Homemade Take Down Canoe/Gear Truck Rack

[@shawti77]

My son and I built this for a canoe trip he was going on. Thanks for sharing, it is a great design.

[@SamkoTradBow]

Glad you liked it. Was such a great rack!

[@jimpayne1786]

Excellent! I built this rack over the weekend. One tip if you plan to build one, put your tape measure in the tool box. You only need couple of “measurements” and a piece of scrap wood is far better. Cut a piece of scrap to the minimum width of your bed at bed level. For my F250 that was right at the tailgate, correction, cut two the same length. Then use the “jigs” between the verticals and screw the horizontals on. Easypeeze! Same concept with the rails, 2 scraps cut to your preferred height (top of rail about the same as the top of the bed). For mine, I used the same jigs on the top rail, again easypeeze. I used someone else’s suggestion of clamping the rails together and drilling through them at the same time ensuring all of the holes lined up. In July 2022 9 2x4’s came to $50 and a couple bolts I probably already have in my shop!😆

[@SamkoTradBow]

Yep such a fantastic rack!

[@johnnyloizides7887]

I don't think you talk too much. You explain clearly and concisely exactly what I wanted to know. Brilliant I will use this on my trailer. Thanks.

[@SamkoTradBow]

Thank you!

[@johnnyloizides7887]

Just made my frame based on your plan. Thanks.

[@SamkoTradBow]

@@johnnyloizides7887 you will love it!

[@eb3168]

Unless I missed it, no one has mentioned that some of us don’t want to drive around with the racks on our trucks for 90% of the year that the racks are not needed. The metal ones are more permanent. Your setup allows for an easy breakdown. Awesome idea and video!

[@SamkoTradBow]

Great point. And I wanted to be able to store in in the garage to keep it out of the elements. So the simple bolt together and labeled rails make it very easy to assemble and disassemble very fast.

[@Gr8LakesCamper]

Just wanted to let you know that I spent the afternoon making this for my truck. Super easy, super solid and can't thank you enough for the inspiration.

[@SamkoTradBow]

You will love it. Mine has traveled across the country 8 times with 2 canoes ontop and never gave me a single issue. I then sold it this year when I moved and sold it for 150 bucks.

[@guyh.4553]

Ooooooooooooohhhh!!!! I was totally bass ackwards beforehand in how you'd break it down. Great rack & something that I can do & use. One thought: on the tabs, maybe drill a 1-1 1/2" hole on the bottom side of the tab. Gives you something to hook ratchet straps to. Another thought, this one for your braces. Another channel, Cottage Life with "Brojects", they used metal braces. My thought is is that it gives you a little bit more room for walking around. Great job, I'm going to use your design! Thanks!

[@SamkoTradBow]

Great tips! Might have to try some of that stuff next time I make one. This rack has been thru 3 trucks and about 20k miles across country so far and holding up just as good as the day I built it. Love this thing!!!

[@BudgetGunsandGearReviews]

I LOVE this. I'm stealing this idea. You could even run a tarp over it and shelter in your truck bed in the woods.

[@tedbennettjk]

I don't think I've ever heard anyone fit so many words into a 14-minute video. Whew! I'm exhausted after listening to this. LoL That being said, this is a beautiful application for a canoe rack. Very nice work. Looking forward to building my own now!

[@SamkoTradBow]

Just think if I talked normally it would of took 28 minutes of your time. I just gave you a free 14 minutes of your life back! Thats enough time to have a beer and relax! Any questions on the build just ask.

[@tedbennettjk]

Thank you. I appreciate that!

[@tedbennettjk]

Thanks for the inspiration. I put mine together today and love it! kzbin.info/www/bejne/fWmWf3avn6usic0

[@54RockLock]

EXCELLENT tpw. I'm picking up a new truck next Tuesday and will be heading directly to Home Depot for the material. Will be adding a plywood tool box to sit on the lower parallel boards.

[@SamkoTradBow]

Great idea about the tool box shelf add!

[@barracuda253]

Awesome rack idea for my pick-up, well done man.

[@RonaldWaters-i6w]

Was waiting for you to finish with "and Bob's yer uncle". BTW love the idea and am building one now...

