Best Kayak Racks For Trucks

Looking to transport your kayak safely and securely on your truck? Look no further than kayak racks for trucks! These specialized racks are designed to fit onto your truck bed and securely hold your kayak in place, so you can transport it to your favorite body of water with ease.

Whether you’re an avid kayaker or just starting out, having the right equipment is essential to a successful and enjoyable experience. Kayak racks for trucks offer a convenient and safe way to transport your kayak, without having to worry about it shifting or falling off during transport.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the benefits of using a kayak rack for your truck, and explore some of the top options on the market today.

So, whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or just need to transport your kayak across town, read on to discover how a kayak rack for your truck can make your life easier and more enjoyable.

KaYak Rack Jargon Buster

If you’re learning about truck kayak racks for the first time, you’ll need to understand some unfamiliar terms. In this part, we will provide easy explanations for several usual kayak rack terms.

Cantilever

A cantilever is a regularly used support for structures found in both bridges and buildings. You may find them employed in certain lumber-style roof racks to offer extra support for the rack.

A cantilever is implemented in kayak racks so the horizontal supports don’t have to be backed up by any vertical poles or crossbars.

Full-Size Truck Bed

It can be deceptive to say that many kayak racks are fitted for a “full-size truck bed” as there is not an definitive range of measurements for this kind of automobile.

It should be noted that the size of the majority of truck beds is intended to be big enough to accommodate your average 4 foot by 8 foot piece of plywood.

Generally, most regular pickup truck beds measure about six feet in length, whereas long bed models are roughly eight feet long, plus or minus six inches dependent on the specific type of truck.

Receiver Hitch

Most trucks come with a receiver hitch, which is the spot where you attach a trailer so it can be pulled behind the truck. The majority of common receiver hitches measure two inches wide, although there are various sizes that are both bigger and smaller.

There are actually five classes of receiver hitches. The size of the classes varies as well as the amount of weight the hitch is designated to pull without danger.

Utility Track System

Some truck models have a track that runs down the length of the truck bed. These rails are regularly described as a “utility track system” and feature sliding cargo adjusters that enable you to secure your cargo in various places.

Factory-Installed Crossbars

Some kayak racks that have a very basic design need your truck to have pre-installed crossbars to which it can be fastened. Many vehicles come with crossbars already, but some can be fitted with components that are obtained after the original purchase.

Be certain to adhere to complex directions when setting up your crossbars. The reliability of the kayak rack mounted on the crossbars depends heavily on how properly the crossbars were put in place.

How to Transport a Kayak With a Roof Rack

As you’ve probably realized by now, there are two main ways to transport a kayak:

On top of a car with a roof rack
On top of a car without a roof rack

Many people may be surprised to find out that they can put a kayak on their car’s rooftop rack.

It looks like they doubt the suitability of their car’s capacity to carry the kayak, its shape which might result in air resistance, or the reliability of the fastenings they’d be using to secure the kayak in place.

So, to answer this burning question:

Can you transport a kayak on a roof rack? You can certainly put your kayak on top of your car using a roof rack. Using your car’s roof rack is the most proper way to carry your kayak. It is practical, reliable, and provided the roof rack is appropriately affixed to your car and rated to carry the weight of your kayak, it is an ideal choice.

Examine the roof of your automobile. What do you see up there?

Many cars have a roof rack already fitted. Many SUVs have a roof rack that can be utilized to carry a kayak. Certain SUVs come with a pre-constructed roof rack, so all you would require is supplies that are specific to kayaks.

There are lots of different kinds of roof racks, and the way to secure your kayak is more or less the same whatever one you use.

No need to be concerned if your car doesn’t have a roof rack. There is a great selection of roof racks that can be taken off and removed. Ensuring that a detachable rack has been properly attached to your car requires taking some extra steps. When you have finished those tasks, make sure to tie down your kayak like you normally would.

Portable roof racks are a superb option for cars or any other vehicles which do not already have them installed. If you opt for a removable soft rack for your kayak, you should be aware that it usually won’t raise the kayak high off the car. Issues may arise if the car has a dome-shaped top.

The auto should have a capacious enough top to permit for suitable spacing of the rack. If you’re driving a tiny car, it may not have enough space to fit a person.

