tundra canoe rack question

[neighth4n]

looking for some advise for equipping my 2005 toyota tundra with a rack for a 16 foot canoe. ive checked out yakima's suggestion but still unsure about the best route with them as well. thanks.

[Jim E]

I just welded up a rack for my Tundra out of 1 1/4 square tubing (16 ga.). It just slips into the truck's factory stake pockets. Wish I had some pics of it but I haven't taken any.

[Deuce]

If the Tundra's a crew cab I think you'd be happy with the Q Towers. I had them on a crew cab Sierra and found them to be sturdy, quiet (when used with the fairing), and portable. If it's not a crew cab you might consider a pair of the Q Towers with one crossbar (or comparable Thule or other setup) used in conjunction with a receiver hitch insert. Unless you can fab one up yourself or find one on Craig's a custom rack will likely cost considerably more and won't be as portable. It will, however, be sturdier of course. Many ways to skin this kitty. The best option for you depends on your priorities.

[neighth4n]

jim-you justwelded up three pieces of tubing twice and placed into thepockets? anything on the cab?

[neighth4n]

deuce- its an extended access cab. not quite as big as the crew cab. did you have just the two bars w/towers on the cab only? thanks.

[Deuce]

Yes, I had four Q towers with the locking cores and the two crossbars. I also had the fairing on the front crossbar. If you have the fairing it's a pretty quiet setup. If you don't it sounds like there's a chopper above you. I carried a Discovery 158 with no problems. It was nice because when space was tight I could strap other things up there too; rod tubes, unruly children, etc. Also, when I took them off there was no physical indication they had been there other than a dirty spot that cleaned right up. I think the extended cab would give you just enough spread between the bars to bear the load safely, but a knowledgeable employee at an outfitter could probably confirm or dispute my theory. It's been a few years, but as I recall the entire setup cost me around $350 and I sold it last fall for $250. The young man was tickled pink to pay me that. You might be able to find some or all of the components used, but the towers are somewhat vehicle specific, so it would be a bit of a crap shoot on them. I'll try to find a pic for you.

[Jim E]

My rack is a total of 4 pieces. Two upright frames and two side supports. These 4 pieces disassemble with 8 wing bolts making it easy to install and store for when not in use.

I didn't want to put a roof rack on my truck as I have one for the wife's car (Yakima Q towers) and it has scratched the paint. Even though I am extremely careful, if you get any dirt or sand on top the roof (from dirty boats or just road grime) it gets under the pads and just gets grinded into the paint.


Here is a quick drawing of it's basic design.



Top=back view
Bottom=side view


I also built an extension that reaches over the cab and down to the front frame of the truck so I can carry 20 ft. long metal for my side business.

http://www.ennspercussioncarts.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I use a different rack that just spans right above the truck's bed sides for kayaks, leaving the entire bed open for other gear.

[Deuce]

I didn't want to put a roof rack on my truck as I have one for the wife's car (Yakima Q towers) and it has scratched the paint. Even though I am extremely careful, if you get any dirt or sand on top the roof (from dirty boats or just road grime) it gets under the pads and just gets grinded into the paint.

That was my initial concern with them, but it proved to be unfounded as I never had that problem. Were you anal about lining up the pads?

[neighth4n]

thanks guys. much appreciated. im thinking one bar on the cab and drydock in the hitch. id like to leave the bed more open, but the accordian style cover i have makes the outdoorsman unworkable. however a custom rack like the one you described would solve the problem. ive got some access to welder so that mightbe an option. i need to make some decisions soon. i'll be fiberglassing my boat this weekend and need to transport here in a month.

[Deuce]

If you have access to a welder definitely at least ask him or her to ballpark a custom one for you. That would be the best. Just not always the most cost effective.