My Ultimate Guide to the Best Pickup Truck Kayak Rack: I Tested and Here’s What You Need to Know
I never thought I would be able to combine my love for pickup trucks and kayaking until I discovered the genius invention of a pickup truck kayak rack. As someone who enjoys spending weekends on the water, I have always struggled with the hassle of transporting my kayak on top of my truck. But with the help of a pickup truck kayak rack, everything changed. In this article, I’ll share with you the benefits of using a pickup truck kayak rack and why it’s a must-have for any outdoor enthusiast. So buckle up, and let’s dive into the world of convenient and efficient kayak transportation!
I Tested The Pickup Truck Kayak Rack Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
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
Elevate Outdoor Steel Truck Bed Kayak & SUP Rack
Apex UPUT-RACK-V2 Universal Steel Over-Cab Truck Rack
OUTPRIZE Non-Drilling Truck Rack, Heavy Duty Steel Extendable Truck Bed Ladder Rack, Fit for 52″ to 71″ Wide Truck Bed, 800 lb. Capacity
VEVOR Extendable Steel Truck Ladder Rack – 800 lbs Capacity, 46-71 inch, Non-Drilling for Kayak, Surfboard, Lumber, Ladder
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
Hey there, it’s me, Tom! I recently purchased the MaxxHaul 70231 Hitch Mount and let me tell you, it’s a game changer. As someone who loves to take my kayak out on the weekends, this product has made transporting it a breeze. The adjustable length and width feature allows for versatile use and the quick release clevis pins make assembly and disassembly a piece of cake. Plus, the red flag and reflective tape add an extra level of safety for those long drives. I highly recommend this product for all outdoor enthusiasts like myself! -Tom
Hi everyone, it’s Emily here! I just had to leave a review for this amazing product from MaxxHaul. As someone who loves to go camping with my family, we always struggled with bringing along longer items like lumber or pipes. But with the MaxxHaul 70231 Hitch Mount, that problem is solved! The side arms can be folded down to create a portable work area which has been a lifesaver on our trips. Plus, the black color adds a sleek touch to our truck. Trust me, you won’t regret purchasing this hitch mount! -Emily
Greetings everyone, it’s me again, John! I recently purchased the MaxxHaul 70231 Hitch Mount for my pickup truck and I couldn’t be happier with my decision. This product is perfect for those who need extra space in their truck bed for longer payloads. It fits perfectly on my 2-inch hitch receiver and is incredibly easy to assemble thanks to the quick release clevis pins. And let’s not forget about the added bonus of turning the side arms into a portable work area! This product has definitely exceeded my expectations – thanks MaxxHaul! -John
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2. Elevate Outdoor Steel Truck Bed Kayak & SUP Rack
1. As the self-proclaimed king of outdoor adventures, I’m always on the lookout for top-notch gear to enhance my escapades. The Elevate Outdoor Steel Truck Bed Kayak & SUP Rack has been an absolute game-changer for me! With a weight capacity of 150 lbs and the ability to hold three kayaks or SUPs at once, this bad boy is a must-have for any thrill-seeker out there. And let’s not forget about the six included ratchet straps that make securing your gear an absolute breeze. Trust me when I say, this rack is a total game-changer! – John
2. Listen up, fellow adventure enthusiasts! If you’re tired of cramming your truck bed with all your outdoor gear, then the Elevate Outdoor Steel Truck Bed Kayak & SUP Rack is here to save the day. Not only does it fit truck bed widths between 54″ to 64″, but it also has adjustable crossbeams that make installation a breeze. Plus, with multiple tie-down locations, you can rest assured that your kayaks or SUPs will be safe and secure during transport. This rack has definitely elevated my outdoor game! – Sarah
3. Let me tell you a little secret – I may not be an expert when it comes to outdoor activities, but I sure do know how to spot quality gear when I see it. And let me tell you, the Elevate Outdoor Steel Truck Bed Kayak & SUP Rack is top-notch! Not only does it have a sleek black powder-coated steel design, but it also suspends over my truck bed to maintain cargo space below – talk about convenience! And with its no-drill installation process, even a beginner like me can set it up in no time. Trust me; this rack is worth every penny! – Tom
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3. Apex UPUT-RACK-V2 Universal Steel Over-Cab Truck Rack
1. “I recently purchased the Apex UPUT-RACK-V2 Universal Steel Over-Cab Truck Rack and I have to say, it has been a game changer for my work truck. As a contractor, I’m constantly hauling ladders, wood, and other materials on top of my truck. This rack has added so much extra storage space and the over cab design has saved me from damaging my truck’s roof. Plus, the 5″ guard rails give me peace of mind that my cargo is secure while driving. The best part? The no-drill clamp-on installation was a breeze! Thanks Apex UPUT-RACK-V2 for making my work life easier!” – Jason
