Recommendations for Carrying Kayaks and Bikes while Pulling Travel Trailer with 2002 GMC Sierra 1500

Question

Question:

I have a 2002 GMC Sierra 1500 2WD extended cab with a 6-foot, 8-inch bed. There is a 2-inch receiver on the back of my truck. I would like to be able to transport the following: 1 2 kayaks 1 of which is 12-feet, 8-inches long and weighs 85 lbs 2 at least 2 adult bikes there may be childrens bikes from time to time and 3 a travel trailer. While we do not always transport all of the items at the same time, it would be great to have that option. I would also like something to help me load the 85-lb kayak. Any assistance you can provide with this would be greatly appreciated.

asked by: Eddie D

0

Expert Reply:

I have a way to help you carry all of your equipment at the same time or individually on your 2002 GMC Sierra 1500.

First, I recommend the Curt Multipurpose Ball Mount with 2" Receiver for Bike Racks and Cargo Carriers - 7,500 lbs # D210. This will work as long as your travel trailer is less than that 7500 lb capacity. This will allow you to carry a bike rack and tow a trailer, or it will allow you to tow a trailer and use a load extender for your kayaks. I recommend the Rhino-Rack T-Load Hitch Mounted Load Assist and Support Bar for 2" Hitches - 49" Long Item # RTL002 along with some Malone Foam Kayak Blocks for Kayaks # MPG158. You may also want to use keyed alike hitch locks like # e98880 to help secure your investment. The foam and adjustable height of the load extender will help you to load, your heavy kayak, but I still recommend a second set of hands. To secure your kayaks to this system, I recommend the Rhino-Rack Cam Buckle Cinch Straps # RRRTD35L which is a locking strap for increased security. To use this you will also need a roof rack, Rhino-Rack Aero Bar Roof Rack for Camper Shells - Track Mount - Black - Standard - 59" Long Item # Y02-490B.

For your bike carrier, I recommend the Swagman Original - 3 Bike Rack for 2" Trailer Hitches # S64152-2 to accommodate your 3 bikes. This can work on your truck hitch when not transporting kayaks, or it can be used on the back of your trailer when using an RV hitch. I recommend the Anti-Rattle Hitch Lock and Cable for Swagman Bike Racks w/ 2" Shanks - 8-1/2' Long # S64030 to keep the rack and bikes secure. If you have any step through bike frames, I recommend the Swagman Bike adapter Bar # 64005 to allow you to carry them level.

If you have a 4 inch square bumper on your trailer, you can use the Curt # C19101. If you do not have the 4 inch square bumper, then I recommend the Multi-Fit Motorhome Trailer Hitch # 5350 that will bolt to the trailer frame. Another option although more limiting to your sight lines is to use a front mounted hitch for your truck like # 31302 for your bike rack which is a confirmed fit for your truck.

Let me know if you have further questions as I know this is a lot of information in answering 3 interrelated question.

expert reply by: Jason S

0

Answer 1

The Dometic 321 Full-Timer RV Toilet #DOM99FR you found is currently the only low profile elongated toilet we carry. We only have this in tan and not white. You can use the Hand Sprayer Kit #DOM75FR to add that feature to this or another Dometic…

view full answer...

Answer 2

Sounds like you are looking for a hitch mounted cargo carrier to mount in a front hitch for your truck. The most popular cargo carrier we have is the etrailer #e98874 which will fit a 2 inch hitch and can fold up when not needed. Being able to fold…

view full answer...

Answer 3

If you were to install the Curt #31302 Front Mount Hitch so that it is the "through bumper" instead of "under bumper" configuration you will need to cut out a 3 inch square hole that is located 3-1/2 inches below…

view full answer...

Answer 4

The install of the Curt front hitch part #31302 that fits your 2003 Chevy Silverado 1500 Z71 does not require the permanent removal of the tow hooks.

view full answer...

Answer 5

For a through-fascia installation, the instructions state that the top of the 3 inch square hole would fall 3-1/2 inches below the top edge of the plastic fascia. Before cutting, I would strongly recommend you confirm these measurements for…

view full answer...

Answer 6

For your 2004 Chevrolet 1500 HD you want front hitch #65028.

view full answer...

Answer 7

Yes, the DeeMaxx Disc Brake Assembly #DE89YR will work with the Dexter Vault service kit.

view full answer...

Answer 8

I'm assuming you mean you have a 63" gap between the two frame beams which would allow you to use the Curt Adjustable Width Trailer Hitch Receiver for RVs #C13704. The mounting brackets for this hitch can be installed on the bottom…

view full answer...