Bear in mind that a roof rack system installed in the factory is likely to be sturdier and more secure. Be mindful when selecting a detachable roof-mounted rack for extended or hefty cargo.

Kayak Attachments to Roof Racks

Once you have a proper roof rack system in place, you will need special add-ons to secure a kayak on the roof rack.

There are a few main types of attachments that you can use for your kayaks:

Saddles: These are the preferred method for many kayakers. A saddle is like a small, cushioned platform that attaches to the roof rack. The kayak rests on the saddle and is stabilized by the attachment. Some people use a pair of saddles underneath the bow and another pair of saddles under the stern, but you can also just use one pair underneath the middle.
J-cradles: When you use a j-cradle, you will actually position the kayak on its side. This may seem odd, but it helps to prevent plastic kayaks from warping out of shape. You can also transport two kayaks side by side with j-cradles. These pieces are essentially padded bars in the shape of the letter J, hence their name.
Stacker: A third type of kayak attachment is a stacker. As the name implies, a stacker allows you to transport more than one kayak at a time. Like j-cradles, the kayaks are positioned on their sides. A stacker is the best option if you want to transport multiple kayaks at the same time.
Foam blocks or pads: These are a temporary addition that you can use if you do not want to invest in a more complex system. The goal with temporary blocks is to add padding to the roof rails that are already on a vehicle. This can be done with different types of foam strapped to the bars, such as pool noodles.

Kayak Roof Rack Buying Guide

This buying guide outlines the key qualities, specs, and personal desires you should take into consideration when choosing a kayak rack.

Rack Types

This write-up will divide your possibilities into 3 primary groups. They are roof-mounted racks, ‘lumber-style’ racks, and bed extenders.

Roof-Mounted Racks

Racks installed on the roof are usually the simplest to put in and take away when you no longer require them. This is why they are an ideal choice for the occasional kayaker who only kayaks a few times each month.

Roof-mounted racks require existing crossbars or factory racks. If your vehicle does not have pre-installed crossbars or a factory rack, you will have to spend extra money in order to install a rack such as the Kayak Wing or Leader Accessories rack.

Lumber-Style Racks

This is a more permanent kayak rack solution. This rack attaches to the sides of your truck bed, giving rise to a framework which is able to bear the weight of items such as kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and etc.

If you make a habit of kayaking often, then this rack is ideal for you as it does not require any re-adjustments or tightening once it is put in place. You should be able to store your kayaks in these racks more often, so long as they are fastened firmly.

This rack is superb for those who frequently take other sizable items apart from kayaking on trips. This type of rack is convenient for carrying items like wood, ladders, lengthy PVC piping, and more once the kayaks have been taken off.

Bed Extenders

Injury risk can be minimized by using bed extenders. You can easily put your kayak into the back of your truck and fasten it without having to raise it high in the air and fasten it onto the roof of your vehicle.

This type of rack is simple to set up and most are made to fit into a standard, two-inch hitch receiver. These are simple to take off and usually break down so they can be put away behind the seat in the back of your vehicle when not in use.

Weight Capacity

The weight-carrying capacity of the rack is a key factor that must be considered; it’s important to guarantee that the selected rack is able to safely sustain the weight of the kayaks that you want to hang from it.

It is advisable to take the weight of your kayak(s) into account when picking a kayak rack. This will provide you with the assurance that the rack you pick has adequate storage space, and it’s a good idea to check that the rack can hold a minimum of 100 pounds extra than the collective weight of your kayaks.

Aerodynamics

For anyone who has not experienced driving with kayaks strapped on top of their vehicle, they will really be able to make note of the difference the first time they get onto the highway. The shape of your car and how economical it is with fuel will definitely change when you bring kayaks along.

If you are going to be routinely moving your kayaks to places far away, the aerodynamics and gas mileage become especially pertinent. If this is applicable, it would be best to look for a kayak rack that allows for maximum air movement and has minimal effect on the truck’s gas mileage.

Safety

In the end, the main priority is ensuring that your rack will secure your kayaks. You should also be confident that your kayaks will remain firmly attached to your car, so that you and other drivers on the street will be protected.