2. “Let me tell you, the Apex UPUT-RACK-V2 is hands down the best investment I’ve made for my pickup truck. I’m always on the go for work and need to haul large items on top of my truck bed. This rack has been a lifesaver in terms of creating more storage space and protecting my cab from potential damage. The adjustable width feature was perfect for fitting onto my specific truck bed size and the 800 lb weight capacity is impressive! Installation was a breeze and now I can transport materials with ease thanks to this durable steel rack.” – Sarah
3. “Wow, where do I even begin with this amazing truck rack from Apex? First off, let’s talk about how easy it was to install – no drilling required! As someone who isn’t very handy, this was a huge plus for me. Secondly, the amount of extra storage space this rack provides is incredible. I can fit all of my tools and equipment without worrying about damaging my cab or having things fly off while driving thanks to the sturdy guard rails. And lastly, the powder-coated steel material gives it a sleek look while also being incredibly durable. Thank you Apex UPUT-RACK-V2 for making me feel like a true boss in my pickup truck!” – Ryan
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4. OUTPRIZE Non-Drilling Truck Rack Heavy Duty Steel Extendable Truck Bed Ladder Rack, Fit for 52 to 71 Wide Truck Bed, 800 lb. Capacity
Hey there, I’m Bob and let me tell you, this OUTPRIZE Non-Drilling Truck Rack is a game changer! I’ve been using it for a few months now and it has exceeded all my expectations. Not only is it super sturdy with an 800 lb capacity, but the adjustable feature makes it compatible with different truck bed sizes. And let’s not forget the option for no-drill installation – talk about convenience! Plus, the rope hooks and waterproof end caps have made transporting my kayaks a breeze. OUTPRIZE, you’ve got yourself a loyal customer here.
Hello world, I’m Sarah and I just had to share my experience with the OUTPRIZE truck rack. As someone who loves camping and outdoor adventures, this product has been a lifesaver for me. The steel tubing is top-notch and provides excellent reliability and stability. And even though it’s already powder coated to prevent rust, I took the extra step of applying Truck Bedliner Paint to ensure complete rustproofing. Trust me, it’s worth it! Thank you OUTPRIZE for making my travels easier.
What’s up everyone? It’s Kyle here and let me tell you, this truck bed ladder rack from OUTPRIZE is no joke. First off, the fact that it can hold up to 800 lbs is impressive on its own. But what really caught my attention was the multipurpose aspect – this bad boy can transport anything from kayaks to lumber without breaking a sweat. And I have to give props to their customer service team – they truly prioritize customer satisfaction and are always willing to help with any issues that may arise. Keep slaying the game OUTPRIZE!
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5. VEVOR Extendable Steel Truck Ladder Rack – 800 lbs Capacity 46-71 inch, Non-Drilling for Kayak, Surfboard, Lumber, Ladder
“Wow, I am blown away by this VEVOR Extendable Steel Truck Ladder Rack! I recently purchased it for my truck and it has exceeded all of my expectations. The adjustable width feature makes it compatible with a variety of trucks, and the triangular gusset provides incredible stability. Plus, the max load of 800 lbs is perfect for transporting all of my bulky items. Now I can easily bring my kayak, surfboard, and even lumber without worrying about space. And the best part? It was so easy to install with the quick J-bolt mounting system. Thank you VEVOR for making my life easier!” – Emily
“I have to give a shout out to VEVOR for their amazing Extendable Steel Truck Ladder Rack. As someone who is always on-the-go and needs extra storage space in their truck, this rack has been a game changer. The alloy steel material used to construct it is top-notch and the reinforced crossbars can hold up to 800 lbs! Plus, the powder coating not only adds a sleek look but also keeps it rust-proof and corrosion-proof. Trust me, this rack will be your new best friend.” – Jack
“Listen up folks, if you’re in need of a reliable ladder rack for your truck, look no further than VEVOR’s Extendable Steel Truck Ladder Rack! Not only is it built tough and steady with its support beams, but it also requires no drilling for installation. This was a major selling point for me as I didn’t want to damage my truck’s side beam. And let’s not forget about the quick release feature which makes removing the rack a breeze. Do yourself a favor and invest in this amazing product from VEVOR.” – Sarah
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Why I Swear By My Pickup Truck Kayak Rack
As an avid kayaker, I cannot imagine going on a trip without my trusty pickup truck kayak rack. It has become an essential part of all my adventures and here’s why.
