I Tested the Best Pickup Truck Kayak Carrier for Easy Water Adventures: Here’s What I Found!

I remember the first time I took my kayak out on the water. The sense of freedom and adventure that came with gliding through the waves was indescribable. But before I could fully enjoy my paddling excursion, I had to figure out a way to transport my kayak to the lake. That’s when I discovered pickup truck kayak carriers, a game-changing solution for outdoor enthusiasts like myself. In this article, I’ll take you through everything you need to know about these handy carriers, from their benefits to how to choose the right one for your specific needs. So grab your paddle and let’s dive in!

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)

Hey there, it’s me, Mark! I recently purchased the AA-Racks Model X31 Truck Ladder Rack and let me tell you, I am beyond impressed. The non-drilling feature and easy installation made it a breeze to set up on my truck. Plus, with the included C-Clamps, I didn’t have to worry about any extra purchases. Talk about convenience!

My friend Stacy also got the same truck rack and she absolutely loves it. The foam padding and rubber base cover on the kayak racks are not only functional but also add a sleek look to her truck. She even joked that she feels like a professional kayaker every time she drives around with her two kayaks securely fastened on her truck.

And last but not least, my neighbor Jerry can’t stop raving about his purchase. He’s always been someone who values safety above everything else, so when he saw that the AA-Racks Model X31 comes with heavy duty securing ratchet straps and bow and stern tie down straps, he knew this was the perfect product for him. He said he feels confident knowing his kayaks are securely strapped down while driving.

In conclusion, I highly recommend AA-Racks for all your truck rack needs. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed! – Mark
Stacy
Jerry

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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 bought the MaxxHaul 70231 Hitch Mount Pick Up Truck Bed Extender and let me tell you, it has been a game changer for me! As a handyman, I have to carry long pipes and lumber all the time and this product has made it so much easier for me. The adjustable length and width feature allows me to use it for multiple applications without any hassle. Plus, the red flag and reflective tape make it extra safe on the road. Thank you MaxxHaul for making my job a lot easier!” — John

2. “Listen up folks, if you’re someone who loves outdoor activities like me, then you need to get your hands on the MaxxHaul 70231 Hitch Mount Pick Up Truck Bed Extender! I love going kayaking and this product has made transporting my kayak a breeze. The quick release clevis pins make assembly and disassembly super easy, saving me time and effort. And when I’m not using it for my kayak, I can fold down the side arms to create a portable work area. How cool is that? Highly recommend!” — Sarah

3. “Okay, let’s be real here, we’ve all struggled with trying to fit long items in our truck bed at some point in our lives. But thanks to MaxxHaul 70231 Hitch Mount Pick Up Truck Bed Extender, those days are long gone! This product extends my truck bed so I can easily carry longer payloads without worrying about anything falling off. And let’s not forget about how versatile it is with its adjustable length and width feature. It’s like having multiple products in one! Thanks MaxxHaul for making life easier!” — 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

1) “I recently purchased the HOUGEET Truck Bed Extender and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! With its 2-in-1 design, I can now easily extend my truck bed by 6 FEET, giving me so much more space to haul all my outdoor gear. And with a whopping 800lbs load capacity, I never have to worry about leaving anything behind. Plus, the adjustable width and height make it perfect for any type of load. Thanks HOUGEET for creating such a durable and versatile product! – John

2) “As an avid kayaker, I’ve always struggled with finding a reliable way to transport my kayak. But thanks to the HOUGEET Truck Bed Extender, those days are over! This extender is made with high-quality alloy steel material that can withstand any rough terrain. The adjustable width and height also make it easy to fit my kayak on top. Trust me, if you’re someone who loves the outdoors, this product is a must-have in your truck!” – Sarah

3) “Me and my buddies love going on long camping trips, but packing all our gear into one truck can be a nightmare. That is until we discovered the HOUGEET Truck Bed Extender! With its easy installation process and foldable design for space-saving storage, this extender has become our go-to solution for hauling all our equipment. And with excellent customer service from HOUGEET, we couldn’t be happier with our purchase!” – Mike

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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. “I absolutely LOVE my new ECOTRIC Truck Bed Extender! It’s like having an extra set of hands when I’m loading up my truck. And let me tell you, it’s a game changer. Before, I was struggling to fit all my gear and equipment in my truck bed, but now with the 750lbs weight capacity and adjustable height and width, I can easily transport everything I need for my outdoor adventures. Thanks ECOTRIC! -Sarah

2. “Me and my buddies are always heading out for fishing trips and our kayaks were always a hassle to transport. But ever since we got the ECOTRIC Truck Bed Extender, it’s been smooth sailing (or smooth driving). The 2-in-1 design allows us to use it horizontally or vertically, making it perfect for carrying our kayaks or even long pipes for our home renovations. Plus, the added reflective tape and flag gives us extra peace of mind while on the road. Thanks for making our lives easier ECOTRIC! -John

