Rack system suggestions
Thread Starter
|
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 1,201
Likes: 0
From: Groton CT
Rack system suggestions
Looking for suggestions on a rack system for my 2002 KR supercrew with 5.5' bed. I have a Leer camper shell on the back.
I need to carry a 17' canoe and two 10' kayaks. I was thinking about a Yakima rack - one crossbar on the cab and one on the camper shell.
Should I be concerned though with any twisting between the bed & cab? Would it be better to have two crossbars on the camper shell and then use something like an Extend-a-truck rack out of the hitch to hold the back end of the canoe?
What should I look for in terms of height between the rail and roof?
Any advice/pics appreciated!!
I need to carry a 17' canoe and two 10' kayaks. I was thinking about a Yakima rack - one crossbar on the cab and one on the camper shell.
Should I be concerned though with any twisting between the bed & cab? Would it be better to have two crossbars on the camper shell and then use something like an Extend-a-truck rack out of the hitch to hold the back end of the canoe?
What should I look for in terms of height between the rail and roof?
Any advice/pics appreciated!!
Technical Article Contributor
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 335
Likes: 0
From: Rockville, MD
I'll try to answer your questions...
1) I wouldn't be concerned about the twisting.
2) The extend a trucks are kind of pricey about $140
http://www.kayakfishingsupplies.com/...h-Truck/Detail
3) You could just put foam blocks on the roof where in a few places so you don't scratch the paint and then ratchet strap it down.
They make a tubular foam with a notch cut all along it, that's what my grandpa uses to haul his canoe.
http://www.kflexusa.com/HomePages/Ma...6&productID=71
I'm sure you can get it at home depot or lowes for next to nothing.
Good luck!!!
-M
1) I wouldn't be concerned about the twisting.
2) The extend a trucks are kind of pricey about $140
http://www.kayakfishingsupplies.com/...h-Truck/Detail
3) You could just put foam blocks on the roof where in a few places so you don't scratch the paint and then ratchet strap it down.
They make a tubular foam with a notch cut all along it, that's what my grandpa uses to haul his canoe.
http://www.kflexusa.com/HomePages/Ma...6&productID=71
I'm sure you can get it at home depot or lowes for next to nothing.
Good luck!!!
-M
Thread Starter
|
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 1,201
Likes: 0
From: Groton CT
Thanks for the reply.... i actually bought a yakima set-up last night from ORS in VT last night - permanent rails on top of my Leer shell with a couple of Q-towers with crossbars and the Yakima showboat loading rig.... pricey but exactly what I need...
Speaking to the rep at ORS (who coincidentally had a 4 door pickup with shell), he gets the question alot about adding a 3rd crossbar on the cab. He mentioned he never heard of anyone having any problems with twisting as there is enough flexibility in kayaks/canoes to accommodate motion between the cab & bed.... his only concern would be an antique wooden canoe or something like that.
At this point, i'll see how the 2 crossbars work on the shell and will add separate rails/crossbar on the cab in necessary. ORS rep mentioned this is a pretty common solution for 4 door pickups with shells....
Speaking to the rep at ORS (who coincidentally had a 4 door pickup with shell), he gets the question alot about adding a 3rd crossbar on the cab. He mentioned he never heard of anyone having any problems with twisting as there is enough flexibility in kayaks/canoes to accommodate motion between the cab & bed.... his only concern would be an antique wooden canoe or something like that.
At this point, i'll see how the 2 crossbars work on the shell and will add separate rails/crossbar on the cab in necessary. ORS rep mentioned this is a pretty common solution for 4 door pickups with shells....