Canoe/bike rack on front of truck

[CdnCopper]

Hey!

Anyone running a canoe rack on their truck with a fiver? I've seen some slick setups that encompass a front hitch with vertical bar setup that the front of the canoe sits on, and then the back sits on a roof rack setup over the cab of the truck. Would love to hear your opinion or see pics of your rig!

[rjsurfer]

That's the way I'm going to take our kayak along with us on our trips, using a "T" in our front hitch.

Our friends do it that way with no problems.

Etrailer has one for about $100 or so.

Sorry no pics.

Ron W.

[dmar]

Here's what we did.

Etrailer front hitch $131, Harbor freight load extender about $60, Darby strap on roof rack about $50, a bunch of tie down straps (not ratchet type), a piece of 3/4" steel conduit and a couple pool noodles.

Our kayaks are only 10' long so the roof rack has to sit near the front of the roof. Longer boats would mean the rack could be farther back on the roof. We've taken two trips with this rig and everything seemed to ride OK.

[CdnCopper]

Very nice! Thanks for the tips on where to get it as well.

[Tim-Rhonda]

I just installed a Reese (part # 65063) front 2" receiver hitch on my 13 Ram 2500. I purchased off Amazon for 120.00. It installs behind the tow hooks. Was a fun time installing the two inboard washers and nuts on the bolts but with some ingenuity I was able to over come the challenge's with a cut off open end wrench and a cheater bar. I have a homemade rack that normally fits in the back stake pockets but will move this rack forward to the stake pockets by the back window. Haven't tried everything as of yet but I don't see why it wouldn't work. I do have the Yakima roof rack to use if need be also.

[Kim]

Thule Slipstream and crossbars.
I have a PVC 'ramp' I use to load the kayak from the rear over the hitch that has a flotation cushion bungeed to it. The ramp then gets put on top and strapped down with the boat. My kayak is 13' long and fits well up there. I do have to use the tie downs on the bow and stern to keep bouncing to a minimum, which is not noticeable.
Word of caution with this is my boat is about 90# and the Thule slipstream specs say no more than #75 so I am pushing it.
http://lovethervlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/10846890_10152917123593728_274713419_n.jpg

[Bowti]

I made my own as I wanted it to be little more sturdy than the store bought ones. I also ran some guide wires down from the top center of it, to the bumper hooks to prevent any side to side movement.
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