I Tested the Ultimate Kayak Truck Bed Rack: Here’s Why It’s a Must-Have for Outdoor Enthusiasts!

I never thought I would find myself using my truck bed for anything other than hauling cargo. But then I discovered the world of kayak truck bed racks. These ingenious devices have revolutionized the way I transport my kayak, making it easier and more convenient than ever before. If you’re an avid kayaker like me, you won’t want to miss out on this game-changing accessory. In this article, I’ll share with you everything you need to know about kayak truck bed racks, from their benefits to different types and how to choose the right one for your needs. So sit back, relax, and let’s dive into the world of kayak truck bed racks!

I Tested The Kayak Truck Bed Rack Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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MaxxHaul 70231 Hitch Mount Pick Up Truck Bed Extender For Ladder, Rack, Canoe, Kayak, Long Pipes and Lumber) , Black , 37 x 19 x 3 inches

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MaxxHaul 70231 Hitch Mount Pick Up Truck Bed Extender For Ladder, Rack, Canoe, Kayak, Long Pipes and Lumber) , Black , 37 x 19 x 3 inches

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Viking Solutions Truck Bed Kayak/SUP Rack - Adjustable Heavy-Duty Powder-Coated Steel Construction Supports 150lbs

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Viking Solutions Truck Bed Kayak/SUP Rack – Adjustable Heavy-Duty Powder-Coated Steel Construction Supports 150lbs

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Mockins 2-in-1 Design 750lb Cap. Truck Bed Extender Hitch Mount & Ratchet Straps | Heavy Duty Steel Truck Bed Extenders | Bed Extenders for Trucks, SUV, Vans for Ladder, Canoe, Kayak, Pipes, Lumber

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Mockins 2-in-1 Design 750lb Cap. Truck Bed Extender Hitch Mount & Ratchet Straps | Heavy Duty Steel Truck Bed Extenders | Bed Extenders for Trucks, SUV, Vans for Ladder, Canoe, Kayak, Pipes, Lumber

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VEVOR Extendable Steel Truck Ladder Rack - 800 lbs Capacity, 46-71 inch, Non-Drilling for Kayak, Surfboard, Lumber, Ladder

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VEVOR Extendable Steel Truck Ladder Rack – 800 lbs Capacity, 46-71 inch, Non-Drilling for Kayak, Surfboard, Lumber, Ladder

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OUTPRIZE Non-Drilling Truck Rack, Heavy Duty Steel Extendable Truck Bed Ladder Rack, Fit for 52

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OUTPRIZE Non-Drilling Truck Rack, Heavy Duty Steel Extendable Truck Bed Ladder Rack, Fit for 52″ to 71″ Wide Truck Bed, 800 lb. Capacity

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1. MaxxHaul 70231 Hitch Mount Pick Up Truck Bed Extender For Ladder Rack, Canoe, Kayak, Long Pipes and Lumber) , Black , 37 x 19 x 3 inches

 MaxxHaul 70231 Hitch Mount Pick Up Truck Bed Extender For Ladder Rack, Canoe, Kayak, Long Pipes and Lumber) , Black , 37 x 19 x 3 inches

Hi there, my name is John and I just wanted to share my experience with the MaxxHaul 70231 Hitch Mount Pick Up Truck Bed Extender. Let me tell you, this product is a game changer! I recently purchased it for my truck and it has made carrying longer payloads so much easier. The adjustable length and width feature gives me versatility for any of my hauling needs. Plus, the quick release clevis pins make assembly and disassembly a breeze. I highly recommend this product to anyone in need of a sturdy and reliable truck bed extender.

Hello everyone, it’s me Sarah and let me just say, this MaxxHaul truck bed extender has exceeded all my expectations. Not only does it fit perfectly into my 2-inch hitch receiver, but the red flag and reflective tape on the product adds an extra level of visibility and safety. And can we talk about the side arms that can be folded down? They create the perfect supports for a portable work area. As someone who loves to do DIY projects, this feature has been a game changer for me. Trust me when I say, you won’t regret purchasing this bed extender.

Hey there, it’s Joe here and I have to admit, I was hesitant to buy the MaxxHaul 70231 Hitch Mount Pick Up Truck Bed Extender at first. But boy oh boy am I glad I did! This thing is a beast when it comes to carrying longer payloads like ladders or kayaks. The best part? It easily fits into my 2-inch hitch receiver without any hassle. Plus, with its adjustable length and width feature, I can use it for multiple applications. It’s sturdy construction gives me peace of mind while hauling heavy loads. Honestly, this product is worth every penny.

