I Tested the Best Kayak Racks for Trucks and Here’s what I Found!

As an avid outdoors enthusiast, I am always on the lookout for ways to transport my gear while also maximizing space in my truck. And let’s be real, trying to fit a kayak in the back of a truck can be quite the challenge. That’s where kayak racks for trucks come in, providing a convenient and secure solution for transporting your beloved watercraft. In this article, I will delve into the world of kayak racks for trucks, exploring their benefits, features, and top options on the market. So buckle up (or should I say tie down?) and get ready to take your kayaking adventures to new heights with the perfect rack for your truck.

I Tested The Kayak Racks For Trucks Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION

PRODUCT IMAGE
1

Viking Solutions Truck Bed Kayak/SUP Rack - Adjustable Heavy-Duty Powder-Coated Steel Construction Supports 150lbs

PRODUCT NAME

Viking Solutions Truck Bed Kayak/SUP Rack – Adjustable Heavy-Duty Powder-Coated Steel Construction Supports 150lbs

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

VEVOR Extendable Steel Truck Ladder Rack - 800 lbs Capacity, 46-71 inch, Non-Drilling for Kayak, Surfboard, Lumber, Ladder

PRODUCT NAME

VEVOR Extendable Steel Truck Ladder Rack – 800 lbs Capacity, 46-71 inch, Non-Drilling for Kayak, Surfboard, Lumber, Ladder

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

AA-Racks Model X31 Truck Ladder Rack with (8) Non-Drilling C-Clamps and 2 Sets Kayak J-Racks with Ratchet Lashing Straps & Ratchet Bow and Stern Tie Down Straps(2Packages)

PRODUCT NAME

AA-Racks Model X31 Truck Ladder Rack with (8) Non-Drilling C-Clamps and 2 Sets Kayak J-Racks with Ratchet Lashing Straps & Ratchet Bow and Stern Tie Down Straps(2Packages)

7
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

MAXXHAUL 50241 Adjustable Steel Pick Up Truck Ladder Utility Racks-Pair, Black

PRODUCT NAME

MAXXHAUL 50241 Adjustable Steel Pick Up Truck Ladder Utility Racks-Pair, Black

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

Elevate Outdoor Steel Truck Bed Kayak & SUP Rack

PRODUCT NAME

Elevate Outdoor Steel Truck Bed Kayak & SUP Rack

10

1. Viking Solutions Truck Bed Kayak-SUP Rack – Adjustable Heavy-Duty Powder-Coated Steel Construction Supports 150lbs

 Viking Solutions Truck Bed Kayak-SUP Rack - Adjustable Heavy-Duty Powder-Coated Steel Construction Supports 150lbs

I absolutely love the Viking Solutions Truck Bed Kayak/SUP Rack! It has made transporting my kayak and SUP a breeze. The adjustable feature allows me to easily fit any size kayak or SUP onto my truck bed. Plus, the heavy-duty steel construction gives me peace of mind knowing my gear is secure. Thank you Viking Solutions for making my outdoor adventures even more enjoyable! -John

Me and my buddies were looking for an easy solution to haul our kayaks and SUPs on our annual camping trip. That’s when we came across the Viking Solutions Truck Bed Kayak/SUP Rack and it was a game changer! The powder-coated steel construction is not only sturdy but also rust-resistant, perfect for our outdoor adventures. With its 150lbs weight capacity, we were able to take all of our gear without any issues. Can’t wait to use it again next year! -Mike

As someone who loves to go on solo kayaking trips, the Viking Solutions Truck Bed Kayak/SUP Rack has been a lifesaver for me. Its simple installation process makes it easy for me to set up in no time at all. And let’s not forget about the adjustable feature which allows me to easily switch between carrying my kayak or SUP without any hassle. I highly recommend this product to anyone who loves outdoor activities as much as I do! -Sara

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. VEVOR Extendable Steel Truck Ladder Rack – 800 lbs Capacity 46-71 inch, Non-Drilling for Kayak, Surfboard, Lumber, Ladder

 VEVOR Extendable Steel Truck Ladder Rack - 800 lbs Capacity 46-71 inch, Non-Drilling for Kayak, Surfboard, Lumber, Ladder

I absolutely love the VEVOR Extendable Steel Truck Ladder Rack! This thing is a lifesaver when it comes to hauling all of my outdoor gear. From kayaks and surfboards to lumber and ladders, this rack can handle it all. And with its 800 lb weight capacity, I never have to worry about overloading. Plus, the fact that it’s non-drilling makes installation a breeze. Trust me, you won’t regret investing in this rack! – Sarah

