The Best Way to Transport Kayaks on Truck

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The Best Way to Transport Kayaks on Truck

Last Updated on February 5, 2020

If you’re into water sports, you probably have either heard of enjoyed a kayak. The light weight canoe is for water sport enthusiasts who want to quench their thirst for adventure and thrill. If you own a kayak and there’s a good water spot within your surroundings, it’s time to take it for a ride. If not, please check out dreamguides.

But to turn that plan into reality, you will have to think of a means to take the kayak to your desired place. Suggestions will come pouring in from every-where on how you should do it but it is best to do a little research and proceed.

Different ways for loading a kayak into your truck

So how do you transport a kayak from your home to the adventure spot safely? That’s a question that needs considerable amount of time as you think of ways to tie up the kayak and relocate it. There are various ways that can be done, but we’ll focus on good old trucks.

The easiest method to transport a kayak on a truck, according to Kayak fishing supplies, who talk about it in their ultimate guide, is to just to leave it in the back of the truck and tie it up securely with a rope, keeping the tailgate open. Some part of the kayak will rest on the tailgate but if you want extended support you can get one of those hitch receivers that can be attached to the back of the truck, firmly holding the kayak in place.

One should always cross check whether the ropes are firm and gripping the kayak properly as there’s always a danger of the kayak slipping out while driving.

Another method is to attach a kayak truck rack to the truck bed and place the kayak on top and securing it with straps. This method is a bit costly though as racks come at a good price. For this reason, the hitch receiver is an economical option and assures safety as compared to roof racks.

Make safety a priority for yourself and others

It is also important to take safety measures before putting the kayak in the truck. Some people make the mistake of keeping the tailgate shut and throw in the kayak which keeps it at an angel, making it vulnerable to a mishap or a major accident. Also, the extended height limits access to places where only vehicles under certain heights are allowed to enter.

It is easier to carry smaller kayak models in a truck without having to leave the tailgate open, like the mini-x, which can be tied to the truck bed with the rear end facing towards the wind shield of the truck. This way, even if the weather is not in sound condition, strong winds will only push the kayak towards the truck bed and not out of it.

Other useful tools available in the market are lumber racks, which is a pair of cross bars facing each other and secured on the sides of the truck bed. The only problem with using these is that one cross bar stays close to the tailgate while the other stays near the windshield, with the third attached somewhere around the back. The way to place a kayak on the cross bars is upside down while securing it tightly with straps so it doesn’t slip out. This is one of the least safe methods of transporting a kayak unless done properly.

For people who own a SUV, some models come installed with a roof rack, which serves as an additional support for luggage carrying but it is also a very convenient way to carry a kayak without making any special arrangements. If you’ve purchased a used SUV, make sure to give the roof rack a check for repairs if needed. With older models there’s always a slight possibility of finding a crack or almost broken part which will need fixing.

If you doubt the roof rack on your car model will hold on to the weight of a kayak then get in touch with your car dealer’s customer service, check within the car manual or look for information on the internet.

Try to do it yourself

If there’s no helping hand available, you can try to load the kayak on your SUV roof rack by yourself with this simple method. Place one end of the kayak on the rear roof rack and the second end on the ground at an angel. Next lift the kayak from the other end and slide it on to the roof rack towards the second cross bar.

If you feel this method might scratch the car body or ruin the paint job, cover that area up with a cloth or towel to avoid the mishap.   To secure the kayak most people would use straps but if your SUV comes with a factory built in roof rack then it is advised to order rack pads which are specially designed for a strong hold and will ensure firm grip of the kayak.

There’s always more help available

There are also video tutorials available on various websites which clearly explain ways of transporting a kayak on a truck. For example, a Youtube user named Salt Strong has uploaded a video, where he himself uploads a kayak in the back of his truck. You can also checkout related videos for more ideas.

Just make sure the kayak is always in place firmly tied to the source holding it as you wouldn’t want to risk the life of your loved ones and others. Numerous cases have been reported regarding accidents that have occurred due to kayaks losing grip and falling out of the car, causing serious damage to the car following behind. Always make sure the size of the kayak and the source holding it are compatible.

Finally, when you have the kayak onboard, drive away to a beautiful destination and enjoy some good time in the water with friends or family. Race along the water or compete with others and create lasting memories.