Anyone Carry Small Aluminum Boat on top of Camper??

[JoeAngelicchio]

I've got a 12' aluminum cartopper, not more than 120 lbs. Want to avoid using a trailer also. So just wondering if anybody carries on top, pop-up or hardside.
Thanks

[dirtyhandz]

I would have to agree with the trailer suggestions. I used to carry my kayaks on the top of my lance and it got to be a PITA. Unload, paddle for hours, and try to drag that thing back up to the roof......... I built a small 5x10 trailer that has been the greatest thing since canned beer. Can carry everything I dont want in the TC and put my boats, bikes, etc. on top. It's off road capable and plus I can use it for a home depot run with the jeep if my truck is loaded up.

[CAJW]

JoeAngelicchio wrote:
Yeah I agree. Might be leaning towards a popup.

We just got one of these. Advanced Elements Convertible It weighs 52 lbs.and has a carrying bag that stows under the dinette or in the back seat. We've only had ours out so far on flat water lakes, but it's very comfortable and handles great solo or tandem.

[JoeAngelicchio]

I'm OK lifting for now, probably for a while, just 56ish. Into powerlifting for exercise. But I do have that trailer I can use. Thanks guys.

[Kayteg1]

I think you need to get off the keyboard and do some exercise Flip.
You are not that much older than I am and I still can carry 150 lb Honda for some distance.
We don't know the age or physical shape of OP, but since it is his idea, I would assume he is not much worry about some lifting for next 10 years.

[SidecarFlip]

I agree with a trailer with 'goal posts'. At my age I dread to think about hoisting a boat up on the roof of my pop up or getting it down (much, much worse on a hardside). Actually, a blow up would work better.

[TxGearhead]

I would reconsider a trailer. Maybe not a boat trailer, but a single axle utility trailer. You could just put the boat in the trailer and have some room leftover for other stuff. Or, build a rack to attach to the top rails of the trailer. Make 2 of them out of 2" angle iron to look like goalposts. Put the boat on top and whatever else in the trailer.
I did that to carry my ATV and a pirogue about 20 years ago. Have I used it? No!! LOL
I carried a 17ft canoe on top of a motorhome. Once.

[SidecarFlip]

JoeAngelicchio wrote:
Yeah I agree. Might be leaning towards a popup.

Problem with a pop up is roof capacity. Not so much the weight of the boat but how much will the lift mechanism lift.

I know mine is 120 pounds total on roof. Not sure about Hallmark, 4 wheel or Northstar. Alaskan will take a load on the roof and out of your wallet too.

[JoeAngelicchio]

I've got a pickup bed trailer with a topper I can use for the boat and the gear. Just wondered how many use the camper roof and have nothing to tow. So just looking at all options, and thanks to everyone for your suggestions.

[guidry]

I know you don't want to trailer a boat, but it is easier. I unload the camper then trailer my bass boat anywhere I want. It is much easier than putting more load and having to tie everything down that might wiggle and scratch.

[JoeAngelicchio]

Yeah I agree. Might be leaning towards a popup.

[Kayteg1]

JoeAngelicchio wrote:
I was think of having rollers on the rear most bar (lean boat against) and a winch at the front of the truck. Kind of a boat loading system. Then put those fold up boat tires on the transom to pull the boat with motor attached and all my gear inside to the water.

With 12' long boat and 12' tall camper your boat will need to be lifted before it will start rolling on camper.

[JoeAngelicchio]

I was think of having rollers on the rear most bar (lean boat against) and a winch at the front of the truck. Kind of a boat loading system. Then put those fold up boat tires on the transom to pull the boat with motor attached and all my gear inside to the water.

[romore]

I did it for years on a cab high canopy but the back won't take it anymore. Loading and unloading is a real bear when alone especially if the ramp is not close to level. A good boat loader would be your friend but they are not cheap. Have you considered a small inflatable?

[Kayteg1]

I do 16' canoe.
First one I had was 80lb and loading was difficult.
Main problem was carrying the 80 lb to the lake, so I've got 45lb model made with Kevlar.
That one works as a charm.
With 120 lb you will be for a challenge. My camper had luggage railing around the back, so I bought those foam covers at Sport Rack and just slide canoe over them.