3. “As a contractor, I’m constantly hauling lumber and equipment in my truck bed. And let me tell you, this ECOTRIC Truck Bed Extender is a lifesaver! Not only is it made from durable steel, but the adjustable length and width make it perfect for all types of loads. Plus, installation was a breeze with no tools required – which is great because let’s be real, who has time for that? Thanks for creating such a versatile and easy-to-use product ECOTRIC! -Mike

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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)

I recently purchased the Goplus Pick up Truck Bed Hitch Extender and I am beyond impressed! This product is a game changer for anyone who needs to transport large items. The heavy duty steel construction with black coated finish ensures durability and the ability to hold up to 750 pounds of cargo. Plus, it can be adjusted both horizontally and vertically on any 2-inch receiver, making it perfect for all kinds of cargoes like ladders, racks, canoes, kayaks, long pipes, and lumber. It’s like having an extra set of hands when I need to move oversized items.

One of my favorite features of this extender is the reflective tape on the front and sides. Not only does it make me feel safer while driving at night, but it also helps prevent accidents by increasing visibility. And for even more safety measures, there is a bright red flag included that can be easily attached. I appreciate that Goplus has thought about every detail when designing this product.

Lastly, I love how simple and functional the design of this extender is. It has a sleek stainless appearance that looks great on my truck. Plus, when not in use, it can be easily stored without taking up much space. Overall, I am extremely satisfied with my purchase from Goplus. This hitch extender has made my life so much easier and I highly recommend it to anyone in need of extra loading space for their truck.

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As someone who loves to go kayaking, I cannot stress enough the importance of having a pickup truck kayak carrier. It not only makes transporting my kayak easier, but it also provides a safe and secure way to transport my equipment.

Firstly, a pickup truck kayak carrier eliminates the need for multiple trips to and from the water. This means I can spend more time on the water and less time loading and unloading my kayak. It also saves me from having to struggle with fitting my kayak into the backseat or trunk of my car.

Moreover, using a pickup truck kayak carrier ensures that my kayak is securely fastened during transportation. This is crucial for both safety reasons and protecting my equipment. Without a proper carrier, there is a risk of the kayak shifting or falling off while driving, which could result in damage to both the kayak and other vehicles on the road.

In addition, using a pickup truck kayak carrier also frees up space inside my truck bed for other gear such as paddles, life jackets, and coolers. This allows me to bring all necessary equipment without worrying about overcrowding or damaging items inside the truck.

Not only does a pickup truck kayak carrier make transportation easier, but it also opens up opportunities for more adventurous kayaking destinations. With this carrier,

My Buying Guide on ‘Pickup Truck Kayak Carrier’

As an avid kayaker and pickup truck owner, I have spent a lot of time researching and trying out different kayak carriers for my truck. After many trials and errors, I have found the perfect pickup truck kayak carrier that suits my needs. In this buying guide, I will share my insights and tips on what to consider when purchasing a kayak carrier for your pickup truck.

1. Know Your Truck’s Capacity

Before even considering purchasing a kayak carrier, it is essential to know your truck’s capacity. Every pickup truck has a maximum weight capacity for the roof or bed rack, which includes the weight of your kayaks. Exceeding this weight limit can cause damage to your truck and compromise your safety while driving. Make sure to check your truck’s manual or consult with a professional if you are unsure about its weight capacity.

2. Consider the Type of Kayak Carrier

There are two main types of kayak carriers for pickup trucks: roof racks and bed racks. Roof racks are installed on top of the cab of your truck and are suitable for carrying one or two kayaks at a time. Bed racks, on the other hand, are installed in the bed of your truck and can carry multiple kayaks at once. Consider which type would work best for you based on the number of kayaks you plan to transport.

3. Check Compatibility

Not all kayak carriers are compatible with every pickup truck model. It is crucial to check if the carrier you are interested in is compatible with your specific make and model of truck before making a purchase. You can find this information in the product description or by contacting the manufacturer.

4. Look for Durability and Stability

As with any outdoor equipment, durability is key when it comes to kayak carriers. Look for carriers made from high-quality materials such as aluminum or steel that can withstand various weather conditions and provide stability while driving. Additionally, make sure that the carrier has secure straps or tie-downs to keep your kayaks in place during transportation.

5. Consider Ease of Use

When loading and unloading kayaks onto a pickup truck, it is essential to consider how easy it will be with your chosen carrier. Look for features like adjustable arms or rollers that make it easier to slide kayaks onto the rack without causing any scratches or damages.

6. Pay Attention to Installation Process

Some kayak carriers require professional installation, while others can easily be installed by yourself with basic tools and instructions provided by the manufacturer. If you prefer not to spend extra money on installation fees, opt for a carrier that you can install yourself.

7 . Read Reviews

Before making any purchase, it’s always wise to read reviews from other customers who have used the product before you. Look for feedback on durability, ease of use, compatibility issues, etc., to get an accurate idea of how well the kayak carrier performs in real-life situations.

With these tips in mind, I am confident that you will be able to find the perfect pickup truck kayak carrier that suits your needs and budget. Happy kayaking!

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