How to Transport a Kayak in a Truck? [Top 3 Methods 2023]

Kayaking is a popular outdoor activity that allows you to explore nature and enjoy the great outdoors. However, transporting a kayak can be a bit of a challenge, especially if you don’t have the right equipment.

In this article, we will explore the different ways for how to transport a kayak in a truck, from using a kayak rack to tie-downs and tarps. We will also discuss the pros and cons of each method, DIY ways and provide tips for ensuring that your kayak is transported safely and securely. Whether you are a seasoned kayaker or new to the sport, this article will provide you with the information you need to transport your kayak with ease by kayak racks.

You should have a lot more to learn, so let’s get started right now.

How to Transport a Kayak in a Pickup Truck – Overview of Top 3 Methods

Kayaking is one of the most liked outdoor activities that everyone enjoys. Everyone avoids the hectic rent of a kayak whenever they plan to go kayaking so they buy their own what will be convenient for them. At this point, they also need the vehicle to carry their kayak to the river or lakes for kayaking. Transportation of the kayak is also a big phase. So people used pickup trucks to load their kayaks into the vehicle. It is not easy as it seems. We will discuss 3 methods of transporting kayaks on a pickup truck.

1. Transporting kayak on a truck bed.
2. Roof rack transportation. 
3. Truck utility Rack transportation. 

Transporting Kayak on a Truck Bed

Before putting a kayak in the water, you have to put your kayak in the truck bed. Loading the kayak in the truck bed is difficult. Make sure the weight of the kayak is balanced over the truck bed. This method is more commonly used by kayakers. The hull has to bear the maximum load of the kayak because less support gets you in trouble. The imbalance of kayaks on vehicles tends to be phase a major problem. Another thing to keep in mind is the kayak’s size.

If your kayak size is larger than the truck bed you should put extra space by joining the bed extender and you need some safety things to keep your kayak safe from damage like a rubber belt and foam block. These foam blocks keep your paddles safe.

The truck bed method is affordable for every kayaker to transport the kayak more conveniently. Short, regular, and long truck beds are the three categories of Truck beds. If you are going to purchase a kayak you must know the size of your truck bed. So, if you know the right size of truck bed then you will buy the right size of kayak. 

Here we will provide all sizes of measurement of the truck bed. 

• Short truck bed: 5ft

• Standard truck bed: 6.5 ft

• Long truck bed: 8ft

Kayak also has two types recreational kayaks and touring kayaks both have different sizes. The size of the recreational kayak is about 8 to 13 ft and the size of the touring kayak is 14 to 18ft long. So you have to look at the capacity of the truck bed. If the kayak is not fit into the truck bed due to its short length then you have to change the position of the kayak. You should put the kayak in a diagonal position to solve this problem. The thing you need to know in terms of security is to put the cable lock that is used to secure the kayak from being stolen. 

Pros

• This is cost-effective method to transport your kayak.
• This is simple and easy way to transport your kayak to cover shorter distance.
• you don’t need to add additional upgrades and equipment to your car.

Cons

• You must require additional lock security to secure your kayak from theft.

Roof Rack Transportation

If you have full storage in the bed truck then a Roof rack is the more considerable method that you look into. This is a very easy and non-permanent way to put the kayak on the rooftop of the truck. These racks have many varieties so you can pick any of them according to your need. Many companies manufacture roof racks for kayaking transportation but the two best companies are THULE and YAKIMA. The only difference is that Yakima manufactures round bars while Thule makes square bars. 

Pros

• The tonneau cover is not required to be taken off.
• By using the truck’s roof rack system, more cargo may be transported in the bed, such as kayaking gear and camping gear.

Cons

• Transporting a kayak or other bulky object might negatively affect your fuel economy.
• This strategy will not work for a single-cab pickup vehicle with only front seats.

