How Many Kayaks Can a Pickup Truck Hold?
Fortunately, there are ways to transport more than one kayak. One of the most convenient ways is to use a truck utility rack, which combines a roof rack system and a truck bed rack. A truck utility rack allows you to load your kayak into the back of your vehicle and secure it with ratchet straps. Afterwards, you can store it in the truck bed until you need to use it again. cheap fishing kayaks
Before loading your kayaks, make sure the bed of the truck is clear of all debris. If your kayaks are very heavy, you should remove them. Additionally, if you are transporting a kayak on a flat surface, use cardboard to protect them from dirt and grime. If you’re loading a kayak that has a rudder, you should place the bow of the kayak against the cab.
To avoid damage to the kayaks, choose a rack that will accommodate the weight of the kayaks. The TMS Adjustable Utility Rack is the best heavy-duty kayak rack currently available. It’s made from heavy-duty steel and is able to support up to 800 pounds. Another good option is the Xsporter Pro, which is adjustable to fit any kayak. This rack will still leave room for luggage.
Some trucks already come with factory-installed kayak racks. If you’d like to use your pickup’s bed as a kayak-carrying vehicle, you should purchase a truck rack that extends the bed wall horizontally. This way, you’ll be able to carry more and longer items in the truck bed. This is an excellent option for kayakers with limited upper-body strength.
Once you’ve secured your truck for the haul, the kayaks can be safely tied down. A hitch and cleats on the bed can help secure the kayaks. A middle strap is another good option. A ratchet strap will apply too much pressure to the kayak and may even dent it. Therefore, it is always better to buy a truck with a higher-quality trailer hitch.
Purchasing a truck with kayak racks is a tedious process. Make sure you choose one that fits the dimensions of your kayak. A quality rack will ensure your kayak’s safety, and two tie-downs will give you redundancy in case one fails. You can even opt for a cheap, DIY option: a kayak bed extender. You can install a kayak rack yourself, but make sure you get a quality one.
A pick-up truck bed rack is ideal for wide kayaks. It extends from 53.5 inches to 67 inches above the tow hitch. If you have a longer pick-up truck, a telescopic rack is perfect for it. The crossbar can support the weight of two kayaks and extends upwards to 4 feet. This rack comes with a red flag that can be tied to the kayaks for better visibility to other drivers. It also folds flat for storage when not in use.
A pick-up truck with a bed that’s wide enough to accommodate a kayak will provide plenty of space for the boat. Once the truck has room for the kayak, you can load and unload it in a matter of minutes, and then enjoy your kayaking trip to the fullest. Then, you can return to your truck with all of your gear. Once you’re back home, you’ll be ready to head back to the water!