Ladder rack vs. Roof rack for Canoe

FYI, I finally got around to trying out the roof racks this weekend with the canoe. Surprisingly, this setup was notably more stable than the ladder rack. Being able to center the boat on the cab and cinch in down through the cab with ratchet straps and then strapping it front and back is the ticket. Easily cruised at 50+ with no worries.

 

Oh, and P.S. motorcycles and this rack look good too!

 

Not to nitpick, but why would you run straps through the cab? For 30 years I have run the strap around the bars then back over the boat and around the other bar end. Several advantages, you get twice the strap to boat pressure area, you can get the straps closer to the boat wall for better side to side movement resistance, you don't have any strap touching truck paint or door seals, and probably less road noise from strap vibration.

What are you using through the hood? It looks like a good set up.

 

That looks like a much better fit for the long canoe than the old bed rack setup. Your old bed rack has worked great for my needs so far.

 

Thanks for the response. It's a fair question and probably a good suggestion. Honestly, I was a little leery about the rack attachment and decided to go through the cab to achieve a higher rate of oh-good-the-boat-is-still-there insurance. That said, with the weekend's experience, I think your suggestion would be fine especially with the bow and stern straps present. Internet-tip I learned: if you twist your straps you never get strap vibration.

Re : hood loops, see :
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/permanent-canoe-kayak-tie-downs.799187/#post-28644324

Regards!

 

Awesome!

 

Looks a bit more effective than my pool noodle setup!

 

Function over form. Form is overrated.

 

Years ago I had a ladder style rack and the cross bar on the rear would pivot out of the way when the locking pin on opposite post was released. I could carry my kayaks or pivot the bar and load my motorcycles. Could be that something like that is still made, or any good welding shop could modify a steel ladder rack for you.

 

Ive carried kayaks in multiple ways.