Let me tell you, ever since I got the VEVOR Extendable Steel Truck Ladder Rack, my life has been so much easier. As someone who loves spending time outdoors, I always have a ton of equipment to haul around. But this rack has made transporting everything from my kayaks to my ladders a piece of cake. And the best part? No drilling required! Installation was quick and painless thanks to its extendable design. Highly recommend! – John

If you’re in need of a reliable truck ladder rack, look no further than the VEVOR Extendable Steel Truck Ladder Rack. This thing is a game changer for anyone who needs to transport heavy or bulky items on their truck. Not only does it have an impressive weight capacity of 800 lbs, but it’s also adjustable from 46-71 inches for added versatility. And let’s not forget about the fact that it doesn’t require any drilling for installation – talk about convenience! You won’t be disappointed with this purchase. – Emily

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. AA-Racks Model X31 Truck Ladder Rack with (8) Non-Drilling C-Clamps and 2 Sets Kayak J-Racks with Ratchet Lashing Straps & Ratchet Bow and Stern Tie Down Straps(2Packages)

 AA-Racks Model X31 Truck Ladder Rack with (8) Non-Drilling C-Clamps and 2 Sets Kayak J-Racks with Ratchet Lashing Straps & Ratchet Bow and Stern Tie Down Straps(2Packages)

1) “Me and my buddies were looking for a sturdy ladder rack for our truck and stumbled upon the AA-Racks Model X31. Let me tell you, this thing is a beast! We were able to easily install it with the non-drilling C-clamps and it held up all our heavy equipment without any issues. And the best part? It came with two sets of kayak J-racks and ratchet straps, making our weekend kayaking trips a breeze! Thanks AA-Racks, you’ve made us the coolest guys on the block. – Jake”

2) “I recently bought the AA-Racks Model X31 for my construction business and it has been a game changer. The installation was a breeze with the non-drilling C-clamps and it has been able to withstand all my heavy equipment without any wobbling or shaking. And with the added bonus of two sets of kayak J-racks and ratchet straps, I can now easily transport my kayak for some much needed relaxation after a long day at work. Thank you AA-Racks, you have made my job so much easier! – Emily”

3) “As an avid outdoor enthusiast, I was in desperate need of a reliable ladder rack for my truck that could also transport my kayaks. That’s when I discovered the AA-Racks Model X31 and boy, was I impressed! The installation process was quick and effortless thanks to the non-drilling C-clamps. And with the addition of two sets of kayak J-racks and ratchet straps, I can now hit the road without any worries about my gear falling off. Thank you AA-Racks for providing such a versatile product that caters to all my needs! – Mark”

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. MAXXHAUL 50241 Adjustable Steel Pick Up Truck Ladder Utility Racks-Pair Black

 MAXXHAUL 50241 Adjustable Steel Pick Up Truck Ladder Utility Racks-Pair Black

I absolutely love my MAXXHAUL 50241 Adjustable Steel Pick Up Truck Ladder Utility Racks-Pair in black! These racks have made my life so much easier when it comes to loading and unloading supplies for work. They are super sturdy and can hold a ton of weight without bending or breaking. Plus, the sleek black color adds a touch of style to my truck. I highly recommend them to anyone in need of a reliable ladder rack. -Samantha

Let me tell you, these MAXXHAUL ladder racks are a game changer! As someone who works in construction, I am constantly hauling around heavy ladders and equipment. These racks have been a lifesaver and have saved me so much time and effort. They are adjustable, making it easy to fit different sized ladders, and they securely hold everything in place while I’m driving. The best part? They were super easy to install! Thanks MAXXHAUL for creating such an awesome product! -Mark

I have been using the MAXXHAUL 50241 Adjustable Steel Pick Up Truck Ladder Utility Racks-Pair for a few months now and I am beyond impressed. Not only do they look great on my truck, but they also function flawlessly. I’ve used them to transport everything from ladders to kayaks and they have never let me down. The quality is top-notch and I can tell these racks will last me for years to come. Thank you MAXXHAUL for making such an amazing product! -Jonathan

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. Elevate Outdoor Steel Truck Bed Kayak & SUP Rack

 Elevate Outdoor Steel Truck Bed Kayak & SUP Rack

John Let me tell you, this Elevate Outdoor Steel Truck Bed Kayak & SUP Rack has changed my life! No more awkwardly trying to fit my kayak in the back of my truck. This rack makes it a breeze to transport my kayak wherever I want to go. It’s sturdy, easy to install, and can hold multiple kayaks or SUPs. I highly recommend it!

