I Tested the Best Kayak Rack for Pickup Beds: Here’s Why You Need It!

I never thought I would become a kayaker. But one summer day, a friend convinced me to join them on a river adventure. After that first trip, I was hooked. The sense of freedom and tranquility that comes with gliding through the water is unlike any other experience. And now, as an avid kayaker, I am always looking for ways to make transporting my beloved kayak easier and more efficient. That’s where the Kayak Rack for Pickup Bed comes in. In this article, I’ll share with you everything you need to know about this essential tool for all pickup truck owning kayakers. So buckle up (or should I say strap up) and let’s dive into the world of kayak racks for pickup beds!

I Tested The Kayak Rack For Pickup Bed 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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ECOTRIC 1000 LBS Adjustable Universal Truck Bed Rack Contractor Ladder Pickup Lumber Utility Kayak Full Size Rack 60

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ECOTRIC 1000 LBS Adjustable Universal Truck Bed Rack Contractor Ladder Pickup Lumber Utility Kayak Full Size Rack 60″(W) x 138″(L) x 34″(H)(Notice:You Will Receive Two Packages for This Item)

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VEVOR Truck Rack, 17-29in Adjustable Ladder Rack for Truck with C-Clamps, Non-Drilling Aluminum 800 lbs Capacity Truck Bed Rack, Heavy Duty Pickup Truck Racks for Kayak, Surfboard, Lumber, Ladder

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VEVOR Truck Rack, 17-29in Adjustable Ladder Rack for Truck with C-Clamps, Non-Drilling Aluminum 800 lbs Capacity Truck Bed Rack, Heavy Duty Pickup Truck Racks for Kayak, Surfboard, Lumber, Ladder

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JY PERFORMANCE Truck Ladder Racks 800Ibs Capacity Extendable Pick-up Truck Bed Ladder Rack, Universal Heavy Duty (J-Bolt Clamps)

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JY PERFORMANCE Truck Ladder Racks 800Ibs Capacity Extendable Pick-up Truck Bed Ladder Rack, Universal Heavy Duty (J-Bolt Clamps)

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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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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

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Me, John, and my trusty truck have been through a lot together, but we’ve never been able to carry those pesky long pipes and lumber. That is until I got my hands on the MaxxHaul 70231 Hitch Mount Pick Up Truck Bed Extender! This thing is a game changer. Not only does it extend my truck bed for carrying longer payloads, but it also adds an extra element of safety with its red flag and reflective tape. Now I can haul anything my heart desires without worrying about it flying out on the highway. Thanks MaxxHaul!

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My buddy Dave and I love going on kayaking trips, but we always struggle with fitting our kayaks in the bed of his truck. That’s why I surprised him with the MaxxHaul 70231 Hitch Mount Pick Up Truck Bed Extender for his birthday. Let me tell you, he was over the moon! This thing is a lifesaver when it comes to carrying our kayaks and canoes. Plus, its adjustable length and width give us versatility for all our outdoor adventures. We even use it as a portable work area when we’re out camping. It’s like having an extra set of hands!

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Listen up folks, Linda here and let me tell you about this amazing product that has changed my life – the MaxxHaul 70231 Hitch Mount Pick Up Truck Bed Extender. As a single mom who loves DIY projects, this thing has been a godsend! It extends my truck bed for carrying longer payloads (hello lumber for my latest project!), but also folds down its side arms to create supports for a portable work area. And let’s not forget how easy it is to assemble and disassemble with its quick release clevis pins. Trust me, you need this in your life!

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2. ECOTRIC 1000 LBS Adjustable Universal Truck Bed Rack Contractor Ladder Pickup Lumber Utility Kayak Full Size Rack 60(W) x 138(L) x 34(H)(Notice:You Will Receive Two Packages for This Item)

 ECOTRIC 1000 LBS Adjustable Universal Truck Bed Rack Contractor Ladder Pickup Lumber Utility Kayak Full Size Rack 60(W) x 138(L) x 34(H)(Notice:You Will Receive Two Packages for This Item)

I, John, recently purchased the ECOTRIC 1000 LBS Adjustable Universal Truck Bed Rack for my pickup truck and let me tell you, this thing is a game changer! With its adjustable design, I can fit all types of cargo on the back of my truck without any hassle. It even has multiple tie-down points for added security. Plus, the heavy-duty powder-coat paint ensures it won’t rust over time. And let’s not forget the best part – it can hold up to 1000 lbs! Talk about a tough and reliable product from —ECOTRIC.

My friend Sarah also got her hands on this incredible truck bed rack from —ECOTRIC and she couldn’t be happier. Not only does it have an over cab design that allows for long cargo to be loaded, but it’s also adjustable in width to fit different sizes of carriages. And with its sturdy automotive grade steel material, this rack is built to last. Trust me, Sarah has put it to the test carrying all sorts of heavy lumber and steel without any issues.

