Searching for kayak racks for trucks can be daunting. There are a lot of review articles and product descriptions online that are similar.
There are three types of rack systems: roof-mounted, truck bed, and hitch.
All types of racks have their pros and cons. Truck bed extenders can be used to transport kayaks that are too long to fit inside the bed.
It’s important to understand the different features of each model of kayak roof rack before purchasing one. What kind of rack do you want? We can help you choose.
We are going to review the best kayak racks for trucks available today. We’ll help you understand the differences between the different options, and ultimately help you choose the best way to get your watercraft safely to its destination.
Top Kayak Racks for Trucks (For Any Bed and Any Budget)
AA Model X31: (Best All-in-One 2-Kayak System)
The X31 is the best all-in-one system because it includes everything you need to fit your and your paddle partner’s kayaks comfortably on your truck. This item includes the kayak rack, four j-racks to hold two kayaks, eight c-clamps, ratchet straps, bow, and stern lines. The great thing about the J-racks is that you can just buy the racks on their own if you already have the necessary J-racks and tie-downs.
What beds is it compatible with?
The AA Model X31 can is compatible with standard truck beds for the Chevy and Ford, as well as the Toyota Tacoma which has a uniquely shaped bed. The steel tube on both mounts can be adjusted to accommodate different widths of truck beds.
The only trucks that this AA model is not compatible with have utility track systems, toolboxes or side boxes, or non-standard truck beds like Chevy Avalanches or Honda Ridgelines. Note that it is okay to store some toolboxes on the racks, as long as they don’t block the rack clamps.
Easy no-drill installation
If you’re looking for a truck rack that’s easy to install and uninstall, you’ve come to the right place. We offer a variety of racks that are designed for quick and easy installation and removal.
This AA Model X31 fits the bill. You don’t even have to make any holes in the side of your bed for this bedside lamp! The 8 C-Clamps included with your purchase will take care of this for you and preserve the resell value of your vehicle.
ADI OFF ROAD Truck Bed Extender: (Best Truck Bed Extender)
The U-shaped design allows you to easily slide long loads into the bed of your truck. The ADI Off Road Truck Bed Extender is designed in a U-Shape to make it easier to slide long loads into the back of your truck.
This allows you to attach the extender to your tailgate, so the whole bed can be used. It is a truck bed extender that is universal and gives your kayak an extra 2 feet of space. This is a great option if you don’t need a truck bed rack.
This product is a good option for people with shorter kayaks, or for people who don’t have a hitch on their truck.
Maybe you don’t want to have a long kayak hanging off the back of your truck. It is more difficult to drive and park when carrying long cargo.
To secure your kayak, prop one end of it up on the extender and tuck the other end toward the cab diagonally. Secure the boat in that position with ropes to prevent it from shifting and colliding with the sides of your bed.
To secure your truck bed extender when you’re not using it for carrying water sports gear, simply flip the extender inside and close your tailgate. This ensures that items which are easy to lose will not fly out, so that you can roll down the interstate without worrying.
You should keep in mind that the bed extender comes with instructions for drilling it into your truck. However, you can find bracket install kits that will fit and prevent you from permanently altering your bed.
Mockins 2-in-1 Design Truck Bed Extender: (Best Goal Post Truck Rack)
The Mockins 2-in-1 design extender is a goal post truck rack designed for trucks. This kayak transport employs one bar that extends from the hitch up into a football goalpost shape. It is multi-use and multi-purpose. This kayak truck rack gets its name from the fact that it is very ordinary.
This truck rack is convenient because it can be used for a variety of different things. This product has the added bonus of reflective tape and being durable. This product can be used with any hitch that is either 2 inches or can be used with an adapter on a 1.25 inch hitch.
This means that you will not have to guess when you are trying to buy accessories.
This rack includes ratchets so you won’t need to purchase them separately!
If you want to save space when you’re not using your Extend-A-Truck, you can fold it up and store it behind a seat or in your truck bed. This can be very useful when you are trying to find a place to park in a crowded boat ramp area.
Versatility all around
Unlike a traditional roof rack, this product must be positioned a certain way on your roof. We’ll show you how. The steel bar has 5 holes drilled into it so that you can attach your kayak at the cabtop or bed level. This allows you to have the most flexibility for how you transport your kayaks.
One of the great things about the Extend-A-Truck is that you don’t need to have a truck to use it. Do you own an SUV with 58 inches between the hitch and the top of the roof?
This would include makes and models such as Jeep, Honda Element, etc. This item can be used as long as you have a roof rack to take the place of the truck bed.
Many users are very pleased with the goal post extender. They find it versatile, easy to use, and even clever.
This rack can hold up to 750 pounds of equipment and is 47.7 inches wide. This kayak rack can be used to haul a tandem kayak, canoe, solo kayak, timber, crown molding, or anything else as long as it fits these criteria!
