How to Transport a Kayak in a truck bed | Truck Bed Tips You Can’t Miss!

Kayaking is a fun and relaxing activity that many enjoy, but it can also be challenging to transport your kayak from home to the water. If you have a truck, you might think you can toss your kayak in the back and drive away, but there are some essential things to consider before you do that.

In this blog post, I will share some tips and tricks on how to transport a kayak in a truck bed safely and securely.

Can You Transport A Kayak In The Bed Of A Truck?

Yes, you can always carry your kayak in a truck bed. You may load the kayak into the truck bed and secure it with straps by opening the tailgate. You can do it with the tailgate closed, depending on your pickup and kayak.

But it is possible, so before further ado, let’s start with how you can transport a kayak in a truck bed.

How to Transport a Kayak in Truck Bed – Step By Step Guide

Whether you have one or two kayaks, you need to make sure that they are adequately secured in your truck bed. You don’t want your kayaks to fly off your truck or cause damage to your vehicle or other vehicles on the road, right?

Here are some steps on how to transport a kayak in a truck bed:

Step 1: Open Your Truck’s Tailgate

Your kayak might not fit well in the truck bed, so start by opening the back of your truck. Even if you plan to close it later, keeping it open now will make loading much more manageable. It’s usually better to have the tailgate open.

You can shut it after the kayak is in. If it doesn’t fit, you can place it diagonally against the tailgate. This way, it won’t slide around as much as it would with the tailgate down. But either way, you’ll secure it with straps so that it won’t be a problem.

Step 2: Place your kayak

Now place your kayak in the truck bed, either flat or stacked, depending on your preference and space availability.

Step 3: Use Straps or Ropes

Now here is how you to secure a kayak in a truck bed. Use straps or ropes to tie your kayak to the tie-down points in your truck bed. You can find these points on the sides or corners of your truck bed or install them yourself if you don’t have any.

Make sure to use enough straps or ropes to cover the length and width of your kayak, and tighten them well.

Step 4: Use Bungee Cords or ratchet straps

Use bungee cords or ratchet straps to attach the front and rear of your kayak to the cab and bumper of your truck, respectively.

This will prevent your kayak from sliding forward or backward during braking or acceleration.

Step 5: Use Pool Noodles to Cushion your Kayak

Use pool noodles or foam blocks to cushion your kayak and prevent them from rubbing against each other or your truck bed.

You can also use a tarp or a blanket to protect your kayak from dirt and dust.

Step 6: Tie a red flag 

Tie a red flag or a bright cloth to the end of your kayak that sticks out of the truck bed, as this is required by law in most states.

How to Transport 2 Kayaks in Truck Bed

If you have two kayaks, you might wonder how to fit them both in your truck bed without damaging them or your truck.

You can transport 2 kayaks by using these TWO methods.

Method 1: Using a Truck Bed Extender

One option is to use a truck bed extender, a device that attaches to your hitch receiver and extends the length of your truck bed.

This way, you can lay your kayaks flat on the extender and strap them down with ratchet or cam buckle straps.

Pool noodles or foam blocks can also cushion the kayaks and keep them from sliding about.

Always tie a red flag or a colorful cloth to the ends of the kayaks that protrude from the truck bed, as the law requires in most states.

Method 2: Stacking kayaks on top of each other

How do you stack kayaks on top of each other? This is a question I’m frequently asked. The answer is yes – stacking your kayaks in the truck bed is an another option, with the tailgate up or down, depending on the length of your kayaks.

A tarp or blanket can be used to protect the bottom kayak from scratches and dents, and straps or ropes can be used to attach the kayaks to the truck bed.

You may also secure the front and back of the kayaks to the cab and bumper of your vehicle with bungee cords or ratchet straps.

This keeps the kayaks from sliding forward or backward while braking or accelerating.

Can a Kayak Fit in a Truck?

The answer to this question depends on the size of your kayak and your truck bed. Generally speaking, most kayaks can fit in truck beds as long as they are short and narrow enough.

However, some kayaks may be too long for some truck beds, especially if you have a short bed or a tonneau cover. In this case, you may need a roof rack or a trailer to transport your kayak.

To determine if your kayak can fit in your truck bed, you need to consider these things.

• You need to measure both your kayak and your truck bed.
• The length of your kayak should be less than or equal to the size of your truck bed plus the length of your tailgate (if down) or minus the length of your cab (if up).
• The width of your kayak should be less than or equal to the width of your truck bed between the wheel wells. If your kayak meets these criteria, it can fit in your truck bed.

How do you carry a kayak on a truck roof?

If you need more space in your truck bed for your kayak or if you want to transport more than two kayaks, you can also carry a kayak on the truck roof. However, this requires some additional equipment and precautions.

