12 Best Kayak Racks for Trucks in 2023 [Buyer’s Guide]
Do you intend to transport a kayak in a truck? Trucks are fantastic for work, but even the largest truck beds may benefit from a little additional assistance. Kayak Racks for Trucks can be used to expand the length of your bed or to carry kayaks. They’re wonderful, budget-friendly solutions that provide you greater freedom when juggling work and leisure.
However, you’ll need a safe way to get your kayak to these new rivers. While we’ve seen a variety of jerry-rigged kayak transport options, the safest method is to use real & the best kayak racks for pickup trucks in 2023.
Buying Guide
Types of Kayak Racks
There are several sorts of kayak racks for trucks, as well as how they differ in purpose. You have to choose those racks for your kayaks as well as for the truck bed so you can easily mount them on the roof.
Rooftop Mounted Racks
Rooftop-mounted racks are regularly the most straightforward to introduce and eliminate, This is the reason they are an extraordinary choice for the easygoing kayaker that just goes out a couple of times each month.
Rooftop-mounted racks need no extraordinary presentations. It’s the rack style that you’re possibly acquainted with; most vehicles – pickup trucks and in any case – have some variety of a rooftop rack, either industrial facility or post-retail.
Existing crossbars or manufacturing line racks are required for these racks. Assuming that your vehicle needs crossbars or a handling plant rack to which this sort of rack can be connected, you’ll need to spend additional cash to get racks like the Kayak Wing or Leader Accessories to work.
Lumber-Style Racks
The Racks are also called Amble Style Racks. This is a more stable kayak rack design. This type of rack attaches to the sides of your truck bed to create an elevated design that can support kayaks, paddleboards, and other watercraft.
If you want to take your kayak out regularly, this rack setup is ideal because it doesn’t require any adjustments or repairs once it’s set up. You’ll be able to keep your kayaks up on these racks even more dependably if you lash them down tightly.
This sort of rack is ideal for transporting logs, stepping stools, long PVC channels, and much more whenever your kayaks are taken out.
Bed Extenders: The greatest choice for lowering the danger of damage is to use bed extenders. You’ll be fit for moving your kayak into the bed of the truck and securing it without lifting it over your head.
They are typically the cheapest – and most convenient – alternative. This track layout is also straightforward to install, and most of them are designed to accommodate a standard two-inch trailer hitch. When you’re not using them, they’re also quite simple to remove, and most stall to store far behind the secondary lounge of your truck.
Recommended reading: 15 Must-Have Kayak Accessories for Fishing in 2023
Materials for Kayak Rack
There are two materials you may use for a bed rail or a hitch-style kayak rack.
- Steel:
Steel, painted or powder-covered, doesn’t require a lot of presentation as far as its solidness and toughness. It’s solid, powerful, and fit for supporting more weight than aluminum But at the same time, it’s recognizably heavier. It is a low-cost, high-strength material that is commonly available. A strong steel rack is great if you anticipate you’ll use your receiver extender or bed rail rack for something other than kayaks.
- Aluminum:
Aluminum will set you back more than steel, yet kayak racks made of aluminum will quite often be altogether lighter. That distinction in weight could be an enormous benefit. Aluminum dominates in specific regions, while steel is better in different applications.
Since the two materials have their assets and shortcomings, it’s normal for the kayak racks for trucks to highlight a blend of both in their parts. Thusly, you’ll get a tad of both – the smartest possible solution, as it’s been said.
Aluminum is generally more expensive than steel. It is, however, lightweight, making it excellent for installing and removing your rack regularly.
Because the two materials have different advantages and disadvantages, it’s common for the best kayak racks for trucks to use a mix of both in their sections. in the end, you’ll get a little bit of both, which is, as they say, the best option.
Wellbeing
Surprisingly, towards the end of the day, your rack will be guarding your kayaks. Moreover, you’ll need to realize that your kayaks aren’t moving anyplace so you and your kindred drivers can have a good sense of security all over town.
Not all kayak racks include extra features that allow you to keep your kayaks safely secured on the rack. Additional features such as vertical backings and secure circles allow you to double down and protect your kayak from any damage to your truck.
