How Do You Carry Canoes/Kayaks

[RUSSELL5000]

There is a lot of opportunity for water travel around us, and we are taking about picking up some kayaks or kayaks and a canoe.

I have a ReTrax cover on the bed of my truck - I really like it, and it works great for carrying stuff for camping and keeping it out of the weather.

I see that there are a number of roof top carriers on the market. I see different bed racks.

I wonder what others are doing and how it is working out.

Thanks!!

 

[Shadrach]

Good question. I too want to be able to carry my canoe, but getting it up on top of my canopy safely by myself is a challenge. David

 

[mwilson]

For short distances I use the "Wilson Pig Pile" mode of transport....:

But for serious transport Kayaks are supposed to be carried on their sides...

 

[BIGNASTY]

Yakima works good for bikes, canoes

 

[Cummins12V98]

No good way for us to haul a 12'-14' tandem Kayak so we may be buying on of these inflatables today. Advanced Elements AE1007-R AdvancedFrame Convertible Inflatable Kayak

 

[Killgore]

I used the Yakima roof rack system, a Curt front receiver, and the Extend-a-Bed (turned around backwards) to haul our 16 ft. Old Towne canoe while pulling the fifth-wheel. I also have an in-bed boom and winch assembly that allowed me to pull the canoe from the front up onto the rack on the roof and the Extend-a-Bed on the front by myself. I finally got tired of falling into numerous creeks and dragging the canoe up thirty foot banks, traded trucks, but put the boom and winch assembly on my signature truck that I use to load my generator and change out the 24,000 lb. Reese 5th wheel. I wish I had taken some pictures when I was all hooked-up and loaded. We got some real stares as we thundered down the road, but it worked.

- Ed

 

[RUSSELL5000]

I have a small utility trailer, and that was my first thought. My second thought was that my truck and travel trailer is not approved by manufacturer to pull doubles, I know laws vary by state, and I am not sure I am ready for pulling doubles. However, for a run down to the lake, I really like it.

I looked and looked at all kinds of truck racks. Very confusing.

I have Yakima equipment on order. Canoe to be carried upside down, two kayaks to be carried on their sides.

I do have a front hitch receiver - my older son and I installed. We have used to carry our bicycles. I have not given thought to how to lift off and on - my initial thinking is to use my two sons to help up and down. Each kayak weighs about 40 lbs, canoe is supposed to weigh 80 lbs.

I am not quite sure how this will work - hopefully have some pictures in a week or so.

Thanks!!

 

[Killgore]

Russell, you're almost there with the Yakima and front receiver. The Extend-a-Bed from Northern Tool was a little over $100. My wife and I would muscle the 84 lb. canoe up to the rack and Extend-a-Bed. She's only 5-2 and it was a stretch for her. When I got serious about loading my generator and occasionally pulling out the fifth-wheel, things got intense and I justified the expense by telling her I could load the canoe by myself with the boom and winch assembly. I wish Erie wasn't so far, I would give you what you need to just get them out of my shop.

- Ed

 

[Killgore]

As a follow-up, if I were to do it all again, I would buy an electric winch for a few dollars more with a remote. I bought a 1,000 lb. hand- crank winch from Harbor Freight for next to nothing. The boom I got from Harbor Freight. It extends, pivots and I remove it by lifting it off the stanchion when pulling the fiver due to clearance issues. I installed the cable winch system and use that instead of the hook which can only be raised and lowered using a small bottle jack that comes with it. All in all, I have been very pleased with the set-up.

- Ed