Owning a kayak opens your world to exploring new waterways, be it on lakes, rivers, or coastal waterways. After investing your money in buying the best kit, it also makes sense to find the best kayak rack for truck. This will prevent you from tossing the equipment on the bed of the pickup, exposing it to damage.
One thing you might not know is that the bed of your truck is shorter than a kayak. You, therefore, should be more mindful about how you transport it from one point to another. Carrying the kayak with one end sticking up in the air is not only dangerous but also risky.
Fortunately, several designers have come up with a solution that lets you transport your kayak safely. No matter the size or depth of your truck bed, you can find the best kayak rack for truck if you know what you want. Here are some of the options we have reviewed to help make the process simple for you.
Comparison Chart
Best Kayak Rack for Truck Review
There are several varieties you can choose from, depending on the shape and size. This review picks the top kayak racks and looks at their features to help you understand each model better.
MaxxHaul 70423 Universal Aluminum Truck Rack
The most outstanding feature of the MaxxHaul rack is its no-rust aluminum. This provides excellent strength and durability, preventing corrosion and breakage of parts.
Review
The MaxxHaul 70423 Aluminum rack is made of heavy-duty steel. It comes with a powder coating finish that enhances its rust resistance. At the ends of the crossbars are adjustable stopper bumpers that hold the kayak in place during transportation.
They come in handy during stop-and-go transitions, as well as when you’re navigating sharp turns. The crossbars of the rack are internally reinforced, a factor that delivers additional strength.
Size
The MaxxHaul kayak rack’s crossbars measure approximately 70 inches across the truck. The good thing with them is that you can adjust them to fit most full-size truck beds. They can provide a maximum of 26 inches above the sides of the truck bed for the height.
The rack can comfortably support a weight of up to 400 pounds. This means you can comfortably carry two kayaks with ease. You can easily mount the rack on the truck bed rail system without the need to drill through anything.
Pros
- Easy to mount on the pickup bed as no drilling is required
- Adjustable enough to fit any truck bed
- Can support a weight of up to 400 pounds
- Made from a durable and corrosion-free aluminum frame
- Comes with adjustable cargo bumpers at the end of the crossbars to keep cargo in place
Cons
- The rack doesn’t come well packaged, and some parts are missing
- Not compatible with Chevrolet Silverado 8ft bed as the munts sit in too far
CHECK LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON.COM
Apex ATR Heavy Duty Universal Aluminum Utility Rack
The Apex Universal Utility Rack is designed with most trucks in mind. It compatible with beds as wide as 66.5.”
Review
This aluminum truck rack is made from high-strength aluminum that’s also lightweight and rust-resistant. It’s considered superior to its MaxxHaul rack counterpart since it carries more weight. With an 800-pound capacity, the rack can carry not only your kayak but other fishing gear.
Its design features four mental triangles, which come in handy to give your cargo the support it badly needs. Use the loops to securely fasten the kayak to make it remain in place as you take sharp corners. This will give you peace of mind, knowing that your kayak won’t lose its balance as you transport it.
Versatility
Apart from carrying your kayak, the rack also comes in handy for other types of cargo. Use it to transport pipes, ladders, and lumber, among other objects.
Installation
When installing the rack on the truck bed, you can choose to drill or not to drill. Whichever the approach, your rack remains securely in place without moving from side to side.
The four tension knobs also help adjust the position of the kayak. Slide them along the top bars to match the width of the cargo. Once correctly set, it’ll be a lot easier to tie down the kayak and anything else you want to bring along.
Measurements
The Apex rack is 30″ high and approximately 13″ long. It weighs 38 lbs, which is an impressive weight for the 800 lbs it can support.
Pros
- The Apex rack is designed to fit in most truck beds
- Wide enough at 66.5” to provide ample carriage space
- Its versatility allows it to be used for transportation of a variety of other items
- Strong and durable enough to support a weight of up to 800 lbs
- Quick and easy to install and doesn’t require drilling
Cons
- The quality of the rack isn’t as good as advertised and hence not dependable
- The corners of the bars are sharp and pose a hazard
CHECK LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON.COM
AA-Racks Model APX25-E Aluminum Pickup Truck Ladder Rack
The AA Rack Model comes with a universal design that allows it to fit a variety of full-sized pickup beds. As one of the best all-in-one kayak systems, you’ll like it for its ease of use.
Review
The APX25-E rack comes packaged with all the items you require for the safe transportation of your kayak. It includes a kayak roof jack, 8 C-clamps, ratchet straps, and 4 J-racks, enough to hold two kayaks.
Compatibility
This rack can fit in several standard truck beds. These include Ford and Chevy, as well as the uniquely-shaped bed of the Toyota Tacoma. Its steel tube is designed to adjust between various truck bed widths comfortably.
Unfortunately, the rack won’t work with trucks with a utility track system, toolbox, or side box. It may also not be a good fit for non-standard truck beds like the Honda Ridgeline and Avalanche.
Safety
For increased safety as you drive down bumpy roads, the strong C-clamps will come in handy. It’ll also help if you use the extended bolts and ratchet straps to secure your watercraft in place.
