Carrying Canoe Level on 2016 Chevy Silverado with Leer 180 Camper Shell with Rear Incline

Updated 02/03/2016 | Published 02/02/2016

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Question:

Hi, I have a 2016 Chevy Silverado 4WD Crew Cab with a Leer 180 cap on the back with Thule cross bar racks on top of the cap. The Leer cap inclines upward about six inches above the truck cab top, and the caps roof racks add another three inches or so. I would like to be able to transport a 17 foot canoe on top of the truck and cap without having the canoe stick out the back five feet or so. So I would like to put a roof rack with at least one cross bar over the truck cab. But it would need to be a Super High one of at least 8 and up to 11 inches for it to be level with the cross bars over the Leer cap. The problem is the only Super High roof racks with cross bars available from Thule and Yakima have gutter mounts. And the artificial gutters that are available are designed to be installed in the side of a cap not a new gutter cab top. I would appreciate any suggestions.

asked by: Frank S

Expert Reply:

It would actually be better to have the canoe either all on the camper shell or all on the cab of the truck. When a load is split between the 2 it could result in problems because the truck bed can move some independently from the cab.

The artificial rain gutters can be installed anywhere that you are willing to drill into. I do not recommend it on a 2016 Chevy Silverado because who wants to drill holes in the cab of a new truck!

What you could do is use one Darby Turbo-Rack # DTA968 and then use some foam blocks, # MPG156, which together will give you additional height and protection.

Another option is to use a Big Bed Junior Load Extender, # EM07605, which would fit in a 2 inch trailer hitch and support a load that is overhanging the rear of the truck. I have linked a video review of this product for you.

expert reply by: Michael H