Truck Utility Rack Transportation

When you want to transport more than one kayak then a truck utility rack will be used. It is the mixture of both transporting rack systems that are mentioned above. The truck utility rack system will help you to carry more than one kayak at the same time. It is also best for transporting tours and tandem kayaks. It also has more capacity due to the combination of the roof rack and truck bed system. It is reliable for long trips. The durability of the truck utility rack is very good.

Pros

• This is ideal for touring and tandem kayaks.
• The truck bed can now be used to transport extra supplies or more kayaks on longer trips.
• Extra crossbar extensions are available for carrying bikes, ladders, and other sportswear.
• You can get both a quality roof rack and a pickup truck and it gives you more load capacity and a large storage area.

Cons

• It tends to be really loud and vibrates a lot at high speed.
• You must need a person to help because you can not install and set it up on your own.

Kayak in Short Truck Bed

 

Transporting a kayak through the vehicle is a more easy way to campaign your favorite place. Those who have pickup trucks can easily put the kayak on the truck bed. Sometimes time they faced some problems because they have short truck beds than kayaks have. If you have a short truck bed and your kayak is big then a bed extender is the best option to load a kayak on the truck.

Further, you can add support by leaving the tailgate down. You can also use a robe to tie the kayak it makes your kayak more secure. Last but not least put a red flag at the back of the kayak for safety purposes. It is good and convenient for a short distance. When you have a long route then you must need extra truck beds. 

As we all know that the truck bed should hold 70% of the kayak’s weight. As if they are not able to maintain the kayak’s weight due to its short size so you will have to pay extra for the bed extender. It will be fixed with the hitch receiver which provides an extra approximately 2 or more ft to the back of the pickup truck. It can be removable when you need it you can be attached or if you don’t so you can remove it. 

How to Transport a Kayak in a Truck?

Before loading the kayak on the truck some basic things need to be kept in our mind. The position of the boat should fly out when you are speeding on the road. You need robes and straps to tie the kayak for safety. Your truck bed should be clean and ready. It is very simple to put the kayak on the truck and be careful while loading upload slowly and carefully safe from damage or dent. 

If you put the tailgate up then you should cover it with a cloth or use a towel to cover it in terms to protect the deck of your boat. And if you put the tailgate down then you must put one side of the kayak on the tailgate and another side on the truck bed. You can repeat this procedure for putting another kayak.

How to Transport a Kayak on a Small Car

Transporting a kayak on a small car can be a bit trickier than on a larger vehicle, but it is still possible. The best option is to use a kayak rack that attaches to the roof of your car. These racks typically consist of two horizontal bars that sit on top of the roof and secure the kayak in place. Make sure to choose a rack that is compatible with your car and the size and weight of your kayak.

If you don’t have a roof rack, you can still transport a kayak on a small car using tie-downs and a tarp. To transport a kayak on a small car, place the kayak on its side in the trunk or back seat of your car. Make sure to place a tarp or other protective material between the kayak and the interior of your car to prevent any damage. Next, tie down the kayak using tie-downs specifically designed for kayaks. The tie-downs should be attached to the car and the kayak should be secured in at least two places, one at the bow and one at the stern.

It is important to ensure that the kayak is secured tightly and won’t shift during transit. Make sure to test the tie-downs before hitting the road and check them periodically during the trip. It is also important to make sure that the kayak won’t interfere with the visibility through the rear window or cover the license plate or lights.

It is important to note that, the smaller the car, the less space you will have available, so it’s important to plan ahead and make sure that you have all the necessary equipment, including tie-downs and tarps, to ensure that your kayak is transported safely and securely.

How to Transport a Fishing Kayak

Transporting a fishing kayak requires some planning and preparation to ensure that the kayak is transported safely and securely. The best option is to use a kayak rack specifically designed for the bed of a pickup truck or the roof of a car. These racks typically consist of two horizontal bars that sit on top of the bed or roof and secure the kayak in place. Make sure to choose a rack that is compatible with your vehicle and the size and weight of your kayak.