The length of the rack is such that it can accommodate crafts as long as 16′ long. The total capacity is 2,200 lbs, allowing you to carry more than one kayak on the rack.
Installation
Just like the previously reviewed rack models, the Apex rack is easy to install and deconstruct. It requires no drilling, as the 8 C-clamps will take care of the rack’s stability and positioning. Furthermore, it will preserve the resell value of your truck.
Pros
- The rack is designed as a universal model ideal for a variety of full-sized pickup trucks
- Made from strong, durable, and reinforced heavy-duty aluminum
- Provides 38″ of additional carrying capacity upon mounting the cantilever to the crossbars
- Has a carrying capacity of 2,200 lbs, evenly distributed across the racks
- The installation is straightforward and requires no drilling as the C-clamps provide the required support
Cons
- The rack is not compatible with trucks that come with a Utility Truck Systems or a toolbox
- The rail end caps don’t seem secure enough and may require some screws
CHECK LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON.COM
GoPlus Pickup Truck Bed Hitch Extender Rack
This heavy-duty construction metal rack will work just fine for your kayak. The black coated finish improves the outlook of the stand and improves its durability.
Review
The GoPlus rack is designed with a lot more than your kayak in mind. You can use it to transport your ladder, long pipes, and lumber conveniently.
This hitch extender fits well into 2” square hitch receivers and may also be used on 1.25” receivers. However, the later must come with a hitch adaptor.
It’s an ideal rack for long-distance loading. Its premium quality supports a wide range of cargo. The good thing with it is that it can support oversized cargo if well placed on the extender.
Capacity
You can adjust the rack horizontally or vertically on any 2-inch receiver. This creates enough room to carry additional cargo to a maximum of 750 lbs. The rack will come in handy in different situations, depending on what you need to transport.
Design
The rack has a simple design and a stainless appearance. It features a function-oriented extender that strives for more space for your cargo. On the front and sides of the rack is a reflective tape that improves visibility.
It can help prevent accidents while you drive at night. It’s also coupled with a safety flag for added security.
Pros
- The rack comes very well packaged and works as advertised
- Sturdy and versatile enough to transport more than just a kayak
- No clips, drilling, or tools needed during installation
- The quality of the rack is good and gives you excellent value for your money
- Features a reflective tape and rosy red flag for safety purposes
Cons
- The rack lacks proper padding where it comes in contact with the kayak, and it could cause some scratches
- The instructions for installation are incomplete, and the frame can’t hold more than 350 lbs
CHECK LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON.COM
TMS 800 LB Adjustable Tuck Rack
This TMS rack comes as a set of two heavy-duty adjustable truck ladder racks. It’s designed to function as a multipurpose holder for bigger and longer items.
Review
If you’re looking for a rack bigger than the average pickup truck bed, the TMS rack is a good fit. It can be used to transport a kayak, canoe, lumber, pipes, and ladders, among other bulky items.
The frame that makes the rack is sturdy and wide enough to support a capacity of 800 lbs. The maximum height is 30″, including the height of the truck bed. The width is adjustable from the usual 5′ to a maximum of 7′.
The fact that you can adjust the width means you can have more space for longer items. The convenience this provides can’t be compared to some other rack models on the market.
Safety
If you’re worried about the security of your items, rest assured that the TMS rack won’t disappoint. Unlike the other rack models previously reviewed, the TMS rack requires drilling during installation.
The use of bolts and nuts is an extra step that adds a layer of security to the stand. The package comes with two bolts and nuts to help fix it firmly on the truck bed. In the package box, there are 8 bolts and screws for a perfect installation job.
The base of the rack comprises heavy-duty steel that makes it heavier and more durable than aluminum-made ones. Overall, the product weighs 50 lbs and is 51″ by 26.2″ by 1.5″ in dimension.
Pros
- Comes with a steel base and a sturdy frame that makes it capable of holding 800 lbs
- By using bolts and nuts in the installation process, the strength of the rack is enhanced
- Suitable to carry a variety of long items in addition to a kayak
- It comes as a set of two frames and delivers value for money
- The width is adjustable from the minimum 5′ to 7′ for additional space
Cons
- The installation process requires drilling which takes more time and dents the truck bed
- The finishing is not well done, and the surface has huge scuffs and blemishes
CHECK LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON.COM
Final Verdict
Searching for the best kayak rack for a truck can be a daunting task. Given the countless models and reviews out there, sifting through all of them is impossible. The good thing is, if you have an idea of the qualities you want in a kayak rack, the search can be a lot easier.
A kayak is not a small investment; consequently, it must be handled the right way during transportation. From the above review, you can pick a rack that best resonates with your needs. Whether you want one that requires drilling or one that doesn’t, the market has something for you.
Most of these products are budget-friendly, durable, and can support heavy cargo. They’re also compatible with most truck beds, apart from a few that won’t fit. So, be sure you know the size of your truck for easy shopping.
However, before you settle for any of them, ensure it’s what you really need for your kayak. Upon finding the best fit, nothing will stop you from making your way to your favorite waterway for an adventure.