Here are some steps on how to carry a kayak on a truck roof:

Step 1: Install a roof rack on your truck’s roof

Install a roof rack on your truck’s roof if you don’t have one already. You can choose from different roof racks, such as crossbars, J-cradles, saddles, or rollers.

Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and specifications when installing the roof rack.

Step 2: Lifting your kayak onto the roof rack

Lift your kayak onto the roof rack, either by yourself or with the help of another person. You can use a step stool or a ladder to reach the roof rack, a kayak loader, or a lift assist device to make the process easier.

Make sure to place your kayak on the roof rack according to the type of rack you have and center it on the roof.

Step 3: Use Straps or Ropes

Use straps or ropes to tie down your kayak to the roof rack. You can use the same methods described above for securing kayaks in truck beds, but make sure to use enough straps or ropes to cover the length and width of your kayak and tighten them well.

You can also use bow and stern lines to attach the front and rear of your kayak to the hood and trunk of your truck, respectively. This will prevent your kayak from lifting off the roof rack due to wind or bumps.

Step 4: Cushion your kayak with Pool Noodles

Use pool noodles or foam blocks to cushion your kayak and prevent it from rubbing against the roof rack or your truck’s roof. You can also use a tarp or a blanket to protect your kayak from dirt and dust.

Step 5: Put a Colorful flag on the end of your kayak

Put a colorful cloth or flag on the end of your kayak sticking out from the roof rack, as it’s usually a law in many states.

How do you strap a kayak to a small truck?

If you have a small truck, such as a compact pickup or a midsize pickup, you may need more space in your truck bed for your kayak. However, you can still transport your kayak in your small truck.

You can still use the same methods described above for transporting kayaks in truck beds or on truck roofs, but you may need to adjust.

Here are some tips on how to strap a kayak to a small truck:

Tip 1: Lower your Tailgate

If you want to transport your kayak in your small truck bed, lower your tailgate and let your kayak stick out of the truck bed.

This will give you more space in your truck bed for your kayak, but you will need to tie a red flag or a bright cloth to the end of your kayak, as it is required by law in many states.

You may also need to use a truck bed extender, which is a device that attaches to your hitch receiver and extends the length of your truck bed.

This will provide more support for your kayak and prevent it from sagging or bouncing.

Tip 2: You Can Use a Roof Rack

If you want to transport your kayak on your small truck’s roof, you may need to use a roof rack compatible with your truck. Some roof racks may be too large or too heavy for your small truck, so check the manufacturer’s instructions and specifications before installing the rack.

You may also need to use a step stool or a ladder to reach the roof rack or a kayak loader or a lift assist device to lift your kayak onto the roof rack.

How do you transport a kayak by yourself?

If you need someone to help you transport your kayak, you may wonder how to do it yourself. Transporting a kayak alone can be challenging, especially if you have a large or heavy kayak.

However, the good news is that it is not impossible if you have the right equipment and techniques. Here are some steps on how to transport a kayak by yourself:

Step 1: Use a Cart Or a Dolly

Use a cart or a dolly to move your kayak from home to the truck. A cart, or a dolly, has wheels and straps that allow you to roll your kayak on the ground.

You can attach your cart or dolly to one end of your kayak and lift the other with one hand while steering with the other. You can also use handles or grips on your kayak to make it easier to lift and carry.

Step 2: Use a ramp or a slide

Use a ramp or a slide to load your kayak onto your truck bed or roof rack. A ramp or a slide is a device with rollers or rails that allow you to slide your kayak onto your truck bed or roof rack.

You can attach your ramp or slide to one end of your truck bed or roof rack and lift the other end of your kayak with one hand while pushing with the other hand.

You can also use handles or grips on your kayak to make it easier to lift and push.

Step 3: Use Straps or ropes

Use straps or ropes to securely tie your kayak onto your truck bed or roof rack. You can use the same methods described above to secure kayaks in a truck bed or on the truck roof, but make sure to tighten them well yourself.

You can also use bow and stern lines to attach the front and rear of your kayak to the hood and trunk of your truck, respectively.

Step 4: Cushion your Kayak to Prevent Damage

Use pool noodles or foam blocks to cushion your kayak, preventing friction against the truck bed or roof rack. Employ a tarp or blanket to shield your kayak from dust and grime.

Conclusion: How to transport a kayak in a truck bed

In the end, knowing how to transport a kayak in a truck bed gives you a smoother and easier way to enjoy your kayaking adventures. With the smart tips you’ve learned, you can load and secure your kayak without any trouble.

Say goodbye to the old hassles; these tricks are here to make your trips more relaxed and worry-free. Whether you’re planning a calm day on the water or an exciting outdoor journey, your kayak will be all set in your truck bed, ready for new experiences.

Have a great time on your travels!

FAQs | How to transport a kayak in a truck bed