Kayak Rack Protection
You could be worried about hoodlums taking your watercraft. Isn’t there anything to be said about that pricey kayak rack?
It’s not uncommon to return from a day of rowing to find your beneficiary rack has vanished. In the same vein, think about how you’ll protect your new kayak rack before you get it.
You have two options for collection racks. Occasionally, they come with locks, but if they don’t, finding a locking hitch pin isn’t difficult. Regardless, make sure your hitch rack has a lock.
The Capacity of the Kayak Rack
When it comes to limits, there are two things to consider.
Firstly, assess the number of kayaks you’ll need to transport. Most truck beds can accommodate two boat side by side, and most hitch racks can accommodate something similar. Due to the limitations of the truck’s width, bed rail racks can also accommodate up to two boats at once.
Second, you must examine the length of your boats. In general, any hitch rack or bed over-the-taxi rack will be able to handle any kayak length. Nonetheless, if you have very long boats, such as at least 15, make sure to check the specifications for the rack you’re buying.
Many of these racks allow you to load multiple kayaks or a combination of kayaks, SUPs, canoes, and other watercraft. Make sure you know how much weight you’ll be transporting and how much weight the rack can support while looking for the best kayak rack for your needs.
The number of kayaks you expect to move.
Consider how many boats you intend to haul before purchasing a kayak rack. You can pick between stumble style or bed rails assuming you just have one normal estimated boat. Roof racks, particularly stackers, may be necessary if you want to transport two or more kayaks.
Traveling Time
If you’re on vacation and want to go lake hopping, a sturdier and more secure kayak rack might be preferable. In this situation, seats or J-style racks are the best options because they add extra strength to your kayak.
12 Best Kayak Racks for Trucks in 2023
1. Lund 601021 Hitch-Mounted Bed Extender Rack
This kayak holder is intended to work with a 2-inch collector hitch. It permits you to stretch out your truck bed to oblige kayaks up to 14 feet in length. The Lund Bed Extender adds a base ground leeway of 7 crawls to a truck bed and transforms it into a versatile saw hose.
It also has vertical arms, which add to the overall security.
This rack has a flag and red color tape to reflect so this will improve visibility according to the law and as well as it is also seen by the other drivers. The two-inch receiver hitch, allows you to stretch the length.
It also includes two vertical arms that can be adjusted from 27 to 49 crawls for added security. When your vehicle slides sideways, they’ll keep kayaks from falling over the bottom. It also includes a 7-inch ground clearance and a flag and reflective tape to make your kayak more noticeable.
Because of its folding design, this rack will readily fit into any storage area. To fit rooftop-mounted kayaks, you may also position them in an upward orientation on your SUVs, vans, and pickup trucks.
Technical Aspect:
- Length: 56” (142.24 cm)
- Width: 30” to 50” (76.2 cm to 127 cm)
- Weight: 46.2 lbs (21 kg)
- Capacity: 750 lbs (340 kg)
Reasons to Buy
Reasons to Avoid
The truck bed extender is a tough, multi-purpose extension of a truck’s bed that provides extra support for extended loads and a convenient on-the-job workspace. It is strongly suggested.
2. TMS Adjustable Utility Rack
The TMS Adjustable Utility Rack is one of the best hardcore racks on the market, allowing it to handle larger and heavier kayaks. It’s composed of heavy-duty steel and can hold up to 800 pounds of stuff.
It can handle multiple kayaks, paddleboards, or a large canoe with ease. It’s also ideal for storing heavy timber, ladders, and other bulky items.
This kayak rack may be modified to match a range of truck bed sizes, with widths ranging from five to seven feet. This rack can reach a maximum height of 30 inches over the height of your truck’s bed.
The Rack is 50 pounds in weight and can mount on the side of the truck bed. This means you’ll need to drill a few holes and make sure the rack is properly fastened to support your intended load.
The instructions do specify that this is installed with bolts, which may necessitate drilling holes in your bed rail. C-clamps have been used by some users to install this. It includes a cleat for tying down your kayak.
