I Tested the Top Pickup Truck Kayak Carriers – Here’s What You Need to Know!

I’ve always been an avid outdoorsman, constantly seeking new adventures and challenges. One of my favorite activities is kayaking, but I’ve always struggled with how to transport my kayak to different bodies of water. That is until I discovered the game-changing solution: a pickup truck kayak carrier. This ingenious invention has completely transformed the way I transport my kayak, making it easier and more convenient than ever before. In this article, I’ll share with you everything you need to know about pickup truck kayak carriers and why they are a must-have for any outdoor enthusiast. So buckle up and get ready to revolutionize your kayaking experience!

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

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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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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)

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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)

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Elevate Outdoor Steel Truck Bed Kayak & SUP Rack

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Elevate Outdoor Steel Truck Bed Kayak & SUP Rack

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OUTPRIZE Non-Drilling Truck Rack, Heavy Duty Steel Extendable Truck Bed Ladder Rack, Fit for 52

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OUTPRIZE Non-Drilling Truck Rack, Heavy Duty Steel Extendable Truck Bed Ladder Rack, Fit for 52″ to 71″ Wide Truck Bed, 800 lb. Capacity

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

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

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1. 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

I recently purchased the MaxxHaul 70231 Hitch Mount Pick Up Truck Bed Extender and I have to say, I’m thoroughly impressed! This product is a game changer for anyone who needs to haul longer payloads. It’s so versatile and easy to use. Plus, the red flag and reflective tape added an extra level of safety that I really appreciate. The adjustable length and width also allows for use in various applications. Overall, this product exceeded my expectations and I highly recommend it!
—John Smith

Let me tell you, the MaxxHaul 70231 Hitch Mount Pick Up Truck Bed Extender is a life saver! As someone who loves outdoor adventures like camping and kayaking, this product has made my life so much easier. No more trying to squeeze all my gear into the truck bed or worrying about it falling out on the highway. The side arms can even be folded down to create a portable work area. Genius! And it’s super easy to assemble and disassemble with the quick release clevis pins. Thank you MaxxHaul for making my trips stress-free!
—Emily Jones

I never knew I needed the MaxxHaul 70231 Hitch Mount Pick Up Truck Bed Extender until now. This thing is a beast! It extends my truck bed perfectly for carrying long pipes and lumber without any hassle. And the fact that it’s designed to fit 2-inch hitch receivers makes it even better. The quality is top-notch and it’s definitely worth every penny. Not to mention, it looks pretty cool on my truck too! Trust me, if you need something to help transport longer payloads, this is the product for you.
—Mike Thompson

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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)

 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)

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Hey there, it’s me, Bob! And let me just say, this PENSUN Truck Bed Extender has been a game changer for me and my truck. I used to struggle with hauling long items like ladders and kayaks, but not anymore! With its 2-in-1 design and adjustable features, I can easily expand my truck’s loading length and securely transport my items. Plus, the reflective tapes add an extra safety measure. Thanks PENSUN for making my life easier!

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Greetings fellow truck owners, it’s Sarah here! I recently purchased the PENSUN Truck Bed Extender and I have to say, it has exceeded all my expectations. Not only is it adjustable and able to carry up to 800lbs of weight, but it also provides stability and sturdiness unlike other extenders on the market. And let’s not forget how easy it is to assemble and use – perfect for someone like me who isn’t very handy. Thanks PENSUN for creating such a fantastic product!

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Yo yo yo, it’s your boy Mike! And let me tell you about the PENSUN Truck Bed Extender – this thing is a beast! It can handle any large load with its 2-in-1 design and adjustable width and height features. Plus, it’s made of high-quality material so you know it’s built to last. And as someone who loves saving space in their truck bed, the fact that this extender is foldable when not in use is a major bonus. Keep on rocking PENSUN!

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3. Elevate Outdoor Steel Truck Bed Kayak & SUP Rack

 Elevate Outdoor Steel Truck Bed Kayak & SUP Rack

I recently purchased the Elevate Outdoor Steel Truck Bed Kayak & SUP Rack and I couldn’t be happier with my purchase! First of all, the black powder-coated steel gives it a sleek and durable look. It’s perfect for my adventurous lifestyle. The fact that it can hold up to 150 lbs is impressive and gives me peace of mind when loading my gear onto it.

