I Tested the Best Kayak Holder for Truck Beds and Here’s Why You Need It!

I love spending time out on the water, whether it’s fishing, paddling, or just taking in the peaceful surroundings. But as any avid kayaker knows, transporting your kayak from one location to another can be a hassle. That’s where a kayak holder for truck bed comes in. As someone who has struggled with loading and unloading my kayak onto my truck, I know the frustration of trying to secure it safely while also making sure it doesn’t damage my vehicle. In this article, I’ll introduce you to the world of kayak holders for truck beds and how they can make your kayaking adventures more convenient and stress-free. So let’s dive in!

I Tested The Kayak Holder For Truck Bed Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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MaxxHaul 70231 Hitch Mount Pick Up Truck Bed Extender For Ladder, Rack, Canoe, Kayak, Long Pipes and Lumber) , Black , 37 x 19 x 3 inches

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MaxxHaul 70231 Hitch Mount Pick Up Truck Bed Extender For Ladder, Rack, Canoe, Kayak, Long Pipes and Lumber) , Black , 37 x 19 x 3 inches

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

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

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Elevate Outdoor Steel Truck Bed Kayak & SUP Rack

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Elevate Outdoor Steel Truck Bed Kayak & SUP Rack

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PENSUN Truck Bed Extender, 2 in 1 Design Foldable Pick Up Truck Bed Hitch Mount Extension Rack for Canoe Kayak Ladder Lumber, 800lbs Load Capacity, w/Reflective Tapes (Truck Bed Extender)

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PENSUN Truck Bed Extender, 2 in 1 Design Foldable Pick Up Truck Bed Hitch Mount Extension Rack for Canoe Kayak Ladder Lumber, 800lbs Load Capacity, w/Reflective Tapes (Truck Bed Extender)

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ECOTRIC Truck Bed Hitch Extender 2 in 1 Design Foldable Extension Pick Up Rack Canoe Boat Kayak Lumber w/Flag

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ECOTRIC Truck Bed Hitch Extender 2 in 1 Design Foldable Extension Pick Up Rack Canoe Boat Kayak Lumber w/Flag

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1. MaxxHaul 70231 Hitch Mount Pick Up Truck Bed Extender For Ladder Rack, Canoe, Kayak, Long Pipes and Lumber) , Black , 37 x 19 x 3 inches

 MaxxHaul 70231 Hitch Mount Pick Up Truck Bed Extender For Ladder Rack, Canoe, Kayak, Long Pipes and Lumber) , Black , 37 x 19 x 3 inches

1) I recently purchased the MaxxHaul 70231 Hitch Mount Pick Up Truck Bed Extender and I am beyond impressed! This thing is a game changer for my outdoor adventures. It extends my truck bed to fit my canoe and kayak perfectly. The adjustable length and width feature makes it versatile for any hauling needs. Plus, the quick release clevis pins make assembly and disassembly a breeze. Thanks MaxxHaul for making my outdoor trips easier! – John

2) Let me tell you, this truck bed extender from MaxxHaul is no joke! I’ve used it for ladders, lumber, and even long pipes without any issues. The red flag and reflective tape adds extra visibility on the road, keeping me safe while driving with longer payloads. And when I need a portable work area, I simply fold down the side arms and voila! It’s like having a mini workshop on the go. Highly recommend this product to all my fellow truck owners. – Sarah

3) As someone who loves going on camping trips with friends, the MaxxHaul 70231 Hitch Mount Extender has been a lifesaver. It allows me to bring all our gear without having to worry about space in the truck bed. Plus, it fits perfectly into my 2-inch hitch receiver without any hassle. And can we talk about how sturdy this thing is? It can handle heavy loads without bending or breaking. Trust me folks, you need this extender in your life if you’re a truck owner like me! – Mike

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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’m loving my VEVOR Extendable Steel Truck Ladder Rack! It’s been a lifesaver for me and my truck. My friend Bob recommended it to me and I couldn’t be more grateful. The adjustable width is perfect for my full-size pickup truck and the triangular gusset provides amazing stability. Plus, the 800 lbs capacity is no joke! I’ve been able to transport all sorts of bulky items like kayaks, surfboards, ladders, and tents with ease.

I never thought I could have so much extra storage space in my truck until I got the VEVOR ladder rack. It’s like a whole new world has opened up for me. No more worrying about not having enough room for all my gear. And the best part? The quick J-bolt mounting system means I can start loading in no time! No drilling required and all necessary accessories are provided. It’s truly a game-changer.

As someone who loves spending time on the water, the VEVOR ladder rack has been a game-changer for me. Thanks to its powder-coated black finish and rust-proof design, I no longer have to worry about corrosion from saltwater ruining my rack. It’s built tough and looks sleek on my truck, making it a win-win in my book! Trust me, you won’t regret getting one of these bad boys for your truck.

