Recommendation for Towing Trailer While Using Front Hitch to Transport Large Kayak

Question:

I have a 2017 Ram 1500 Sport Quad Cab pulling a KeyStone Bullet Premier about 30 feet I am using: Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control - 10,000 lbs GTW, 1,000 lbs TW to tow it with. I have a big Kayak that I would love to take with me, but cant get it in the trailer, and is too long to put int he bed of the truck while towing the trailer. I have one of these: Yakima Long Arm Extender Automotive Kayak Racks for hauling the Kayak when I am not towing the trailer. I though about buying a roof rack Rhino-Rack RS416B DODGE RAM 1500 4dr Pick Up Quad Cab 01/09 to 12/16 Vortex 2500 RS 2 Bar Roof Rack, Black and the 4 foot extension bar for the Yakima Long Arm extender. The problem is, the hitch receiver will be tied up by the trailer when I am towing, so I cant install the Yakima Long arm. I have seen items where you can have two hitch balls for bike racks. Since I paid over $500 for the weight distribution/sway control system, I dont want to replace it. Can you think of something else that will allow me to use the Yakima Long Arm, or securely fasten the Kayak to a roof rack. I dont want to have straps coming down across the nose of the truck for this if possible. I figured if anyone would know the answer to this, it would be eTrailer.com. Thank-You.

asked by: Bruce M

Expert Reply:

I suggest you install a front-mounted 2-inch hitch receiver on your Ram 1500 so that you can use your existing Yakima LongArm Truck Bed Load Extender # Y01149 while you are towing with your weight distribution system. Curt front hitch # 31374 or the Draw-Tite # 65062 are confirmed fits for both 2WD and 4WD versions of your Ram 1500.

Having a front hitch also means you have the option to install a hitch-mounted snow plow such as # K2AVAL8219, a cargo carrier like # C18153 or another hitch-mount accessory such as a bike rack.

To go along with the Yakima LongArm you will want a roof rack to support the other end of the kayak. I suggest the Rhino-Rack Vortex black roof rack made of parts # RRVA150B-2, # RRRLKVA and # DK043. On these bars you can use a low-cost foam block kayak support like # MPG152 or cushioning pads like # RRRWP03.

You do need to secure both bow and stern ends of the kayak with the included tie-down straps.