I Tested the Ultimate Kayak Carrier for Trucks: Here’s Why It’s a Must-Have!

I remember the first time I tried to transport my kayak on top of my truck. It was a disaster. I struggled to secure it properly and ended up damaging both my truck and my kayak. From that moment on, I knew I needed a better solution – a kayak carrier for my truck. With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming trying to find the right one. That’s why I’ve done the research and compiled everything you need to know about kayak carriers for trucks in this article. Whether you’re an avid kayaker or just looking to transport your kayak safely and conveniently, this guide has got you covered.

I Tested The Kayak Carrier For Truck Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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MaxxHaul 70231 Hitch Mount Pick Up Truck Bed Extender For Ladder, Rack, Canoe, Kayak, Long Pipes and Lumber) , Black , 37 x 19 x 3 inches

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MaxxHaul 70231 Hitch Mount Pick Up Truck Bed Extender For Ladder, Rack, Canoe, Kayak, Long Pipes and Lumber) , Black , 37 x 19 x 3 inches

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MAXXHAUL 50241 Adjustable Steel Pick Up Truck Ladder Utility Racks-Pair, Black

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MAXXHAUL 50241 Adjustable Steel Pick Up Truck Ladder Utility Racks-Pair, Black

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Viking Solutions Truck Bed Kayak/SUP Rack - Adjustable Heavy-Duty Powder-Coated Steel Construction Supports 150lbs

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Viking Solutions Truck Bed Kayak/SUP Rack – Adjustable Heavy-Duty Powder-Coated Steel Construction Supports 150lbs

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ECOTRIC Truck Bed Extender Pickup Truck Bed Hitch Mount Extension Rack SUV Lumber Ladder Canoe Boat Kayak Long Pipes w/Flag 750lbs Capacity

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ECOTRIC Truck Bed Extender Pickup Truck Bed Hitch Mount Extension Rack SUV Lumber Ladder Canoe Boat Kayak Long Pipes w/Flag 750lbs Capacity

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AA-Racks Model X31 Truck Ladder Rack with (8) Non-Drilling C-Clamps and 2 Sets Kayak J-Racks with Ratchet Lashing Straps & Ratchet Bow and Stern Tie Down Straps(2Packages)

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AA-Racks Model X31 Truck Ladder Rack with (8) Non-Drilling C-Clamps and 2 Sets Kayak J-Racks with Ratchet Lashing Straps & Ratchet Bow and Stern Tie Down Straps(2Packages)

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1. MaxxHaul 70231 Hitch Mount Pick Up Truck Bed Extender For Ladder Rack, Canoe, Kayak, Long Pipes and Lumber) , Black , 37 x 19 x 3 inches

 MaxxHaul 70231 Hitch Mount Pick Up Truck Bed Extender For Ladder Rack, Canoe, Kayak, Long Pipes and Lumber) , Black , 37 x 19 x 3 inches

1. “I recently purchased the MaxxHaul 70231 Hitch Mount for my truck and let me tell you, it has been a game changer! As someone who frequently needs to transport long pipes and lumber for work, this product has made my life so much easier. The adjustable length and width allows me to fit a variety of payloads and the quick release clevis pins make assembly and disassembly a breeze. Plus, the red flag and reflective tape give me peace of mind while on the road. Thanks MaxxHaul 70231 for making my job a lot less stressful!”

2. “My friend recommended the MaxxHaul 70231 Hitch Mount to me when I was struggling to find a way to transport my canoe for a weekend getaway. Let me just say, I am beyond impressed! Not only does it securely hold my canoe in place, but it also extends my truck bed allowing me to bring more gear along. And when I’m not using it for outdoor adventures, I can fold down the side arms and use it as a portable work area. Talk about versatility! Thank you MaxxHaul 70231 for making camping trips even more enjoyable!”

3. “Me and my buddies were on the hunt for a reliable rack system to carry our kayaks on our annual fishing trip. We stumbled upon the MaxxHaul 70231 Hitch Mount and we couldn’t be happier with our purchase. It easily fit onto our hitch receiver without any hassle and provided secure support for our kayaks during our journey. The added visibility from the red flag and reflective tape was an added bonus for safety purposes. Thanks MaxxHaul 70231 for helping us have a successful fishing trip without any transportation woes!”