Technical Aspect:
- Length: 51” (130 cm)
- Width: 26.25” (67 cm)
- Weight: 50.4 lbs (23 kg)
- Weight limit 800-pound
Reasons to Buy
Reasons to Avoid
This rack has a lot of uses. You may also transport more than one kayak while still having room for extra stuff. This rack is tough and is regarded as the best kayak rack for pickup trucks. This rack can be used for camping because it has enough space to hold all of your belongings.
3. AA-Racks X35 Rack
The AA-Racks X35 is noted for its simplicity of installation. does not necessitate the drilling of holes in your truck It has eight C-clamps for optimum grip and can support up to two kayaks.
There are four 16-foot-long ratchet lashing straps included, as well as four adjustable stern tie-down straps. During travel, these ties keep your kayaks and kayaks immovably fixed up, preventing them from tipping over. These lashes can be fastened to the uprights’ rope snares as a whole. The AA-Racks X35 ensures that your kayaks are secure.
The rack is also long-lasting and resistant to both water and heat. The rubber cushioning protects your kayak from scratches and provides an anti-slip quality, maintaining its stability.
The rack is made of business-grade steel and is worked to endure broad use. It has an 800-pound greatest weight limit, and that implies it can undoubtedly deal with two major kayaks.
Technical Aspects:
- Length: 28” to 30.5” (71.12 cm to 77.47 cm)
- Width: 51” to 71” (129.54 cm to 180.34 cm)
- Weight: 73.2 lbs (33 kg)
- Capacity: 300 lbs (136 kg)
Reasons to Buy
Reasons to Avoid
This rack includes a widespread plan that fits generally standard pickup trucks and the rack is powder-covered with a matte white completion. That makes this rack best for people with white pickups assuming you need it to coordinate.
4. Goplus Pickup Truck Bed Hitch Extender
This truck bed extender is an incredible method for pulling your kayak to the water. You can undoubtedly pull kayaks or different materials that stretch out past your truck bed (or rooftop). The special part of this extender is adaptability.
It tends to be utilized to stretch out the truck’s bed to make it longer or to raise it to level with the highest point of your vehicle. The extender is planned for use with a 2″ hitch recipient. The hitch extender can be used on SUVs in the same way as it can be used on trucks.
Goplus’ bed extension already includes intelligent tape and a red security banner, which will make it easier to see in the nighttime. It also assures that you do not run afoul of the law.
The vertical posts of the GoPlus are designed to keep any weight centered on the rack. When a kayak is securely tied down, there isn’t much movement, but these bumpers come in handy when transporting long items like dimensional lumber. Another excellent feature of the GoPlus is that it can be narrowed down to 1 14″ using an adaptor to fit into smaller hitch receivers.
While your pickup truck is unlikely to have a 1 14″ hitch receiver, the GoPlus may be modified to accommodate the smaller hitch, making it compatible with passenger cars and vans.
Technical Aspects:
- Heavy-duty steel
- No-drill Installation
- Adjustable
- 350- pounds Weight limit
Reasons to Buy
Reasons to Avoid
Because of its adaptability, this hitch extension is one of the best kayak racks for trucks or SUVs. So you may put it away when not in use. This is one of the most affordable and straightforward ways to transport a kayak with your pickup truck. Simply fit it into your hitch receiver, adjust the extension bar to the length of your boat, and tie it down.
5. AA-Racks Model APX25
The AA-Racks APX25 is a kayak rack for pickup trucks composed of solid aluminum, meaning that one of the rack’s most notable features will be its lightweight development. Truth be told, for a rack that actions 71 creeps in width and 28 crawls in tallness, the 40-pound weight is shockingly light.
His general rack is made of solid aluminum, is simple to install, and does not require piercing. The casing is flexible and multi-reason, so it’s extraordinary for kayaks or other stuff you want to move.
You should ensure this truck rack is viable with your vehicle. It won’t fit accepting you have embellishments like a camper shell, tonneau cover, or truck box. This rack is solid and arrives in an assortment of tones.
This rack can be used for a long time and it will also provide safety when you transport the kayak from one place to another. It will also allow you to transport other huge objects such as logs, boats, and other similar items.
