Using kayaks is an enjoyable experience that brings much excitement when out on the water. For this reason, many individuals opt to purchase their own kayak to relish the pleasure it brings. However, one significant challenge of owning a kayak is transporting it. As most kayaks are longer than a standard vehicle, it can be cumbersome to transport them.
However, if you have the right truck kayak carrier rack, you will always have great fun with your kayak. These best truck kayak racks help you ensure the fun never stops. So, what are the best truck kayak racks currently on the market?
Let’s Explore the Best Truck Kayak Racks
Apex ATR-RACK Ladder Rack
This modest truck kayak works like a beast to support any Kayak. This is an excellent truck Kayak rack with so many capabilities. It helps you safely haul your Kayak from the house to the water. It comes with one significant advantage also. It creates some space in your truck bed. This way, you can carry other equipment and items.
[amazon box=”B06XPFBL69″ template=”horizontal”]The rack helps elevate the Kayak so high enough. This creates enough clearance for you to have access to the tailgate. It also creates enough room for you to add another trailer to the truck. This Kayak ladder rack comes with adjustable side ladder stops.
Either those can be adjusted, or you could adjust the width of the truck’s bed. This makes it possible for you to tie the Kayak down quickly, regardless of its width. However, you can not adjust the height of this rack.
This rack comes with a total weight capacity of about 800 pounds. This is sufficient to support one kayak or two. Many users have been able to transport a kayak and a canoe or two kayaks.
Also, you should try to support your Kayak with pool noodles or rubber padding during movement.
GoPlus Pickup Truck Bed Hitch Extender
Looking for the right supporting accessory to haul your kayak to the water? This is a good option. With this extender, you don’t have to worry about any Kayak or items longer than the truck bed. It also works as a supporting rack for any roof load.
[amazon box=”B078S19RRQ” template=”horizontal”]This truck bed extender comes with unique versatility. It works in a horizontal position to extend the bed of your truck. It can also be used vertically to the roof level to support overhead loads like the Kayak. It comes with adjustable heights and widths for extending the roofs and beds of any truck.
This makes it easy to support your kayak with your truck bed or roof. The extender of this rack is meant to be used alongside a hitch receiver of about 2 inches.
The hitch extender is a very versatile accessory.
It can be similarly used for SUVs as in trucks. Depending on your Kayak’s length, you can also use the bed and attach the extender.
However, you must lower your SUV seats to use its trunk bed. You can also use your SUV to support the Kayak through its roof.
This is all possible by the extender supporting any protruding kayak length. This vertical configuration helps you to carry other items in the trunk of your SUV. And helps you to support the Kayak on the roof.
AA-Racks Model APX25
The AA-Racks Model APX25 is a universal rack made of heavy-duty aluminium. The good thing about this truck rack is its easy installation.
This is because the setup does not need any drilling. It comes with a multipurpose and versatile frame. This means that it can be used to support your Kayaks, canoes, and all other extended items for transportation.
[amazon box=”B075T62ZGH” template=”horizontal”]However, one thing with the AA Racks Model APX25 is that it comes with compatibility issues. Buyers must ensure that this kayak rack works with their trucks. There are certain accessories that it does not work with. This is why you should check appropriately with your truck. However, everything else seems fine.
The good thing about the AA Racks Model APX25 is its durability. It is also produced in various colour variants. This truck rack comes with a total side adjustment along its width. This is such a great feature because Kayaks are offered in various sizes.
This truck kayak comes with adjustable sliders that allow you to tie down the kayak. This helps to hold it down tight and nicely.
However, the only odd thing about this Kayak is that it does not have an adjustable height. Also, try to ensure that you protect the Kayak during loading. This can be done by using a pool noodle or a type of padding.
TMS Adjustable Utility Rack
This is a heavy-duty rack that is made up of steel. It can be transported easily because of its ergonomic and engineering features. this universal truck kayak rack can be used on many trucks.
This is due to its adjustable features, making it a lot easier to adapt to any truck. An excellent feature of this rack is that you can have your kayak on it and some space. This space means you can access the truck tailgate or the bed.
