carrying a boat along with trailer......any of you do this?

Heres mine....

Here's how I do it. You can see I'm not fully hitched in the photo, but you get the idea. I've towed from SC to the Keys many times this way. I strap the boat down really well to prevent it from shifting. I have plenty of clearance between boat and camper even in dips and turns. Boat is a 12' jon boat and 4hp outboard sits under boat against tailgate while traveling. I built a wood brace that sits on top of the tailgate to give the needed clearance. It works for me and I didn't have to buy a truck rack that I didn't want.

To tie down your canoe on the front without the ropes rubbing on the hood, use your own webbing straps or Hoop Loops .

just open the hood and install the straps , close the hood so they hang out then tie-down to them.

video would be great

12ft Lund WC on rack. I use a winch system that i made to get the boat on and off the rack as it is too heavy to do on my own. Boat weighs 205 lbs. One day soon im going to create a video of how i made it and how it operates.

I carry a 9.9hp yamaha 4stroke in the truck bed along with the other boat equipment like an electric motor and paddle etc.



Photo of my wife operating it.

I drive 2011 250 Ford with fiberglass cap. I haul a 14' Sea Nymph deep V boat with approx 62" beam 150-175# on the cap using an Eide boat loader. I only use it once a year so I mounted 6 Eide supplied "bases" to the cap and mount the actual boat loader to those bases with "quick release" mounts. When I bought the Eide they suggested I save about 400.00 and buy the loader that is powered with a cordless drill...which I did. My truck is 4wd and so is a bit taller than the usual truck. I have never had a problem with the boat/mount, and have driven in some stiff winds..but have added a few extra safety features. It is very simple to use...where I camp I can literally back right up to the lake and drop the boat in the water. The instructions are very clear in not trying to load the boat in high wind.

I made a metal rack that slides into the bed of my Pick up, I carry a 18 foot canoe, or for solo my 12 foot canoe, I also carry a 12 ft jon boat , mostly the 18 ft canoe is my boat of choice when taking a fishing partner. I also have a 10 ft plastic pontoon boat that I slide into the bed and lean it forward then tie in down in the bed of the truck.

Done it with a few of my previous setups...

12' Ocean Kayak.


Same truck, but 16' canoe.


16' Ocean Kayak.


Same kayak, different RV.


Whatever configuration you go with, just remember that where you setup the camper may not be anywhere near where you need to put the boat in the water. Also, keep in mind how much the boat weighs that you need to lift onto a roof rack. Not only can it be physically demanding, roof racks have a weight limit rating. For my Nissans, I believe the magic number was 125 lbs. The 16' kayak was about 70 lbs. I'd lift one end up, rest it on the roof rack, grab the other end, and slide it into place. The canoe wouldn't rest on the one end of the roof rack in the same manner, and had to be muscled into place. Not sure I could do that 21 years later...

Have fun!

A pair of tandom kayaks will be far easier and likely more stable

I think to add storage and the rack, we need to go with a TT. My current fiver has limited storage for four people. The TT allows me to use a topper and this adds a great place for BBQ, chairs, firewood, outboard motor, ez up sun shade, coolers, etc..

I like fivers and can add the boat in the front of my vehicle, but storage is still limited in the 27'-30' fivers.

Thoughts?