Advantages of Hitch Load Support for Canoe Transport on 2013 Nissan Frontier 4x4 Crew Cab

Question:

I have a 2013 Nissan Frontier 4x4 4 door and a 16 foot canoe. I live in Virginia and frequently travel to Michigan and Florida, and would love to take my own canoe instead of always renting one.

asked by: Bonnie

Expert Reply:

We can help you with canoe carrier options for your 2013 Nissan Frontier 4x4 crew cab so you can save the canoe rental fees and feel like you're "at home" when on the water at your canoeing destinations.

You can use the Rhino-Rack T-Load Hitch Mounted Load Bar # RTL002, with a Darby single bar roof rack # DTA968 and Foam Block # MPG158. The advantage of this setup, apart from cost, is the wide stance you get to support the canoe. The wide spacing of the roof bar and hitch-mount support means a more stable platform for the boat. If you ever need to transport materials like lumber or PVC pipe then the load support can do well for you in both work and play.

We have found that the Rhino-Rack T-Load Hitch Mounted Load Bar # RTL002 has a great fit in many hitches. By this I mean it tends to exhibit less play and less rattle than other hitch mounted accessories. Over the course of a long drive any noise from a hitch-mounted accessory can become tiresome. You can certainly add an anti-rattle like the etrailer part # e98942 for use with the T-Load.

I strongly urge you to use of additional tie-downs to secure the canoe to the cab and to the rear load support. Thule Load Strap Cinch Straps # TH523 (set of 2) are 15-feet long to give you plenty of material to secure both ends of the canoe so that it can withstand highway speeds (plus wind on windy days) on your trips. You can also add a cable lock # e98891 to allow you to secure the canoe to the carrier, hitch and/or tie down point on the vehicle.