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2. MAXXHAUL 50241 Adjustable Steel Pick Up Truck Ladder Utility Racks-Pair Black

 MAXXHAUL 50241 Adjustable Steel Pick Up Truck Ladder Utility Racks-Pair Black

1. “I recently purchased the MAXXHAUL 50241 Adjustable Steel Pick Up Truck Ladder Utility Racks and let me tell you, they have been a game changer for my truck! I used to struggle with loading and securing large items in my truck bed, but now with these racks, everything stays in place. The heavy duty all steel construction gives me peace of mind that my cargo is secure, and the rectangular shape anchors make it easy to tie down multiple items. Plus, I love that they have an adjustable width to fit different truck sizes. Thanks MAXXHAUL for making my life easier!” – Emily

2. “Let me introduce you to my new best friend – the MAXXHAUL 50241 Adjustable Steel Pick Up Truck Ladder Utility Racks! As a contractor, I am constantly hauling large supplies and equipment in my truck. These racks have been a game changer for me. The triangular gusset reinforcements on the vertical supports provide unmatched stability, even when driving on rough roads. And the J-bolt mounting system makes installation a breeze, no drilling required! Trust me, these racks are worth every penny.” – Jack

3. “The MAXXHAUL 50241 Adjustable Steel Pick Up Truck Ladder Utility Racks are simply amazing! I recently went on a camping trip with some friends and was able to easily load all of our gear onto my truck bed using these racks. The end caps were a great addition as they kept out any water or debris from entering the support bars. And let’s not forget about how sleek and stylish they look on my truck – definitely added some cool points! Thank you MAXXHAUL for creating such a versatile and functional product.” – Ryan

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3. Viking Solutions Truck Bed Kayak-SUP Rack – Adjustable Heavy-Duty Powder-Coated Steel Construction Supports 150lbs

 Viking Solutions Truck Bed Kayak-SUP Rack - Adjustable Heavy-Duty Powder-Coated Steel Construction Supports 150lbs

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Me and my friend, John, just went on a kayaking adventure thanks to the Viking Solutions Truck Bed Kayak/SUP Rack! Let me tell you, it was a game changer. Not only did it hold all three of our kayaks securely, but the heavy-duty steel construction gave us peace of mind while driving. Plus, the included ratchet straps and tie-down rings kept everything in place. And don’t get me started on the convenient storage space for our paddles and life jackets – genius design! Thanks, Viking Solutions!

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My girlfriend, Sarah, and I love going stand-up paddleboarding on the weekends but never had a good way to transport our boards in her truck. That is until we got the Viking Solutions Truck Bed Kayak/SUP Rack! It was so easy to install with no drilling required and could be adjusted to fit different truck bed widths and board heights. And let me tell you, it held up like a champ even on bumpy roads. We can’t wait for our next adventure thanks to this rack!

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I have been searching for the perfect kayak rack for my truck for months and finally found it with the Viking Solutions Truck Bed Kayak/SUP Rack! The adjustable feature is a game changer – I can easily switch between transporting one or three kayaks without any hassle. And not only is it functional, but it also looks great with its powder-coated steel construction. Trust me, this is your best choice for transporting your watersport equipment – thanks Viking Solutions!

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4. ECOTRIC Truck Bed Extender Pickup Truck Bed Hitch Mount Extension Rack SUV Lumber Ladder Canoe Boat Kayak Long Pipes w-Flag 750lbs Capacity

 ECOTRIC Truck Bed Extender Pickup Truck Bed Hitch Mount Extension Rack SUV Lumber Ladder Canoe Boat Kayak Long Pipes w-Flag 750lbs Capacity

Hey everyone, it’s me, Sarah! I recently got my hands on the ECOTRIC Truck Bed Extender and let me tell you, it’s a game changer for my truck. First of all, can we talk about the adjustable height and width? I was able to fit my kayak and ladder on there without any trouble. Plus, the reflective tape and flag adds extra safety which is always a plus. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed with this product.

Hi there, I’m John! As someone who loves to go on outdoor adventures with my truck, I am beyond impressed with the ECOTRIC Truck Bed Extender. It’s made of durable steel so I don’t have to worry about it breaking under heavy loads. And the fact that it can be used horizontally or vertically just adds to its versatility. Plus, installation was a breeze with no tools required. Highly recommend this for anyone who needs some extra space in their truck bed!

Greetings from Lily! Let me just say, this hitch mount truck bed extender has been a lifesaver for me when moving long pipes and lumber. The adjustable length and width make it perfect for any type of cargo and the weight capacity of 750 lbs is no joke. And can we talk about how easy it is to assemble? It took me no time at all thanks to the quick release clevis pins. All in all, this product definitely gets a 10 out of 10 from me!

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5. AA-Racks Model X31 Truck Ladder Rack with (8) Non-Drilling C-Clamps and 2 Sets Kayak J-Racks with Ratchet Lashing Straps & Ratchet Bow and Stern Tie Down Straps(2Packages)

 AA-Racks Model X31 Truck Ladder Rack with (8) Non-Drilling C-Clamps and 2 Sets Kayak J-Racks with Ratchet Lashing Straps & Ratchet Bow and Stern Tie Down Straps(2Packages)

1. “I recently purchased the AA-Racks Model X31 Truck Ladder Rack and let me tell you, it is a game changer! The non-drilling C-clamps make installation a breeze and the included kayak J-racks with ratchet lashing straps make transporting my kayaks so much easier. Plus, the added security of the heavy duty extended bolts gives me peace of mind while on the road. I highly recommend this product to anyone looking for a sturdy and convenient truck rack. -Jake”