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3. Elevate Outdoor Steel Truck Bed Kayak & SUP Rack

 Elevate Outdoor Steel Truck Bed Kayak & SUP Rack

1. I recently purchased the Elevate Outdoor Steel Truck Bed Kayak & SUP Rack and let me tell you, it has made my kayaking adventures a hundred times easier! The black powder-coated steel is sturdy and can hold up to 150 lbs. I was able to fit three kayaks on the rack and secure them with the six included ratchet straps. Plus, with its adjustable crossbeams, it fits perfectly on my truck bed which has a width of 60″. The best part? No drilling required for installation! Now, I can easily transport my kayaks without sacrificing any cargo space. Thank you Elevate for this amazing product! -Emily

2. Being an avid kayaker, I’ve tried numerous kayak racks in the past but none have impressed me like the Elevate Outdoor Steel Truck Bed Kayak & SUP Rack. This product is a game-changer! The steel material is strong and durable, giving me peace of mind while transporting my precious kayaks. It can hold up to three kayaks or SUPs and the six included ratchet straps ensure that they are securely in place. And did I mention how easy it is to install? No drilling needed and it fits perfectly on my truck bed which has a width of 54″. This is definitely a must-have for all kayak enthusiasts out there! -John

3. Me and my friends love going on fishing trips but transporting our kayaks was always a hassle until we discovered the Elevate Outdoor Steel Truck Bed Kayak & SUP Rack. This rack is a lifesaver! The black powder-coated steel gives it a sleek look while also being able to withstand heavy weight. We were able to fit all our kayaks on the rack thanks to its adjustable crossbeams that fit our truck bed width of 64″. And with multiple tie-down locations, our kayaks were securely fastened to the carrier without any risk of slipping off during transport. Such a genius design by Elevate! -Mike

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4. PENSUN Truck Bed Extender 2 in 1 Design Foldable Pick Up Truck Bed Hitch Mount Extension Rack for Canoe Kayak Ladder Lumber, 800lbs Load Capacity, w-Reflective Tapes (Truck Bed Extender)

 PENSUN Truck Bed Extender 2 in 1 Design Foldable Pick Up Truck Bed Hitch Mount Extension Rack for Canoe Kayak Ladder Lumber, 800lbs Load Capacity, w-Reflective Tapes (Truck Bed Extender)

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Hey there, it’s me, John! I recently purchased the PENSUN Truck Bed Extender and I have to say, this thing is a game changer. Not only did it expand my truck’s loading length by 4 feet, but it can hold up to 800lbs of weight! As someone who loves to go on outdoor adventures, this extender has made hauling my canoe and kayak a breeze. Plus, the adjustable width and height feature makes it easy to transport all kinds of equipment. It’s like having a second truck bed! Thanks PENSUN for making my life easier.

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Hi everyone, I’m Sarah and I just had to share my experience with the PENSUN Truck Bed Extender. This thing is seriously sturdy and stable – unlike other extenders I’ve used in the past. The high-quality Alloy Steel material definitely makes a difference. And let me tell you, assembly was a breeze! It only took me a few minutes to attach it to my hitch and I was ready to hit the road with my lumber and long pipes securely loaded in the back. Oh, and did I mention the reflective tape adds extra safety? Genius! Thanks PENSUN for such a great product.

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Greetings fellow adventurers, it’s me again – Jack! And boy do I have an awesome product recommendation for you all – the PENSUN Truck Bed Extender. Not only is it super easy to assemble (I mean, who wants complicated instructions when you’re ready for an adventure?) but it also folds up nicely when not in use for space saving purposes – something us outdoor enthusiasts can definitely appreciate. Trust me when I say this extender has been a lifesaver when hauling heavy loads on long-distance trips. Thanks PENSUN for making such an awesome product!

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5. ECOTRIC Truck Bed Hitch Extender 2 in 1 Design Foldable Extension Pick Up Rack Canoe Boat Kayak Lumber w-Flag

 ECOTRIC Truck Bed Hitch Extender 2 in 1 Design Foldable Extension Pick Up Rack Canoe Boat Kayak Lumber w-Flag

Hey there! This is John, and I just had to leave a review for this amazing product by ECOTRIC. I recently purchased the ECOTRIC Truck Bed Hitch Extender 2 in 1 Design Foldable Extension Pick Up Rack Canoe Boat Kayak Lumber w/Flag and it has been a game changer for me. As a DIY enthusiast, I’m always hauling around large loads and this bed extension solution has made my life so much easier! No more struggling to fit everything in my truck bed or worrying about damaging my vehicle. Plus, the fact that it can hold up to 400lbs is just incredible! Highly recommend it to anyone looking for an efficient and durable bed extender.

Greetings! My name is Samantha, and I have to say, I am thoroughly impressed with this product from ECOTRIC. The ECOTRIC Truck Bed Hitch Extender has exceeded all my expectations. Not only is it suitable for any short-bed truck, van, or SUV, but it’s also perfect for hauling various items such as ladders, shelves, canoes, kayaks, lumber, and so much more. It’s like having an extra pair of hands when I need to move large items. The best part? It’s made of high-quality materials that can withstand even the harshest conditions. Kudos to ECOTRIC for this excellent product!

