How To Raise Canoe On Camper Shell Roof Rack To Prevent Contact With Roof Of Vehicle

Updated 05/21/2021 | Published 05/20/2021

Question:

Ive got a newer yakima system on my topper/cap, which works great, except when loading canoes, the skyline tower/aero bars dont provide enough clearance to avoid scraping the roof of the cab. Ive been using foam blocks to raise the canoe on the front bar, but Im wondering if there isnt a better solution. Thanks!

asked by: Jake

Expert Reply:

I see how that might be troublesome; anytime you have a large canoe on a roof rack it can be difficult to set it up to where it doesn't make contact with the vehicle's roof. I don't see any other canoe carriers that would elevate the canoe any more than the foam blocks are already doing, but I do recommend adding Yakima EasyTop Universal Fit Roof Rack - Padded - 80 lbs # Y07418 to the roof of your truck.

This is a universal padded roof rack for a naked roof like your truck has. The straps simply run through the interior of your vehicle and clip into place, securing the pads to your roof. You could use just one of the included pads or both depending on how it looks when they are installed in combination with your current camper shell roof rack. This is the best option when trying to prevent the front of the canoe from touching your truck's roof. I attached a demonstration video for you.

expert reply by: Andrew N