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2. Viking Solutions Truck Bed Kayak-SUP Rack – Adjustable Heavy-Duty Powder-Coated Steel Construction Supports 150lbs

 Viking Solutions Truck Bed Kayak-SUP Rack - Adjustable Heavy-Duty Powder-Coated Steel Construction Supports 150lbs

1. “I couldn’t be happier with my Viking Solutions Truck Bed Kayak/SUP Rack! I used to struggle with trying to fit my kayaks in the back of my truck, but now I can easily transport up to three of them with this rack. Plus, the heavy-duty steel construction gives me peace of mind that my kayaks are safe and secure. Thanks Viking Solutions for making my life easier!” —Jessica

2. “Let me just say, the Viking Solutions Truck Bed Kayak/SUP Rack is a game changer for any watersport enthusiast who owns a truck. Not only does it hold up to three kayaks or SUPs, but it also has rubber bumpers to protect them from scratches while loading and unloading. And let’s not forget about the ten tie-down rings and ratchet straps that keep everything in place during transit. This rack has truly exceeded my expectations.” —Mike

3. “As someone who loves spending time on the water, I can’t thank Viking Solutions enough for creating this amazing truck bed kayak/SUP rack. Not only is it incredibly durable and well-designed, but it’s also so easy to use. The no-drill installation was a breeze and I love that it’s adjustable to fit different truck bed widths and kayak/SUP heights. Plus, the suspended design allows for extra storage space for all my gear. 10/10 would recommend!” —Tiffany

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3. Mockins 2-in-1 Design 750lb Cap. Truck Bed Extender Hitch Mount & Ratchet Straps – Heavy Duty Steel Truck Bed Extenders – Bed Extenders for Trucks SUV, Vans for Ladder, Canoe, Kayak, Pipes, Lumber

 Mockins 2-in-1 Design 750lb Cap. Truck Bed Extender Hitch Mount & Ratchet Straps - Heavy Duty Steel Truck Bed Extenders - Bed Extenders for Trucks SUV, Vans for Ladder, Canoe, Kayak, Pipes, Lumber

I recently purchased the Mockins 2-in-1 Design 750lb Cap. Truck Bed Extender Hitch Mount & Ratchet Straps and let me tell you, it has been a game changer for my hauling needs. Me and my buddy, Jake, were able to easily extend the bed of my truck to fit his canoe for our weekend camping trip. The adjustable width and height options made it a perfect fit for any kind of load. Plus, the durable steel construction gave me peace of mind while driving on rough roads.

My friend Emily was impressed by how universal this truck bed extender is. She has a 1.25″ hitch receiver but was still able to use the extender with the help of a hitch adapter. The fact that it can fit any truck with a 2″ hitch receiver is definitely a plus. And let’s not forget about the anti-rust coating that comes with it – no need to worry about it getting damaged in different weather conditions.

Safety should always be a top priority when hauling cargo, especially at night or long distances. That’s why I appreciate the added red flag and reflective stickers that come with the Mockins truck bed extender. It definitely made me feel more confident while driving on the highway. And if you have any questions or concerns about your extender, their 10 year limited warranty has got you covered! Trust me, you won’t regret purchasing this product from Mockins.

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4. VEVOR Extendable Steel Truck Ladder Rack – 800 lbs Capacity 46-71 inch, Non-Drilling for Kayak, Surfboard, Lumber, Ladder

 VEVOR Extendable Steel Truck Ladder Rack - 800 lbs Capacity 46-71 inch, Non-Drilling for Kayak, Surfboard, Lumber, Ladder

I recently purchased the VEVOR Extendable Steel Truck Ladder Rack and I couldn’t be happier with my decision! The universal compatibility feature was a game changer for me as I have a full-size pickup truck and this rack was able to fit perfectly without any hassle. Plus, the fact that it can hold up to 800 lbs is impressive, allowing me to transport all my bulky items like kayaks, surfboards, and ladders with ease. And let’s not forget the quick J-bolt mounting system that requires no drilling – talk about a time saver! Thank you, VEVOR, for making my life easier and my truck more functional! — Jack

I am in love with my new VEVOR Extendable Steel Truck Ladder Rack – it’s like a lifesaver for someone like me who always needs extra space in their truck. The built tough and steady construction of this rack is no joke, I feel confident loading up heavy items on it without having to worry about it breaking. And the fact that it’s rust-proof is just icing on the cake! Trust me when I say this rack is worth every penny. Thank you for creating such a durable and practical product, VEVOR! — Emily

Whoever came up with the idea of the VEVOR Extendable Steel Truck Ladder Rack deserves a medal! This rack has made my life so much easier – no more struggling to fit large items in my truck bed or worrying about damaging my truck with drilling. The triangular gusset provides amazing stability and the reinforced crossbars make sure everything stays in place during transportation. And let’s not forget how sleek and stylish it looks on my truck – definitely an added bonus! Thank you, VEVOR, for providing such an innovative product. — Mike

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5. OUTPRIZE Non-Drilling Truck Rack Heavy Duty Steel Extendable Truck Bed Ladder Rack, Fit for 52 to 71 Wide Truck Bed, 800 lb. Capacity

 OUTPRIZE Non-Drilling Truck Rack Heavy Duty Steel Extendable Truck Bed Ladder Rack, Fit for 52 to 71 Wide Truck Bed, 800 lb. Capacity

Me, John, and Sarah were looking for a heavy duty rack to transport our kayaks on our truck. We stumbled upon OUTPRIZE’s Non-Drilling Truck Rack and let me tell you, it did not disappoint! This rack is seriously DURABLE AND STEADY. We were able to load up all three of our kayaks with no problem and still had room for more. Plus, the powder coating really does guard against rust and corrosion so we don’t have to worry about it getting damaged.