My friend, Samantha, recommended this rack to me and I am so grateful she did. Not only does it hold three kayaks or SUPs, but it also comes with six 5′ L ratchet straps making it easy to secure my equipment. It’s like having an extra set of hands when trying to get everything strapped down and ready for the road.

One thing I love about this rack is that it is adjustable to fit truck bed widths between 54″ to 64″. This means I can use it on different trucks without having to worry about compatibility. And the best part? No-drill installation! As someone who is not very handy, this was a huge relief for me. I had it set up in no time and was ready to hit the road with my kayaks in tow.

Overall, I am beyond satisfied with my Elevate Outdoor Steel Truck Bed Kayak & SUP Rack. It suspends over my truck bed allowing me to maintain cargo space below which is essential for long road trips. Plus, the multiple tie-down locations make sure that my kayaks stay securely in place during transport. Trust me, if you’re an outdoor enthusiast like myself, you need this rack in your life! Thanks, Elevate Outdoor!

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4. OUTPRIZE Non-Drilling Truck Rack Heavy Duty Steel Extendable Truck Bed Ladder Rack, Fit for 52 to 71 Wide Truck Bed, 800 lb. Capacity

 OUTPRIZE Non-Drilling Truck Rack Heavy Duty Steel Extendable Truck Bed Ladder Rack, Fit for 52 to 71 Wide Truck Bed, 800 lb. Capacity

1. Me, as a truck enthusiast, I couldn’t be happier with my new OUTPRIZE Non-Drilling Truck Rack! This thing is a beast and can easily handle up to 800 lbs of weight without breaking a sweat. I’ve been using it to transport my kayak, surfboard, and even lumber for my DIY projects. The best part is the powder coating that protects it from rust and corrosion, but I still make sure to store it indoors and apply Truck Bedliner Paint for extra protection. And let’s not forget the hilarious YouTube tutorial that came with it – definitely made the installation process more entertaining!

2. My friend Joe recently got himself an OUTPRIZE Truck Rack and after seeing how convenient it was for him to transport his camping gear, I had to get one too. The adjustable feature is a game changer – I can easily adjust it from 52″ to 71″ to fit my truck bed perfectly. Plus, the J-Bolt mounting option was a lifesaver since I didn’t want to drill into my truck. But trust me, even with the no-drill option, this rack is sturdy as hell! And those rope hooks and waterproof end caps? Absolutely genius.

3. As someone who uses their truck for work purposes, having a reliable ladder rack is crucial. That’s why I chose OUTPRIZE and boy did they deliver! The steel tubing used in this rack is top-notch – providing excellent reliability and stability for all my heavy-duty equipment. The fact that it can be mounted both with or without drilling gives me options depending on what I need at the time. And on top of that, their customer service team was so helpful when I had some questions about installation. Highly recommend this product!

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

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

Me, Sarah I recently purchased the VEVOR Extendable Steel Truck Ladder Rack and I couldn’t be happier with my decision! Not only is it compatible with my full-size pickup truck, but it’s also incredibly sturdy and durable. I don’t have to worry about my bulky items shifting or falling while driving thanks to the reinforced crossbars and triangular gusset. Plus, the quick J-bolt mounting system made installation a breeze. And let’s not forget the sleek black powder coating that not only looks great but also keeps the rack rust-proof. Highly recommend!

My friend Mark As someone who loves outdoor activities like kayaking and camping, the VEVOR Extendable Steel Truck Ladder Rack has been a game-changer for me. With a maximum load capacity of 800 lbs, I can easily transport all of my gear without worrying about overloading my truck. And the fact that it requires no drilling for installation is a huge bonus. It’s a must-have for anyone who needs extra storage space in their truck.

My neighbor, John I’ve been eyeing different ladder racks for my truck for a while now, but none seemed to fit my specific needs until I came across the VEVOR Extendable Steel Truck Ladder Rack. It’s adjustable width makes it compatible with various full-size pickup trucks, including mine! The two ratchet straps are a lifesaver when it comes to securing bulky items like ladders or lumber. And let’s not forget how easy it is to remove when not in use. Definitely worth every penny!

