Does anyone have any suggestions on how to carry a canoe on an F150? I am thinking of using the foam blocks on the front (where the canoe sits on the cab) and then maybe building a rack out of wood for the rear of the canoe (which would sit in the box of the truck). I really don't want to spend a fortune on a fancy rack but also don't want something that isn't safe to drive with or is going to scratch or dent my truck.

Thanks in advance!

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You're approach will work just fine.

I ended up going with a cap on the back with permanently mounted landing pads for a Yakima bar. On the cab I have a clamp on Yakima bar. It gives me over an 8' spread between the bars which is great for the canoes. I set it up when the truck was new and the truck's 8 years old now with probably several more years before I look at replacing it, so over the life of the truck it's been a good investment.

How long is the box on your truck? If it happens to be 8' then you can just build a wood rack for the back of the truck and skip anything on the cab. If it's a shorter box (like the 5 1/2' one on my truck) then I'd definitely look at tieing down to the cab like you mentioned.

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Ya it's the short (5.5 ft) box so I think I'd need something on the cab. Thanks for the feedback!

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Hey Steve

I use to use this " contraption " , which served me well fer six years .
The con of it was the support was carrying the end load , and the frame that supported it was the full length of the bed , although it easily slid out the back end .



This past summer , i retired the old frame to the firepit fer a weenie roast in the backyard .

Built this simple " Y " out of maples and pine harvested outback .
The difference , the " Y " doesn't carry a load and thus the canoe can rest on the cab without it .
It's simple purpose is to allow for a snug tie down to the back , without putting strain on the gunwales . Also allows me to get a real snug tie down with no worries of canoe movement with passing transports on the highway .




I took the next picture this morning , just to show you how portable it is and no concerns from the insurance company as i asked my agent .

That's a cool looking set up John! I like that it has a natural / outdoorsy look to it as well as being functional!

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Hey Steve ......... Are ya up fer a good ole paddler's trade ? ( Big Smile )

Send me the numbers from yer truck box to the end of yer canoe on top and I'll build ya one of them there racks plus two pounds of homemade jerky , a gallon of homemade syrup , and a pound of homemade pemmican fer an hour of yer time to show me the ropes on this new fangled Nikon 7000 .
Gosh dang rotten outfit , I just cant's seem to figure it out .

I booked a paddle on the Thelon this summer and am hoping to fine tune my ability soes I can get me some better pictures of Arctic Wolves and Grizzlies .
I'm havin issues with controlling exposure .

Hahah I'd be happy to help you out any way I can. I too am a Nikon guy so if you like, send me some specific questions to my email: [email protected] and I will be happy to assist! I can talk camera stuff all day lol!

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In the mean time John, here is a blog post I did up explaining exposure, which might help you out a bit!

http://elmsphotography.blogspot.com/2011/04/understanding-exposure-relationship.html

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Thanks a pile Steve !...... Very helpful , quite sincere though about the trade , although a winter workshop would be more conventional , anything comin down the pipe in that regard ?

THanks John I'll certainly take you up on that offer! I don't think there will be a winter workshop this year. Logistically I don't see it working. But I will hopefully be putting more together for the spring and fall. I will likely avoid the summer as it is just too busy in the park for me!

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Steve,

Is your truck an extended cap, or crew cab or just a two/three seater?

Jeremy

Hi Jeremy it is the 4 door Super Crew cab with a 5.5 foot box.

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Steve,

What's your email address? I'll send you my professional opinion on your situation.

Jeremy

[email protected]

Sure thing you can send it to [email protected]

Thanks

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