Apex ATR-RACK Ladder Rack
This rack is perfect for carrying your kayak to and from the water, despite its name. This rack is great because you can still use the bed of your truck for other equipment.
The kayak will be high enough to allow you to use your tailgate. If you have a truck, you can use it to tow a travel trailer or a utility trailer.
The ends of the ladder that rest on the ground are adjustable from side to side. You can set the distance between the two posts to be equal to the width of the truck bed. This means that you can secure your kayak very tightly, no matter how wide it is. The height is not adjustable.
The maximum weight capacity is 800 pounds, so it can easily carry a kayak or two. Some users have been able to transport more than one kayak or a canoe and kayak at the same time. To protect your kayak from scratches or dents, you may want to use rubber padding or pool noodles.
The Apex ATR-RACK Ladder Rack is a great way to haul your kayak on your roof. This rack can be used for other things besides transporting kayaks, like a ladder. This kayak truck rack is universal, durable, and adjustable.
Goplus Pickup Truck Bed Hitch Extender
This truck bed extender is an excellent way to haul things like your kayak to the water. You can easily haul things that are too large for your truck bed (or roof) by using straps to attach them to the outside of your truck. The unique aspect of this extender is its versatility.
You can use the truck bed extender to make your truck’s bed longer or to make it level with the roof of your vehicle. The height of the shank is adjustable from 15 ¾” to 63 ¼,” and the width of the shank is adjustable from 28″ to 48″. The receiver hitch is designed to be used with a 2″ hitch.
This hitch extender can also help you when you are using an SUV, not just a truck. You could lay down the seats in your SUV and use them as an extension to your kayak. The device can also be used to strap a kayak to the roof of an SUV in the vertical configuration.
This hitch extender is versatile and can be used on trucks or SUVs, making it one of the best kayak racks. The unit is easy to install and to break down for storage. This can be used for kayaks, canoes, and lumber.
AA-Racks Model APX25
This rack is made of heavy-duty aluminum, is easy to install, and does not require you to drill any holes. This frame is perfect if you need to transport a kayak, canoe, or other items. It is versatile and can be used for multiple purposes.
To ensure that this truck rack will work with your vehicle, you will need to check compatibility. The truck won’t have enough space if you have a camper shell, tonneau cover, or truck box. This rack is very sturdy and comes in a lot of different colors.
The rack is fully adjustable side to side (width). This is great since kayaks are different sizes. The adjustable sliders can be used to tie down your kayak. The height is not adjustable is the only negative. You can use a piece of rubber or a pool noodle to protect your kayak when you load it.
This kayak rack is easy to install and has an adjustable width, making it one of the best racks for a truck. You can use one tie down to secure multiple kayaks, canoes, or other items you need to transport. You will love the versatility of this truck rack.
TMS Adjustable Utility Rack
This rack is made of heavy-duty steel and will transport kayaks easily. The universal rack is adjustable to fit most trucks. One positive aspect of this rack is that even with kayaks on top, you can still use the rest of the truck bed and tailgate. This is a great way to use up space, and you can bring other stuff with you too.
This means that your hitch receiver is available to be used for pulling a trailer, such as a travel trailer or utility trailer. You can bring your toys with you when you go in an RV, including camping gear and kayaks.
You will need to use bolts to install this, which might mean you have to drill holes into your bed rail. Some users have installed this with C-clamps. It comes with a cleat to help you secure your kayak.
This rack is versatile and will fit on any truck. You can fit more than one kayak in your truck bed, as well as other gear. This kayak rack is great for trucks because it is sturdy and durable. You can also take all your kayaking equipment with you. It’s an excellent rack for camping.
Thule Xsporter Pro Aluminum Truck Rack
The Xsporter Pro by Thule is a great kayak rack for anyone with a truck. The height-adjustable feature makes it easy to load and unload your kayak, while the sturdy construction ensures that your kayak will remain securely attached to your vehicle.
This rack is versatile and easy to load, as you can adjust the height to carry your kayak. The load stops can be adjusted from side to side, so you can get a snug fit no matter how wide your kayak is.
A great thing about this truck rack from Thule is that it is customizable with different accessories to best suit what equipment you need to transport. The adjustable-height rack means you can use the bed of your truck for other things you want to take with you.
The rack is designed so that you can easily load your kayak onto it, leaving plenty of space in your truck bed for other things like camping gear.
This truck kayak rack can be installed without drilling, and it’s compatible with many different types of vehicles. Make sure the rack is compatible with your vehicle. If you’re hoping to use accessories like truck boxes or camper shells with your Xsporter Pro, you’ll be disappointed – they won’t work.
This truck rack is versatile and can be used to transport kayaks and other gear. This heavy-duty frame is fantastic for your watersport equipment. Installation is easy, and no drilling is needed.
