Need some advice/input

OK folks, I need your valued input. I'm trying to figure out a temporary set up so I can occasionally haul "long" items with my truck. I occasionally need to rent a 30ft ladder to get up on my roof, and I'd also like to be able to take a canoe or a touring kayak. Ideally, I'd like to be able to:

1. Remove it when not in use
2. Be able to use it without negating my ability to use a tonneau cover (not necessarily at the same time)
3. Not have to permanently alter my bed liner.

Right now, I'm leaning towards temporary roof (cab) rack and a rear hitch conduit rack. But I'm not sure what brands, or if there are better solutions out there. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance.

Cheers,
Mickey

 

I saw a roof rack that used the trailer hitch in the back and had pads on the front to sit on the cab, used straps to hold it down. Danged if I can remember where...JC Whitney maybe?

 

Yeah...I think you have the right idea man- If it was just the canoe/kayak, I'd say go for a yakima rack...but with that huge ass ladder-Conduit rack is probably the right idea.

Don't know much about brands and stuff tho...sorry.

 

I've seen something like this before. However, it was a custom mount that hooked into the hitch. It was just a mount shaped like a "T" that came out of the hitch. The owner was hauling a large ladder also, and had laid some foam pads over the roof. The straps came in through the door sills and went straight through the cab. It wasn't the prettiest way to do it, or the most permanent, but it worked.

 

That's the one I saw too. Wish I hadn't given my JC Whitney catalog to my buddy, I'm pretty sure it was in there.

 

I wish you hadn't given it away either, I need part numbers for Spinner Hubcaps and a Toyota Symbol pissing on a Dodge. Dammit.

 

www.jcwhitney.com

but i can't find that ladder rack there!

 

http://www.pickupspecialties.com/Extend_a_truck/extend_a_truck_load_support.htm

he shoots he scores!

 

You my friends, ROCK!

 

So the company that makes these is in Falls, PA, which is within driving distance from me. AND they make a roof rack that goes with it. The next question is: What is the weight limit that can be applied to our tacos (09 DC)?

 

Trailer hitch is pretty high, a few hundred pounds downward force. Read your hitch label it should tell you how much "tongue weight" it can handle.

Roof, no idea...but on my 1st gen I've accidentally planted an elbow pretty hard in the middle of it while waxing...had to be a good 50 pounds and it didn't dent.

 

Extend-a-truck is the way to go. I use one haul my 14.5 ' Native Watercraft hybrid kayak. I put the rack in the down postion and slide the boat in the bed. Also use it to transport extention ladder occasionally. I use the foam pad canoe pads on the roof of the truck. Works like a charm.