Many kayak racks lack components that guarantee the safety of the kayaks placed upon the rack. You can improve security for your kayak on your truck by using additional components such as vertical reinforcement and tie-down rings.

This will give you the added assurance of knowing your kayak is firmly secured.

AA-Racks Model APX25 Pick-Up Truck Kayak Rack

The APX25 from AA-Racks is made from strong aluminum, providing lightweight performance as one of its primary benefits. The 40-pound weight is surprisingly low considering the dimensions of the rack being 71 inches in width and 28 inches in height.

When you hear that it can support up to 800 pounds, it’s quite impressive. Although it’s unlikely that you need to haul that much weight, especially when taking kayaks out. But you never know, huh?

This system has the benefit of being able to be set up quickly and without any drilling. Instead of drilling holes in your truck to change it permanently, you should use the included universal mounting clamps.

The issue with the powder-coating is that it marred quickly and that is mostly just a matter of appearance.

Technical Specs

Truck bed rack
Aluminum construction
40.4-pound weight
800-pound capacity

Pros

Designed to accommodate up to two kayaks
You can adjust the tie-down points
The build quality is exceptional and worth every penny
Includes universal mounting clamps for no-drill installation

Cons

The plastic end caps come off quickly and might get lost
Be careful not to scratch the powder-coated finish
It’s not height-adjustable

If you need an excellent option to haul your kayak with a large pickup truck, look no further than the APX25 pickup truck rack by AA-Racks. It’s without a doubt the optimal choice.

AA-Racks Model DX36 Universal Pickup Truck Cap & Topper

The DX36 from AA-Racks is an excellent choice if you want to use your truck canopy to carry your kayak to the lake.

This kayak rack has a steel base made from11-gauge and crossbars from 17-gauge steel. Furthermore, it is galvanized and coated with powder for extra defence. Due to its adaptable structure, this product is suitable for almost any application.

Keep in mind that the truck topper can only support a certain amount of weight, even though the DX36 has a load limit of 350 pounds. The maximum capacity for loading is that; anything over that is accepted, but not operable.

Keep in mind that installation requires drilling. If you are not willing to make any lasting modifications to your truck, then this option is not for you.

Technical Specs

Roof-mounted rack
Steel construction
27.4-pound weight
350-pound capacity

Pros

The telescoping, length-adjustable design ensures a universal fit
Galvanized, powder-coated steel construction for weather resistance
The mounting bases feature polyfoam gaskets to protect the topper
Relatively easy to install and includes necessary hardware

Cons

Installation requires drilling and making permanent modifications to the truck
The vehicle’s roof weight limit caps the rack’s capacity

The AA-Racks DX36 isn’t a luxury item but it is reasonably priced and meets all of the requirements one would need – which is the main priority.

Lund-in-Motion Universal Truck Bed Xtender

Now, this is something a bit different. AMP Research’s Lund-in-Motion product is a truck bed extender that does not connect to the hitch.

This Lund-in-Motion truck bed extender has an U-form configuration that attaches to the sides of the walls inside of the truck bed, and it can be flipped out when the tailgate is opened, imparting up to 24 inches of extra cargo capacity.

When you shut the tailgate, it springs back up again – and it can also be quickly detached using the quick-release mounting brackets.

This aluminum construction is incredibly lightweight- clocking in a mere 9.2 pounds- and boasts a powder-coated finish along with round-shaped rectangles that make it almost indestructible.

This extender is designed for use with all varieties of full and mid-sized pickups, though it may not be suitable for use with tonneau covers. Some possible drawbacks may include that certain parts are constructed from plastic.

Technical Specs

Truck bed extender
Aluminum construction
9.2-pound weight

Pros

Ideal for everyday use
Gives up to two feet of extra cargo space
Works with the tailgate open or closed
Can be used to section off the truck’s bed
Quick-disconnect mounting brackets for easy removal

Cons

Some components are made of plastic and feel “cheap” to the touch
Might not be compatible with some truck beds and Tonneau covers

If you are looking for a straightforward U-shaped bed expander for everyday use that is easy to detach, the Lund-in-Motion should be on your shortlist.

Best Kayak Racks For Trucks & What You Need to Know