Canoe/Kayak Carry Option with Travel Trailer and F-150

Updated 05/13/2021 | Published 05/11/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Thule WingBar Evo Crossbars - Aluminum - Silver - 60" Long - Qty 2

(1274)

$279.95

Buyers Products Truck Bed Ladder Rack w/ Load Stops - Black Aluminum - 800 lbs

(42)

$453.94

LockRack Adjustable XL Watersport Carrier - Canoe, Kayak, or 2 SUPs - Side Loading - Universal Mount

(48)

$362.98

Thule Xsporter Pro Adjustable Height Truck Bed Ladder Rack - Aluminum - 450 lbs - Silver

(87)

$1149.95

Evo Clamp Feet for Thule Crossbars - Naked Roofs - Qty 4

(409)

$264.95

Question:

Hauling A Canoe with F-150 5.5 Bed, RV Apex Nano 193BHS. I am looking to haul a tandem kayak with a 2021 Ford F-150 XLT with a 5.5 foot bed and no roof rack system. For the most part, Ill be taking the kayak camping with me. For camping, I have a travel trailer by Coachman - the Apex Nano 193BHS 2020 model. Its a single-axle travel trailer weighing 3,450 lbs dry. Id like recommended solutions for hauling the kayak - both with a the combination of truck + travel trailer and b truck only. Kayak: 106inch long 36inch wide 76 lbs heavy Camper Apex Nano 193BHS: Length ft/m 22.08 / 6.7 Width in/mm 90 / 2286 Height in/mm 120 / 3048

asked by: Mark

Expert Reply:

The best option is to mount a roof rack on your 2021 F-150 such as the Thule WingBar Evo Crossbars, # TH711500 for silver with the needed Clamp Feet # TH710501 and Fit Kit for Thule Evo Clamp Roof Rack Feet # TH145177. Please see the attached video. You can strap a canoe/kayak directly to the rack, use the Lockrack Adjustable XL Watersport Carrier - Canoe, Kayak, # LR54FR. (product review and installation video attached.)

There is also the option of using a ladder rack such as the Buyers Products Truck Bed Ladder Rack w/ Load Stops - Black Aluminum - 800 lbs. # 3371501680. The benefit of a ladder rack is that it has greater weight capacity. The load is primarily centered over the bed of the truck whereas the with the roof rack, obviously centered over the roof. I suggest you mock up the fitment of the canoe/kayak to determine the best positioning of it over the F-150 in relation to the travel trailer being attached. If best served by moving forward on the truck then I suggest the roof rack option. If focused more over the bed of the truck, even if adjusted forward, I would go with the ladder rack. I prefer the ladder rack due to weight capacity and versatility over the roof rack, if you can carry your items this way while still having the travel trailer connected, then I would go this route.

Don't forget that if you typically park the truck in a garage, then door height relative to each option needs to be considered. The Thule Xsporter Pro Adjustable Height Truck Bed Ladder Rack - Aluminum - 450 lbs - Silver, # TH500XT. Has a lower weight capacity and currently a higher price point however, this is also adjustable so if a garage door needs to be considered this may be the best option. Raise when in use lower when not but never need uninstall.