Recommendations For Carrying 2 Canoes On Front Of 2012 Dodge 3500 While Towing A Fifth Wheel

Question:

Hi I have a 2012 Ram 3500 crew cab with a Rambox I tow a 5th wheel like to see what u may have to mount 2 canoes are 37 inch wide and 73 ibs each on top of cab I know I have to install a front hitch not sure on what else you may have??please let me now

asked by: Alex F

Expert Reply:

Although we can come up with components that would work, because the canoes would be carried upside down, and hanging so far out in front of the vehicle roof, the force of the wind the canoes would experience while driving down the road will try to lift the canoes, which can actually place more force on the roof rack than it was designed for. I would not recommend carrying the canoes while using the fifth wheel.

With that being said and if you still wish to install a system that would allow you to carry your canoes while the fifth wheel is in use, I can give you some recommendations that would fit your 2012 Dodge Ram 3500 Crew Cab. You will also want to check with your owner's manual or your dealership to make sure you do not exceed the roof weight capacity of your truck.

The front hitch I recommend for your 2012 Dodge Ram 3500 is the Draw-Tite Front Mount Receiver, part # 65060. This hitch has a 2 inch receiver opening.

I then recommend Rhino-Rack T-Load, part # RTL002. This has a height adjustment from 42" to 64" and has a weight capacity of 165 lbs.

For a roof rack system you may decide you want just one crossbar or half kit for your roof versus a two crossbar system.

If you want to choose a half-kit roof rack I recommend the Rhino-Rack 2500 Series. This consist of 3 different parts. You would want to order part # RRVA150S for the crossbar, part # DK043H for the clamps and part # RRRLKVAH for the leg kit.

If you decide you want 2 crossbars on the roof of your cab the Rhino-Rack 2500 Series part numbers to order are part # RRVA150B-2, part # RRRLKVA, and part # DK043.

For bow-stern ti-downs I recommend the Rhino-Rack Bow/Stern Tie-Down Strap with Anchor, part # RRRBAS. these are sold individually.