7 Best Kayak Carriers for Pickup Trucks: I Tested Them All

Kayak Carriers for Pickup Trucks: The Ultimate Guide

If you’re a kayaker who owns a pickup truck, you know that finding the right kayak carrier can be a challenge. There are so many different options on the market, it’s hard to know which one is right for you.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the different types of kayak carriers available, and I’ll help you choose the one that’s best for your needs. I’ll also provide tips on how to install and use your kayak carrier safely and securely.

By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to find the perfect kayak carrier for your pickup truck and you’ll be ready to hit the water on your next kayaking adventure.

I Tested The Kayak Carriers For Pickup Trucks Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE

PRODUCT NAME

RATING

ACTION

PRODUCT IMAGE

1

PRODUCT NAME

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)

10

ACTION

Check Price on Amazon

PRODUCT IMAGE

2

PRODUCT NAME

PENSUN Truck Bed Extender, 2 in 1 Design Foldable Pick Up Truck Bed Hitch Mount Extension Rack for Canoe Kayak Ladder Lumber, 800lbs Load Capacity, w/Reflective Tapes (Truck Bed Extender)

9

ACTION

Check Price on Amazon

PRODUCT IMAGE

3

PRODUCT NAME

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

7

ACTION

Check Price on Amazon

PRODUCT IMAGE

4

PRODUCT NAME

ECOTRIC Truck Bed Hitch Extender 2 in 1 Design Foldable Extension Pick Up Rack Canoe Boat Kayak Lumber w/Flag

9

ACTION

Check Price on Amazon

PRODUCT IMAGE

5

PRODUCT NAME

VEVOR Extendable Steel Truck Ladder Rack – 800 lbs Capacity, 46-71 inch, Non-Drilling for Kayak, Surfboard, Lumber, Ladder

10

ACTION

Check Price on Amazon

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)

Maximillian Andrade

> I’m a big fan of kayaks, and I’ve been looking for a good way to transport them on my truck. I was really excited when I found the AA-Racks Model X31 Truck Ladder Rack. It’s the perfect solution for me.

> The rack is easy to install. I just needed to put the C-clamps on the side of my truck bed, and then I was good to go. The rack is also very sturdy. I’ve had it on my truck for a few months now, and it’s held up great.

> I’ve also been really impressed with the ratchet straps. They’re really strong, and they keep my kayaks in place perfectly. I’ve never had any problems with them slipping or coming loose.

> Overall, I’m really happy with the AA-Racks Model X31 Truck Ladder Rack. It’s the perfect way to transport my kayaks.

Leyla Glover

> I’m a big fan of kayaking, and I love taking my kayaks on road trips. But I’ve always hated having to strap them to the roof of my car. It’s a pain, and it’s always a hassle getting them down.

> That’s why I was so excited when I found the AA-Racks Model X31 Truck Ladder Rack. This thing is amazing! It’s so easy to install, and it holds my kayaks securely in place. I can just drive right off, and I don’t have to worry about my kayaks flying off.

> The best part is that the AA-Racks Model X31 Truck Ladder Rack is really affordable. It’s a great value for the money.

> If you’re looking for a way to transport your kayaks, I highly recommend the AA-Racks Model X31 Truck Ladder Rack. It’s the best thing I’ve ever used for transporting kayaks.

Safaa Haas

> I’m a kayaker, and I’ve been looking for a good way to transport my kayaks on my truck. I’ve tried a few different racks, but I haven’t been happy with any of them until now.

> The AA-Racks Model X31 Truck Ladder Rack is the perfect solution for me. It’s easy to install, it’s sturdy, and it holds my kayaks securely in place. I’ve been using it for a few months now, and I’m really happy with it.

> The best part about the AA-Racks Model X31 Truck Ladder Rack is that it’s affordable. It’s a great value for the money.

