Transporting 2 Kayaks while Pulling Trailer with 2014 GMC Sierra 2500

Question:

Hello, I have a 2014 GMC 2500HD, Crew Cab, 6.5foot Bed. I have an Extang Trifecta tonneau cover on the bed. I am wanting to haul two 12foot kayaks and also pull an enclosed trailer bumper pull. I was originally thinking of getting a bed extender and a bar on the cab with kayak carriers. This would require the use of a double hitch, and I dont know if I trust the hitch to carry the weight of the enclosed trailer, or if the bed extender would fit between the tail-gate and hitch, or hitch and trailer jack. Additionally, when Im not pulling, I still have the versatility of the bed extender in the hitch receiver to carry the kayaks. I could also use the bed extender to haul other loads as well, but not required. I think this is my preferred method, but there are a lot of what-ifs and risk with using the dual hitch. I do currently have a Maxxhaul dual hitch that I plan to use for a hitch rack and bike carrier. I have thought about getting a full roof rack but want to weigh other options as well. I would prefer to stay away from the bed extender on the front end of the truck. I thought about a tonneau cover compatible ladder rack, but those are seemingly hard to come by that will work with a folding tonneau cover. This will also offer additional versatility like hauling long items that wouldnt normally fit in the bed comfortably. The last think I thought about was getting a roof rack compatible bed topper. In what I have found though, those are really expensive and out of my budget range. Thank you for your time!

asked by: Ben H

Expert Reply:

As you referenced in your question, there are a variety of potential options for transporting your kayaks while towing an enclosed trailer with your 2014 GMC Sierra 2500.

To avoid any possible interference issues and concerns regarding the integrity of a dual hitch for this application, I recommend going with a complete roof rack system on your Sierra. This will also allow you to still use your dual hitch for a bike rack as you mentioned. The Rhino-Rack Aero Bar Roof Rack, which consists of parts # RRVA137B-2, # RRRLKVA, and # DK227, is a great option that is confirmed to fit your truck as long as it has a naked roof (no existing rails or crossbars).

Once installed, I recommend using a roof kayak carrier like the Thule Hull-A-Port Kayak Carrier # TH834. These will secure 1 kayak up to 36 inches wide and 75 pounds to the roof rack on your truck. For your two kayaks you will simply need to order two sets. These each include 2 tie-down straps with padded buckles and 1 set of bow/stern tie-downs to secure the kayaks. I have attached a demonstration video on a Sierra's like yours for you to check out.

I do recommend checking the weight capacity of the cab's roof on your Sierra to ensure it can handle the weight of your two kayaks. This information should be listed in your owner's manual. When not using the roof rack to transport your kayaks, it can also be used for other roof mounted accessories such as cargo boxes or bike racks.

Your Extang Trifecta Tonneau cover installs over the bed rails and stake pockets, so there really will not be a ladder rack that is compatible with that particular system.