rod and you should be fine for a long time.

[scrutch]

Try using bungies or straps inside your car. Run them from the coat hanger on one side to the other. Put the rods on top, and use velcro straps to hold them in place. Saw this in field n stream and have it rigged in my buddys suv.

I've used this method several times in the wife's minivan. Works great. Also helps if you put the rods in a rod sleeve. I use it most when we go on family vacations and I want to take some tackle.