Ladder rack vs. Roof rack for Canoe

Hi All - So I put a ladder rack on my truck for the canoe, but now I'm wondering if a regular cross bar roof rack would have been a better fit. In the past, I liked to put the dirt bike in back and go, but the ladder rack isn't high enough for the handlebars (....I was hoping). Just wondering if anyone with experience has any strong opinions regarding ladder rack or roof rack for a canoe, or is either tool fine for the job?

My rack now...



What I've been looking at...


From here.

Also, I have no interest in adding rails to the top of the truck. Just a simple clamp to the upper door frame (no drilling) is all I want. Easy on, easy off. Any suggestions on racks, I'm all ears.

Thanks for any input and/or suggestions.

MJA

 

Lots of guys in Hawaii with canoes and kayaks go with one roof rack and one bed rack. Seems to be the norm, they you get more distance between the racks.

 

I had a Thule roof rack that clamped onto the door frame on my 2nd gen, and it would leak when it rained. I have a couple of friends that have the one roof rack and one bed rack set up. Since the bed and cab can move separately, I've wondered if that can put unwanted force on a canoe.

I have a cap with a roof rack for my canoe, but that doesn't really help you out with the dirt bike.

 

I had the factory roof rails that fold over into crossbars on my double cab and loved the look. They handled my fishing kayak okay, but I think if I was using a canoe/kayak often the ladder rack would be better. The ladder rack is further apart and will spread out the weight and probably make it more stable. If you just do in once in a while, check out the factory set up. No drilling required and it looks nice. Also, when you don't need the cross bars they fold to the side as roof rails and are more aerodynamic.

 

My father uses something like this. Works well if you are ok with the tailgate down.

MaxxHaul 70231 Hitch Mount Pick Up Truck Bed Extender For Ladder, Rack, Canoe, Kayak, Long Pipes and Lumber) , Black , 37 x 19 x 3 inches

$60 MaxxHaul 70231 Hitch Mount Pick Up Truck Bed Extender For Ladder, Rack, Canoe, Kayak, Long Pipes and Lumber) , Black , 37 x 19 x 3"es

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01D4CXIKY

 

We got a Prinsu way back to carry our canoe.


There is no drilling, holes are already under the drip rails. Much better install than a window lamp style bar. Rack is rock solid and holds our 16ft boat up and away from the back- this way we can still tow the RV.

 

Thanks for the input, all. I could also do a hitch motorcycle mount, but I've always been more partial to having a bike in the bed rather than bouncing around back behind the truck. Seems to be a risk-management balance act.

 

Some of those bed extenders can be used in the upright position so that plus a single rack on the cab could work.

 

I’ve hauled a canoe on a small sedan with nothing but rubber pads and also on small suv with a roof rack. A roof rack on a double cab taco should work fine.

I’ve hauled a motorcycle or bicycle on my hitch receiver. I’ve also found the bed adequate for that; albeit the 5’ taco bed requires the tailgate to be down for a dirt bike.

 

Yep, that's how I usually jam.

 

I really like how that looks. The Prinsu racks are so versatile and low profile in how they mount too!

 

Being a Canoeist myself, your bed rack will probably be adequate, it looks like it will not be difficult to remove when you want to take the bikes out to play instead of the boats. I personally would look for a cab mount pad or bar.

Personally, my truck came with an ARE bed cap, so I opted to go with a budget friendly contractor rack that is designed for full size trucks with bed caps. My plans to modify it to better fit my Tacoma, and to increase its functionality for my interests would require several hundred dollars of customizing (expanded metal decking to bolt equipment crates or racks (kayak, bike, ski/board, etc,) to, as well as light and antenna mounting tabs, a future slide out solar panel, under mounted table storage bracket, and brackets for recovery boards/bridging ladders, awning, etc. plus a couple changes to the structure of the rack itself (I want to add more cross members and to replace the rear tube with a square for ease of mounting some rollers for making it easier to get canoes and kayaks on and off as well as a easy flat surface to mount a new rear camera and a set of chase/dust lights)

 

Amigos, I just wanted to follow-up.

I ended up selling the ladder rack and for the canoe / motorcycle solution I purchased these roof racks from Amazon a week ago, $200. According to the internet Menabo is an Italian company. When they arrived they didn't look or feel terribly impressive (hard plastic, light duty attachments), but once on the truck they seem stout and I do like the aesthetic.

For the half-dozen times the canoe goes on the truck this summer, I'm guessing they will work fine. I'm curious to see if rain drips in at all. The feet do not compromise the inner seal, just the outer.

Just wanted to let others know if they are looking for a light-duty rack solution.
Amazon link.

 

Height adjustable Yakima HD. Goes higher than in the photo.

 

I use a roof rack in combo with a bed rack.

I pull the top off the bad rack, or swivel it out of the way when I load the dirbikes.






Sometimes I will tie up my bike to the rack if I want to pull the tailgate up for clearance from my trailer propane tanks.

 

Thanks. I don't think that one goes high enough to clear my GSA bars.

That's cool... My ladder rack didn't have the swivel capability. Top was bolted on. Nice bike, btw. Hillclimbing tire!

 

I think they're a lot easier to load over the bed, versus on the roof.

 

Looks great. Wish i had that rather than factory rack.
You could use a garden hose to check for leaks instead of waiting for rain but I'm sure you thought of that.

 

Thanks! We actually got a nice deluge today; needed it too. Happy to report the cockpit stayed nice and dry off all doors.

She's a keeper.

 

I've had the Thule version of those load bars and foot pack system clamped into my 2013 DC doors for 11 years without issue or any leaks whatsoever. Every once in awhile, I would take them off and clean the base area. Great set up!

I'm getting this setup for my 2023 when it comes it! Can't wait!