If you don’t have a kayak rack, you can still transport a fishing kayak using tie-downs and a tarp. To transport a fishing kayak, place the kayak on its side in the bed of your truck or the trunk of your car. Make sure to place a tarp or other protective material between the kayak and the interior of your vehicle to prevent any damage. Next, tie down the kayak using tie-downs specifically designed for kayaks. The tie-downs should be attached to the vehicle and the kayak should be secured in at least two places, one at the bow and one at the stern.

When transporting a fishing kayak, it is important to make sure that the kayak is secured tightly and won’t shift during transit. Make sure to test the tie-downs before hitting the road and check them periodically during the trip. It is also important to make sure that the kayak won’t interfere with the visibility through the rear window or cover the license plate or lights.

Recommended reading: Best Small Fishing Kayaks 2023

Fishing kayaks often have fishing rod holders, accessories and gear, it is important to secure them properly. Also, it is important to take into account the extra weight and size of the kayak due to the fishing gear and accessories.

It’s important to have the right equipment, including tie-downs and tarps, and to take the necessary precautions to ensure that your fishing kayak is transported safely and securely.

How to Carry the Kayak?

You and your friend can easily carry it. There are handles at the bow and the stern so you can easily hold the kayak from both sides. Both people lift the kayak from the front and back so the weight of the kayak can easily carry. 

If you are alone carrying the kayak then you should know how to carry it.

Stand in the same direction as the kayak, hold the left side of the kayak and hold the side of the cockpit that is close to your hands pull the edge of the kayak on your thigh and stand with the kayak make sure the kayak should not change its position it must be on your shoulders and you should grab tightly. Here are some tips before you carry the kayak.

USE A CART: Use a cart with wheels.

PROTECT YOUR BACK: when you sit on the floor to pick up the kayak you should keep your back straight.

WEAR YOUR PFD: when you are alone to carry the kayak you should wear a life jacket PFD on your shoulders it protects you and keeps the kayak on it.

Recommended reading: Best life jacket for kayaking 2023

Transportation of Kayaks on a Truck (3 Steps)

For the transportation of kayaks on trucks, you should know the right size of the kayak. You should know the right size and length of the truck with its racks and all safety kinds of stuff that might be used when needed. When you are going kayaking you must need a kayak and you also need something to travel that is the right size of vehicle and straps to secure the kayak.

Considering the length of the kayak and truck put the kayak into the truck bed safely and keep a red flag if it is necessary. Do you always worry about how to carry the kayak on the truck with you? Kayaks are large and required good space for loading. The truck is large and has enough space to keep the kayak on it so you can easily transport the kayak with you.

So there are two ways to transport the kayak on the truck are as fellow: 

1. Laying in the truck bed 

This is the most demanding and common method to keep the kayak on the truck. It is very simple and easy for everyone to transport their kayak. You simply pull the tailgate and slide the kayak on the truck bed in an angled position through this method the length of the kayak fix in the truck bed. After safely placing the kayak you should tie down the kayak with the straps to secure it from any damage. T

ie-down straps carefully with the second hock that are present insight the truck bed keep sure the straps are tightly secure that prevent movement of the kayak while you are driving.

2. Using a Rack

This is another way to transport your kayak with you. This method is very easy you have to pay extra but you will get some extra space for storage for the long trip. 

3. Loading and Securing the Kayak on a Truck

The first thing that you need to do is clean all the truck bed areas where you want to load the kayak. If the length of the kayak is short then you can easily put it by yourself on the truck and if the length of the kayak is long then you must need one more person who helps you.

By using the handles on the left side of the kayak and slighting it at the upper side of the truck bed you should keep the hull of the kayak upper side that will not hurt your face. You can also use the foam blocks to keep safe from damage. When its position is maintained by you on the back of the truck make sure it will not be 30% hangout of the truck in that case you will need extra space by adding a bed extender.

How far can a Kayak Hang Out of a Truck?

Whenever you want to transport your kayak through a truck you wonder how far can a kayak go on the truck? and how far the truck bed carries the kayak. So these are the main question that arrived into your mind while transporting the kayak on the truck. 

