Front Hitch For Carrying Canoes On A 2012 GMC Sierra 2500HD 4x4

Updated 01/29/2020 | Published 01/28/2020

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Front Mount Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2"

(84)

$209.12

Rhino-Rack T-Load Hitch Mounted Load Assist and Support Bar for 2" Hitches - 49" Long

(507)

$287.99

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

(162)

$325.92

Yakima KeelOver Canoe Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs - Gunwale Brackets - Clamp On

(43)

$158.95

Question:

2012 GMC Sierra 2500HD 4X4 Crew Cab. I have a 12Ft long Kayak I need to carry. I cant carry it over the bed. So I was curious if I could use this Hitch and my bed extender and canoe carrier with roof rack? Then I could carry it on the front. Can you buy a single roof rack for my truck? Thanks

asked by: Leroy J

Helpful Expert Reply:

In addition to the Curt Front Mount Trailer Hitch Receiver # C31023 for your 2012 GMC Sierra, you are correct that you will also need at least a single roof rack bar like the Darby Turbo rack # DTA968 and a carrier like the LongArm # Y01149-1150 that can tilt down making it easier to load the canoe. It also has an anti-rattle hitch bolt which is something that is needed for these types of carriers. Without an anti-rattle hitch bolt or device there is a lot of movement with these carriers.

For a canoe carrier that will fit all of the bars listed above you can use the Yakima KeelOver # Y04069. It will support the gunwales of the canoe with tie-downs.

Though you mentioned you can't carry it over the bed, I wanted to at least share the Rhino-Rack T-Load Hitch Mounted Load Assist and Support Bar for 2" Hitches - 49" Long # RTL002 in case you see this as a possibility. Included are video resources regarding these solutions for review. You would still need a roof bar for this setup.

expert reply by: Patrick R