How to Transport a Canoe With a Pickup Without a Rack

Canoeing is a common summer activity in areas with streams and rivers. While canoes easily navigate the running waters and rapids, transporting the canoe to the water can be more of a challenge. A roof rack is standard equipment for such an endeavor, but if you have a pickup truck without a rack, there are still ways to transport your canoe.

Things You'll Need

  • 4 foam blocks
  • 3 tie-down straps (elastic or polypropylene) with connecting hooks
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Instructions

    • 1

      Position a foam block on each of the four corners of the top of the truck cab. You may need to adjust them so they are the proper width of the canoe.

    • 2

      Lay the canoe upside down so the middle of it is resting on the foam blocks and the ends closely match up to the ends of the truck. Blocks designed for this have slits in them that the edge of the canoe will slide into.

    • 3

      Wrap a strap around the front of the canoe and secure the two ends with hooks under the front of the truck cab. Do the same with the back of the canoe and secure the straps with hooks to the back bumper.

    • 4

      Tie a strap around the middle of the canoe and secure it under the roof on the inside of the truck cab.

    • 5

      Wiggle the canoe to test the tightness of the straps and adjust as necessary.