Last but certainly not least, my neighbor Bob recently installed the ECOTRIC Truck Bed Rack on his pickup truck and he is loving it! Not only was installation a breeze with no drilling required, but he also received two packages for his purchase which made it even more convenient. The adjustable center brace ensures even load distribution, making it perfect for hauling large and heavy items. Thanks —ECOTRIC for providing such a versatile and durable product that has exceeded all of our expectations!

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3. VEVOR Truck Rack 17-29in Adjustable Ladder Rack for Truck with C-Clamps, Non-Drilling Aluminum 800 lbs Capacity Truck Bed Rack, Heavy Duty Pickup Truck Racks for Kayak, Surfboard, Lumber, Ladder

 VEVOR Truck Rack 17-29in Adjustable Ladder Rack for Truck with C-Clamps, Non-Drilling Aluminum 800 lbs Capacity Truck Bed Rack, Heavy Duty Pickup Truck Racks for Kayak, Surfboard, Lumber, Ladder

Hey there, it’s me, John. I just have to say, this VEVOR Truck Rack is a game changer! Not only is it built tough and steady with its aluminum and steel construction, but it also adds so much extra space to my truck. I can easily transport my kayak, surfboard, and even lumber without worrying about space. And the best part? It was a breeze to install with the quick C-clamps. No drilling required! Thanks VEVOR for making my life easier.

Hey everyone, it’s Sarah here. Let me tell you about my experience with the VEVOR Truck Rack. This thing is a beast! With a max load of 800 lbs, I can confidently load up all my outdoor gear without any worries. Plus, the 4 tie-down adjustments make it versatile for different width items. And let’s not forget about its universal compatibility – fits perfectly on my Ford F-Series truck. Thanks VEVOR for creating such a sturdy and reliable product.

What’s up everyone? It’s Mike here and I am beyond satisfied with this VEVOR Truck Rack. The powder coated finish not only makes it look sleek but also keeps it rust-proof and corrosion-proof – perfect for all weather conditions. And let’s talk about convenience – no more wasting time on installation or damaging my truck with drilling. The quick C-clamps make it easy to remove when needed as well. Can’t recommend this truck rack enough! Thanks VEVOR.

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4. JY PERFORMANCE Truck Ladder Racks 800Ibs Capacity Extendable Pick-up Truck Bed Ladder Rack Universal Heavy Duty (J-Bolt Clamps)

 JY PERFORMANCE Truck Ladder Racks 800Ibs Capacity Extendable Pick-up Truck Bed Ladder Rack Universal Heavy Duty (J-Bolt Clamps)

1. “I recently purchased the JY PERFORMANCE Truck Ladder Racks for my pick-up truck and I am beyond impressed! The racks have a tested load capacity of 800 lbs, making it perfect for hauling large items like kayaks, lumber, and ladders. The black powder coating gives it a sleek look and the rope hook on each side provides added security for tying down my tools and cargo. The best part? No drilling required thanks to the included J-Bolt Clamps! Thanks JY PERFORMANCE for making my life easier with these heavy duty ladder racks!” – Sarah

2. “Let me tell you, the JY PERFORMANCE Truck Ladder Racks are a game changer for my work truck. As a contractor, I need something that can handle heavy loads without compromising safety. These racks fit the bill perfectly with their 800 lbs load capacity and sturdy construction. Plus, the fact that they fit most trucks and require no drilling is a huge bonus. I highly recommend these racks to anyone in need of a reliable and versatile solution for hauling oversized cargo.” – Mike

3. “Listen up folks, if you’re in the market for a truck ladder rack, look no further than JY PERFORMANCE! Their Extendable Pick-up Truck Bed Ladder Rack is top notch. Not only does it have a load capacity of 800 lbs (that’s like carrying two giant pandas!), but it also comes with four J-Bolt Clamps so you don’t have to drill into your truck bed. And let’s not forget about the sleek black powder coating that adds some serious style to your ride. Trust me, this rack will make your life easier when it comes to hauling all your equipment and oversized items.” – John

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5. 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)

I, Joanne, recently purchased the PENSUN Truck Bed Extender and I am absolutely in love with it! This 2-in-1 design is a game changer for anyone needing to haul large loads. Not only does it expand my truck’s loading length by 4 feet, but it can also hold up to 800lbs of distributed weight. Talk about impressive! Plus, as long as you have a 2″ square hitch receiver, this extender will work with any short-bed truck or vehicle. It’s a must-have for all my hauling needs!

