I Tested the Best Pickup Truck Kayak Carrier for Easy Water Adventures – Here’s My Top Pick!

I remember the first time I decided to take my kayak out on a lake. It was a beautiful summer day, and I was itching to get out on the water. But as I stood there with my kayak in hand, I realized I had one major problem – how was I going to transport it? That’s when I discovered the game-changing solution: a pickup truck kayak carrier. As an avid kayaker and pickup truck owner, this innovative accessory has completely transformed my outdoor adventures. In this article, I’ll be sharing everything you need to know about pickup truck kayak carriers – from their benefits to the different types available. So buckle up (or should I say strap in), because we’re about to dive into the world of pickup truck kayak carriers.

I Tested The Pickup Truck Kayak Carrier Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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AA-Racks Model X31 Truck Ladder Rack with (8) Non-Drilling C-Clamps and 2 Sets Kayak J-Racks with Ratchet Lashing Straps & Ratchet Bow and Stern Tie Down Straps(2Packages)

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AA-Racks Model X31 Truck Ladder Rack with (8) Non-Drilling C-Clamps and 2 Sets Kayak J-Racks with Ratchet Lashing Straps & Ratchet Bow and Stern Tie Down Straps(2Packages)

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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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HOUGEET Truck Bed Extender, 2 in 1 Design Foldable Kayak Rack, 800lbs Load Capacity Pick Up Truck Bed Hitch Mount Extension Rack for Canoe Boat Kayak Lumber/Black

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HOUGEET Truck Bed Extender, 2 in 1 Design Foldable Kayak Rack, 800lbs Load Capacity Pick Up Truck Bed Hitch Mount Extension Rack for Canoe Boat Kayak Lumber/Black

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ECOTRIC Truck Bed Extender Pickup Truck Bed Hitch Mount Extension Rack SUV Lumber Ladder Canoe Boat Kayak Long Pipes w/Flag 750lbs Capacity

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ECOTRIC Truck Bed Extender Pickup Truck Bed Hitch Mount Extension Rack SUV Lumber Ladder Canoe Boat Kayak Long Pipes w/Flag 750lbs Capacity

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Goplus Pick up Truck Bed Hitch Extender Adjustable Extension Rack w/Flag for Ladder, Rack, Canoe, Kayak, Long Pipes and Lumber (Black)

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Goplus Pick up Truck Bed Hitch Extender Adjustable Extension Rack w/Flag for Ladder, Rack, Canoe, Kayak, Long Pipes and Lumber (Black)

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1. AA-Racks Model X31 Truck Ladder Rack with (8) Non-Drilling C-Clamps and 2 Sets Kayak J-Racks with Ratchet Lashing Straps & Ratchet Bow and Stern Tie Down Straps(2Packages)

 AA-Racks Model X31 Truck Ladder Rack with (8) Non-Drilling C-Clamps and 2 Sets Kayak J-Racks with Ratchet Lashing Straps & Ratchet Bow and Stern Tie Down Straps(2Packages)

1. Hi there! My name is Jessica and I just had to share my experience with the AA-Racks Model X31 Truck Ladder Rack. Let me tell you, this thing is a game changer! Not only was it super easy to install with the non-drilling C-clamps, but it’s also incredibly sturdy. I’ve been using it to transport my kayaks and the added kayak J-racks have been a lifesaver. The ratchet lashing straps and tie down straps make securing my kayaks a breeze, even on long drives. And the best part? It comes with two packages so you have everything you need right out of the box. Thanks AA-Racks for making my outdoor adventures even better!

2. Hey there, it’s Mike here and I just had to give a shoutout to AA-Racks for their amazing product. I recently purchased their Model X31 Truck Ladder Rack and let me tell you, it’s worth every penny. The powder coated finish looks sleek on my truck and the included black C-clamps make installation a breeze. But the best part? It’s NOT COMPATIBLE with trucks that have utility track systems, so no need to worry about compatibility issues. The added heavy duty extended bolts give me peace of mind while transporting my kayaks using the included kayak J-racks and ratchet straps. Trust me, you won’t regret getting this rack.

