If you have a pickup, how you will transport a kayak will probably be different than with most other cars. The first idea that probably comes to your mind is to put it in your truck bed. But you have to make sure it’s possible and if it is that you do it properly.
Can You Transport A Kayak In The Bed Of A Truck?
It’s possible to transport a kayak in a truck bed. You can open the tailgate, load the kayak in the truck bed, and secure it with straps. Depending on the pickup and kayak, you might even be able to do it with the tailgate closed. You can also use a truck bed extender or rack.
So there are many ways to transport a kayak in a pickup. The simplest way is to put it directly in the truck bed if it fits. You just have to make sure you secure it properly. Otherwise, it might damage your kayak or drop it on the road.
How To Transport A Kayak In A Truck Bed?
Transporting a kayak in a truck bed is easy. You simply have to put it in there and tie it down. But you have to make sure it’s safe and secure. So here are 3 simple steps to transport your kayak in the back of your pickup.
What Do You Need?
Step 1: Open Your Tailgate
Your kayak will probably not fit in your truck bed. So you might have to open your tailgate. And even if you plan to close it after, it will make the loading part much easier. That’s why it’s generally better to open your tailgate.
You might be able to close it when the kayak is in the truck bed. Even if it doesn’t fit, you can probably find a way to put it at an angle with the tailgate up. That way, it won’t move as easily as if it was open. But anyway, you will secure it with straps so it won’t be a problem.
Step 2: Put Your Kayak In The Truck Bed
Once the tailgate is open, you can put the kayak in it. It will be easier if you have someone that can help you nearby. Loading a kayak in a truck bed at two is quick and simple. You should lift it at the f time and slide it inside.
If you’re alone, you can lift one end of the kayak on the tailgate. Then, take the other end to push it inside. You can even put a blanket, carpet, or towel to slide the kayak more easily into the truck bed and avoid scratching or damaging something.
The bow should ideally be in front with the cockpit facing down so that no rain or anything else gets inside it. But it doesn’t really matter. The best position of the kayak will depend on its design, size, the truck bed, and how you plan to attach it.
Step 3: Secure The Kayak
When the kayak is in the truck bed, you have to make sure it stays there. That’s where straps come into place. Cam straps with hooks would be ideal for securing your kayak, but any rope can work. This ratchet tie-down set might also be a good option.
Once you have something to attach your kayak to the truck bed, you need to find anchor points. Most kayaks have grab handles in the bow and stern. These would be perfect for securing your boat. But anything solid where you can pass a strap will do the job.
Then, you must figure out where to attach it to the truck bed. Most pickups have tie-down features that you can use. You might also be able to add attachment points with steel D rings.
The Bull Ring Anchors could also be a good option if you have a Ford F150, Super Duty, Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, or Dodge RAM. Just make sure it will fit your specific model and year.
How To Secure A Kayak In A Truck Bed?
When you have what you need to secure everything in place, it’s time to do it. You can take one strap, pass it in the grab handle on the bow of the kayak, and through anchor points on both sides of your pickup as close as possible to the front of the truck bed.
Then, you can insert it in the buckle and tighten it. You should also secure the excess of the strap to keep it from bothering you while driving. After that, you can repeat the same process with another strap and the stern of the kayak with anchor points near the tailgate.
Here’s a video to show you how to transport your kayak directly in your truck bed!
Truck Bed Extender
If your kayak is too long, you might need a truck bed extender. It’s a T bar attached to the pickup that goes farther than the tailgate to support objects that stick out too much. So it would be the perfect accessory to transport a long kayak in a short truck bed.
The MaxxHaul Extender would be an excellent option for that. Many 5-star ratings on Amazon mentioned it’s a great product for hauling kayaks. There’s even a bigger size for two or very wide kayaks. You could also add some cushioning for extra protection.
Do You Need A Truck Bed Extender For A Kayak?
You will probably need a bed extender if you have a long kayak and a short truck bed. For example, a 12’ kayak won’t fit in a 5’ truck bed. So you might need an extender. You should use one when the kayak sticks out too much of the truck bed.
Here’s another video explaining and showing how to use a truck bed extender. I would still recommend using two cam straps for optimal safety, but one ratchet strap could also work, as shown in this video.
Other Ways To Transport A Kayak In A Pickup!
The truck bed isn’t the only method to carry a kayak in a pickup. You can also use racks or trailers. Depending on your situation, those options might be better for you. So here’s more information about other ways to transport your kayak in your truck.
Truck Bed Rack
If you want to put other things than your kayak in your truck bed, you can install racks over it. That will give you more space for gear and allow you to haul a camper or something else. So you should maybe consider investing in the MaxxHaul Pickup Utility Rack.
Roof Rack
Another similar option is to install a roof rack on your pickup. If you have a cap, this universal truck topper rack might be a good one to check out. Apart from that, you might be able to have crossbars that fit on your pickup. These roof pads could also be an excellent way to transport your kayak.
Whether you have a car or a truck, using a roof rack is pretty much the same. The only difference will be the loading part because the vehicle is different. So if you’re interested in this method, you can read my article on how to transport a kayak with a roof rack.
Trailer
The last option to transport a kayak in a truck is to haul it in a trailer. It’s an expensive solution, but sometimes it might be worth the extra money. A kayak trailer will generally make loading and unloading easier.
It will also leave you space in the truck bed for gear or other things you want to transport. This personal watercraft boat trailer can be an excellent option to haul a kayak. If you already have a utility trailer, you might also be able to modify it for that purpose.
How To Secure Two Kayaks In A Truck Bed?
You should be able to fit two kayaks or maybe more in a truck bed with the tailgate open. Then, you can secure them with cam straps passing them in grab handles of both boats and anchor points on the pickup. After that, you have to tighten the straps to keep the kayaks from moving or falling off the truck bed while driving.
With two long kayaks, you might need a truck bed wide enough for both. You can also turn them on the side if it doesn’t fit. Apart from that, most racks will fit two kayaks, and there are double trailers like this one. Learn more about transporting multiple kayaks in a truck!
Last Thoughts About Transporting Kayaks In A Truck!
Finally, there are many ways to carry a kayak with your pickup. The easiest way is to put it directly in your truck bed and secure it there. But you can also use racks and trailers. Depending on the kayak size, you might also need a truck bed extender.
Whatever method you choose, I’m sure you will find a way to transport your kayak to your favorite paddling spot. Now you just have to select the right option for your situation. For that, you should consider your pickup model, kayak, budget, and preferences.
Let’s Put That Kayak In Your Truck Bed!