This means that the rack produces enough space. This makes it easy for you to carry all other items. This space conservation also creates some space for the hitch to enable you to pull the trailer from behind.
You can be able to pull any utility or travel trailer. This also means that you have enough space for your toys. This utility rack lets you head out with your kayaks and camping gear.
This utility truck kayak rack should be installed with bolts. This means you may have to do some drilling for this truck kayak carrier. You will need to have holes drilled into the rails of the bed. Some users have reportedly installed this kayak rack by using C-clamps. It also has cleats to be used to tie down the Kayak.
The standout benefit of this truck kayak rack is that it comes with adjustable width. It is also a universal truck kayak carrier that works with most trucks. You will also love the heavy-duty steel construction of the accessory.
Thule Xsporter Pro Aluminum Truck Rack
This is undoubtedly among the best truck kayak racks currently on the market. Thule, a popular name in vehicle rack products, produces this option. The Xsporter Pro comes with an adjustable height feature. This is an excellent Kayak rack that can be used on your truck. It is a versatile rack that comes with an easy-loading feature.
[amazon box=”B013Q2TBHQ” template=”horizontal”]This means you can easily adjust the height and load it with the kayak. It provides you with a good option to transport the kayak to the water safely. It comes with adjustable load stops that anchor at the sides.
This means you always make the kayak fit snugly regardless of its width. This truck kayak rack from Thule has a standout feature that enhances its versatility. It works with certain accessories that can help you vary the equipment you are transporting.
This means that it can be used to transport your kayak and all other equipment. Its adjustable height feature lets you have the kayak on your truck roof.
This leaves the truck bed empty for all other items. This means you can have the kayak on the truck rack on the roof level. Then the truck bed will be reserved for all other camping gear and equipment.
As a smart truck rack system for your kayak, Thule has ensured that the rack is versatile enough to create more space.
This truck kayak rack comes with an easy set-up system. You do not need drilling to install this kayak rack in your truck. The good thing about this Thule truck rack is its versatility. It works with a wide range of vehicles.
Also, you must ensure that the rack is compatible with your truck. It is essential to know that the Xsporter Pro does not work with some accessories. It will not work with any camper shells or truck boxes.
This is a professional truck kayak rack with a durable frame made from aluminium. You will also fall in love with the adjustable height of the kayak mounting system. Also, if you have more than one truck, this rack is very versatile.
The Xsporter Pro is compatible with different trucks. This is an ideal truck kayak rack for users who love colour variants. The tuck kayak mounting system is offered in black or aluminium colour. Since it does not require any drilling, you can easily install this truck kayak rack.
YAKIMA – BigCatch Kayak Rack
This is one of the best truck kayak racks currently on the market. It comes with a universal Kayak saddle system adapted for heavy fishing. This truck kayak rack has an oversized cradle with seats padded with rubber. This is used to support the hull of your kayak.
[amazon box=”B07CN5JSGX” template=”horizontal”]The BigCatch from Yakima has been designed to support big boats. With a capacity to support about 150 pounds of boat weight, you have all the support you need.
From fishing to surfing the waters, you can have as much fun as you want with your big boat. Thanks to the Yakima BigCatch. The BigCatch also comes with a catch.
This truck kayak rack has been optimized to fit HD and streamline from Yakima. This is an advantage for buyers with a rack system from Yakima. The BigCatch works like an excellent rack to support their kayaks. This is a full-contact truck kayak rack system. This means that your boat will be able to sit tight and nicely.
The Yakima BigCatch comes with heavy-duty straps. The stern tie-downs and bows are also made of heavy-duty material. This truck kayak rack can easily be installed onto your truck. You do not have to set it up with special tools. This kayak rack can fit perfectly onto your truck or SUV. However, you must use a Yakima truck rack or an over-the-cab Yakima rack.
Users with a Yakima truck rack can also provide enough space in the vehicle’s bed. This means that the kayak can be loaded onto the roof. This way, the truck bed can be used for other accessories and gear. This means you can stow up the kayak higher while your gears are stashed below.
The Yakima BigCatch comes with various standout features. It has been designed especially for boats with excess weight. Its cradles have been padded with rubber to avoid scratching the Kayak’s surface.