[@SamkoTradBow]

You will love it..Best rack design I have ever used. Jaf over 20000 miles on it before I sold it when I moved

[@mr.csclass9099]

Great idea... thank you for sharing.... just purchased a couple of kayaks and plan to build this to transport them....

[@SamkoTradBow]

You will love it. Very easy to make and super strong. Mine has carried canoes and kayaks across the whole country twice already!

[@JamieoftheNorth]

Nice work. Looks simple yet really solid. Thanks for the idea/inspiration.

[@gregmislick1117]

Thanks! Lots of GREAT Ideas here. I have to do something similar, but preserve the tonneau cover access - this will work!!

[@SamkoTradBow]

Glad it helped ya

[@Alex-jo2oi]

You sir are a genius. Thank you!

[@SamkoTradBow]

you will love the design! I have traveled across the country a few times now with canoes and kayaks on this rack and its the best I have ever used! Just had to cut longer cross members to fit this same rack in my new truck with a longer bed. works like a champ!

[@mattbourbs3158]

Very nice ! Doing this for sure this summer 👍🏻👍🏻

[@SamkoTradBow]

Works amazing. This one was used in 3 different trucks, traveled cross the country with canoes on it 8 times and I then sold it for 200 bucks when I moved.

[@mattbruneau8215]

Wow, super excited to see this video. Its just what I need to haul my Old Town Saranac 14'6

[@SamkoTradBow]

Works amazing you will love it. Used this one for 6 trips across country with 2 boats upto and it was refitted to 3 different trucks. Sold it in Nov when I moved to Georgia for 175 bucks

[@mattbruneau8215]

@@SamkoTradBow going to get materials after work today and my son and I are going to do this project next weekend. My question is the gap over the truck roof. Would 12 inches be too much?

[@SamkoTradBow]

@mattbruneau8215 what I did was tip my boat upside down on the drive way and measure the gap at the middle of the boat to the ground so I know how much the canoe rips curl. Then I added another 6 inches to that. You want to make sure your boat on the rack won't have the front of the boat hitting the roof.

[@mattbruneau8215]

Did this awesome rack yesterday with my son and beaming with excitement . Fits nice and snug in my truck and super sturdy. We test fitted with our 14'6 canoe and 6 foot ladder. We had it a little to high as you can see in the pics so took it out and trimmed 4 inches off the hight, now perfect.

[@SamkoTradBow]

@mattbruneau8215 awesome! Such a great set up

[@alancall5113]

Great idea plus you have a spot for your canoe when it's off to truck awesome I'm glad I watched your video I was almost going to pull the trigger on one of those racks

[@SamkoTradBow]

I used this rack with my 40 pound canoe and my buddies 100 pound fishing kayak and we drove 1800 miles round trip with them and loaded and unloaded multiple times a day. Im just gonna say this rack is the best damn rack I have every used and have never been as happy as I am with how this is so soild! best thing I ever built.

[@chancecarlton8403]

I just bought a 20 f150 and have to agree with the aluminum bed comment. I told the salesman I needed a spray in liner cause I don't trust it. He assured me its stronger than steel, first time climbing in it I knew he was wrong.

[@SamkoTradBow]

Have had 2 aluminum 150s now and I will say the top rails are not my favorite but other than the first one ripping like I show in the video both trucks beds have held up very well. You will be very happy with your new truck! Congrats!

[@chancecarlton8403]

@@SamkoTradBow Thats some good info. Coming from a 2000 F250 it is a world of difference. I was looking at a similar rail mounted rack, I didnt even think about the top rails not holding up like you showed. I like the DIY rack you did, well done and a lot of positives.

[@SamkoTradBow]

@@chancecarlton8403 this rack has carried canoes and kayaks across the country 6 times now and been in 2 f150s and is now modified to fit in my ram 2500. This home made raxk is the best canoe rack I think a person could ever have. You will really like it

[@bobbycraigue725]

Great job!

[@SamkoTradBow]

Thank you

[@pb-bx1ll]

Great video, thank you

[@SamkoTradBow]

Thanks

[@fordfan3179]

Make all four "kickers" exactly the same so it doesn't matter where they go, add some lap cuts for additional stability and wing nuts for speed and ease of setting up and you're golden! Also, cut back on the coffee, that was some kind of a speed speaking record. I'd suffocate trying to speak that fast and long on one breath.

