ROOF RACK INSTALLED

Are the rails that go side to side removable, also are the front to back rails permanently fixed. As I could do with a set for my roof box.
Sean

Sean wrote:Are the rails that go side to side removable, also are the front to back rails permanently fixed. As I could do with a set for my roof box.
Sean

Sean, the rails that run across the cab from the left to the right sides are removeable and also slide along the side rails. The side rails (run from front to rear) are permanently screwed into the roof of the cab.

Looks good. Reminds me of when we had a Ford custom van. It had a roof rack on top until we had to go see a doctor in Dallas and the only parking around was a parking garage. Too tall, lost part of the roof rack. Now I'm goosey about parking garages.

Tater

I like the smooth lines of the factory rack, But I had to go with the versitility of the Yakima roof rack system.
It sits toward the front of the Cab. You can take them on and off and lock them down also.
I can carry three 12' kayaks or two kayaks and one canoe. Could possibly haul 4 kayaks if I staked two in the middle. You can also get longer bars and haul 4 mounted on their sides with a kayak stacker. I like the cradles cause their easy to load and strap in.

Are you gonna be able to haul a kayak with the camper hitched ?

Very nice rack Phillip.
I have seen someone that owns a truck like mine with the GM rack that lives in my area. He had two kayaks (on the side) and two bikes towing a 5er. Thats pretty much what I would like to carry out camping...

bsmall2800 wrote:Very nice rack Phillip.

Bet you thought you'd never hear that one Phillip!

Actually both of you guys have very nice racks.

I purchased a font mounted hitch for my truck a few weeks ago. I'm going to haul my canoe(s) with a T support bar in the hitch. I can also use it to haul bicycles, genny, dirt bike etc...

I haven't taken the time to mount the hitch yet. Its too darn hot to be working anymore than necessary the last few weeks.

Oh Mntman you vaaary funny guy:lol:
And Phillip as far as room goes I will be looking for 10-12 footer kayak's. That way I will have pleanty of clearance with the Cat.

I'm pushing it with a 12'

You'd def need the front t rack for anything longer
I looked at the front bumper mount. Looks like a heck of a job to mount.

My canoes are 12' 8" for the solo and 16' for the tandem.

Thats why I decided to go with the front mount hitch and T bar.

I don't think it will be too bad of an install. An extra set of hands will be needed to hold everything in place to get the bolts started.

No drilling required on mine but my factory tow hooks make it a little more complicated. The hitch bolts to the frame in the same holes as the tow hooks.

I'll take a few pics when I get around to installing it.

MountainMan wrote:My canoes are 12' 8" for the solo and 16' for the tandem.

Thats why I decided to go with the front mount hitch and T bar.

I don't think it will be too bad of an install. An extra set of hands will be needed to hold everything in place to get the bolts started.

No drilling required on mine but my factory tow hooks make it a little more complicated. The hitch bolts to the frame in the same holes as the tow hooks.

I'll take a few pics when I get around to installing it.

Looking forward to the pictures of the finished product.....

BSmaLL. Does GM make cradles for kayaks or do you lash directly to the rack? Very intersted in Mountain Mans hitch install. Would like to carry 2 -12' kayaks. I was thinking that 12' is probably at the point that I should have the hitch and t bar.
KH

Kevin, I am not aware of GM carrying any attachment you were asking about. I was going to go with either Thule or Yakima for that purpose.

So are you saying that Thule or Yakima should fit up to the GM bars?
KH

KHUBER wrote:So are you saying that Thule or Yakima should fit up to the GM bars?
KH

Yes that's my understanding Kevin.

I've got the front mounted hitch and the t bar for the canoe rack, but am nervous about the legality of "blocking the driver's view". What's the opinion of the forum?

bigcatdriver wrote:I've got the front mounted hitch and the t bar for the canoe rack, but am nervous about the legality of "blocking the driver's view". What's the opinion of the forum?

The T bar support is out in front of your truck where you can "see around it" so it's not really blocking your sight. Think about all the bucket trucks out there with support bars on the front bumper. Plus, I cant see any Officer out there even bringing it up unless he's cutting you a break because of a more severe violation.
I'd have no worry.

To keep on topic that rack looks good. It gives me an idea to get an Explorer rack and mount it on my crew cab dually. Would be a great place for the bikes, or the kids when they are bad (KIDDING).

bsmall2800 wrote:Very nice rack Phillip.
I have seen someone that owns a truck like mine with the GM rack that lives in my area. He had two kayaks (on the side) and two bikes towing a 5er. Thats pretty much what I would like to carry out camping...

Antlers is another name.