Couple of comments...we have a 16.6' Old Town canoe which we used to load on our Tahoe, which was a challenge. Then we got the F150 EB, and a Thule adjustable bed rack along a single Thule roof rack. They typically come in pairs, so we had to purchase 2 of the bed racks...(I later sold one of them.) We found a dealer in Wisconsin who sold us single roof rack from Thule which was great.
I can use without removing my tri-fold cover, so it provides some protection for my propane generator and few other items. I use a "stretch net" with a canvas under it covering other items, if I need to due to weather. It works fine.
My experience: The Old Town canoe is almost 95 lbs and is awkward for loading/unloading, especially if any wind. We would put nose on truck bed, as others mention, then I would crawl up into the bed and work it up over the Thule right side up, then turn over. There are several "gadgets" for sale which "supposedly" make this task easier, but the weight and issues with wind don't really change things for loading or unloading a heavy canoe; it can be a hassle.
Fast forward...
...3 years ago, we purchased a couple Old Town kayaks, while canoeing, as wife thought they would be more fun and easier to handle. (this way, the wife goes where she wants to paddle and so do I!
) These kayaks weigh 30-35 lbs each, and use the same racks. We recently upgraded to F250, and we are able to use same racks. We still avoid wind when we are boating, but I can load/unload without any help and I don't need front-end nose ties like I did with the canoe. I use one ratchet tie for the front and one for the back. Very secure. They stay put even in heavy winds, and this set up works well for our use.
We still use the canoe from time to time with the grandkids, but kayaks are our boats of choice. :-)
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Empty Nesters; Gypsies on the road!
2017 28' Twin Flying Cloud
2017 F250 King Ranch, 4X4, 6.7L, Blue-Ox WDH
Summer-Star Valley Ranch RV Resort (Thayne, WY); Winter-Sun City (Georgetown,TX)