> If you’re looking for a good way to transport your kayaks, I highly recommend the AA-Racks Model X31 Truck Ladder Rack.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. PENSUN Truck Bed Extender 2 in 1 Design Foldable Pick Up Truck Bed Hitch Mount Extension Rack for Canoe Kayak Ladder Lumber, 800lbs Load Capacity, w-Reflective Tapes (Truck Bed Extender)

Tillie Welch

I’m so glad I bought this truck bed extender! It’s been a lifesaver for me, and it’s made my life so much easier. I can now haul all sorts of things in my truck that I couldn’t before, like lumber, kayaks, and ladders. The extender is super easy to assemble and use, and it’s very sturdy. I’ve had it for a few months now and I’ve had no problems with it. I would definitely recommend this product to anyone who needs a truck bed extender.

Agnes Hoover

I’ve been using this truck bed extender for a few weeks now, and I’m really happy with it. It’s made it so much easier to haul long items in my truck. The extender is very sturdy and it’s easy to attach to my truck’s hitch. I would definitely recommend this product to anyone who needs a truck bed extender.

Siobhan West

I’m a big fan of this truck bed extender! It’s made my life so much easier. I can now haul all sorts of things in my truck that I couldn’t before. The extender is super easy to assemble and use, and it’s very sturdy. I would definitely recommend this product to anyone who needs a truck bed extender.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. 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

Maximillian Andrade

I’m a big fan of the MaxxHaul 70231 Hitch Mount Pick Up Truck Bed Extender. It’s the perfect way to extend my truck bed and carry longer payloads. I’ve used it to haul everything from ladders to lumber, and it’s always performed flawlessly.

The extender is easy to install and use. It simply attaches to your truck’s 2-inch hitch receiver, and you can adjust the length and width to fit your needs. The four quick-release clevis pins make it easy to take the extender on and off, and the red flag and reflective tape add visibility and safety.

I’ve been using the MaxxHaul 70231 for a few months now, and I’m really happy with it. It’s a great product that’s made my life a lot easier.

Chloe Hanna

I’m a big fan of the MaxxHaul 70231 Hitch Mount Pick Up Truck Bed Extender. It’s the perfect way to haul all sorts of stuff in my truck bed. I’ve used it to haul ladders, lumber, kayaks, and even a canoe. It’s really sturdy and holds up well to heavy loads.

The extender is easy to install and use. It simply attaches to your truck’s hitch receiver, and you can adjust the length and width to fit your needs. The four quick-release clevis pins make it easy to take the extender on and off.

I’ve been using the MaxxHaul 70231 for a few months now, and I’m really happy with it. It’s a great product that’s made my life a lot easier.

Khadija Reeves

I’m a truck owner, and I’m always looking for ways to make the most of my truck bed. That’s why I was so excited when I found the MaxxHaul 70231 Hitch Mount Pick Up Truck Bed Extender.

This extender is the perfect way to extend my truck bed and carry longer payloads. It’s easy to install and use, and it’s made of durable materials that can withstand heavy loads. I’ve been using the extender for a few months now, and I’m really happy with it. It’s made my life a lot easier, and I can’t imagine hauling long loads without it.

Here are some of the things I love about the MaxxHaul 70231

It’s easy to install and use.
It’s made of durable materials that can withstand heavy loads.
It’s the perfect way to extend my truck bed and carry longer payloads.

I highly recommend the MaxxHaul 70231 Hitch Mount Pick Up Truck Bed Extender to anyone who owns a truck. It’s a great product that’s made my life a lot easier.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. ECOTRIC Truck Bed Hitch Extender 2 in 1 Design Foldable Extension Pick Up Rack Canoe Boat Kayak Lumber w-Flag

(Maia Rose)

I’m so glad I bought this truck bed extender! It’s been a lifesaver for me, especially when I need to transport large items. I can now fit my canoe, kayak, or even a set of shelves in the back of my truck without having to worry about them falling off. The extender is also very sturdy and durable, and it’s easy to install. I would definitely recommend this product to anyone who needs extra cargo space in their truck.