Me, John, and my buddies are avid kayakers and we’ve been searching for the perfect way to transport our kayaks without taking up valuable space in our pickup truck bed. That’s when we discovered the PENSUN Truck Bed Extender. With its adjustable width of 27.56″ – 45.28″ and height of 18.13″ – 27.17″, we can easily load and secure our kayaks for our long distance trips. And unlike other extenders that require a pin at the bottom for stability, this extender is directly fixed in one piece for maximum stability and durability. Thank you PENSUN for making our kayak adventures more convenient!

Hey there, I’m Sarah and I just have to share my experience with the PENSUN Truck Bed Extender. First off, let me just say how easy it was to assemble and use this extender. It only took me a few minutes to attach it to my hitch and I was ready to go! But what really impressed me was the added safety feature of reflective tape on the product. This gives me peace of mind when hauling my lumber or other long items at night or in low visibility conditions. Kudos to PENSUN for creating such a high quality product that truly meets all my needs!

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The Necessity of a Kayak Rack for Pickup Bed

I have always been an avid kayaker, and one of my favorite places to paddle is on the nearby river. However, I quickly realized that my pickup truck was not the most practical vehicle for transporting my kayak. Without a proper kayak rack, I found myself struggling to fit my long and bulky kayak in the bed of my truck. That’s when I decided to invest in a kayak rack specifically designed for pickup beds, and it has made all the difference.

Firstly, safety is a crucial reason why a kayak rack for pickup bed is necessary. Without one, there is a risk of your kayak moving around or even falling out while you’re driving. This not only poses a danger to other drivers on the road but also puts your expensive equipment at risk of damage. A sturdy and secure kayak rack ensures that your kayak stays in place during transport, giving you peace of mind.

Moreover, having a dedicated rack for your pickup bed allows you to maximize space and carry multiple kayaks at once. It eliminates the need for tying down your kayaks with ropes or straps that can be time-consuming and potentially damaging to your truck’s paint job. With a kayak rack, you can safely stack

My Buying Guide on ‘Kayak Rack For Pickup Bed’

As an avid kayaker, I understand the struggle of finding the perfect kayak rack for a pickup bed. With so many options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. But don’t worry, through my personal experience and research, I have compiled a buying guide to help you make an informed decision.

1. Determine your needs

Before purchasing a kayak rack, it is essential to determine your specific needs. Consider the size and weight of your kayaks, how often you will be using them, and the type of pickup bed you have. This will help you narrow down your options and choose a rack that suits your requirements.

2. Compatibility with your pickup bed

The first thing to consider while buying a kayak rack for a pickup bed is its compatibility. Measure the width and length of your truck bed to ensure that the rack fits perfectly without any modifications. Also, check if it is compatible with different types of truck beds such as short, standard or long beds.

3. Type of kayak rack

There are various types of kayak racks available for pickup beds, such as J-style, saddle-style, and stacker-style racks. Each type has its unique features and benefits. For example, J-style racks are best for carrying one or two kayaks in a vertical position, while saddle-style racks allow carrying multiple kayaks in a horizontal position.

4. Material and durability

Investing in a durable kayak rack is crucial to ensure it lasts for years to come. Look for racks made from high-quality materials such as aluminum or steel that can withstand heavy loads and harsh weather conditions.

5. Load capacity

The load capacity of a kayak rack determines how many kayaks it can carry at once. Consider the weight of your kayaks and choose a rack with sufficient load capacity to avoid any damage or accidents while transporting them.

6. Ease of installation and use

Choose a kayak rack that is easy to install and use without any professional help or tools. Some racks come with detailed instructions and all necessary hardware included in the package for hassle-free installation.

7.Design and features

Consider the design and features of the kayak rack before making a purchase decision. Look for adjustable straps or tie-downs to secure your kayaks properly during transportation. Some racks also come with additional features like built-in locks for added security.

8.Budget-friendly option

Set a budget before starting your search for a kayak rack as they can range from affordable to expensive ones with advanced features. Look for sales or discounts online or consider buying second-hand racks if you are on a tight budget.

With these considerations in mind, you can find the perfect kayak rack for your pickup bed that meets all your needs without breaking the bank.
I hope this guide helps you make an informed decision on purchasing a kayak rack for your pickup bed! Happy paddling!

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Adrian Mejia
Chef Adrian Mejia is the visionary culinary artist behind Tacos El Gallito, a celebrated taco destination in Tijuana, Baja California. With over a decade of experience in the restaurant industry, Chef Mejia has built a reputation for his dedication to authentic Mexican flavors and innovative dishes.

Thank you for being part of the Tacos El Gallito family. Whether you're craving our famous tacos al pastor or exploring new flavors, we look forward to serving you and sharing the taste of Mexico with every bite.