Forum Discussion

Explorer

Apr 12, 2016

Any of you tow a TT and carry a boat above truck bed/cab?

Let me start by saying.....

I am very undecided about my plans for our next camping rig.
Family of four....me, wife, DS 17yo and DS 12yo (with Autism)

I like boating/fishing. My 12yo loves boating and I am going to teach him to fish.

Travel up and down CA, with vists to AZ, NV, and NM. Stays range from 3-8 days. Not all places will have water/lake access for my boat, which is OK.

Class C

We think we'd like to have the ability to leave on a Friday and return on Sunday for a quick weekend get away. Class C would work well for this and for towing our boat. However, no tow vehicle once we get to our destination (we like to explore the areas we visit). Cost is about $30K for used in decent cond.

I have a really nice 17'CC boat and the only want to take it with us is with a motor home or truck camper. TC was way to small for my wife's liking.

TT: I can tow with my truck, has plenty of space, can sell my current fiver (which is a little small for us) and get a 28' TT, have a vehicle for sight-seeing, and can possible carry a 14'-15' alum boat on a rack above my camper shell. Cost: $12K (plus funds from sale of my current 5er). I like the TT as it also provides the use of my truck bed for secure storage (with camper shell). The 14'-15 alum boat will not be as nice as my 17' boat (nor as safe... its gunnels are not as deep as my 17'), but it will allow me to get on the water and fish with my boys.

Any of you tow a TT and also a boat on one of those over the bed/cab loading racks? If so, can you comment on its use, how big of a boat, type of boat, any kids with you on boat, etc..

This is one of the carriers/boat loaders I am referring to:

Boat Loader

14 Replies

donn0128
Explorer II
Apr 12, 2016
Eide boat loaders have been around for a long time. Don't see too many of them any more
the_bear_II
Explorer
Apr 12, 2016
There are some great inflatable boats that perform as well or better than a hard sided fishing boat.

Check out www.seaeagle.com

For fishing I like the Foldcat or one of the Runabouts.
Jebby14
Explorer
Apr 12, 2016
I used to flip the 14' aluminum onto the pop up. this worked well. now that I have a tt its just too much to put up. a good old canoe comes along when I bring the tt now. my way is pop up with the boat wifes version is tt. compromise is wife gets her way I get my canoe and um........ stuff....... that happy wifes are more willing to do. I'll take that deal all day long
RedRocket204
Explorer
Apr 12, 2016
I do not have a boat like you, only kayaks, but know based upon my roof loading kayak experience, your roof loader would be the way I would go.

I am contemplating some changes with our RV situation once the kids have flown the nest. So, TCs are high on my list but that would be only for the wife and me. No way would I consider a TC, even the larges TC, for a family of four adults. And the nicest and largest TCs are VERY heavy. Some going over 5000 lbs. loaded and many 4000 lbs loaded. Also, the class A/B/C would be difficult too for towing a boat trailer if you had to break camp to put-in, take-out. So for me, class A/B/C would be a no.

I feel you are on a track I would take with the TT and roof loaded boat so long as there were rollers and even a hand winch to help with loading.

For what it's worth, you are going to have to compromise on something. Only you can decide what is the easiest compromise for you.