The Best Kayak Holder For Truck: With Buying Guide in 2024
Kayaking isn’t the hardest part getting there! Everyone wants to explore new terrain, but few live where they kayak.
Top 5 Best Kayak Holder For Truck.
Trucks transport most loads, so why not your kayak? Unfortunately, most kayaks are too long for truck beds.
The Best Kayak Holder For Truck: With Buying Guide in 2024
This informative piece will analyze the best kayak holder for truck and explain how to pick one, with pros and cons of each product. Let’s begin.
Are You In A Hurry, Then Check Out Below:
Want to upgrade kayak transport? The best kayak holder for truck is AA-Racks’ APX25! This heavy-duty metal holder is lightweight despite its strong structure.
The 40-pound APX25 is 71 inches wide and 28 inches tall, making it easy to handle. This lightweight holder can handle 800 pounds of stuff however you may not be planning a kayak load that large soon!
Its easy installation makes this system stand out. Universal mounting clamps on the APX25 provide a snug fit without drilling holes in your vehicle.
The only complaint is that the powder-coated surface scratches easily. When you’re driving with your kayak, efficiency beats looks.
If you possess a full-size pickup truck and want a top-notch kayak holder for truck, the APX25 from AA-Racks is the best!
Pros
- Can hold two kayaks.
- Can modify tie-down points
- Excellent build quality, worth every cent.
- Contains no-drill universal mounting clamps.
Cons
- Its powder-coated finish is easily scratchable.
- This product lacks height adjustment.
Want to haul more kayaks or stuff in your truck? My next favorite kayak holder is the Lund 601021 Hitch Mounted Truck Bed Extender! This inventive holder expands your truck bed by four feet, providing you with plenty of storage for adventure gear.
This bed extender is made of heavy-duty steel and can support 750 lbs. Not only is it strong, but also convenient. Installation is simple; no technological expertise is needed. When not in use, fold it and store it till next time.
Transporting a roof-mounted kayak? No problem! This holder can hold a roof-mounted kayak with an adaptor in addition to increasing your truck bed. Also, safety? Covered. It has a safety flag and red bright tape to keep you legal and visible.
Adjustable arms serve as the game-changer. No matter your kayak size, these adjustable arms fit securely for all your water activities.
Ready to travel confidently? The Lund Hitch Mounted Truck Bed Extender protects you, literally!
Pros
- High weight capacity
- Contains flag and reflective tape.
- Fits regular 2-inch receiver hitches.
- Easily installed hitch rack
Cons
- You need an adaptor to use the rack system vertically.
The Darby 944 hitch-mounted bed extender is great for kayak holder for truck. It attaches easily to a 2″ trailer hitch receiver and adjusts to fit different vehicle sizes for versatility. It blends with roof racks and truck beds vertically and horizontally.
The Darby 944 is made of heavy-duty powder-coated steel for durability. A pin-and-clip system makes installation easy in seconds. It can accommodate numerous kayaks with a weight limit of 350 pounds and a spacious 48″ width.
It may extend a truck bed or compliment pickup or SUV roof racks. It easily disassembles for safe storage.
Its camper shell compatibility is notable. It securely holds the kayak on top and stores camping goods under the shell when used vertically.
Turning the truck’s bed into a kayak rack has never been simpler. This versatile kayak holder for truck may be used vertically or horizontally. Its easy assembly and breakdown make storage easy.
Pros
- Adaptable kayak rack
- Suitable for transporting other stuff.
- Easy setup
Cons
- Insufficient height for tall camper shells
- Wrap the support to prevent kayak scratches.
Unlike a kayak truck rack, the AMP Research BedXTender is a U-shaped extender. Flip the tailgate open and attach for 2 feet of truck bed enclosure. Recreational kayaks fit well within, while bigger kayaks may not.
Powder-coated aluminum alloy tubes make this extender stronger. Lifting the pieces to install is easy with the 17-pound extension. The measurements are 36.5 x 19.5 x 17 inches. The assembly and installation instructions are simple. No cutting, but a power drill is needed.
AMP Research’s motto is “Use and abuse.” The torque-resistant u-shape (or ‘clamshell’) is their preference. They designed the BedXTender to be versatile.
My most inexpensive entry costs much less but takes up less room.
Pros
- U-shaped extension provides 2 feet of enclosed truck bed space.
- Powder coated aluminum alloy tubes for durability.
- Weighs about 17 lbs, making it easy to lift and install.
- Durable and reliable torque-resistant construction.
Cons
- Limited space compared to alternatives.
Malone is a trusted brand, and the J-Loader Kayak Roof Rack is no exception. This best kayak holder for truck comes with additional cushioning to safeguard the kayak straight out of the box. So you never have to worry about harming or scratching the kayak’s hull. It also includes simple setup instructions and hardware, making it ideal for newbies.
The holder also includes a ratchet strap to secure your kayak and a 12-foot loading strap to protect it and the vehicle. Additionally, you don’t have to dismantle it after finished. Instead of constantly building and disassembling it, fold it down. Best part? The rack is one of the lightest on my list at 12 lbs.
Pros
- This product has a limited lifetime guarantee.
- Contains boarding ramps.
- Heavy-duty.
Cons
- The kayak is stowed on the side, which may not be comfortable for some.
Kayak Holder For Truck – Buying Guide
Consider numerous aspects when selecting the best kayak holder for truck to guarantee you obtain the perfect equipment for your requirements. Look for these qualities in a kayak truck holder:
Type of Rack
J-cradle, saddle, stacker, and horizontal kayak truck racks exist. Choose the kind that best meets your requirements since each has pros and cons. J-cradle racks can hold one or two kayaks, whereas stacker racks can accommodate four.
Material
Kayak truck racks are aluminum, steel, or plastic. Your material choice depends on your budget and durability needs. Aluminum is lightweight and rust-resistant, whereas steel is stronger but heavier.
Capacity
Another consideration is kayak truck holder’s capacity. Choose a kayak holder that can support its weight. Its weight capacity is generally included in the product specs; be sure it fits your kayak.
Security
Finally, evaluate the kayak holder for truck’s security measures. A solid kayak truck holder locks to protect your kayak during transit. Some holders use wires and straps for increased security.
FAQs:
1. How to store kayaks in trucks?
Answer: Keep your kayak upside down for long-term storage in your truck to avoid rainfall and debris in the cockpit.
2. How fast can you drive with a kayak on top?
Answer: Driving the speed limit with a secured kayak is possible. Kayak holder maker Yakima advises against going above 80 mph with a kayak on your roof.
3. Are Truck Kayak Holders Safe?
Answer: Your truck kayak holder should fit and be correctly mounted to be safe. Keep your kayaks tied down and drive slowly. Following these common sense criteria makes a kayak holder for truck safe.
Kayak Holder For Truck – Conclusion
My roundup of the best kayak holders for truck contains some diverse alternatives, but your pick will depend on the kayak and truck type. You’ll probably use it for more than hauling your kayaks to the water.
Each model I choose covers that, too. One standout choice was the AA-Racks Model APX25 Pickup Truck Kayak Rack.
The AA-Racks APX25 is my top pick for a reason, but take your time and find what works for you. Any of the models you saw today may work!