Kayak options

Thinking about getting a kayak, 10 footer. Looking at options to transport the dam thing. I have the short bed. Thought about just dropping the tail gate and tying it down good.

Aside from the roof rack which I don't have, I see they have racks that you install in the bed. I don't really want to drill holes in my bed walls tbh. Do they make a rack that utilizes the bed rail system?

 

Get the extension that mounts in your hitch, forget what it’s called.

 

Got a 12' kayak. Hitch extension works well.

 

Search is your friend.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/whats-your-kayak-set-up.453802/

 

I came across this the other day

https://www.discountramps.com/apex-...xyTQDTx_p2Dhm86cuKbTLJByLgOPspRcSAaAjvP8P8HAQ

 

Thanks guys I tried pm-ing this dude but he doesn't accept PM's. Anyone know who makes this or if it's oem?



Looks like it used the OEM bed rail system.

 

Looks just like some high rise bed bars (many companies make them) with some Yakima kayak attachments.

 

So is it pretty common for these types of bars to use some kind of bed rails instead of drilling holes? This is my first pickup truck.

 

If your not a serious kayaker maybe look at one of the inflatables. I have one, fits in a duffel size bag and takes about 20mins to setup. Have taken it with me on some long road trips that I wouldn't have bothered if it was a hard shell.

 

There you go! That's what I do with my 12' Hobie Outback.

 

Boonedox T-Bone. Look it up. Simple and badass.



Not my truck, but a good representation of the possibilities.

 

15 footers. 26" wide.

A 10' will beat you to death if you're using it on open water at any distance. Great for ponds and narrow, slow rivers/streams.

If you have not already done so, my suggestion is to rent or borrow before you buy.

There are so many sizes, weights, materials and riggings that it's not really easy to guess from walking around what will work best for you.

 

Most of the bed bars that i'm aware of sit over the bed sides and bolt into the bed rail system, so no drilling needed.

 

How do you like that clamp on style roof rack? I almost pulled trigger on one a while back but then read stories of them shifting and damaging the paint underneath.

 

A 10' kayak is fine for small bodies of water, fishing in backwater or just floating around. If you're looking to go any distance at all, I'd suggest at least 12' - faster, more stable, carries more weight and tracks better. There are lots of options to carry - a roof mount like mine in the picture, bed racks that rise above the cab or hitch mounted bed extenders. Many shops offer demos and/or demo days on a local lake. As someone else said, try out as many as you can. There is a difference in quality between a big box store and your local kayak store. Ultimately it depends on how often and where you plan to use it.

I have the kayak pictured as well as inflatable paddleboards and kayak. Recently took the inflatable kayak to Florida for a 2-week vacation with long days of paddling and it was flawless. Check out Sea Eagle for excellent inflatable kayaks.

 

I have a Jackson Cuda 12’ and it is essentially the best of all scenarios. Fast, nimble,but still small enough to get into tight spots with minimal depth.

 

Lund hitch bed extender

 

I put 2 10' kayaks on top of a bed rack

 

This is the second vehicle I've used a clamp style on. The first one was on a jeep for years - never shifted, came loose or scratched my paint. That set of towers is 16 years old and the only thing I've done to them is replace the rubber feet.

Unfortunately, the cab shape forced me to get new towers. Set of four towers were $159, you need two different base clips for the feet, they were $40 each. There is a slight hit to MPG. I like the simplicity, easy on/off (I leave it on).

I really wanted to go with a Frontrunner, Prinsu or Rhino rack but just couldn't justify $1000+ for a rack when I already had the bars, paddleboard and kayak attachments which wouldn't work on any of those.