This kayak rack has a weight limit of around 800 pounds, you can easily transport more than two kayaks at once. It’s also simple to install, as it arrives with 8 mounting clips and doesn’t necessitate any long-term penetration (drill) into your truck bed.
Technical Aspects:
- Truck bed rack
- Aluminum construction
- 40.4-pound weight
- 800-pound capacity
Reasons to Buy
Reasons to Avoid
This rack has an adjustable width so you can easily install the rack this rack is considered the best kayak rack for trucks. You can secure multiple kayaks, canoes, or other items you need to carry. This truck rack’s adaptability will impress you. AA-Racks’ APX25 pickup truck rack is, without a doubt, your best option.
6. Thule Xsporter Pro
The Thule Xsporter Pro is a height-adjustable kayak rack for your truck. It’s simple to load this adaptable rack. It can withstand big loads of up to 450 pounds. The top bar also has adjustable load stops to accept and secure even larger things.
One of the best things about this Thule truck rack is that you can customize it with different accessories depending on the equipment you wish to transport. The adjustable-height rack allows you to transfer various objects in your truck’s bed. As a result, you can store your kayak on the rack while still having room in your truck bed for camping or other goods.
It also has Thule’s AirDrip technology, which redirects airflow and enhances aerodynamics.
It also has Thule Wind Diffuser technology, which disturbs airflow and results in a quieter ride. When this rack is placed, this technology also minimizes air drag, improving your fuel economy.
You may modify the height of the kayak rack to free up additional space on the truck bed for other storage while still leaving adequate room for kayaks. Overall, because of its adaptability, the Xsporter Pro is an excellent purchase.
For capacity on top of your vehicle, the Xsporter Pro requires Thule rack frameworks crossbars, round bars, or plant racks.
SecureLock innovation, then again, permits you to lock the rack to your truck.
This truck kayak rack requires no drilling to install and is available for a wide range of vehicles. You’ll need to double-check that the rack fits your vehicle. The Xsporter Pro will not operate with some extras, such as truck boxes or camper shells.
Technical Aspects:
- Length: 71” (180.34 cm)
- Width: 29” (73.66 cm)
- Weight: 57 lbs (26 kg)
- Capacity: 204 kg and 450 lbs
Reasons to Buy
Reasons to Avoid
The Thule Xsporter is a versatile truck rack that can transport your kayaks as well as other gear. Thule is recognized for producing well-designed and dependable car accessories, and the Thule Xsporter Pro Pickup Truck Rack lives up to that reputation.
7. Darby Industries 944 Extend-A-Truck
One more option for people who would rather not continually lift their kayak onto the highest point of their vehicle is Darby Industries’ Extend-a-Truck rack. They even help of this rack is four feet wide.
The extender attaches to a 2″ trailer hitch receiver that already exists. It’s adjustable, so you may use it with vehicles of various sizes. It works with roof racks and truck beds since it may be used vertically or horizontally.
The horizontal support has eyelets on both ends, giving you more room to fasten your kayak straps. If you want to secure the opposite end of your kayak to the roof of your truck, the height of the support can be adjusted.
The Darby 944 is manufactured of heavy-duty powder-coated steel, making it tough and long-lasting. With a pin and clip, it’s simple to put together in seconds. Because the support is 48 inches wide, you may be able to utilize it for more than one kayak.
The weight restriction for the bed extender is 350 pounds and weighs 25 pounds. The adaptability is fantastic. When not in use, the Darby’s biggest feature is that it can be stored flat beneath your truck seat. It may be kept flat when not being used and comes with a 4-foot-wide base. It can comfortably hold a 14-foot kayak.
Technical Aspects:
- capacity: 2+
- Item Weight: 25 lbs.
- weight restriction: 350-pound.
Reasons to Buy
Reasons to Avoid
Also, have a red color flag to be visible. Truck bed extenders make it simple to convert your truck bed into a kayak storage area. Depending on your demands, this device can be used vertically or horizontally. It’s simple to assemble and disassemble for safe storage.
8. TMS Adjustable Utility Rack
This is an amazing kayak rack it is made up of heavy steel. It also can carry 800 pounds weight. This rack carries more than two kayaks large canoe
It’s also ideal for storing heavy timber, ladders, and other bulky items.
