front rod holders

[bart]

i just got a 2003 chevy sliverado with extended cab (yeah i'm psyched ) and was wondering about putting vertical rod holders on the front. i know these are ok for driving short distances, but what about an 1-1.5 hrs each way on the highway? would this distance put too much stress on the rods?

thanks for the help

Rob

[tattoobob]

Rob,
You should not drive with your rods in the holders
you can make some racks for the back of the bed
and when you get to the beach put the rods in the
holders

Bob

[fishaholic18]

I agree with not driving with them in a front holder. Rods could get damaged by road debris. I made a holder for the back of my pickup, if u want a pic., let me know.

[bart]

thanks Bob and Fish.

i never thought about debris hitting the rod, that's a good point. if you wouldn't mind posting that pic, i would be greatly appreciative. thanks again....

[basswipe]

Originally posted by fishaholic18
I made a holder for the back of my pickup, if u want a pic., let me know.

Not meaning to hijack another's thread but I would very much like to see a pic as I'm also planning to build a holder for the back of my pickup.

[Raider Ronnie]

I would bet that Chevy Silverado would pull a boat and trailer pretty good!!!
Rocket launchers on a hard top hold rods nicely!!!

[bart]

not a chance

i might get a cap for it tho, but only if i need too. probably should've thought about this before i bought it but it was too good of a deal to pass up

[fishaholic18]

Fits in the bed between the wheel wells.

[basswipe]

Originally posted by fishaholic18
Fits in the bed between the wheel wells.

What keeps it from moving forwards or back?

I'm assuming the forward end of your rods are resting on the cab roof?Whatcha using to protect that end?

Thanks.

[fishaholic18]

2

[fishaholic18]

Rods face out over the tailgate, it fits tight between the wheel wells so it isn't going anywhere.

[fishaholic18]

Also, the base is wide enough so the thing is almost impossible to tip over. I've driven all the way to the Canal with 5 rods and reels not even strapped down, and had no problem.

[fishaholic18]

I wish I had my truck so I could show u how it fits, but it's in the body shop right now, but that's another story.

[basswipe]

Originally posted by fishaholic18
Rods face out over the tailgate, it fits tight between the wheel wells so it isn't going anywhere.

I see.Simple but totally functional.

I just assumed the rods would be facing forward.

Thanks again.

[t.orlando]

Congrats on the vehicle Rob

[5/0]

Sweet ride Bart

Fishaholic has a great set up I'd go with something like that,plus with the rods on an angle like that you still have plenty of payload room.

my .02


5/0

[bart]

that looks great. kinda what i was envisioning. thanks for the help

[TunaCell]

Cabela's sells a rack that fits into a two inch hitch reciever for the back of a truck. It can hold a 100 qt cooler, and six rods. I highly recomend it.

[bart]

thanks, i'll check it out

[tattoobob]

Rob, If you would like you could come to my house and i will give you a hand making one i have all the tools and can get scrap wood from work to build something nice you just have to buy the rod tubes. Spring would be best

Bob

[bart]

yeah that would be great Bob. i appreciate it. i'll shoot you a PM when the time comes. thanks

[redlite]

Congrats on the new ride.
I highly recommend pickin up a cap. I had one for over a year before I put it on the truck and regret not doin it earlier. Think about it, how much big stuff are you going to be carrying in the back? You can carry more gear safely and dry in the back and you never have to unload the fishin stuff (infact all of my stuff is still in the back of mine from this past year ). Also gives you a nice place to call "home" rather than the front seat. with a cap, you just throw some lockable "ski" racks on it and problem solved.

[bart]

thanks mike. i'm definetely considering getting a cab for all the reasons you mentioned. just don't know if i will be able to afford one any time in the near future. right now i'm just looking for ideas for something just to get me by this spring and summer.

i wish it was May now

[redlite]

Just keep your eyes open in the want adds and on front lawns. Hell, I got my cap from the local lan fill. There was absolutely nothing wrong with it. Still had the screen in the windows. Was a find since its a LEER and go for about 800 beans.

In my opinion and how I have used my past 2 trucks, a cap definately makes sense and is worth the investment and whatever you have to sacrifice to afford it.
I need a Tahoe or 'Burban.

[bart]

thanks for the suggestions

[Moses]

This has been a good read. I'm picking up my new truck next week and have been debating rod storage. I've seen similar rod holders in the backs of pickup truck at a few locations. I'll need to investigate/price a cap too. Definitely sounds like the way to go.

Funny, I currently drive an Escort and can fit multiple 9ft rods in thru trunk, collapsed back seat onto dash no problem. 10 fters stick out my front passenger window about 5-6 inches.

[5/0]

Bart here's a pic of my older rod holder,I drew up a semi schematic drawing,"for a do it yourself type deal".
It's pretty sturdy I used it for three seasons It's made for a narrow truck bed.4' wide bed.
You can have it if you like.it'll need some modifications to fit the width of your bed.I will gladly help you make it work.

I have a New & improved one that I made.I can't show you,I could but I'd have to kill you
I made A new one last spring & it kicks A$$!!I've been to lazy & busy but I want to apply for a U.S. Patten.

Yeah.Yeah. I know but it has alot of potential.It really does.

You have first dibs on it,but if anybody eles want's my older rod holder you may gladly take it,just shout me a PM.

5/0

[bart]

i'll definetely take it! many, many thanks

[Bobbike]

Just a Note, I have driven from Boston to OceanCity NJ with my rod on the front of my Jeep. I use a rod holder from a local tackle catolog. I don't know if I can name them here. Drop me a line if you want to know