[@pa1264]

That is a very nice ute awesome video thank you

[@SamkoTradBow]

Glad you liked it. Thank you

[@newwavepressure6478]

Do u hav a build video I need one lol u did a great job

[@SamkoTradBow]

I dont have a build sheet as I just eyeballed everything. But it was fast and easy to make. dont over think it. just stand a 2x4 up in your truck and mark how high you want it. and cut 4 of those. then add top borads and some bracing.

[@Pingao2012]

Nice

[@kenrichard8870]

I like your design. I have a F150 with the same bed length. Could you list your cut lengths?

[@SamkoTradBow]

Sorry dont have the truck anymore and modified the rack to fit my new ram truck. So I dont have the cut lengths. Bit I just put the 2x4 on top of the bed and marked it then cut it. I didn't even use a measuring tape for any of it.

[@colins2135]

Thanks for sharing!

[@SamkoTradBow]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@carlosecabezas]

super great idea!

[@SamkoTradBow]

Thanks

[@massoutdoors2221]

This is awesome, I want to make it for my ram. How sturdy is it? Forward and back would you want to use two carriage bolts on each post?

[@SamkoTradBow]

Rock solid and doesn't move. I cut mine to fit perfectly between the tailgate and from of bed. Toughest rack you will ever use. Doesn't budge

[@stan9345]

This is exactly what I want to do. I wasn't sure if it would be sturdy enough. Can you get up to 65-70 mph with your canoe up there?

[@SamkoTradBow]

Its the strongest system I have ever used (better than the steel ones). I have carried 2 canoes or a canoe and a 130 pound fishing kayak on it from michgan to kansas 6 times now and from michigan to georgia 3 times. speeds over 80 mph. Flawless and not even a wiggle. I could put ply wood on top and host and dance party up there and it would not budge!

[@Jbones864]

Looks great, I’m planning on building one myself for my Sierra, just wondering how the 2x4’s hold up while on the highway in regards to the weight being fairly high and the wind resistance. The last thing I’d want would be for something to break and there go my canoes haha. No issues?

[@SamkoTradBow]

No issues and wat stronger than the steel one I had before. I have taken this rack with 2 heay kayaks from Michigan to Kansas now 8 times and from Michigan to Georgia twice. Best boat carrier I have ever used ever. Yoy will love it

[@kyleantognini766]

I have the exact truck and getting a kayak and paddleboard this week, first question mind sharing the measurements? When you strap them do you just wrap around each horizontal piece and run it through the kayak I'm assuming?

[@SamkoTradBow]

Sorry I have modified this rack for 3 different trucks since this video. Best rack I ha e ever used and love it. But I do not have original measurements. Yep I strap the boats right to the top cross bars and also front to back. So 4 straps per boat. 1 across the front, one across the back, and one from front to middle of rack and one from back to middle of rack.

[@matthewdodge6876]

What size truck bed do you have? My truck is a 5 1/2 foot bed I believe. Would you mind sending the dimensions of each wood piece you used for you canoe rack? I would like to build the same. I appreciate you video and how simple it is.

[@SamkoTradBow]

This was for a 5 and a half foot bed. I no longer have this rack to measure. Sold it when we moved from Michigan to ga so I would not have to pack it. But used it for 5 years and then sold it for 200 bucks. Such a great system

[@nagazinafireworks7594]

Great job!!! I need that so I can put my 1000 ATV in there too with my canoe on top...make that for me number it, take it all a part , and ship it to me and I will pay you for it and the shipping..

[@6287rj]

i'll make you one!

[@billr4283]

Great plan! I plan to build it incorporating half-lap joinery. Our kayaks are 12' long, 36" wide and weigh 100 pounds. Since I will carry my kayak in the bed and my son's on the rack, I am interested in how you secured the uprights to the side of your bed. Although I am not anxious to spend more $$, I am considering using rivet nuts for that purpose. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks!!

[@SamkoTradBow]

I just used ratchet straps around the cross members to the tie down points in the bed of the truck. It doesn't move or wiggle at all. So rock solid. We have carried a 95 pound canoe and a 110 pound fishing kayak on it from Michigan to Missouri and back nothing even budged or shifted. And we have done 7 trips from Michigan to Kansas with 2 50 pound canoes. Again never an issue.

