seeking advice for 2003 Chevrolet Silverado truck rack for a canoe

[AAkicker]

I'm trying to decide between a typical truck bed canoe rack set up for my 2003 Chevy Silverado extended cab pickup and the interesting system that uses a tower mount on the rear hitch receiver and a single roof rack crossbar on the cab roof. Is anyone using this second set up and does it work well for carrying a canoe?

[1963bigeasy]

Yeah AAkicker I'm using that exact truck rack canoe system on my 2004 Chevy Silverado. I have the Thule 997 GoalPost attached to my rear 2 inch hitch receiver and the Thule 400XT Aero halp pack roof rack on the cab. The Thule 400XT half pack uses a pair of Thule 400XT feet, a pair of 2082 fitkit clips (you will need these for the Silverado, the 2004 is the same as 2003) and one crossbar. Get the 58 inch crossbar size. Thats the same crossbar size that's on the 997 Goal Post and it is also the required length to fully reach across the Silverado roof top. I also have the Thule 579XT canoe rack connected to the two cross bars. This is a great carrier that stabilizes the canoe and prevents it from sliding around or anything. Nice because it also includes straps and a pair of tie-downs to secure the bow and stern of the canoe to the truck bumbers or truck underside.