A canoe rack is a special device designed to hold your canoe securely when it is not in use. It is fitted with locks and traps that enable your canoe to fit tight for secure storage or transportation. This storage also helps to protect your canoe from wear and tear caused by heat and weather.
Proper storage of your canoes when it is not in use is very important. Fortunately, building a canoe rack is simple and straightforward and can be done at your workshop. In this article, we will give you tips on how to build a canoe rack for a pickup truck.
Build a canoe rack or buy a canoe rack?
The question that you are probably asking yourself right now if you are thinking of owning a canoe rack is whether to buy or build one. Although canoes are lightweight, they are can harm you or any other person close to you if it is not stored properly and securely.
Canoes can fall from storage spaces that are not designed for their storage, especially when the canoes are still wet. A canoe rack is highly recommended because it is designed to hold your canoe tightly and securely when it is not in use.
Now back to our question, to build a canoe for yourself or buy one? The answer here depends on many things, including your preference or skill levels. A canoe rack can double as a kayak rack, and we have an in-depth look at different kayak racks for pickup trucks that you can use if you choose to buy one.
Some people may just prefer to buy a canoe rack because they don’t feel like building one for themselves or they have a busy schedule or don’t have the time or skills required to build a rack. If that is the case with you, then buying a rack is the best option for you.
On the other hand, if you have the time, tools, and the right skill required to build your own canoe rack, then building one for yourself at home is the best option. Building a canoe rack is simple and straightforward. You don’t need special skills to build one.
All you only need is the right tools and building materials. Building a canoe rack I highly recommended because it allows you to custom-build a canoe rack that suits your needs. It will also save you a lot of money.
Build Your Own DIY Canoe Rack For Your Pickup Truck
Building your own canoe rack is a good way to save money on having to buy one. That is, if you can save on the cost of materials. Below, we’ve featured a video of how to build a canoe rack for a pickup truck.
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What are long-time pickup truck drivers using?
Pickup trucks are utilitarian but unfortunately, canoes cannot fit in properly. Yes, you can tie a bunch of sketchy knots and then tie the canoe on the back but that is not a wise move. Truck boxes are simply not long enough to support canoes.
So, if you have a truck and want to carry the boat safely and securely, you need to buy or build a rack. Long-time pickup truck drivers use ladder racks because they are incredibly strong and can handle enormous load capacity. They also hold canoes safely and securely.
What are ladders racks?
Ladder racks are valuable accessories used to enhance your truck’s cargo capacity. Ladder racks make it easy and more convenient to put heavier equipment like canoe or kayak on our pick-up before you head out on a memorable adventure.
Ladders racks also create space on your truck bed, thus allowing you to store less bulky equipment. If you want to provide extra space for transporting large or bulky items that may not fit well in your truck’s bed, you need to buy or build ladder racks. Installing ladder racks is more cost-effective than hiring another vehicle to carry your canoe or kayak.
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This ladder rack system provides you with 2 adjustable steel cross bars that are meant to be fitted onto any truck cap. The universal ladder rack system is installed by drilling holes into the truck cap and fitting the adjustable steel cross bars where you drilled the holes.
For this to work, you will of course need a truck cap for your pickup truck. This is a standard requirement for any pickup truck that is going to have a ladder rack installed. If you’re looking for the best truck cap for your pickup truck, be sure to read our review for truck caps.
How many canoes can you put on one rack?
Racks are incredibly strong and can support huge loads of weight. However, for safe transportation of your canoes, it is recommended that you transport a maximum of two canoes on one rack.
How much would it cost to build a canoe rack yourself? If you are considering building a canoe rack for yourself, the question that you are probably asking yourself right now is how much will it cost?
This question does not have a definite answer because it depends on many factors, including the quality of material used, custom features included, the size of the rack, and more.
For instance, it will cost you more if you include more custom features on your canoe rack. But generally, the average cost of building a canoe rack ranges between $500 and $700