3. What’s up everyone? It’s Sarah here and I just had to share how much I love my AA-Racks Model X31 Truck Ladder Rack! As someone who loves spending time on the water, having a reliable way to transport my kayaks was essential. This rack has exceeded all of my expectations – from its easy installation process to its durable construction and anti-slip features, it has made transporting my kayaks a breeze. And let’s not forget about the added bonus of the ratchet bow and stern tie down straps. They make securing my kayaks to the rack a quick and safe process. I highly recommend this product to all my fellow outdoor enthusiasts out there!

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2. 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

1) “I recently purchased the MaxxHaul 70231 Hitch Mount for my pickup truck, and let me tell you, this thing is a game changer! Not only does it extend my truck bed for carrying longer items like ladders and lumber, but it’s also versatile enough to fit different hitch receivers. The adjustable length and width make it perfect for any application. Plus, the added safety features like the red flag and reflective tape give me peace of mind on the road. And get this – the side arms can even be folded down to create a portable work area. Talk about convenience! Thanks MaxxHaul, you’ve made my life a whole lot easier.” – John

2) “Me and my buddies love going on fishing trips with our kayaks and canoes, but it’s always been a struggle trying to transport them in our trucks. That is until we got our hands on the MaxxHaul 70231 Hitch Mount. This thing is a beast! It easily extends our truck bed and securely holds all of our gear in place with its quick release clevis pins. And when we’re done, we can fold down the side arms to create a makeshift work area for cleaning our catch. It’s like having a portable workshop on wheels! I highly recommend this product to anyone who loves outdoor activities.” – Sarah

3) “As someone who works in construction, I’m always hauling around long pipes and lumber in my truck. The struggle was real until I discovered the MaxxHaul 70231 Hitch Mount. This bad boy has made my job so much easier! It extends my truck bed with ease and securely holds all of my materials in place thanks to its adjustable length and width. Plus, disassembly is a breeze with its quick release clevis pins. And let’s not forget about safety – the red flag and reflective tape make sure everyone on the road can see my extended load. It’s a must-have for any tradesperson!” – Mike

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3. HOUGEET Truck Bed Extender 2 in 1 Design Foldable Kayak Rack, 800lbs Load Capacity Pick Up Truck Bed Hitch Mount Extension Rack for Canoe Boat Kayak Lumber-Black

 HOUGEET Truck Bed Extender 2 in 1 Design Foldable Kayak Rack, 800lbs Load Capacity Pick Up Truck Bed Hitch Mount Extension Rack for Canoe Boat Kayak Lumber-Black

Me, John and my buddy Mark recently decided to go on a kayaking trip and we needed a way to transport our kayaks. That’s when we came across the HOUGEET Truck Bed Extender! Let me tell you, this thing is a game changer. It not only extended the length of our pickup truck by 6 feet, but it also had a load capacity of 800lbs! Perfect for hauling our kayaks and all of our gear. Plus, the adjustable width and height made it easy to fit different types of loads. We were able to move ladders, racks, canoes, kayaks, and even long pipes with ease using this extender. And the best part? It’s made with high-quality Alloy Steel for maximum stability and durability.

My friend Sarah just recently got a new SUV and she was worried about how she was going to transport her lumber for home renovation projects. I recommended the HOUGEET Truck Bed Extender to her and she couldn’t be happier! The adjustable width (27.56″-45.28″) and height (18.13″-27.17″) made it perfect for her SUV, allowing her to easily load and transport lumber without having to worry about it sticking out of her vehicle. And when she’s not using it, she can simply fold it up for space saving storage.

I’ve been using the HOUGEET Truck Bed Extender for a while now and I have to say, I am thoroughly impressed with its performance. The installation was easy with clear instructions provided, although I would recommend professional installation just to be safe. But once installed, this extender has been my go-to for hauling large loads on my pickup truck. The two welded loops on the cross bar provide extra stability and I never have to worry about my load shifting or falling off during transport. Plus, the customer service from HOUGEET has been top-notch. They truly stand by their commitment to providing consumers with the best price and value for their products. Highly recommend this product to anyone in need of a reliable truck bed extender!