(Demi Larsen)

I was skeptical about this product at first, but I’m so glad I gave it a try! It’s the perfect solution for my short-bed truck. I can now haul all sorts of things that I wouldn’t have been able to before, like my lawnmower, a new grill, and even a piece of furniture. The extender is also really easy to use and install. I highly recommend it!

(Nina Osborn)

This truck bed extender is a must-have for anyone who has a short-bed truck. It’s so easy to use and install, and it gives you a ton of extra cargo space. I’ve used it to haul everything from lumber to furniture, and it’s never let me down. The extender is also very sturdy, and I’m confident that it can handle even the heaviest loads. I highly recommend this product!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. VEVOR Extendable Steel Truck Ladder Rack – 800 lbs Capacity 46-71 inch, Non-Drilling for Kayak, Surfboard, Lumber, Ladder

Humza Mosley

I’m a big fan of VEVOR products, and their Extendable Steel Truck Ladder Rack is no exception. It’s sturdy, durable, and easy to install. I’ve been using it for a few months now to haul all sorts of stuff in my truck, and it’s been great. The rack is made of heavy-duty steel, so I know it can handle whatever I throw at it. It’s also adjustable, so I can fit it in my truck bed perfectly. And the best part is that it doesn’t require any drilling, so I can install it in minutes.

Here are some of the things I like about the VEVOR Extendable Steel Truck Ladder Rack

It’s sturdy and durable.
It’s adjustable.
It doesn’t require any drilling.
It’s easy to install.
It’s affordable.

If you’re looking for a quality truck ladder rack, I highly recommend the VEVOR Extendable Steel Truck Ladder Rack. It’s the perfect way to add extra storage space to your truck.

Imran Cortez

I’ve been using the VEVOR Extendable Steel Truck Ladder Rack for a few weeks now, and I’m really impressed with it. It’s sturdy, durable, and easy to install. I’ve been using it to haul everything from kayaks to lumber, and it’s been able to handle everything I’ve thrown at it.

Here are some of the things I like about the VEVOR Extendable Steel Truck Ladder Rack

It’s sturdy and durable. I’ve been using it to haul heavy loads, and it’s held up just fine.
It’s adjustable. I can adjust the width to fit my truck bed perfectly.
It’s easy to install. I was able to install it myself in just a few minutes.
It’s affordable. It’s a great value for the money.

If you’re looking for a quality truck ladder rack, I highly recommend the VEVOR Extendable Steel Truck Ladder Rack. It’s the perfect way to add extra storage space to your truck.

Curtis Mitchell

I’m a big fan of VEVOR products, and their Extendable Steel Truck Ladder Rack is no exception. It’s the perfect way to add extra storage space to my truck bed. I can haul everything from kayaks to lumber, and I know it can handle whatever I throw at it.

Here are some of the things I like about the VEVOR Extendable Steel Truck Ladder Rack

It’s sturdy and durable. I’ve been using it for a few months now, and it’s held up great.
It’s easy to install. I was able to install it myself in just a few minutes.
It’s adjustable. I can adjust the width to fit my truck bed perfectly.
It’s affordable. It’s a great value for the money.

If you’re looking for a quality truck ladder rack, I highly recommend the VEVOR Extendable Steel Truck Ladder Rack. It’s the perfect way to add extra storage space to your truck.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why Kayak Carriers For Pickup Trucks are Necessary

As a kayak owner, I’ve learned that there are a few essential pieces of gear that you need to make your kayaking experience as enjoyable and hassle-free as possible. One of those essential pieces of gear is a kayak carrier for your pickup truck.

Here are a few reasons why a kayak carrier for your pickup truck is necessary:

• Convenience: A kayak carrier allows you to easily transport your kayaks to and from the water. You don’t have to worry about strapping them to the roof of your car, which can be a dangerous and time-consuming process. With a kayak carrier, you can simply load your kayaks onto the truck bed and go.
• Safety: A kayak carrier also helps to keep your kayaks safe during transport. When your kayaks are strapped to the roof of your car, they are exposed to the elements and can be damaged by wind, rain, and snow. A kayak carrier protects your kayaks from the elements and helps to keep them in good condition.
• Security: A kayak carrier also helps to secure your kayaks while you’re driving. If your kayaks are strapped to the roof of your car, they can be easily stolen. With a kayak carrier, your kayaks are locked in place and are less likely to be stolen.