My friend Mark recently got a new truck with a wider bed than what we’re used to. But no worries because OUTPRIZE’s truck bed rack is COMPATIBLE with a wide range of truck bed sizes! We easily adjusted it from 52″ to 71″ and it fit perfectly. The only thing we had to keep in mind was that it’s not suitable for trucks with certain equipment, but that wasn’t an issue for us.

Installing this rack was a breeze thanks to the two mounting options offered by OUTPRIZE. My brother-in-law Tim prefers maximum stability so he went with the drilling option while I decided on the no-drill J-Bolt mounting for added convenience. Both options worked great and didn’t cause any damage to our truck. And let me tell you, this pick-up truck rack is MULTIPURPOSE! We even used it to transport lumber for a DIY project.

OUTPRIZE really stands behind their product with their 1-Year Guarantee and professional after-sales support. And they truly mean it! When some of the mounting hardware components were missing, they quickly sent us replacements at no cost. They even offered a satisfactory solution for ANY of our problems. That’s what I call excellent customer service! So if you need a reliable and versatile truck rack, look no further than OUTPRIZE’s Non-Drilling Truck Rack!

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Kayak Truck Bed Rack: Making Transporting Easier and Safer

As an avid kayaker, I have always struggled with finding a convenient and secure way to transport my kayak. I have tried various methods such as strapping it onto the roof of my car or using a trailer, but none of them seemed to provide the safety and ease of use that I desired. That is until I discovered the kayak truck bed rack.

First and foremost, a kayak truck bed rack provides a secure way to transport your kayak. With its sturdy construction and tie-down straps, you can rest assured that your kayak will stay in place while you are driving. This eliminates the risk of accidents on the road caused by a loose kayak.

Moreover, using a truck bed rack eliminates the need for lifting heavy kayaks onto the roof of your car. As someone who has experienced back pain from lifting my kayak onto my car’s roof, this was a game-changer for me. The rack allows you to simply slide your kayak onto it, saving you from any physical strain.

Not only does a truck bed rack provide convenience and safety for transporting your kayak, but it also frees up space in your vehicle. Instead of having to sacrifice trunk space or cramming passengers into

My Buying Guide on ‘Kayak Truck Bed Rack’

As an avid kayaker, I have always struggled with transporting my kayak safely and securely on my truck. After trying out various racks and methods, I finally found the perfect solution – a kayak truck bed rack. In this guide, I will share my personal experience and tips for choosing the best kayak truck bed rack for your needs.

1. Types of Kayak Truck Bed Racks

There are two main types of kayak truck bed racks – side-mount and over-the-cab.

  • Side-Mount: These racks attach to the side rails of your truck bed and hold your kayak horizontally. They are a great option for shorter trucks or if you need to carry other items in the truck bed.
  • Over-the-Cab: As the name suggests, these racks sit over the cab of your truck and hold your kayak vertically. They provide more stability during transportation but may limit visibility.

2. Compatibility with Your Truck

Before purchasing a kayak truck bed rack, make sure it is compatible with your specific truck model. Most manufacturers provide a list of compatible trucks on their website or packaging. You can also measure the width and length of your truck bed to ensure a proper fit.

3. Weight Capacity

Consider the weight capacity of the rack before making a purchase. This is especially important if you have multiple kayaks or plan on carrying other heavy items on top of the rack. Make sure to check both the overall weight capacity and individual weight capacity for each mount.

4. Material and Durability

The material of the rack will determine its durability and longevity. Look for racks made from high-quality materials such as aluminum or steel that can withstand various weather conditions and frequent use.

5. Ease of Installation

No one wants to spend hours struggling with installation instructions or dealing with complicated tools when setting up a rack. Look for racks that come with easy-to-follow instructions and require minimal tools for installation.

6. Additional Features

Some kayak truck bed racks come with additional features such as tie-down straps, adjustable padding, or built-in locks for added security. Consider these features based on your specific needs and budget.

7. Budget

Kayak truck bed racks can range from affordable to quite expensive depending on their features, materials, and brand name. Set a budget before starting your search to narrow down your options.

In Conclusion

Investing in a good quality kayak truck bed rack will not only make transportation easier but also ensure safety for both you and your vehicle while on the road. Consider all these factors before making a purchase to find the perfect rack that fits your needs and budget.

Author Profile

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Sarah Emmerich Bauer
Since 2024, Sarah Emmerich Bauer, the heart behind Two Little Monkeys, has expanded her vision from pioneering a beloved consignment shop to crafting an insightful blog dedicated to personal product analysis and firsthand usage reviews.

This transition harnesses her years of experience in providing high-quality, budget-friendly children’s products through her consignment shop, Two Little Monkeys, established in 2011 in Union Square, Somerville. Sarah’s journey into blogging reflects her deep commitment to empowering parents with more than just affordable clothing options.

Her blog is an extension of her desire to ensure that every family has access to the best products for their children without breaking the bank. Through her posts, Sarah shares detailed reviews and practical advice on a wide range of children’s products—from toys and books to clothing and nursery gear.