Planning to head out with your kayak?
If you're looking for a way to transport your kayak that doesn't involve strapping it to the roof of your vehicle and hoping for the best, you need a truck bed kayak rack. But with so many on the market, which one should you buy?
Never fear – we're here to help. In this article, we'll introduce you to the best truck bed kayak racks on the market today, and help you figure out which one is right for you.
So what are you waiting for? Read on for all the info you need to make an informed decision about your truck bed kayak rack purchase!
We hope you find your next favorite thing from the truck bed kayak racks below! Each one was carefully selected by our editors and a few may have been sent as samples for us to evaluate, but all opinions in this article are our own. GroundedReviews may collect a share of the sales or compensation from the links on this page if you decide to buy something (at no additional cost to you). Our reviews have been edited for length and clarity. Enjoy finding your next favorite thing!
How We Selected These Truck Bed Kayak Racks
You're looking for the best kayak racks on the market, but you're overwhelmed by all the different products and don't want to waste your time or money on the wrong product.
We know how you feel! It can be tough to figure out which truck bed kayak rack is right for you when there are so many different products on the market.
That's where we come in. Our expert reviewers have spent time researching and reviewing the best truck bed kayak racks on the market so that you don't have to. In this article, we'll help you figure out which is the best kayak rack for you and your needs.
AA Racks Model x35 Truck Rack
Best Truck Bed Kayak Rack For Strength And Included J-Racks
Why It's a Great Choice:
Looking for an easy way to transport your kayaks, canoes, or paddle boards? Look no further than AA-Racks Model X35 truck rack! This heavy-duty J-bar style rack features 8 c-clamps for a fast and easy installation, and ratchet straps to keep your boats secure. Plus, there's no need to drill into your truck bed - this rack is compatible with most trucks out there! So grab your gear and hit the open road with ease.
Top Things to Know:
If you're looking for a truck bed kayak rack that can handle up to 2200 lbs., the AA-Racks Model X35 is a great option. It comes with ratchet straps for the bow and stern tie-downs as well as an adjustable rope hanger, giving you plenty of mounting options for your kayak. The adjustable anti-slip padding will keep your kayak well-protected when on the rack, ensuring safe and secure transport.
This is hands down the most versatile and strongest truck bed kayak rack that we have come across, check it out for yourself!
Why It's a Great Choice:
Looking for an easy way to transport your kayak? Check out TracRac's TracONE truck rack! This universal rack can be installed on any truck and has a capacity of up to 800 pounds. The rust-resistant aluminum construction and dual-stage powder coating ensure that this rack will last for years, while the included tie-downs make sure your kayak stays secure throughout any journey.
Top Things to Know:
This rack installation will not damage your truck, it is compatible with kayak accessories from Thule, and offers adjustable tie-downs for additional versatility and load stability. The crossbars feature integrated mounting channels so you can better secure all your cargo, with end caps for increased security. With its easy-to-use single-axis mounting clamps that secure to the bed rail rack, the TracRac TracONE Universal Truck Rack is a breeze to install - and even easier to remove when not in use!
This is similar to the typical lumber-style racks so it's very versatile and can be used as a truck ladder rack or to carry almost anything else you can dream of, including lumber for your weekend projects!
Why It's a Great Choice:
Looking to transport your kayaks or other gear with ease? Look no further than the YAKIMA Overhaul HD truck bed kayak rack! This bad boy can handle up to 500 lbs. of gear, making it a perfect choice for serious outdoor enthusiasts. It's also compatible with all YAKIMA mounts, so you can easily carry your kayaks, surfboards, bikes and more. Plus, the BedGrip clamp design fits most truck beds - even if they're tracked - without issue!
Top Things to Know:
When it comes to truck bed kayak racks, the Yakima Overhaul HD is a top contender. It is made of engineered aluminum with a durable powder-coat finish and has a QuickChange rack system for easy on-off. The height is adjustable from 19-30" and it includes integrated tie-down points as well as T-slot attachments for adding gear mounts and accessories. Plus, there's even a cheeky built-in bottle opener!
Maxxhaul 70231 Hitch Mount Pick Up Truck Bed Extender
Best Truck Bed Kayak Rack For Simplicity
Why It's a Great Choice:
Looking to add a little extra cargo space to your truck? Well, look no further than the MaxxHaul 70231 Hitch Mount Pick Up Truck Bed Extender! This handy device easily extends your bed for carrying longer payloads such as kayaks and canoes. It's designed to fit 2-Inch hitch receivers and has adjustable length and width for versatility. So whether you're hitting the open road or taking on some serious whitewater, the MaxxHaul 70231 Hitch Mount Pick Up Truck Bed Extender is sure to come in handy!