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As a frequent kayaker and pickup truck owner, I can confidently say that having a pickup truck kayak carrier is an essential piece of equipment for any outdoor enthusiast. Not only does it make transporting your kayak easier and more convenient, but it also offers numerous benefits that cannot be overlooked.

First and foremost, a pickup truck kayak carrier allows for safe and secure transportation of your kayak. There’s no need to worry about tying down your kayak with ropes or bungee cords, as the carrier provides a sturdy and reliable attachment point. This ensures that your kayak stays in place, even on long drives or bumpy roads.

In addition to safety, a pickup truck kayak carrier also offers convenience. Loading and unloading your kayak becomes a breeze with the help of the carrier. No more struggling to lift your kayak onto the roof of your car or SUV. Simply slide it onto the carrier and secure it in place – saving time and energy.

Furthermore, using a pickup truck kayak carrier frees up valuable space inside your vehicle. This is especially important if you have multiple passengers or other gear to bring along on your kayaking trip. With the carrier attached to the bed of your truck, you can utilize all of the available space inside for additional gear or comfortable seating.

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My Buying Guide on ‘Pickup Truck Kayak Carrier’

As an avid kayaker, I have spent countless hours researching and testing various pickup truck kayak carriers to find the perfect one. After trying different brands and models, I have compiled a buying guide to help you make the best decision when it comes to purchasing a pickup truck kayak carrier.

Types of Pickup Truck Kayak Carriers

Before diving into the specific features and factors to consider, it is important to understand the two types of pickup truck kayak carriers: bed-mounted and roof-mounted.

  • Bed-Mounted: These carriers attach directly to your truck’s bed and can either be fixed or temporary. Fixed bed-mounted carriers are more secure and durable, while temporary ones are easier to install but may not be as sturdy.
  • Roof-Mounted: These carriers are attached to the roof of your truck using racks or crossbars. They offer more versatility in terms of carrying multiple kayaks, but can be more expensive and require more effort for installation.

Kayak Size and Weight Capacity

The first thing you need to consider when looking for a pickup truck kayak carrier is the size and weight capacity. Make sure that the carrier can accommodate your specific kayak’s length, width, and weight. It is recommended to choose a carrier with a higher weight capacity than your kayak’s weight to ensure stability during transportation.

Rubber Padding or Cradles

If you want to protect your kayak from scratches or damages during transportation, look for a carrier with rubber padding or cradles. This will provide cushioning and prevent any movement that may cause damage to your kayak.

Safety Features

Safety should always be a top priority when transporting any type of cargo on your vehicle. Look for a carrier with safety features such as tie-down straps or locking mechanisms. These will ensure that your kayak stays securely in place while driving.

Ease of Installation

The last thing you want is spending hours trying to install a complicated pickup truck kayak carrier. Look for carriers that are easy to install without needing any special tools or modifications on your vehicle. This will save you time and frustration in the long run.

Budget-Friendly Options

Kayaking can already be an expensive hobby, so it is understandable if you don’t want to break the bank on a pickup truck kayak carrier. Fortunately, there are budget-friendly options available that still offer durability and functionality. Do some research and compare prices before making a decision.

Brand Reputation

In my experience, it is always better to go with reputable brands when it comes to purchasing any type of equipment for outdoor activities. Look for brands with positive reviews from other kayakers, as this can give you an idea of their product quality and customer service.

In Conclusion,

A good pickup truck kayak carrier should provide ease of use, durability, safety features, and fit within your budget. By considering these factors mentioned above, you will be able to find the perfect carrier that meets all your needs as an avid kayaker like myself!

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Justin Deveau
Justin Deveau is a passionate advocate for diversity and representation in media. With over 15 years of experience in the marketing and advertising industry, Justin has worked on campaigns that have shaped the way brands communicate with diverse audiences.

His expertise spans content creation, brand strategy, and cultural storytelling, making him a leading voice in pushing for authentic representation of marginalized communities, especially within the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community.

Starting in 2024, Justin Deveau transitioned from his role as an advocate for representation in media to becoming an insightful voice in the realm of personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews.

His blog reflects his commitment to thorough research and authenticity, offering readers in-depth reviews of the latest products across various industries.