Don’t make a rush or making to hurry while loading the kayak. Take time and tie the kayak carefully. It is important to secure your kayak perfectly. Also, you should use a cockpit cover when the speed of the truck is high. It prevents losing the strap while driving at high speed and keeps your kayak safe.

If you keep the kayak on the truck then you should drive carefully and maintain the speed level of the truck because high speed makes the grip lose so which can cause damage to the kayak or maybe the kayak got a dent. These are the basic points that need to be considered on the other hand that the factor that depends upon how far the kayak hangs out of the truck is that the kayak must be 3ft at the front and must be 4ft from the back.

This also depends on which state where you are transporting. Some states give more overhang but you should check and study all that things before you transport the kayak on the truck. 

How to Transport Two Kayaks in a Truck or SUV

Kayaking is the most enjoyable activity that will close you to nature. If you want to go kayaking in your vehicle it seems easy and intrusting that keep the kayak on the back of the truck, Tie it down and you are ready to go for paddling through water but that is not as easy as you think.

What if you have to load 2 kayaks in the truck bed? The thing that you need while taking 2 kayaks on the truck bed make sure to prepare a checklist before going about what you will need to transport the kayaks on the truck bed.

1. You need cam straps for tying the kayaks for both kayaks.
2. You need one person to help you while loading kayaks on the truck bed.
3. You will need red and orange flags if necessary.
4. You will need some rack extensions for the support of the kayaks.

The first thing to do is clean the truck bed, and with the help of your friend grab the kayak and lift it onto the truck it is not so difficult to do, and then strapped the kayak with both sides, If the size of the truck is big then it is easy to fit insight the 2 kayaks. But if they are not fit insight the truck bed then we have some other options that we use rack extension.

Recommended reading: 12 Best Kayak Racks for Trucks 2023

After setting both the kayaks on the truck bed or utility racks this time is to strap both kayaks with the cam straps. You can not make straps too tight that cause damage to the kayak tie down carefully and you are ready to go with 2 kayaks on the pickup truck.

How to Transport 2 Kayaks Without a Roof Rack

Transporting two kayaks without a roof rack can be done, but it does require some planning and preparation. One option is to use a kayak rack specifically designed for the bed of a pickup truck. These racks typically consist of two horizontal bars that sit on top of the bed and secure the kayak in place. If you don’t have a pickup truck, you can still transport two kayaks using tie-downs and a tarp.

To transport two kayaks without a roof rack, first, place one kayak upside down in the bed of your truck, and then place the second kayak on top of it. Make sure to place a tarp or other protective material between the two kayaks to prevent any damage. Next, tie down the kayaks using tie-downs specifically designed for kayaks. The tie-downs should be attached to the bed of the truck and the kayaks should be secured in at least two places, one at the bow and one at the stern.

It is important to make sure that the kayaks are secured tightly and won’t shift during transit. Make sure to test the tie-downs before hitting the road, and check them periodically during the trip. Also, make sure that the kayaks won’t interfere with the visibility through the rear window, or don’t cover the license plate or lights.

Another option is to use a kayak trailer, if you have one, that allows you to transport multiple kayaks. This will keep the kayaks off the truck bed and will provide more space for other things that you may need to transport, like camping gear.

In any case, it’s important to have the right equipment, including tie-downs and tarps, and to take the necessary precautions to ensure that your kayaks are transported safely and securely.

FAQs

Wrapping Up for How to Transport a Kayak in a Truck

So hopefully all the information mentioned above will help you with how to transport a kayak in a pickup truck. Some main things that you should need to be focused on while transporting. Make sure that your kayak ties perfectly, and use precautions while loading your truck.

It is hard and sometimes it is frustrating to load a kayak on the truck because the kayak contains heavy weight but the right method will help you to load the kayak easily on the truck. Hope you found some valuable information on how to transport a kayak in a truck. If you have any suggestions so you can share them in the comments.