[@billr4283]

@@SamkoTradBow Thank you so much! Once finished, I can send photos if you'd like.

[@SamkoTradBow]

@@billr4283 love to see it

[@billr4283]

@@SamkoTradBow I finished the rack and have photos; however, I don't see a way to download them. Please email me and I will send them.

[@Murcatroid]

A little late to the game but I want to build this. Only question I have is how much higher than the cab did you build this?

[@SamkoTradBow]

I made mine about 8 inches higher but wish I made it higher as my buddies boat has more curve to it and I have to carry that boat right side up so the bow doesnt hit the cab. carrying it rightside up means rain could fill it full of water.

[@shanewilson5043]

Love this. Do you happen to have a material list?

[@SamkoTradBow]

I purposely didnt include a list as all truck beds will be different. But I used 2x4s and 3 inch screws. The side rails bolts are 3/16s size. The end cap boards are 1x4 pine. It's very easy to make and I didnt even use a measuring tape as I built it to the size of my truck bed. Stood a 2x4 up in bed of truck and guessed how tall o wanted it then marked the 2x4. Cut 4 of those. The make some cross members and angle braces and done. Good tip is to mark each side cross member like this "d-t" for driver side top. Etc so they go back together with the holes all lining up.

[@SamkoTradBow]

Also just a testimonial to its durability I have drove from Michigan to kansas 4 times now with this rack loaded with a 120 pound kayak and 50 pound canoe. Also used it to transport 10 2x12x 16 foot treated boards 250 miles. This rack is a built stronger that anything you could ever buy.

[@killersugar6816]

Those 12 2x4’s are $150 of lumber today. Nice rack though.

[@SamkoTradBow]

yep woods not cheap anymore

[@ireland66613]

absolutely awesome

[@themistermax]

Do you always talk that fast? Just joking with ya, great vid, reasonable alternative to the typical rack.

[@SamkoTradBow]

I do 🤣🤣! Yep this rqck has been amazing g for 4 years now.

[@CTRadventures]

Awesome vid! We are about to buy a canoe and would like to start canoeing around the springs in Florida. I have a 2018 chevy Colorado Z71. Just wondering if you have a plan/cut list or approx how many feet of 2x4 I would need. I know your truck is different than mine, but just a rough estimate or some guidance would be great 👍

[@SamkoTradBow]

You will love this rack! I still use it 4 times a year cross country from Michigan to Kansas and it's still as perfect as the day I built it. I do not have a cut or size list. You will have to measure for your truck and buy accordingly.

[@CTRadventures]

@@SamkoTradBow I figured but I appreciate you!

[@CTRadventures]

@@SamkoTradBow last question. I am going to build this over the weekend. How much clearance above your cab does your rack go? Thanks again! I'm excited

[@SamkoTradBow]

@@CTRadventures I made mine sit high enough that my boat clears when upside down. I figured thos by tipping my canoe upside down on my garage floor and measured from the front point hitting the ground to the center of the boat that was up 6 inches or so (because alot of boats curl up at the ends I wanted to make sure that point didn't hit my roof). So if it was 6 inches of curl I made the top bar 1 foot about the roof. Thos gave me about 6 inches of clearance.

[@CTRadventures]

@@SamkoTradBow that was my original thought make it 12 inches, thanks again!

[@mikerobinson2201]

Remember you said I hit the tree...not fault of the truck or Ford's build you can always reinforce the side rail with small piece of steel plate,

[@SamkoTradBow]

True. But what a horrible junk design on a vehicle thats ment for service and use. But regardless I will never use one of those racks again. This set up is so much better and easily field repairable. It is also so much stronger and solid. Love this homemade system regardless of what it looks like. Affordable, functional, and flawless!

[@mikerobinson2201]

Yes the setup you have now is best.. I will build one..

[@SamkoTradBow]

@@mikerobinson2201 i think you will really like it!

[@billr4283]

@@SamkoTradBow I have to agree! I purchased a clamp on unit, installed it, pushed / pulled on it, removed it and returned it. I did not trust IT to carry a $2200 / 100 pound kayak. I adapted this design and it is ROCK SOLID.

[@wetsu5887]

Nice. What size bolts did you use 3 1/2 0r 4"

[@SamkoTradBow]

Cant remeber and my buddy has the rack right now so I cant go check. He is using it for a hunting trip right now.

