Transporting kayaks with a fifth wheel.

[Sierra360PDEK]

I'll see if I a picture with the kayaks loaded. The kayaks are only tied to the rack, no front or rear straps going to the truck. They do not move an inch while loaded. I've even loaded our third smaller kayak in between the other two and strapped it down without issue.

[Katydid]

We tie down on the front bike rack mount with hooks and straps. Front of kayaks are also strapped/cinched down on front goalpost. Rear of the kayaks are also strapped down to front bar on roof rack. When traveling just with the kayaks ( after dropping the rig) we use the both bars on the roof rack. We also have a Curt brand skid plate that goes into the bike rack spot for when the bike rack isn’t on. This keeps the front hitch from catching the ground in uneven spots. The front receiver hitch is also by Curt and I believe the only one made for the GMC lines. If this picture doesn’t help let me know .

[Sierra360PDEK]

Here is a picture with our 8' kayak, with the 11'6" Kayak I still have plenty of room to the front of the FW. Hopefully my back won't be killing me and I can load my bigger kayak and get some pictures on the next trip

[HESN22]

Hello ... thank you for the pic ... I am thinking that the blue kayak showing in the pic is the longer one ... cant really see any others. Would you please confirm? My husband has a 10' and I have a 9' ... looking for the best way to haul.
How long is your trailer? Last question ... your box a long box or a short box?
Cheers and have a great day!

[Sierra360PDEK]

The truck has an 8' box pulling 42 FW. The blue kayak is 8'. I also have an 11'6" that is not loaded on the truck. With your 9' and 10' kayaks you'd still have a ton of room.

[HESN22]

Thank you ... trailer is about the same length as ours but we have a short box, with a slider hitch ... so not sure about the room ... guess we could just place on top of the truck where kayak racks would be, and judge from there.
Appreciate the response.
Cheers

[kkelly]

HESN22
I posted earlier in the string of comments, but will add. I too have a short box truck. I bought a special rack from US Racks that allows your boats or boards to ride further forward on the top of your cab while still having a full turning radius. I like it, but as I’m getting older loading the boats has become more difficult. I am preparing to purchase a vertical rack for the back of my 5th wheel. They are made by Yakups at rvkayakracks.com. Good luck.

[Sandbagger]

I found this string very useful when determining what set-up I wanted for our kayaks - thanks to all that added to the conversation. I first tried to use the goal post but didn't like how it limited my vertical visibility when two kayaks were loaded. I tow with a short bed Sierra and kayaks are 12.6 and 12.' The setup I ended up with allows the kayaks to be loaded on roof bars with tie downs to tow hooks on front of truck and tie down hooks in the front of the truck bed. I also strap the kayaks to the roof bars (not in picture). I have a Pullrite sliding hitch and Yakima rack components and both are working well for me. The sliding hitch gives us the necessary clearance so the 5er does not hit the kayaks. We took the unit for a test drive yesterday and have plenty of clearance.