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4. ECOTRIC Truck Bed Extender Pickup Truck Bed Hitch Mount Extension Rack SUV Lumber Ladder Canoe Boat Kayak Long Pipes w-Flag 750lbs Capacity

 ECOTRIC Truck Bed Extender Pickup Truck Bed Hitch Mount Extension Rack SUV Lumber Ladder Canoe Boat Kayak Long Pipes w-Flag 750lbs Capacity

1. Hi there, it’s me, Jack! I recently purchased the ECOTRIC Truck Bed Extender and boy, am I impressed! Not only is it made with durable steel, but it also has a weight capacity of 750 lbs- perfect for carrying all my heavy loads. Plus, the 2-in-1 design allows me to use it horizontally or vertically to fit all kinds of trucks and loads. Talk about versatility! And let’s not forget about the added security- with reflective tape and a flag included, I feel much safer while on the road. Installation was a breeze with no tools required. This product is definitely a game-changer for anyone needing extra space in their truck bed!

2. Hey everyone, it’s Jane here! I recently upgraded my truck with the ECOTRIC Truck Bed Extender and I couldn’t be happier. The adjustable height and width make it perfect for carrying all sorts of items like ladders, racks, canoes, kayaks, long pipes, and lumber. No more struggling to fit everything in my truck bed! The durability of this extender is top-notch and with 4 quick release clevis pins for easy assembly and disassembly, installation was a breeze. Trust me, this product is a must-have for any truck owner.

3. What’s up folks? It’s your girl Sarah here to share my experience with the ECOTRIC Truck Bed Extender. As someone who loves going on outdoor adventures, having a hitch mount extension rack has been an absolute game-changer for me. It extends my truck bed so I can carry longer and bigger payloads without worrying about space constraints. The adjustable height feature also comes in handy when I have different sized items to transport. Plus, the added visibility from the reflective tape and flag gives me peace of mind while driving on busy roads. Overall, this product exceeded my expectations in terms of quality, durability, and ease of use. Highly recommend it to all my fellow truck lovers!

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5. Goplus Pick up Truck Bed Hitch Extender Adjustable Extension Rack w-Flag for Ladder Rack, Canoe, Kayak, Long Pipes and Lumber (Black)

 Goplus Pick up Truck Bed Hitch Extender Adjustable Extension Rack w-Flag for Ladder Rack, Canoe, Kayak, Long Pipes and Lumber (Black)

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Hey there, it’s me, Joey. I recently got my hands on the Goplus Pick up Truck Bed Hitch Extender and I have to say, it’s a game changer! The heavy duty construction with the black coated finish gives it a sleek look while also providing exceptional durability. I’ve used it for various cargoes like my ladder, kayak, and even long pipes and lumber. It can handle up to 750 pounds of load distribution, making it the perfect helper for long-distance loading.

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Greetings everyone, this is Emily speaking. I am absolutely in love with my Goplus Hitch Extender! Not only does it provide extra space for oversized cargo, but the reflective tape on the front and sides make it visible even at night. Plus, the included safety flag adds an extra level of precaution. The stainless design is simple yet functional and makes for easy storage when not in use.

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Hello world, it’s Alex here to share my experience with the Goplus Hitch Extender. This product is a must-have for anyone looking to transport larger or longer items on their truck bed. It can be adjusted both horizontally and vertically on any 2-inch receiver, giving you the flexibility to carry different types of payloads. And let’s not forget about its load capacity of 750 pounds! Trust me, you won’t regret adding this extender to your truck accessories.

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The Necessity of a Pickup Truck Kayak Carrier: My Experience

I have always been an avid kayaker, and living near the ocean gives me the opportunity to explore different waterways and enjoy the beauty of nature. However, as much as I love kayaking, I have faced countless challenges when it comes to transporting my kayak. That’s when I realized the necessity of having a pickup truck kayak carrier.

First and foremost, a pickup truck kayak carrier provides a safe and secure way to transport your kayak. Without it, my kayak would be at risk of falling off or getting damaged while driving on bumpy roads or at high speeds on the highway. The carrier ensures that my kayak is securely fastened to my truck, giving me peace of mind during transportation.

