Forum Discussion

Effy's avatar
Effy
Explorer II
Jul 22, 2013

Transporting a canoe with Class A

Does anyone have a good solution for transporting a 14’ canoe on a Class A? I have thought about the roof, but aside from scaring me about the damage it could do and additional clearance, I can’t imagine how fun it would be to get it on and off. I have heard folks mounting them underneath. Not sure about that idea either. A hitch rack is obviously a bad set up once you ponder how you get a 14’ canoe with 12’ of clearance. I have seem canoe trailers, that might be the only viable option, but then what about pulling a toad too? Our Civic is too small to mount a canoe and I really don’t want to spend a lot on a roof rack for it either. This has me scratching my head.
Class A

10 Replies

  • capndan77's avatar
    capndan77
    Explorer
    Jul 22, 2013
    We wintered in Texas and we bought an inexpensive canoe there, used it for 4 months and sold it at a profit to someone else in the park. Keeping in touch with friends there we find that it has been sold 3 times since and has yet to leave the park! If you plan a long term stay, this old work for you.
  • RayChez's avatar
    RayChez
    Explorer
    Jul 22, 2013
    I have seen many strapped on top of the toads. I definitely would not carry one on top of the coach. The coach is already 12'6" high and adding another 24" might hamper you on some low bridges.
  • Francesca_Knowl's avatar
    Francesca_Knowl
    Explorer
    Jul 22, 2013
    My Daughter-in-law has a Honda Accord sedan, and she's carried our fourteen foot canoe on top no problem. Unless a Civic is a lot shorter, I see no reason why that wouldn't work for you.

    For a "rack", she just uses a couple of those across-the-car straps that have big rubber holders. The canoe sides sorta clip right in to those, and it's tied down front and rear.
  • yrusoslo's avatar
    yrusoslo
    Explorer
    Jul 22, 2013
    Hi, You can find a welder/fabricator, in your area. He or she can make a special rack that would go into hitch receiver. If you are taking your toad, a whole new adapter hitch can be made. The 2" square tubing would have to be one piece, long enough to go into MH, that the canoe rack goes from the hitch level angled back towards the toad. The angle depends on clearence and the final height at the end of the canoe. Semi's are 13ft.6inches, high. But if you want it at 12ft., you would have to check and recheck. Now at the toad end, you can hook in, your ball hitch, if thats how you tow your toad. If you can't find anyone, I can make one. Good Luck
  • msmith1199's avatar
    msmith1199
    Explorer II
    Jul 22, 2013
    I carry a 16' two person Kayak in my Class A. It fits in the basement compartments. You can get one here: Folbot

    They aren't cheap, but it may be a better solution than buying a trailer or getting a bigger toad.
  • MountainAir05's avatar
    MountainAir05
    Explorer II
    Jul 22, 2013
    If there is a mount for the Civic then that is the way to go. You are not talking a lot of weight.
  • Effy's avatar
    Effy
    Explorer II
    Jul 22, 2013
    popeyemth wrote:
    Don't see any solution for your combo of MH + Civic
    Perhaps an inflatable ?


    I looked at a few inflatables. The major issue I see is that they are cumbersome and slow to paddle unless you are on water that moves pretty fast.
  • popeyemth's avatar
    popeyemth
    Explorer
    Jul 22, 2013
    Don't see any solution for your combo of MH + Civic
    Perhaps an inflatable ?
  • SeaDog_BRR's avatar
    SeaDog_BRR
    Explorer
    Jul 22, 2013
    From what you are saying sounds like the best bet is to leave it home! with that said roof mount it on the civic with a forward brace to the tow bar should work fine.
  • mockturtle's avatar
    mockturtle
    Explorer II
    Jul 22, 2013
    If you pull a toad you can carry the canoe on top, as I do with my kayak.

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