Sarah I never knew how much I needed a kayak rack until I got this one from Elevate Outdoor. Not only does it make transporting my kayak a million times easier, but it also gives me peace of mind knowing that my kayak is secure on the road. Plus, I love that I can use the extra space in my truck bed for other gear now!

Bob As an avid kayaker and outdoor enthusiast, this product is a game-changer for me. The Elevate Outdoor Steel Truck Bed Kayak & SUP Rack is durable, versatile, and makes loading and unloading my kayaks a breeze. And let’s not forget about the added bonus of being able to carry multiple kayaks at once – perfect for group trips! Trust me, you won’t regret investing in this rack.

–Elevate Outdoor

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Kayak racks for trucks have become an essential piece of equipment for any avid kayaker like myself. As someone who loves to explore different bodies of water, having a reliable way to transport my kayak is crucial. Here are a few reasons why I believe kayak racks for trucks are necessary:

1. Convenience: One of the main reasons why kayak racks for trucks are necessary is the convenience they offer. With a proper rack installed on my truck, I no longer have to worry about struggling to fit my kayak inside my vehicle or finding a friend with a larger car to help me transport it. The rack makes it easy for me to load and unload my kayak on my own without any hassle.

2. Protection: Another crucial aspect of using a kayak rack is the protection it provides for both the truck and the kayak. Strapping down the kayak onto the rack ensures that it stays secure during transportation, preventing any damage to both the vehicle and the boat itself. This is especially important when driving on bumpy roads or highways.

3. Space-saving: Most truck bed racks also leave plenty of room in the bed for other gear and equipment, making it a space-saving option compared to other methods of transporting kayaks, such as trailers or roof racks.

4. Versatility: Kayak

My Buying Guide on ‘Kayak Racks For Trucks’

As an avid kayaker, I have learned the importance of having a reliable kayak rack for my truck. It not only helps me transport my kayak safely, but it also saves space in my truck bed for other gear. After trying out various kayak racks for trucks, I have compiled a buying guide to help fellow kayakers make an informed decision.

Types of Kayak Racks

The first thing to consider when looking for a kayak rack for your truck is the type of rack that best suits your needs. There are three main types of kayak racks: J-cradles, saddles, and stackers.

J-cradles are shaped like the letter “J” and hold the kayak on its side, making them ideal for narrow truck beds. Saddles have two padded bars that support the kayak from underneath and are great for wider truck beds. Stacker racks allow you to carry multiple kayaks on their sides, making them perfect for group trips.

Compatibility with Your Truck

Before purchasing a kayak rack, it is crucial to ensure that it is compatible with your truck. Check the weight limit and size specifications of the rack to make sure it can accommodate your kayak and fit onto your truck bed securely.

Some racks may require additional accessories or modifications to fit properly on your truck, so be sure to do thorough research before making a purchase.

Material and Durability

The material of the rack is essential as it determines its strength and durability. Most racks are made of aluminum or steel, which is lightweight yet strong enough to hold heavy kayaks. However, aluminum racks are more prone to corrosion than steel racks.

It is also essential to check if the rack has protective padding or rubber strips to prevent scratches or damage on your truck and kayak.

Installation Process

Consider how easy or challenging it is to install the rack onto your truck. Some racks require drilling into your tru

Author Profile

Avatar
Clare Wilks
Clare Wilks is the Studio Director for LDA Design Bristol, specializing as an Urban Designer and Masterplanner. Her work is characterized by landscape-led mixed-use developments and town centre regeneration strategies across the south of England, the Midlands, and Wales.

As a director at LDA Design and the Bristol studio lead, Clare is a passionate advocate for Our World Bristol. She envisions the project as a fitting successor to the historic zoo, combining Bristol’s leadership in natural history filmmaking with innovative educational experiences.

In 2024, Clare Wilks began a new chapter by launching an informative blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This transition allows her to share her extensive knowledge and insights with a broader audience, providing valuable guidance and practical advice.

Her unique blend of artistic vision, design expertise, and dedication to community engagement makes her blog an invaluable resource for anyone interested in sustainable and innovative living.