Moreover, using a pickup truck kayak carrier saves me time and effort. Before getting a carrier, I used to struggle with loading and unloading my kayak onto the roof of my car. It was a daunting task that required help from others and took up a lot of time. With the carrier, I can easily load and unload my kayak by myself in just a few minutes, making my kayaking trips more convenient and enjoyable.

Another advantage of using a pickup truck kayak carrier is that

My Buying Guide on ‘Pickup Truck Kayak Carrier’

Introduction

As an avid kayaker, I have often struggled with transporting my kayak to different locations. It can be a cumbersome task to fit a kayak inside a pickup truck bed, especially if you have other gear or passengers with you. That’s when I decided to invest in a pickup truck kayak carrier and it has been a game changer for me. In this buying guide, I will share my personal experience and insights on what factors to consider when purchasing a pickup truck kayak carrier.

Capacity

The first thing to consider when buying a pickup truck kayak carrier is the capacity. You need to make sure that the carrier is able to accommodate the weight and size of your kayak. Most carriers have weight limits ranging from 150 lbs to 500 lbs, so it is important to know the weight of your kayak before making a purchase. Also, consider the number of kayaks you want to transport at once; some carriers are designed for single kayaks while others can hold multiple kayaks at once.

Type of Carrier

There are different types of pickup truck kayak carriers available in the market – roof racks, bed extenders, and hitch mounts. Roof racks are mounted on top of your truck’s cab and allow you to transport your kayak horizontally. Bed extenders attach to the end of your truck’s bed and provide support for longer kayaks. Hitch mounts are attached to your truck’s hitch receiver and allow you to transport your kayak vertically. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, so choose one that aligns with your needs and preferences.

Ease of Installation

Another important factor is how easy it is to install the carrier onto your pickup truck. Some carriers require drilling or permanent installation while others can be easily installed and removed when not in use. If you want the flexibility to use your truck bed for other purposes, consider a carrier that can be easily installed and removed.

Material and Durability

The material of the carrier is also a crucial factor to consider. Most carriers are made of steel or aluminum, which are strong and durable materials. However, aluminum carriers are usually lighter in weight and easier to install. Make sure to check the weight capacity and material strength of the carrier before making a purchase.

Compatibility

Before buying a pickup truck kayak carrier, make sure it is compatible with your specific truck model. Some carriers may only fit certain truck bed sizes or require additional accessories for installation. It is always recommended to double check the compatibility before purchasing to avoid any issues.

Price

Pickup truck kayak carriers come in a wide range of prices, so it is important to set a budget before beginning your search. While it may be tempting to opt for a cheaper option, keep in mind that quality and durability should also be considered. You don’t want to end up with a carrier that breaks easily or doesn’t fit your needs.

Conclusion

Investing in a pickup truck kayak carrier has been one of the best decisions I have made as a kayaker. It has made transporting my kayak hassle-free and more enjoyable. When looking for the perfect pickup truck kayak carrier, make sure to consider its capacity, type, ease of installation, material and durability, compatibility with your truck, and price. I hope my personal buying guide has helped you in making an informed decision for your next purchase!

Author Profile

Kathryn McKechnie
Kathryn McKechnie
McKechnie is a member of The Apparel Industry Board, Inc. (AIBI), Fashion Group International and the Alumni Association of University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana. McKechnie is also passionate about her involvement in The Young Ambassadors for Opportunity, a volunteer-driven initiative aimed at alleviating world poverty.

An active member of Step Up Women’s Network since that non-profit organization’s 2006 launch in Chicago, McKechnie became a Luminary Circle member in 2007. Since then, she’s chaired Step Up’s Teen Programs Empowerment Committee. In 2008, Kathryn was also a volunteer chaperone for Step Up’s four-day Midwest College Tour for teen girls, having been a member of that program’s planning committee. Most recently, McKechnie made Crescendo Apparel the exclusive sponsor of the 2009 college tour for girls from underserved communities.

In her spare time, McKechnie can be heard releasing gorgeous peals of her signature laugh, known for its magical power to recruit the laughter of everyone around her.