Thoughts about rack systems on a cap?

Just ordered an A.R.E cap with tracks to replace my Bak tonneau cover (needed more room, nothing wrong with the cover I have).

Ordered tracks so I can put racks on and have looked here and elsewhere for different types of set ups but have not seen exactly what I want.

I like the baskets and platforms that are out there because it appears that you can do a lot with them and add to them for several different applications. But, has anyone seen a set up that incorporated a platform or basket with a bar system that makes them wider? Something wide enough to put two canoes side by side (I figure that is about as wide as I would ever need).

Thanks for any suggestions!

 

however you proceed, consider dynamic load. and bring that all the way down to cap attachment. 6 or 8 clamps won't break the budget or hurt anything.

 

I've read this sentence several times now and I still don't understand what you're asking. Are you wanting a basket that's wide enough to put two canoes on or a rack that's wide enough for two canoes and a basket?

If you're wanting a rack that's wide enough, that's easy, just measure the beams of your two boats then figure out how wide a rack you want and buy bars that width (if available). Yakima, for example, makes bars up to eighty inches wide. If you want a rack that wide you're probably out of luck unless you go with something like the Baja Rack or make it yourself. I built a longish, narrow basket so that I can mount it and still carry either my kayak (two if I put them on their sides) or my Yakima Rocket Box as well as my bike; I've got the 66" round bars on my shell.

I like having the extra real estate up top and being able to hang stuff like wet suits, sleeping bags, solar shower, etc. off the ends of the bars; you can always buy the bars longer then trim them down to the size you want.

Agreed about using six clamps, most dealers seem to only use four when doing installs. There are multiple threads on here about how to install tracks if you do a search.

 

Reads to me like he’s looking for some sort of expandable basket

 

I just bought a Snugtop with rails on top. I went with the Snugtop for the re-enforced upper for extra weight and have the tracks on top. I plan on getting a matching toprack from Prinsu Design for the top of the canopy to match the front to carry the two big kayaks and still have some room in between. This may be an option for you.