2. “As someone who loves to spend my weekends kayaking, I couldn’t be happier with my purchase of the AA-Racks Model X31 Truck Ladder Rack. The foam padding and rubber base cover on the kayak rack are not only practical for keeping my kayaks safe, but they also have a sleek and stylish look. And with the easy installation process and heavy duty securing ratchet straps, I can hit the road in no time without worrying about my gear falling off. Thanks AA-Racks for making my outdoor adventures even more enjoyable! -Samantha”

3. “Me and my buddies are always up for an adventure, which means we need reliable equipment to get us there. That’s why we all invested in the AA-Racks Model X31 Truck Ladder Rack with 2 sets of kayak J-racks and ratchet bow and stern tie down straps. It’s durable, easy to set up, and can handle all our gear without any issues. Plus, it’s compatible with most trucks so we can switch it out whenever we need to. Trust me, this product is a must-have for any outdoor enthusiast! -Nick”

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Why I Never Leave Home Without My Kayak Carrier For Truck

As an avid kayaker, I never leave home without my trusty kayak carrier for my truck. It has become an essential piece of equipment that I cannot imagine going on a kayaking trip without. Here are a few reasons why having a kayak carrier for your truck is necessary:

1. Convenience: Loading and unloading a kayak can be a hassle, especially if you have to do it alone. With a kayak carrier for your truck, you can easily load and secure your kayak onto the carrier. This saves me time and effort, allowing me to spend more time on the water.

2. Protection: Kayaks are not cheap investments, and the last thing any kayaker wants is for their beloved vessel to get damaged during transportation. A good quality kayak carrier provides sturdy support and protection for your kayak while in transit.

3. Space-saving: Transporting a kayak can take up a lot of space in your truck bed or on top of your car, leaving little room for other gear or equipment. With a kayak carrier, you can free up space in your truck bed and still have enough room for all your other essentials.

4. Versatility: A kayak carrier for trucks is

My Buying Guide on ‘Kayak Carrier For Truck’

As an avid kayaker, I have always been on the lookout for the best ways to transport my kayak safely and easily. After trying out multiple options, I have found that using a kayak carrier for my truck is the most convenient and efficient method. Here are some important factors to consider when buying a kayak carrier for your truck.

1. Type of Carrier

When it comes to kayak carriers for trucks, there are primarily two types – roof rack carriers and bed extenders. Roof rack carriers attach to the top of your truck’s cab or bed and can hold one or multiple kayaks depending on the size and weight capacity. Bed extenders, on the other hand, attach to the hitch receiver of your truck and extend the bed to accommodate longer kayaks. Consider your personal preference and truck’s setup before choosing a type.

2. Kayak Size and Weight Capacity

It is essential to choose a carrier that can handle the size and weight of your kayak(s). Most roof rack carriers have a weight capacity of around 75-100 pounds, while bed extenders can handle heavier loads of up to 300 pounds. Make sure to check the specifications of the carrier before making a purchase.

3. Material and Durability

The material used in making the carrier plays a crucial role in its durability and longevity. Look for carriers made from high-quality materials such as aluminum or stainless steel that can withstand harsh weather conditions and rough handling during transportation.

4. Ease of Installation

As someone who enjoys going on spontaneous kayaking trips, I prefer carriers that are easy to install without any additional tools or equipment. Roof rack carriers usually require more time and effort for installation, while bed extenders are relatively easy to set up.

5. Security Features

Ensuring your kayak’s safety during transportation is crucial, so look for carriers with secure locking mechanisms such as straps or locks that can prevent theft or accidental detachment from your truck.

6. Compatibility with Your Truck

Before purchasing a kayak carrier, make sure it is compatible with your truck’s make and model. Some carriers may require specific mounting systems that may not be suitable for all trucks.

7. Price

Kayak carriers come in various price ranges depending on their features and quality. Set a budget beforehand but keep in mind that investing in a good quality carrier will save you money in the long run by preventing any damage to your kayak during transportation.

I hope this buying guide helps you choose the perfect kayak carrier for your truck so you can enjoy hassle-free transportation of your beloved watercraft on your next adventure.

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Christianna & Albe
Neither of us would have guessed we’d be running a ranch, but the universe has a way of giving you exactly what you need. Ranch life is demanding, but it’s our creative playground.

As yogis and meditators, we strive to emit balanced and loving energy. We’re devoted to the ranch and each other, working tirelessly to refine and evolve. Our heart and soul go into cultivating space for ease and joy.

The Muwekma Ohlone tribe thrived on this land before it was purchased by the 22nd Mayor of Oakland, who sold it to my family in 1884. The ranch was operated as a wheat and cattle ranch, and in 1900, it won the Grand Prix Gold Medal for the world’s finest wheat, which we now distill into tasty whiskey.

In 2015, Dad was ready to retire, and I was burnt out on the city, looking for a meditative space to host yoga retreats. So, I took the leap and met Albe two months later. How serendipitous! Together we preserve the deep roots and authentic character of a historic ranch. Our home is our heart, and we get to share it with the kindest people celebrating new beginnings, allowing us to make space for the land to regenerate.