eatfishpaddle wrote:
I have a '97 F150 with an 8' bed and 36" bed extender from Harbor Freight that I use to haul my PA14. This system works great and I can easily load/unload the PA by myself. Unfortunately the maintenance cost are increasing. I lost out on a fishing trip because of a check engine light, loss of power, stuttering etc.. I am looking at getting a 2011 to 2013 extended cab truck but almost all have shorter beds.
Does anyone have a truck with a shorter than 8' bed and still able to haul the PA14? I would hate to drag my PA14 to the dealer to test fit every truck.
I have a 2004 F-150 SuperCrew with the 5.5 foot bed. I also have the same Harbor Freight bed extender. For the short trips down the street to one of the 2 boat ramps in my subdivision I do not use the bed extender. If I leave the subdivision to fish, I use the bed extender for added piece of mind and support.
You didn't mention the model year of you PA14. I have both the 2012 and the 2013 and the loading is slightly different for each one. I have seen some folks load the PA14 stern first into the pickup bed as they think the rear has more weight. I'm not sure of the logic as I roll mine up bow first to the tailgate (or bed extender bar). The PA has those nice scuff plates where the rear drain holes are that keep the hull protected when you have to tilt it up, so that's why I load bow first.
I normally use a one inch wide ratchet strap that I run through the side rails and connect to the 2 rear tie downs in the bed. That's all I need for the short trips and the PA doesn't lift up or bounce (I'm not going that fast for the 2 blocks to the ramp). When I use the bed extender, I hook one of those thick rubber straps with the "S" hooks on each end to the loops in the "T-bar" of the extender.
Hope this helps! Gotta love the Pro Angler!