Kayaks are increasingly becoming popular as a recreational activity, which means more and more people are transporting them on the roofs of their vehicles.
While this is certainly the most common way to transport a kayak, it’s not always the most convenient, especially if you don’t have a roof rack. Transporting a kayak in the bed of a truck is a great alternative that can be just as effective, if not more so. There are a few things you need to keep in mind when transporting a kayak in a truck bed, however, which we will discuss in this article.
How To Transport A Kayak In A Truck Bed?
There are few ways to transport a kayak in the bed of your truck. You can use racks, tie it down with straps or even put them inside of a storage container. All three methods have their pros and cons, so it’s really up to you to decide which is best for you.
Racks:
Racks are by far the most popular way to transport a kayak in a truck bed. They are relatively easy to use and can be installed or removed as needed. There are two main types of racks for transporting kayaks in a truck bed: J-style and Saddle.
J-Style Racks
J-style racks are the most common and are typically the less expensive option. They get their name from their shape, which resembles a J when viewed from the side. J-style racks are easy to load and unload, but they can be more difficult to secure if you don’t have a lot of experience with them. They also have a tendency to scratch or scuff the hull of your kayak, so you’ll want to be careful when using one of these racks.
Saddle Racks
Saddle racks are the other type of rack used for transporting kayaks in a truck bed. They get their name from their shape, which is similar to that of a saddle. Saddle racks are more expensive than J-style racks, but they are also much easier to use. They provide a more secure hold for your kayak and are less likely to damage the hull. If you’re new to using racks for transporting kayaks, a saddle rack is probably a better option for you.
Tie-Downs:
If you don’t want to use a rack, or if you can’t afford one, tie-downs are the next best thing. Tie-downs are essentially just straps that you use to secure your kayak in the bed of your truck. They’re not as convenient or easy to use as racks, but they’re much cheaper and can be just as effective if used correctly.
There are a few things you need to keep in mind when using tie-downs to transport a kayak in a truck bed. First, you need to make sure that the straps are tight enough so that the kayak doesn’t move around, but not so tight that it damages the hull. Second, you need to make sure that the straps are secured to something sturdy in the bed of your truck. If they’re not, the kayak could come loose and slide around, which could damage it or even cause an accident.
Storage Containers:
Another option for transporting a kayak in a truck bed is to use a storage container. Storage containers are large, weatherproof boxes that you can put your kayak in and then secure in the bed of your truck. They’re not as common as racks or tie-downs, but they’re becoming more popular as people realize their advantages.
Storage containers have a few advantages over racks and tie-downs. First, they provide more protection for your kayak from the elements. Second, they’re much easier to use. You don’t have to worry about securing the kayak in a certain way, you just put it in the container and close the lid. And finally, storage containers are less likely to damage your kayak than either racks or tie-downs.
How To Transport A Kayak In An Open Truck Bed?
There are a few different ways that you can transport a kayak in an open truck bed. You can either use straps or foam blocks to secure the kayak in place.
Tailgate Up or Down:
If you have a kayak with a rounded hull, it’s easier to load if the tailgate is down. This way, you can just push the kayak up into the bed of the truck. However, if your kayak has a flat bottom, it’s easier to load with the tailgate up.
Using Straps:
If you’re using straps to secure the kayak, you’ll need to loop the straps around the kayak and then through the anchor points in the truck bed. You can either use ratchet straps or cam buckle straps. Make sure that the straps are tight and that the kayak is secure before driving.
Cockpit Up Or Down:
It doesn’t really matter which way the cockpit is facing when you’re transporting a kayak in a truck bed. However, some people prefer to have the cockpit facing up so that they can see it while they’re driving.
Foam Blocks:
Another option for securing a kayak in a truck bed is to use foam blocks. You can either purchase these blocks or make them yourself. To use foam blocks, you’ll need to place them on either side of the kayak and then secure them in place with straps.
Loading A Kayak By Yourself:
If you’re loading a kayak by yourself, it’s best to put the kayak into the truck bed from the side of the truck. You can then use straps or foam blocks to secure the kayak in place.
Transporting More Than One Kayak:
If you’re transporting more than one kayak, you’ll need to make sure that they’re secured so that they don’t bump into each other while you’re driving. You can either use straps or foam blocks to achieve this.
Tips For Transporting A Kayak In A Truck Bed:
If you’re planning on transporting a kayak in an open truck bed, there are a few things you’ll need to do in order to ensure that your kayak arrives at its destination safely. Here are a few tips on how to transport a kayak in an open truck bed:
1. Choose the right size truck for the job. If you’re transporting a kayak that’s longer than 16 feet, you’ll need a full-size pickup truck in order to fit the kayak comfortably in the bed.
2. Place padding along the sides of the truck bed. This will help protect your kayak from scratches and scrapes as it’s being transported.
3. Use straps or rope to secure the kayak in place. This will help keep it from sliding around in the truck bed and becoming damaged.
4. Drive carefully! Be sure to take turns slowly and avoid bumps in the road as much as possible to keep your kayak safe during transport.
Following these tips will help ensure that your kayak arrives at its destination safely when transported in an open truck bed.
Conclusion:
There are many ways to transport a kayak in a truck bed, but the most important thing is to ensure that it is properly secured. By using the proper tie-downs and ratchet straps, you can prevent your kayak from sliding around or becoming damaged while in transit. Be sure to test your setup before heading out on the water, and always keep an eye on your kayak while driving. With a little preparation, you can easily transport your kayak to and from the water with no problems. Thanks for reading!
Commonly Asked Questions
Here are a few questions that are commonly asked or associated with transporting a kayak with a pick-up truck:
What’s the best way to transport a kayak in a truck bed?
The best way to transport a kayak in a truck bed is by using two foam blocks, one on each side of the kayak, and then strapping it down with ratchet straps. This will keep the kayak from sliding around and will prevent it from getting damaged.
Will a kayak fit in the bed of a truck?
Typically speaking, a kayak will fit in the bed of a truck, as long as the truck has enough length and width to accommodate it. It’s possible that you may need to remove the tailgate to fit a larger kayak, but most smaller kayaks should fit without any problem.
How do I secure my kayak in the truck bed?
To secure your kayak in the truck bed, you will need two foam blocks, one on each side of the kayak, and then strapping it down with ratchet straps. This will keep the kayak from sliding around and will prevent it from getting damaged.