DCSB - options for hauling a canoe/kayak

As of now I've been planning on getting an ARE cap. There are multiple reasons for me wanting a cap, but the main one was to create a platform for hauling a canoe.

Are there any other options?

I will be getting a Prinsu cabrac for the front. What I don't want is one of those obnoxious Yakima 'drydock' racks that plug into the receiver hitch. I also need to retain some sort of weatherproof storage in the bed. Right now I have a tonneau cover - and if i could keep that, that would suffice.

Would I be able to crank the canoe down enough on the Prinsu to basically support the whole canoe? Maybe just tie it off towards the rear of the truck... Had anybody done this? If I could forgo buying a cap + toprac, that could save me almost $3k.

 

I want to make a rack for the back out of metal that will secure to the bed rails, and use canoe pads to rest on the cab. there are a few threads on this that you can read up on if you search a bit...

 

I've seen stuff like that, but I won't have access to my bed rails.

 

Subd. Except for a kayak

 

I like the yakima kayak stackers with two 20 foot NRS cam straps. I wouldnt hesitate to go wheelin with 4 kayaks on top of the yakima bars. http://www.rackwarehouse.com/yakima...ncfvIstSd-EcC_4B3pp2rGSR_zyW9N96esRoCOnDw_wcB

 

Plus the stackers fold down when not in use. Taking them off everytime gets irritating.
http://www.canoekayak.com/skills/how-to-tie-down-boats/

 

I've been thinking about options for a canoe as well. Sub'd.

 

But I need something to accommodate a 17' canoe, or touring kayak. I'm not so much concerned about weight as I am stability - especially going 70mph down the highway. I know the Prinsu rack can take it, I'm just not sure how to secure to the rack, or if it's even advisable.

I found a pic of a Frontier doing it - but that looks like a fairly short canoe. But, same concept.

 

Always liked those OEM frontier racks.

 

T

Two cam straps secured just like the picture will do the trick. I always drive for a few minutes and cinch up the straps as boats will settle as you drive.

Those frontier racks do look sharp

 

For a single yak I use a bed extender that goes into trailer hitch and adjusts to the bed height. For multiple yaks I have a Malone Microsport trailer with 78" crossbars. I love the trailer.

 

What about something like this instead of a cap?

 

Get the cap. Then you can do this.

 

I have a Bajarack and 2 straps are solid. 12ft kayak doesn't move a inch and I don't tie down front/back.

 

I use a prinsu rack for my 12 ft kayak. Just strap it right down on the rack itself. I also have J cradles to put two up there

 

Here's what I came up with for a 17' kayak using the OEM racks and a support in the bed. I have a cap with built-in rails now, but no racks to go in them (yet)

 

No access to bed rails. Tonneau cover.

lol. You are a god.

Perfect info. Thanks. I assume you do this at highway speeds? Granted, the canoe I'm looking at is 5' longer, I'm starting to think if I just ratchet it down hard it should be okay.

 

Perfect info. Thanks. I assume you do this at highway speeds? Granted, the canoe I'm looking at is 5' longer, I'm starting to think if I just ratchet it down hard it should be okay.[/QUOTE]

Yea i can cruise at 70 with no worries. You might want to look into using bow and stern straps too just for more piece of mind. I don't use them for just one but when i have two I use them just in case.

 

What setup is that?