Top Things to Know:
If you are looking for a truck bed kayak rack that is easy to assemble and disassemble, the MaxxHaul 70231 Hitch Mount Pick Up Truck Bed Extender is a great option. It features 4 quick-release clevis pins, which makes assembly a breeze. Additionally, the red flag and reflective tape on the product add further visibility and safety. The side arms can be folded down to create the supports for a portable work area.
If you don't like the idea of lifting your kayaks high overhead to load and unload them then this truck bed hitch extender is a simple and great option to consider!
Why It's a Great Choice:
If you're looking for an add-on to your existing truck kayak rack or roof rack to make securing your kayaks easier then look no further than the TMS Kayak Roof Racks. These J-Bars are strong, reliable and versatile, and designed to fit almost any truck bed kayak rack or roof rack on the market. You can be sure that your kayaks will be safe and secure with these J-racks.
Plus, you can haul multiple kayaks on a standard truck (4 in fact) with the compact J-Bar design, so these racks are perfect for anyone who wants to hit the open water with a group of friends!
Top Things to Know:
If you're looking for the best truck bed kayak rack attachment on the market, look no further than this TMS adjustable utility rack. These racks are made of steel with adjustable padding to ensure your kayaks are safe and sound while being transported. The wide-mouth J bar makes it easy to load and unload your kayaks, and the quick on/off hardware means installation is a breeze. Plus, the powder-coated finish will keep your racks rust-free for years to come.
Best Truck Bed Kayak Rack FAQ:
You want to buy a truck bed kayak rack but don't know which one is the best for you.
There are a lot of truck bed kayak racks on the market and it can be hard to figure out which one is the right fit for your needs.
We've created a list of the most Frequently Asked Questions about truck bed kayak racks so that you can make an informed decision before you buy. With this information, you'll be able to find the perfect truck bed kayak rack for your needs without any confusion or hassle.
What truck bed kayak rack is the best?
There are a few things to consider when looking for the perfect kayak rack. The most important factor is the size of your truck and the kayaks you plan to transport.
Another thing to keep in mind is how you plan to use your truck bed kayak rack. Some racks are designed for transporting kayaks, while others are more versatile and suited for storage. If you only need to transport your kayaks a few times a year, a storage-only rack may be the better option.
Finally, price is always an important consideration when making any purchase. Be sure to compare the features of different truck bed kayak racks to find the best one for your needs and budget.
How do I know if a truck bed kayak rack will fit my vehicle?
There are a few considerations you'll want to take into account when purchasing a truck bed kayak rack. The most important is to make sure that the rack you buy is compatible with your truck. You'll also want to consider the weight of the kayaks you plan to transport, as well as the size of your truck bed.
Some people might be tempted to try and DIY a truck bed kayak rack, but it's important to remember that these racks can be dangerous if not installed correctly. Most racks are a more universal design and will work for the majority of trucks out there, but it's always best to consult with the seller before purchasing just to be sure it will be compatible with your truck.
How do I install a truck bed kayak rack?
Once you've decided on a rack style, installation is relatively easy. Most kayak racks for trucks come with detailed instructions, and most can be installed in less than an hour. Be sure to use all of the included hardware, and double-check that the rack is securely fastened to your truck before loading your kayaks.
Some racks are designed to use the built-in mounting options included with some vehicles, others will use a more universal design with C-clamps to fasten onto the truck, and there are a few that will require drilling and bolting - but thankfully they are not as common.
Can I take my truck bed kayak rack off when I'm not using it?
Yes, you can take your truck bed kayak rack off when you're not using it – but only if you want to! It's not like it's going to just up and walk away on its own. But seriously, truck bed kayak racks are a great way to transport your kayak, they don't look too bad, and you can use them to carry many other things. Plus, they're sturdy and dependable – so why bother taking it on and off all the time? Just leave it on and make good use of it.
What should I do if my truck bed Kayak Rack breaks?
If your truck bed kayak rack breaks, you have a few options. You could try to fix it yourself, or you could take it to a mechanic. If neither of those two options works, you could buy a new truck bed kayak rack. But before you do that, make sure to shop around and compare prices. You can usually find a cheaper truck bed kayak rack online than you can at your local store.
Final Thoughts About Truck Bed Kayak Racks
Truck bed kayak racks are the perfect way to transport your kayaks without having to worry about them getting damaged. Not only do truck bed kayak racks make it easy to get your kayaks from Point A to Point B, but they also keep them nice and safe during the journey. Plus, truck bed kayak racks are affordable and easy to install, making them a great choice for anyone looking for an efficient way to transport their kayaks.
If you’re in the market for a kayak truck rack, be sure to check out the best options we have covered in this article – you won’t be disappointed!
If you don't like the idea of using your truck bed to transport your kayaks then check out our article on the best kayak trailers instead!
Michael Karlsson
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