I'm looking for some advice on the best way to transport two canoes using a modern 4-door pickup with a short (6-foot) bed. Ideally, I’d like to keep the cab full with 4 people and the bed packed with gear, which unfortunately rules out the receiver hitch-style bed extenders I’ve used in the past.

To complicate things, about 80% of the roof is taken up by an obnoxiously sized sunroof, so I’m hesitant to use any roof-mounted systems that might accelerate the inevitable leaking issues that come with those.

Has anyone here had experience with a bed rack or over-bed-and-cab rack systems for setups like this? That seems like the most promising route, but I’d love to hear from folks with experience — especially if you have a specific rack system recommendation.

Major bonus points if the rack system allows me to keep my existing tonneau cover in place!

Appreciate your time and sharing any knowledge with me.

Colby

What kind of tonneau cover?  How confident are you with your DIY skills?  What's your budget? I installed my Harbor Freight Haul Master 800 Aluminum rack over my roll-up tonneau cover, but it took some manipulation of the tonneau cover.  I had both already, and a new truck required a retrofit.   Otherwise, you're looking at the (You need to Login or Register to view media files and links) or other sliding rail mount bed racks.

Appreciate the info and tips, gentlemen. I currently have the Truxedo Gator SRX Soft Roll-Up Tonneau Cover. I'm not against some DIY fabrication, but both the Adarac system and Rhino-Rack Vortex Roof Rack look really nice! Would either option be safe for an 18-foot Kevlar canoe traveling at 80 mph without an additional bow or stern strap?

You won't need bow/stern straps.