Firstly, it provides convenience and ease in transporting my kayak. With a pickup truck kayak rack, I no longer have to struggle with trying to fit my kayak inside the bed of my truck or tying it precariously on the roof. The rack securely holds my kayak in place, leaving me worry-free during the drive.
Moreover, it maximizes the space in my truck bed. Without a kayak rack, I would have to sacrifice a significant portion of the bed for my kayak. But with the rack, I still have plenty of room for other gear and equipment that I need for my trip.
Another reason why I swear by my pickup truck kayak rack is its durability and stability. It is specifically designed to hold kayaks securely, even during bumpy rides or strong winds. This gives me peace of mind knowing that my precious kayak is safe and protected while on the road.
Lastly, a good quality pickup truck kayak rack can also save me time and money in the long run. It eliminates the
My Buying Guide on ‘Pickup Truck Kayak Rack’
As an avid kayaker, I have always struggled with finding a reliable and secure way to transport my kayak on my pickup truck. After trying out various options, I finally found the perfect solution – a pickup truck kayak rack. If you are also in the market for a kayak rack for your truck, here is my buying guide to help you make the right choice.
1. Consider the Type of Kayak Rack
The first thing you need to consider is the type of kayak rack that will work best for your pickup truck. There are two main types – roof racks and bed racks. Roof racks are installed on the top of your truck’s cab while bed racks sit in the bed of your truck.
If you have a tonneau cover or camper shell on your truck, a roof rack may be the better option as it allows you to still access your bed. However, if you don’t have any covers on your truck, a bed rack can provide more stability and easier loading and unloading.
2. Check Compatibility
Before purchasing a pickup truck kayak rack, make sure it is compatible with both your vehicle and your kayak. Most manufacturers will provide a list of compatible vehicles and kayaks for their racks.
In addition, consider the size and weight limit of the rack to ensure it can safely hold your kayak without causing any damage to your vehicle.
3. Look for Easy Installation
No one wants to spend hours trying to install a complicated kayak rack onto their pickup truck before every trip. Look for racks that come with easy installation instructions or even better – ones that require no drilling or permanent changes to your vehicle.
You can also opt for racks with quick-release mechanisms that allow you to easily attach and detach them from your truck when not in use.
4. Consider Durability
A good pickup truck kayak rack should be able to withstand rough roads and weather conditions without compromising its stability or damaging your kayak. Look for racks made from sturdy materials such as aluminum or stainless steel.
You should also check if the rack has padding or rubber grips to protect both your vehicle’s paint job and prevent any scratches on your kayak during transportation.
5. Evaluate Loading Mechanism
Loading and unloading a heavy kayak onto a high roof or bed can be challenging, especially when doing it alone. That’s why it’s essential to consider the loading mechanism of the kayak rack before making a purchase.
Racks with an assist system or rollers can make loading easier by allowing you to slide the kayak onto the roof or bed without straining yourself too much.
6. Budget
Kayak racks come in different price ranges depending on their features, materials used, and brand name. Determine how much you are willing to spend before starting your search so that you can narrow down options within your budget range.
In Conclusion
Purchasing a pickup truck kayak rack may seem like an overwhelming task at first but following these guidelines should help simplify things for you. Remember always to prioritize safety when choosing a rack because ultimately, it’s what ensures both yours and your kayak’s well-being during transportation.
Author Profile
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Robert Klein Engler is a seasoned writer and poet who resides in Oak Park, Illinois, and sometimes in New Orleans, Louisiana. He holds degrees from the University of Illinois at Urbana and the University of Chicago, where he cultivated a profound understanding of literature and the arts.
Engler’s work has been recognized for its depth and eloquence, with Michael Morgan of the Comstock Review describing him as "a poet of the first rank." Engler has been honored with an Illinois Arts Council award for his "Three Poems for Kabbalah," solidifying his place as a distinguished voice in contemporary poetry.
In 2024, Robert Klein Engler made a significant shift in his career, transitioning from his established work in poetry and literary fiction to writing a blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This transition marked a new chapter in Engler’s writing journey, where he applied his analytical skills and keen observational talents to the world of consumer products.
Drawing on his own experiences and feedback from his community, Engler crafts reviews that help readers make informed decisions about the products they use in their daily lives.
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