Carrying a 12.5 foot Inflatable Fishing Raft on a 2012 Ram 2500 Mega Cab with Camper Shell

Published 09/01/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Yakima LongArm Bed and Roof Load Extender for 2" Hitches - Aluminum - 165 lbs

(162)

$387.90

Custom DK Fit Kit for 4 Rhino-Rack 2500 Series Roof Rack Legs - Naked Roof

(3340)

$129.99

Rhino-Rack 2500 Series Legs for Vortex Aero Crossbars - Naked Roofs or Fixed Mounting Points - Qty 4

(8964)

$234.99

Question:

Im trying to figure out the best way to load a new inflatable fishing raft 12 foot 6 inch long and 46 inch wide, 110 pounds total weight on top of my 2012 Ram MegaCab pickup w/ a Leer camper shell no cargo rack installed on truck cab or shell as yet. What products would you recommend for each zone on top cab and topper shell? This hitch-mounted support bar looks like a potentially good but partial solution for my needs but I am concerned that, once installed, it would block the ability to fully lower the tailgate for access to my truck bed. Any thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

asked by: Blane W

Expert Reply:

For a roof rack to install on the Leer camper shell of your 2012 Ram 2500 Mega Cab I recommend the TracRac CapRac Ladder Rack # TH29200XT. Since it installs on your camper there is some drilling required which will make it more of a permanent installation, but it will provide a great rack that has a weight limit that is the same as your camper.

A roof rack on your Mega Cab might not be necessary since you are planning on using the Yakima LongArm # Y01149-1150, but if you decide to I recommend the Rhino-Rack Vortex Aero roof rack system. I recommend using the Silver Vortex Aero Crossbars # RRVA150S-2 to match the CapRac and the T-Load Assist. You will also need the 2500 Series Legs # RRRLKVA, and the DK Fit Kit # DK043. If you would like crossbars that are the same length as the CapRac then you will want to use part # RRVA165S-3 instead and install the 2500 Series Legs 3 inches more towards the center of the crossbar than you would with the normal 59 inch crossbars. Since you have an inflatable fishing raft this setup will work great for your application.

Finally, even though we have not tested opening the tailgate on a Ram 2500 with the Yakima LongArm in the lowest tilted position, you should be able to fully open your tailgate with it installed.

I have attached some review videos for you to check out as well as a link to our selection of tie-down straps if you don't already have some.

expert reply by: Jon G