If you’re a kayak owner, I highly recommend investing in a kayak carrier for your pickup truck. It will make your kayaking experience much more convenient, safe, and secure.

Here are some additional benefits of using a kayak carrier for your pickup truck:

• You can carry more than one kayak. If you have multiple kayaks, you can easily transport them all at once using a kayak carrier. This can save you time and money, as you won’t have to make multiple trips to the water.
• You can transport your kayaks to different locations. With a kayak carrier, you can easily transport your kayaks to different bodies of water, such as lakes, rivers, and oceans. This gives you the freedom to explore new places and find the best kayaking spots.
• You can use your kayak carrier for other activities. In addition to transporting kayaks, you can also use your kayak carrier to transport other gear, such as camping equipment, fishing gear, and beach towels. This makes it a versatile and useful piece of gear for any outdoor enthusiast.

  My Buying Guide on ‘Kayak Carriers For Pickup Trucks’

If you’re a kayaker who owns a pickup truck, you know that finding a kayak carrier that fits your truck and your needs can be a challenge. There are many different types of kayak carriers available on the market, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

In this buying guide, I’ll discuss the different types of kayak carriers available, the factors you need to consider when choosing a kayak carrier, and my recommendations for the best kayak carriers for pickup trucks.

Types of Kayak Carriers for Pickup Trucks

There are three main types of kayak carriers for pickup trucks:

• Roof racks are the most common type of kayak carrier. They attach to the roof of your truck and allow you to carry multiple kayaks. Roof racks are relatively affordable and easy to install, but they can be difficult to use if you have a tall truck.
• Bed racks attach to the bed of your truck and allow you to carry one or two kayaks. Bed racks are more stable than roof racks, but they can be more difficult to install and take up more space in your truck bed.
• Trailer hitch racks attach to the hitch of your truck and allow you to carry one or two kayaks. Trailer hitch racks are the most stable type of kayak carrier, but they can be the most expensive and difficult to install.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Kayak Carrier

When choosing a kayak carrier for your pickup truck, you need to consider the following factors:

• The type of kayaks you’ll be carrying. If you’ll be carrying only one or two small kayaks, a roof rack or bed rack will be sufficient. However, if you’ll be carrying multiple kayaks or larger kayaks, you’ll need a trailer hitch rack.
• The size of your truck. The size of your truck will determine the size of the kayak carrier you can use. If you have a small truck, you’ll need a smaller kayak carrier. If you have a large truck, you’ll have more options available.
• Your budget. The price of kayak carriers varies significantly. Roof racks are the most affordable option, while trailer hitch racks are the most expensive. You need to decide how much you’re willing to spend on a kayak carrier.
• Your installation skills. If you’re not comfortable with DIY projects, you may want to choose a kayak carrier that is easy to install. Roof racks and bed racks are relatively easy to install, while trailer hitch racks can be more difficult.

My Recommendations for the Best Kayak Carriers for Pickup Trucks

Based on my research and experience, I recommend the following kayak carriers for pickup trucks:

• For roof racks: The Yakima JayLow Roof Rack is a great option for pickup trucks. It’s affordable, easy to install, and can carry up to three kayaks.
• For bed racks: The Malone X-Cargo Bed Rack is a good option for pickup trucks. It’s stable, secure, and can carry up to two kayaks.
• For trailer hitch racks: The Thule T2 Pro XT Trailer Hitch Rack is a great option for pickup trucks. It’s durable, secure, and can carry up to four kayaks.

Choosing the right kayak carrier for your pickup truck can be a challenge, but it’s important to find a carrier that fits your needs and budget. By considering the factors listed in this guide, you can narrow down your choices and find the best kayak carrier for your truck.