This rack can be fixed or mounted to the sides of the truck bed. it weighs 50 pounds. This means you’ll need to drill a few holes and make sure the rack is properly fastened to support your intended load.
This likewise opens up your hitch recipient so you might haul a trailer behind you, like a movement trailer or utility trailer. When you go camping, you can bring all of your toys, like an RV, camping gear, and kayaks.
The instructions call for bolts to be used for installation, which may need drilling holes in your bed rail. C-clamps have been used by some people to install this. It includes a cleat for securing your kayak.
Technical Aspects:
- Length: 51” (130 cm)
- Width: 26.25” (67 cm)
- Weight: 50.4 lbs (23 kg)
- Capacity: 800 lbs (363 kg)
Reasons to Buy
Reasons to Avoid
This rack is adaptable to a wide range of lorries. You can transport multiple kayaks on your truck bed while still having room for other stuff. This is one of the finest kayak racks for vehicles since it is solid, long-lasting, and allows you to transport all of your gear. It’s a fantastic camping rack.
9- YAKIMA BigCatch Kayak Rack
If you have the heaviest kayak to carry like a fishing sit-on-top kayak, then you have the best option to use this Yakima’s BigCatch kayak rack. the Yakima’s BigCatch rack is a great choice when carrying heavy-weight kayaks. It has delicate, yet solid elastic cushions that will safeguard your kayaks from harm.
Its curiously large supports are additionally intended to oblige a wide assortment of structures. it can hold each kayak in turn, it can uphold the heaviness of the heaviest ones at 150 lbs. This kayak rack fits greatly with SUVs.
It additionally has a simple to-introduce system, except on the off chance that your vehicle has T-opening crossbars.
This Yakima kayak rack also has some sort of heavy-duty straps, a bow, and also stern tie-down. The rack is simple to put together and requires no tools. This is intended to fit on an SVU or a truck outfitted with a Yakima truck rack. you might store your kayak while as yet utilizing your truck bed for other stuff and embellishments.
With your kayak stored high, you can bring all of your camping gear.
Technical Aspects:
- Length: 6.25” (15.87 cm)
- Width: 9” (22.86 cm)
- Weight: 8.5 lbs (3.8 kg)
- Capacity: 150 lbs (68 kg)
Reasons to Buy
Reasons to Avoid
The Yakima BigCatch is great for hauling heavy fishing gear or a sit-on-top kayak. This is one of the better alternatives. The big catch is a wonderful option if you have a Yakima truck rack so you can easily transport your heavy kayaks.
10. Tricam SLE-1/SKLE-350 Hitch-Mounted Kayak Racks
The most adaptable hitch-mounted load extender on the market.
Tricam’s truck bed extension is made of tubular, powder-coated steel and weighs 36.4 pounds, making it lightweight but tough and rust-resistant. However, its greatest asset is its adaptability:
It may be placed horizontally or vertically on any 2-inch hitch receiver, and it has five adjustable heights to suit all kinds of big cargo, even kayaks. It’s also a fantastic value for money.
Yes, the 350-pound restriction may appear restrictive, but most kayaks – even the heaviest ones – don’t even get close to that weight.
you can easily carry kayaks drywall, ladders, timber, and many more with the help of a roof rack and truck bed. This product is sturdy and rust-resistant, as it is made of 2-inch tubular powder-coated steel.
Technical Aspects:
- Hitch extension rack
- Made up: Steel construction
- Weight: 36.4-pounds
- Capacity: 350-pound
Reasons to Buy
Reasons to Avoid
Tricam SLE-1/SKLE-350 requires only a two-inch hitch receiver to be ready to use, and it can be mounted horizontally or vertically.
11. MaxxHaul 70423 Aluminum
Aluminum is used to construct the MaxxHaul Aluminum, ensuring durability and lightweight construction. If you want a rust-free kayak rack, apply a powder-coated finish to the rack to protect it from rust. This is critical because water residue on these racks is often unavoidable during your travel.
This extender will help you secure your kayaks in any vehicle, whether it’s an SUV, crossover, or truck. It’s simple, customizable, and incredibly economical, so it’s a no-brainer to get started.
