Made a custom pole to hold up the front of long items carried on the roof rack.
Had to load solo made home Depot nervous putting 16' 2x6 on top of an SUV.
Works great though. Been using the trick for many years it started as a way to carry 40' extension ladder on my e53. I forgot to being the custom pole with the special shape tenon to fit in the tow hook.
Got to make a much improved version from some handrail.