350k miles on my dad's, how could I not get a Tacoma?

Just got my Blue Ribbon Metallic TRD Sport DCSB delivered yesterday but I am in a pickle. I need to transport my canoe with this truck but not sure how to best go about that.

I wouldn't mind a topper but they seem expensive and wouldn't that put the weight too far back if it had bars? I could get some bars for the cab but wouldn't that put the weight too far forward? How about one of those T bars that attach to the hitch?

Just looking for opinions here.

 

I vote T bar to hitch with a roof rack if you need/want to go up.

I carry my 15' yaks in the bed, using the T bar in the bed extender configuration. But I can give up the bed space when doing that, as I'm just day tripping.

You might find some ideas in this thread. https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/official-kayaking-canoeing-thread.164033/

 

Congrats to you and your Dad!!

 

Hey Bill, thanks a ton for the T bar + bed idea, I hadn't thought of that config. It looks like that may be the cheapest option I have available to me at this point. Have you ever had any trouble with the back end swinging out too wide? My canoe is 16' and the short bed is only 6ft plus tailgate, so I'd have about 8ft of loaded canoe hanging out the back of the bed.

Thanks for the welcome, Jeffch!

 

Nope. Just flag it like you would lumber so if a cell phone knuckle head smacks you you are all legal.

I've had lots of LEOs follow me as I headed to the launch sites and not a one has even blinked at my rig.

Of course it's important to lash down well. In the thread I linked you to is a picture of mine loaded. I think if you search by my screen name within the thread it will pop right up.

Another advantage (when you don't need the bed space) is being much easier to load. If you are solo, getting it onto the roof, particularly on a windy day or in a rainstorm, can be real handful. In the bed, not so much.

 

Congrats to you and you dad!Very cool!