If you own a kayak, you understand the struggle to transport it from your home to the river on your truck or van. Not only do you have to contend with lifting it on and off the car, but you also have to ensure it stays strapped on to your vehicle while you are on the road.
While the loading and the offloading bit is easy to manage, auxiliary equipment is mandatory for transportation. Chief among them being a kayak rack. This enables you to travel down rough or winding roads and city roads without worrying about damaging your kayak or falling off the truck in the middle of the highway.
Here are the best kayak racks for trucks.
Top 5 Kayak Racks for Trucks of 2022
| Name | Highlights | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Apex ATR-RACK Ladder Rack (Adjustable Truck) | - fit most pickup trucks up to 66-1/2” wide - 800 lb. weight capacity | |
| ECOTRIC Adjustable Full Size Truck Contractor Ladder | Fully max load: 1000 lbs | |
| The Kayak Wing - Sea Kayak Rack with Covered Straps | Complete Set to Hold One Kayak, No Other Parts neccessary Best Suited for Boats under 30" Wide | |
| Thule Xsporter Pro Aluminum Truck Rack with Load Stops | Max weight load – 450 lbs | |
| YAKIMA - BigCatch Kayak Fishing Boat Saddles | 150 lb. capacity |
Apex ATR-RACK Ladder Rack (Adjustable Truck)
The Apex easy to install kayak rack is a universal utility rack that adjusts to fit most pickup trucks up to 66-1/2” wide. It uses a sliding system to create a perfect fit for any full, mid-size, or compact truck. It does not require any drilling to install, and it comes with four ladder stops.
The rack is made of lightweight aluminum but is still sturdy enough to support a maximum of 800 pounds.
Features
- Fully-adjustable
- Easy installation
- Material: aluminum
- Maximum load capacity of 800 pounds
Pros
- Universal fit
- Lightweight
- Corrosion-resistant
Cons
- Not compatible with all truck models
ECOTRIC Adjustable Full Size Truck Contractor Ladder
The Ecotric kayak truck accessory is made of solid steel and can withstand up to 1000 pounds of cargo. Making it ideal for any shop owner, home craftsman, or contractor with a lot of equipment to haul.
The rack is easy to remove when not in use. Its heavy-duty powder-coat paint resists rust, and it has an adjustable center brace for even load distribution. The rack has multiple tie-down points for straps, bungees, and ropes. It is also compatible with different truck bed sizes.
Features
- Max load: 1000 lbs
- Center brace
- Over cab design
- Adjustable leg and feet
- Heavy-duty powder-coat paint
Pros
- Easy to install
- Even load distribution
- Rustproof
Cons
- Difficult to assemble
The Kayak Wing – Sea Kayak Rack with Covered Straps
This is one of the best kayak racks for trucks. It is sold as a complete set to hold one kayak and is best suited for boats under 30″ wide. The rack is sturdy, reliable, and lightweight. And it comes with a 5-year warranty against breakage.
The maximum crossbar width is 3.25,” and it has a minimum clearance of 1 ½ inch between the car roof and crossbar. This universal roof rack system for your kayak does not require any tools for installation.
The wing design prevents hull damage such as dents and scratches that can occur with other roof rack systems.
Features
- 30″ Wide
- 30” wide
- Maximum crossbar width of 3.25”.
- Wing design
- fits a variety of roof rack systems
Pros
- Sturdy
- Lightweight
- 5-year warranty
Cons
- Does not fit on all truck roofs
Thule Xsporter Pro Aluminum Truck Rack with Load Stops
The package comes with two truck racks with four one-key lock cylinders and crossbars. The rack measures 16” W x 71” L x 29” H. the rack has a maximum weight load of 450 lbs.
The rack is integrated with AirTrip Technology to redirect airflow for superior aerodynamics. It also uses WindDiffuser technology that disturbs airflow to reduce noise and drag for improved fuel economy.
The rack’s custom adjusts bar height features provides maximum carrying versatility for easy loading, carrying, and storage. The rack can also be used to transport canoes, surfboards, SUPs, ladders, building supplies, and bikes. It also features a SecureLock design that keeps it securely locked onto your truck while holding up to 450lbs of cargo.
Features
- One-Key lock cylinders
- Crossbars
- Rack dimensions – 16” W x 71” L x 29” H
- Max weight load: 450 pounds
- Wind diffuser technology
Pros
- Airtrip Technology
- Custom Adjust Bar Height
- Easy loading, carrying and storage
Cons
- The installation brackets do not fit on all trucks
YAKIMA – BigCatch Kayak Fishing Boat Saddles
The Yakima truck cab kayak rack is designed to support the extra weight of fishing and sit-on-top kayaks. It has a 150-pound capacity making it ideal for larger kayaks. Ti features an oversized cradle that protects the boat and conforms to a variety of hull shapes.
Check this too: Best Truck Bed Extender
It also has soft rubber pads that protect the kayak from dings and scratches. And felt pads for easy kayak loading. The rack uses a tool-free attachment for easy installation, removal, and adjustment. It comes with heavy-duty straps.
The rack uses universal mounting hardware that fits all Yakima crossbars, factory bars, aerodynamic bars, and aftermarket bars.
Features
- 150-pound Capacity
- Full-contact carry
- Soft rubber pads
- Felt pads
- Tool-free attachment
- T-slot crossbars
Pros
- Easy installation, removal, and adjustment
- Includes heavy-duty straps
- Universal mounting hardware
Cons
- The rack rocks when driving on a rough road
Conclusion
The best kayak racks for trucks should be sturdy, easy to install, and weather resistant. They should also be able to fit on most truck models and brands. As well as fit a wide variety of kayaks. And to get maximum value for money, they should also be able to transport other types of cargo other than kayaks.
Check this too: How to Install a Trailer Hitch on a Subaru Forester