If you love to go camping, you already know the difficulties of carrying a kayak in your truck bed. It is the most common method but also the most dangerous one. There is always a chance of your kayak flying off if the tie-downs break. What could be worse than this? Let me tell you, the only thing worse than carrying the kayak on your truck bed is, trying to fit your kayak in a truck with a tonneau cover.
If your in the market for the best bed cover make sure and check out our f150 tonneau cover breakdown
If you have a tonneau cover, installing a bed rack system makes carrying a kayak effortlessly. But it is tough to find kayak racks, also known as ladder racks, that are compatible with tonneau covers. Don’t worry. Beyond the Raptor is here to help you find the best kayak racks compatible with truck tonneau covers. We will also give you some tips on the best ways to carry your kayaks while camping.
Different Ways of Carrying Kayaks on your Truck
As we have mentioned earlier, the most popular way of carrying kayaks in your truck is securing them to the truck bed. Loading the kayak onto your truck bed is relatively easy. This method has many advantages, such as it does not require any aftermarket upgrade, making this option the most affordable solution. The main disadvantage is that you will need cable lock tie-downs to secure the kayak for more security and to avoid the kayak from flying off while driving.
The next method we will discuss is Kayak Roof Rack System. This method is compatible with tonneau covers because the kayak is mounted on the roof. Fortunately, the truck bed area is not affected and remains easy to access. These roof racks come in various shapes and sizes, so they are compatible with trucks, cars, and SUVs. The most significant advantage of this product is that you will not have to remove your tonneau cover. Also, your entire truck bed is still accessible and usable. The disadvantage of this system is that if you drive a single-cab pickup truck with front seats only, this method won’t work.
The next option we will discuss is a truck bed rack. This is perfect for carrying kayaks if you own a single-cab pickup truck. Unfortunately, these racks are usually not compatible with tonneau covers. I say mostly because there are truck rack options available that can be installed in the truck’s bed rails along with tonneau covers. This option allows you to easily load and unload a kayak. These racks also increase the cargo holding area of your truck. The disadvantage is that this kayak loading alternative is expensive compared to the other options.
The final method we will discuss is the Truck bed extender. This method is helpful for truck owners with short bed sizes. A truck bed should support 70% of the kayak’s weight. If the bed is short and there is less support, then you will need a truck bed extender. These truck bed extenders add 2 feet to your truck bed, thus making them perfect for carrying long equipment like kayaks or other boats. The advantages of this method are that it is easy to use and does not require permanent installation. The major disadvantage of the truck bed extender is that it is not compatible with tonneau covers. Also, if your truck gets rear-ended by another vehicle, your kayak will take the damage of the crash.
Looking at all these options, it is easy to note that kayak bed racks are the most compatible with tonneau cover. They are easy to use and provide higher load capacity compared to other alternatives. So let us look at some kayak truck racks that are compatible with tonneau covers.
Kayak Racks for Trucks with Tonneau Cover Examples
Top-Notch Kayak Racks for Trucks with Tonneau Covers
By the end of this article, we hope you will have a better understanding of truck racks with tonneau covers. Once you start reading the reviews, you get a better grasp of how advantageous it is for you to buy a kayak rack. But is it a good investment for you? Let us start with our top 3 picks.
High-Quality Option: Putco Venture Tec Rack
When I talk about High Quality, I mean it. This Pucto Venture Tec Rack is worth the price in all aspects. Starting from its weight carrying capacity to its installation, everything is excellent. The weight carrying capacity of the rack is 1000 pounds static, 600 pounds dynamic, and 300 pounds off-road. Moreover, installation does not require any drilling. You can install it using only a few simple tools. The best part is that you will get built-in tie-downs that support a 500-pound tie-down strength. Moving on to our next option, which is the Mid-range option.
Check out the manufactures site for more details
Medium Range: Universal Extendable Pickup Truck Rack Bed Rack
This particular truck rack is my second choice for a reason. The Universal Extendable Pickup Truck Rack Bed Rack fits most full-sized pickup trucks and is reasonably price, thus making it an excellent option for truck owners. The structure is made up of sturdy aluminum. It even has a powder-coated finish to guard against rust, scratches, and corrosion. The weight carrying capacity is quite impressive, with 800 pounds on-road and 500 pounds off-road. Our next option is for people with a limited budget.
Get more info on this rack here
Best Budget Option: TMS Universal Aluminum Truck Bed Tonneau Cover Rack
The most impressive part about the TMS Universal Aluminum Truck Bed Tonneau Cover Rack is that it has a load capacity of 800 pounds, which is higher than some high-priced racks. Also, the weight of the whole structure is just 31 pounds, making it easy to carry around. Most importantly, the truck rack is made of durable aluminum, which means it will last for years.
Get more info on this rack here
Tips and Advice on Carrying a Kayak on a Kayak Rack
- When loading the kayak, ensure that the truck supports two-thirds of the kayak’s total length, which is at least 70% of the weight.
- Use a kayak cover to keep the cockpit covered. Even better, make sure the entire kayak is covered while traveling. This ensures your kayak is protected from sun exposure, road debris, and wind damage.
- Make sure to double-check before hitting the road. If you are going on a long trip, occasionally stop to check that the straps are still holding the kayak down in position. Straps can wiggle loose due to vibration on long trips and rough roads.
- The speed of your truck must be adapted according to the road condition, wind, and the load you’re carrying. Even at a lower speed of around 65 miles per hour, the wind can exert huge amounts of pressure on the kayak and other cargo.
- You can place non-slip foam blocks underneath the kayak’s hull. This will help stabilize the kayak and diminish the vibrations of transit, providing a layer of protection and cushioning.
Example of Kayak mounts with bed covers
Final Words on Kayak Rack for Truck with Tonneau Cover
We have mentioned our three best options for kayak racks for trucks with tonneau covers. This does not mean there aren’t any other options on the market. The most important part is that you check to ensure its compatible with your existing tonneau cover.
So we have done our part, and now it is your turn to choose what works best for you according to the type of truck you own.
If you want more information on with tonneau covers, check out our article, “best f150 bed covers” or Share your views on kayak racks that have worked best for you. Don’t forget to share this article with camping buddies. They will love this article. Also, tell us in the comments below what you would want to read next. For more automotive content on trucks and off-roading, check out our page, Beyond The Raptor.