You also get to install this truck kayak rack easily without any tools. It works easily with many available Yakima racks. It is a reliable truck mounting system due to its strength and durability.
AA-Racks Model X39 Truck Ladder Rack
The AA-Racks Model X39 Truck Ladder Rack is one of the best truck kayak racks on the market. This is a fully-packed kayak carrier for your truck. As a truck ladder rack, you can use it to haul off your kayaks easily.
This truck kayak rack has one significant benefit. It is easily customizable to suit all your needs. It comes with pieces that make it easy to adjust its measurements. This means you can easily adjust the rack to meet your needs.
[amazon box=”B01AOG8V2I” template=”horizontal”]This kayak rack for pickup trucks has a wide frame and a heavy load capacity. This means that it can be used to move multiple kayaks simultaneously. It comes with a side-mounted to easily secure your canoes, kayaks, SUP, and anything being transported.
The design of this rack has been given a minimalist feel to help create enough access. This way, you can easily access the bed of the truck. This rack helps to store the kayaks in an elevated position. This way, you get to store the kayaks on your truck roof. It creates enough space in the truck bed for storing other items. This makes storing your camping gear or other items much easier.
While this truck kayak rack may offer some of the finest truck kayak rack features, it has some setbacks. You must drill through a hole to install this rack onto your vehicle. Although, the manufacturer sells C-clamps for buyers who need the accessory.
Also, you may want to confirm the suitable installation method for your truck. Try to check for your truck box, tonneau cover, or camper shell. These items may affect the installation of your kayak rack.
This is a good truck kayak rack to help move your boat straight to the water. It comes with standout features like its heavy-duty steel coated with powder. It also comes with a robust frame that offers maximum support to your canoe.
This truck kayak rack comes with adjustable features. This makes it suitable to fit any application easily.
Another standout feature of this truck kayak rack system is the fact that it is versatile. It also comes with the right cleats that help you to die down the kayak to the truck.
Rhino-Rack T-Loader Canoe and Kayak Rack
The Rhino-Rack T-Loader Canoe and Kayak rack is the best versatile truck rack to buy for your truck. This is a great option for buyers looking for an ideal instrument that fits small SUVs and trucks. However, you will be needing a 2-inch hitch to use this rack.
[amazon box=”B01CFO8MDK” template=”horizontal”]It comes with an adjustable height to offer you the option of hoisting your kayak in two different places. You can either hoist the kayak on your vehicle roof or the bed.
This rack for your kayak will help you extend the supporting length of your vehicle roof racks. It works well with any existing roof rack for your truck or SUV. It simply adds one more support point for the kayak at the rear of your vehicle.
This truck kayak rack comes with easily adjustable side supports. This means you can easily fit in canoes, kayaks, and paddle boards. This truck kayak rack is ideal for many SUVs, cars, and trucks. It will work with vehicles with existing roof racks that need some extension with its support. The material is made from steel/aluminium and is a hitch car accessory.
MaxxHaul 70231 Hitch Mount Truck Bed Extender
This is also one of the best truck kayak racks you can purchase. This product will help you easily fit the kayaks securely into the vehicle. It will work for a truck, a crossover, or an SUV. This is an adjustable and simple kayak rack for your truck. Also, it is a budget option that supports an easy installation process.
[amazon box=”B01CFO8MDK” template=”horizontal”]This truck kayak rack comes in two-mode variants. Both variants come with different dimensions. The product with the smaller dimension works well for SUVs and crossovers. The model with the larger dimension is suitable for taller vehicles or trucks.
This is a highly versatile extension that can adjust horizontally or vertically. The width can be increased or reduced to cater for the loaded items. The rack system can extend the loaded item from the SUV or truck bed. It can also be used to extend the length of your roof rack.
This is an excellent choice for anyone looking to have some fun in the water. This truck kayak rack is exceptionally affordable and comes with maximum adjustable features.
It is made from toughened steel. This is used to guarantee the perceived durability of this truck kayak rack. This versatile truck extender is highly recommended to all water fun-seekers.