You’ve recently purchased your kayak and are currently driving a pickup truck. So, you’ve got everything you’ll need to get your kayak to and from the water. When compared to small cars, pickup is far easier.
The main problem is how to secure a kayak on a pickup truck for transportation.
Don’t be concerned! Here you’ll learn about five different ways to transport a kayak in a pickup truck so you can choose the one that works best for you.
5 different ways for transporting a kayak in a pickup truck
The method you choose for transporting your kayak will be determined by the amount of space available in the back of your truck and the type of vehicle being used. I’ll break down each option here so there are no surprises, no matter which one you choose!
1. Truck bed
Many first-time kayakers prefer to transport their kayaks in the truck bed. It’s easy, quick, and convenient. All you need is a truck bed mat, cam straps, bow and stern lines, and a red flag.
Once you have all of the necessary equipment, proceed to the steps below to haul and secure the kayak.
Transporting A Kayak In A Truck Bed: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step1: Prepare your truck bed
Remove the tonneau cover from the trunk and clean up any debris. After ensuring that there is no dirt or grime, place a truck bed mat on the ground to protect your pickup and kayak.
Step 2: Load your kayak in the back of your pickup
When you’ve finished preparing the truck bed, it’s time to load your kayak onto the back. Lower the tailgate first, then raise the kayak onto the truck bed. If the kayak is small, you can do it by yourself, but if it is larger, you will need to ask for assistance.
To avoid damage, use grab handles to gently slide the boat up the ramp and onto the truck bed, hull facing up. You can use foam blocks to protect the hull of your kayak and raise it slightly off the bed.
Adjust the kayak’s position so that no more than 30% of the time it is overhanding at the edge. If the kayak is too long and there is a lot of overhang, you’ll need to use a truck bed extender to make it fit.
Step 3: Secure the kayak
You’ll need to secure the kayak so it doesn’t fly away while you’re driving. Place the kayak in the best position for your pickup truck. Some kayakers prefer to put it corner to corner, but the choice is entirely yours.
Use two cam straps to secure the kayak in place and prevent it from sliding around. Run the strap through the truck bed anchor point near the front and over the top of your boat. Allow the strap to exit through the opposite anchor point before running it back over the kayak and tightening it.
Rep the procedure with the second cam strap at the back of the pickup.
To avoid damaging the kayak, avoid overtightening the straps.
Step 4: Lock the kayak
Locking the kayak is optional, but it adds an extra layer of security. It also keeps thieves from stealing your kayak if you pull over and leave the vehicle unattended.
So, once the kayak is securely in place, use simple cable locks to secure it even more.
Thread the cable through the scupper hole and secure it on sit-on-top kayaks. Locate the dedicated cable bars to lock the kayak for sit-ins.
Step 5: Attach the red flag
Most states require you to attach a brightly colored flag to any oversized cargo you transport (red or orange). It serves as a warning to other drivers not to approach your vehicle. Secure the red flag for your own and others’ safety, whether or not it is a legal requirement.
Step 6: Tie down the bow and stern
Your kayak’s bow and stern can easily cause drag. As a result, bow and stern lines should be used to secure the points. Tie the stern to the back of the truck and use a grab handle to secure the bow to the cabin.
After that, double-check everything to ensure it’s secure enough, and you’re ready to go!
Important Tip: Always pull over after 10-15 minutes to ensure the kayak is still securely fastened. You’d rather spend a few extra minutes on the road than watch your kayak fall behind the truck while you’re driving.
2. Truck bed extender
If your truck bed isn’t long enough to accommodate at least 70% of the length of your kayak, you’ll need to purchase a truck bed extender to transport it.
The truck bed extender extends the bed of your pickup by two feet, providing more support for the large kayak. All you have to do now is connect your tow bar to the equipment, load and secure the kayak, and you’re ready to go.
3. Truck bed rack
If you want to store other items in your truck bed and don’t mind making minor modifications, you should consider getting a rack.
To provide an extended base for your kayak, a truck rack is attached to the sides of the truck bed. In addition, if your kayak is long enough, some of it will rest on the cab while the rest will overhang the pickup.
Important Tip: Secure the bow and stern of the kayak by placing it hull-side down in the center of the truck rack and strapping it down.
4. Truck utility rack
A truck utility rack is one of the best systems for transporting your kayak in a pickup truck. It can transport two kayaks while still leaving room in the truck bed for other gear. It’s similar to a bed rack in that it attaches to the truck bed, but it has more anchor points and space for securing your kayak. It’s basically a combination of a truck rack and a roof rack.
However, because the kayak is too heavy for you to lift onto the system on your own, you will need assistance. Secure the kayak with the cam straps and bow and stern lines once it’s on the utility rack, and you’re ready to go.
5. Roof rack system
The roof rack system is a better option than the truck utility rack if you are on a budget. Installing the rack system is also simple if your truck already has roof rack fittings.
Fortunately, kayak racks are available in a variety of shapes and sizes to fit most trucks. You can use it on any pickup, car, or SUV once you’ve purchased it.
Install the roof rack, load the kayak, secure the bow and stern, and tie it down.
Conclusion
Transporting a kayak is one of the challenges that many kayakers face. And if you already have a pickup, you’re already ahead of the game compared to those who only have a kayak. All you’ll need are a few extras and a basic understanding of the laws in your state. Now, to safely transport your kayak to and from the shore, follow the steps I outlined above for transporting a kayak on a pickup.
Name: Ally Mash
Bio: A world traveler and outdoor enthusiast, Ally has spent most of his free time backpacking through South America, Iceland, Vietnam, and Europe. His mission is to get more people in the mindset of protecting our planet by sharing its beauty with fellow adventurers like him on Adventures Pursuit!
Hey welcome to my blog . I am a modern women who love to share any tips on lifestyle, health, travel. Hope you join me in this journey!
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