[@kevinhall6099]

LOL try buying that lumber today for the same price

[@SamkoTradBow]

Yep but I hear lumber prices will be dropping soon. Let's hope!

[@aldahiur]

Awesome Idea, could you provide the dimentions? I have the exact truck and I will like to build it for my truck! Thank you

[@SamkoTradBow]

aldahiur I dont have the rack with me right now. Its stored in a buddy's pole barn until we need it next month. But I built it to the truck by standing a 2x4 on end in the bed front corner and marked how tall I wanted it, then cut 4 of those. Measured how wide I would need the top bars to fit both boats and added a few inches then cut the 2 top bars, then just added some angled 2x4s for rigidity. Once I had the front and back sections made I stood them in the truck and measured how long to make my side supports and cut 4 of those. Very easy and I let the truck bed tell me the dimensions

[@aldahiur]

Traditional Bowhunting And Wilderness Podcast Thank you!!

[@elihusmails]

I built one but it keeps shifting backwards on me, pivoting on the kicker bars. Could you describe how to tie this down to the bed of your truck?

[@SamkoTradBow]

the way i made mine it cant pivot forward or backwards as the vertical upright 2x4s are flush to the tailgate and the front of the bed. all my tie downs do is keep it from tipping out of the truck on fast corners..lol but if you did not build yours that way and its tipping on you a simple fix would be to put a center 2x4 from the back to the front right in the middle of the 2 main top bars that the canoes sit on. that will lock the whole thing together from front to back. could also make this easily removable my using a bolt and nut instead of screws.

[@elihusmails]

@@SamkoTradBow I didn't make the back flush with the tailgate. I'm going to get longer kicker bars and see if that helps. I'm going to make some modifications to my rack and see if that will help. Thank you.

[@SamkoTradBow]

@@elihusmails I bet that cross member from the front to back on the top right between the 45 degree supports would also lock that thing solid quick and easy.

[@massoutdoors2221]

This is what worries me. The forward and back motion. I wonder if I used 2x6 or 2x8 for the cross bars with two lag bolts on each side would keep if from rocking back and forth

[@pmerioles]

Can you give me the measurements for all the pieces, cross pieces, etc?

[@SamkoTradBow]

I can not as it will all be specific to your truck. but very easy to do and dont even need a tape measure. Stand a 2x4 up in the bed of your truck by the cab. and mark how tall you want the rack to be. The cut 4 of those. then lay a 2x4 across the bed with one end at the front and one end at the tailgate, mark it so it will fit in your bed nice and tight. cut those. bolt that stuff together. then figure out how wide you want the top bars and cut 2 of those and mount. then use the scrap wood to cut the support angles and screw em in. Done.

[@pmerioles]

@@SamkoTradBow I asked because we have the same trucks.

[@SamkoTradBow]

@@pmerioles ahhh got it. Unfortunately I no longer have my f150 and have modified mine to fit my new ram 2500 witha bigger bed so I don't know the original dimensions.

[@coop533]

How tall or high is your verticals?..thanks bro

[@Alex-jo2oi]

Looks like maybe just measure half a foot past the roof of your truck and set it up that way

[@DV-dk5hd]

I have a better idea just buy a Silverado next time. I knew when ford came out with those aluminum bed trucks it would be a disaster.

[@SamkoTradBow]

Sorry dont like the chevys. Never like the looks of them and other things. But regardless of what teuck yoy buy this home made rack is so much better.

[@jamesricci881]

Too much talking....how many times...flimsy?

[@SamkoTradBow]

Build one and see how flimsy it is. I have been using it for 2 years. Strongest canoe rack you will ever find. That I'm sure of. As for the talking part how would you know if it's too much? Are you making videos to help people and getting feedback from them on what they want. I love how those that do nothing always have an opinion on those that bust ass to help people.

[@johnnyloizides7887]

I have just built a rack like this based on these specifications. It is solid.

[@oby-1607]

Maybe don't clip trees and you won't have to put your truck down. Pay attention to where you are driving . That's part of being an adult.

[@SamkoTradBow]

cool

[@subukai]

Great Idea thanks for sharing

[@SamkoTradBow]

You will love it you make one! Been using it for a few years now and it's best carrier I have ever used.