Does anybody have a recommendation for where to get a set of 4 foam blocks for hauling a canoe? I will be picking one up at the end of the week from another member here on the board.

I drive a Silverado crew cab with a topper. I was thinking I could just use the 4 foam blocks, strap to my hitch, strap to my front tow hooks and strap down the middle as well using a fun noodle or something to keep the straps from rubbing the hood or anywhere it may rub on the paint.

Bass Pro has them for sure. If you live in Chicago, you could have mine...I hate these things - but that's just me.

quote Beemer01: "Bass Pro has them for sure. If you live in Chicago, you could have mine...I hate these things - but that's just me."

I am really wishing I would have gotten the thule rack when I ordered my topper. I just ordered up a kit and 2 of those hood straps. I am so nervous about this damn thing flying off on the highway.

Also from experience, make sure the area under the pads is clean. A few hundred miles and movement of the canoe will sand off clear coat and perfectly good paint. Also check them as you go, they tend to drift or shift and become loose. If I have to use them I use a small string attached to canoe and pad to keep them from flying away while on the road. Although I'm also nervous when topping my canoe the nose and tail straps will keep it from flying. Careful of nose straps too, they also can wear off of paint. I use foam pipe wrap and zip ties as cushions.

quote neutroner: "Also from experience, make sure the area under the pads is clean. A few hundred miles and movement of the canoe will sand off clear coat and perfectly good paint. Also check them as you go, they tend to drift or shift and become loose. If I have to use them I use a small string attached to canoe and pad to keep them from flying away while on the road. Although I'm also nervice when topping my canoe the nose and tail straps will keep it from flying. Careful of nose straps too, they also can wear off of paint. I use foam pipe wrap and zip ties as cushions."

I ordered up some straps that bolt on under the hood, hoping that does the trick and will help me avoid using fun noodles.

The hold loops work great for the bow. I bought the blocks and they weren't any better than a piece of good foam pipe insulation from a big box store.

You could use some of those foam pool noodles

Last I checked Walmart had a bunch of them. Or Amazon.. amazon has everything.

quote Xand: "Last I checked Walmart had a bunch of them. Or Amazon.. amazon has everything. "

Ended up going Amazon.

I had a set of proper foam blocks that split in half, so I bought the oversize pool noodle for like $4 and have gotten several seasons out of it, and it's still going strong. I will probably never buy proper blocks again.

quote outdooraddict: "

quote Xand: "Last I checked Walmart had a bunch of them. Or Amazon.. amazon has everything. "

Ended up going Amazon."

a tip. poke a length of cord thru each block. knot one end and pull tight to the block, tie the other end to a thwart or seat, that way you will never lose one on the road.

nevermind, I should have read the entire thread. neut already covered it.