options for hauling a canoe

I recently bought a 23 DCSB TRD Sport and was extremely excited to get it home and start getting things together for our first trip. Then it dawned on me, I have no way to carry my 17ft Mad River canoe. It's a kevlar hull with ash gunwales and decking, so it's fairly light. I dont have the factory roof rack on my truck and have a Bakflip tonneau cover. In the past, I'd put it on my roof of my 80 series with no issues.

I'd like to keep the tonneau cover and am not sure where to start to achieve my goals.

Thanks in advance

 

Get one of those hitch mounted extenders from harbor freight. They are not expensive and work great for hauling long items. Or do like I did and buy an old jet ski trailer!

 

If you do it a lot I’d look at a lumber rack. Or build something

 

Back in the day we would use foam pads and sinch it down. If you are worried scuffing your paint, you might want something more elaborate.

 

Thule racks have worked well for me. I have carried both this 13 footer and a 17 footer without any problems.

 

look at Yakima or Thule racks

 

Strap it to a skateboard and tow it.

 

Congrats on your new Tacoma! I would recommend something like the Elevate Rack System. The Elevate rack features a telescoping design that allows you to adjust the height to 18", 23" or 28". This gives you the flexibility to haul and attach many different items, such as ladders, tents, canoes, and kayaks to name a few. The design of the rack is compatible with inside mounted tonneau covers, such as your BAK tonneau cover. It includes an impressive limited lifetime warranty.



If you have any questions about this product, would like a pricing quote, or to check shipping times and availability, feel free to PM me. You can also email me at forums@realtruck.com.

 

Solid option.

 

I second the jet ski trailer. That’s what I did.

 

Tonneau with Yakima HD racks

 

How far are you going and how windy? Foam canoe pads or split pool noodles along the gunwales on the roof with bite straps in front and back have always worked for me, but can be noisy since it's sitting right on the roof. 17 foot mad river canoe here too. I recently upgraded to the yakima overhaul bed rack though.

 

My 14'9" kayak on a bed extender and trailer. A ladder rack might suit you, too.

 

Tonneau compatible bed rack: https://www.max-modular.com/toyota-tacoma-years-2005-to-present-11/utility-rack-for-tonneau-covers

 

You can use a Yakima Overhaul bed rack with your tonneau cover. I used an Overhaul on my DCSB until I got an ARE shell with tracks. The Overhaul is easily adjustable for height. Another option is the Yakima Baseline towers for a naked roof (i.e. no factory rails). You could put a pair of crossbars on the cab. This would be less expensive than the Overhaul rack setup. Since your boat has ash gunwales I recommend using gunwale brackets on cross bars. These will protect the wood better and keep the boat more secure in the wind. Lots of options available.

 

I have the Yakima Baseline rack with bars that I can take on and off in less than 10 minutes

 

Thank you all for the suggestions and pictures. I feel like the aftermarket support/options for these trucks is similar the Honda civic in late 90s, 00s, almost overwhelming and everywhere you turn someone else has a "better" option.

 

If it’s a nice canoe with wooden gunnels, and your rack has cross bars, put pipe foam insulation tubes over each one to protect them.

 

As mentioned, Yakima makes a great rack system for these types of needs. I haul my 16' kayak with no issues. The landing pads bolt where the factory rack would have gone, they stay on the truck permanently and the towers and crossbars can be removed or reinstalled by 1 person in just a couple minutes.