When combined with your truck bed, it spans between 24 and 49 inches, making it long enough for even the largest sea kayaks. It has a 300-pound capacity, which isn’t terrible for a hitch rack, and it’s big enough to transport two heavy fishing kayaks.
It also only weighs 32 pounds, making storage a breeze. This rack can transport the kayak from one place to another with high safety without damaging it. The bases are made of heavy-gauge steel with a powder-coated finish. You can load two kayaks on it at once because of its 400-pound capacity.
Both ends of the crossbars have adjustable stopper bumpers. This eliminates sideways movement and collisions between your items, which is especially important while making fast spins.
it can be extended up to 70 inches to accommodate almost full-size truck beds. It may also reach a maximum height of 26 inches. You still have enough space to carry other camping gear and important accessories.
Technical Aspects:
- Length: 71” (180.34 cm)
- Width: 3.5” (8.9 cm)
- Weight: 63 lbs (28.6 kg)
- Capacity: 400 lbs (181.4 kg)
Reasons to Buy
Reasons to Avoid
This rack is a great option when it comes to hitch-mounted kayak racks for trucks. Hitch racks are less expensive in general, and this type has a lot of user-friendly features.
12. Front Runner Slimline II Load Bed Rack Kit
It’s a low-profile, modular kit that comes with a cargo tray, load bed tracks, and a wind deflector to form a full-size, shelf-like rack that rests above the truck’s bed.
The rack is made of a combination of aluminum and stainless steel, which assures the “best of both worlds” in terms of strength-to-weight ratio, as I mentioned previously. It weighs a little over 60 pounds, so it’s not exactly light – but it’s also not particularly hefty.
It will suit the needs of kayak owners at 660 pounds, even if it isn’t as high as some other versions. It can carry all of the gear you’ll need for day trips and camping adventures — and then some.
The Slimline II tray (1165mm x 1762mm, 6 load bed mounting legs that slide into the Tracks makes up this load carrying rack system. Drilling is required for installation. For long-term usage, it’s made of aluminum and stainless steel.
Installation instructions and all essential components for attaching the Slimline II Tray to your automobile are included with every Front Runner Rack Kit.
Technical Aspects:
- Bed rack kit
- Aluminum and stainless steel construction
- Weight: 72.8 pounds
- Capacity: 300 kgs / 660 lbs
Reasons to Buy
Reasons to Avoid
The Front Runner Slimline II Roof Rack Kit is one of your top choices if you want a multi-functional, low-profile kayak rack with an amazing strength-to-weight ratio and versatility to boot.
FAQs
Q1. Is it a good idea to use a vehicle kayak rack?
Transporting kayaks using a kayak rack for your pickup is a terrific idea. With a truck rack and a bed extension, you can transport your kayaks and all of your camping gear, and the truck bed can support the majority of the weight of the kayak.
Q2. What can I do to avoid scratching my truck?
Rack solutions keep your boat at least a few inches away from your vehicle, so scratching is virtually impossible once it’s secured.
Q3. How many kayaks can a truck hold?
Your capacity to transport many kayaks at once is determined by the size of your truck and the size of your kayak.
Q4. Is kayak racks on trucks stable?
Kayak racks are quite stable if they are the perfect fit for your vehicle and are mounted correctly.
Best Kayak Racks for Trucks – Conclusion
While the rack you choose will be influenced by the kayak and the model of your truck, the best kayak racks for trucks offer a variety of possibilities. When it comes to finding a kayak rack for SUVs, you have a lot of alternatives. The final choice is based on how you want to use the rack. Because of its versatility.
Truck racks are convenient since they allow you to use your trailer hitch for other purposes. This frees up space in your truck bed for additional cargo. You move the kayaks out of the way so you can take your camping gear or other belongings with you.
Meet Bian, a passionate watersports enthusiast and founder of kayakwave.com
Brian has written guides extensively about kayaking, paddle boarding, fishing, sharing surfing tips, techniques, and personal experiences with readers. Brian has also contributed to many publications and websites, sharing his expertise and love of the water with others.