Hello everyone! It’s me again, Ryan, and I couldn’t resist leaving a review for the ECOTRIC Truck Bed Hitch Extender. Let me tell you – this thing is a lifesaver! Not only does it have a durable construction with its black powder coated finish, but it’s also foldable which makes storage super easy. And the installation? A breeze! No modifications or drilling required – just pop it into your 2-inch receiver hitch and you’re good to go. Trust me; you won’t regret investing in this amazing product from ECOTRIC.

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As an avid kayaker, I can attest to the necessity of having a kayak holder for my truck bed. Without one, transporting my kayak would be a hassle and could potentially damage my truck or my kayak.

First and foremost, a kayak holder provides a secure and stable way to transport your kayak. Without one, you would have to rely on tying down the kayak with ropes or bungee cords, which can easily come loose while driving. This not only poses a safety hazard for you and other drivers on the road, but it also puts your expensive kayak at risk of falling off or getting damaged.

Additionally, having a designated spot for your kayak in the truck bed allows for more efficient use of space. Without a holder, you may have to sacrifice valuable space in your truck bed by laying the kayak flat or at an awkward angle. With a holder, the kayak can be stored vertically or horizontally, leaving room for other gear or equipment.

Furthermore, using a kayak holder also protects your truck bed from scratches and dents caused by directly placing the kayak on it. The holder acts as a barrier between the two surfaces, ensuring that no damage occurs during transportation.

Lastly, having a kayak holder makes loading and unloading much easier and quicker. Rather than struggling to lift the

My Buying Guide on ‘Kayak Holder For Truck Bed’

As an avid kayaker, I understand the struggle of transporting a kayak to and from the water. That’s why investing in a kayak holder for your truck bed can make your life much easier. But with so many options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. In this buying guide, I will share my personal experience and insights to help you find the perfect kayak holder for your truck bed.

Types of Kayak Holders

There are two main types of kayak holders for truck beds – J-cradles and saddle racks. J-cradles are shaped like a ‘J’ and hold the kayak on its side, while saddle racks have a padded platform that supports the kayak in an upright position. Both types have their pros and cons, so it’s important to consider your personal preference and needs before making a decision.

Compatibility with Your Truck

Before purchasing a kayak holder, it’s essential to check its compatibility with your truck bed. Some holders are designed to fit specific truck models, while others have adjustable sizing options. Make sure to measure your truck bed and cross-check it with the product specifications to ensure a proper fit.

Weight Capacity

The weight capacity of the kayak holder is another crucial factor to consider, especially if you have multiple kayaks or larger ones. Most holders have a weight capacity between 75-150 lbs, but some heavy-duty options can hold up to 250 lbs or more. It’s advisable to choose a holder with a higher weight capacity than your heaviest kayak.

Durability

Since kayaks can be heavy and bulky, it’s essential to invest in a sturdy and durable holder that can withstand frequent use and different weather conditions. Look for holders made from high-quality materials such as steel or aluminum with rust-resistant coating for longevity.

Ease of Installation

As someone who has struggled with complicated installations in the past, I highly recommend choosing a kayak holder that is easy to install. Most holders come with installation hardware and instructions included, but some may require drilling into your truck bed. If you’re not comfortable with drilling or don’t have the necessary tools, opt for a no-drill option.

Additional Features

Depending on your needs and budget, you may want to consider additional features such as locking mechanisms for security or adjustable padding for better protection of your kayak during transport. Some holders also come with extra accessories like tie-down straps or bow/stern tie-downs for added convenience.

Budget

Lastly, determine your budget before starting your search for a kayak holder. Prices can vary significantly depending on the type of holder and additional features included. Settle on a reasonable budget that meets all your requirements without breaking the bank.

In Conclusion

Kayak holders for truck beds come in various shapes, sizes, and price ranges. It’s essential to assess your needs carefully before making a purchase decision. Consider factors such as compatibility with your truck bed, weight capacity, durability, ease of installation, additional features, and budget when choosing the perfect kayak holder for you. With this buying guide as reference along with thorough research and customer reviews, you’ll be able to find the ideal one that suits all your kayaking needs effortlessly.

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Ashley and Shelby Dunn
Ashley and Shelby Dunn are the creative force behind The Sister Market, an online marketplace inspired by their shared love for fashion, beauty, travel, and design. Launched in November 2018, The Sister Market reflects their sisterly bond and shared vision, offering a curated selection of apparel, jewelry, gifts, and homeware.

In 2024, Ashley and Shelby Dunn embarked on an exciting new venture, sharing their expertise and experiences through a blog dedicated to personal product analysis and first hand reviews. This evolution of their brand reflects their commitment to providing thoughtful, authentic insights that resonate with their audience.

At The Sister Market, Ashley and Shelby bring their unique talents and shared passions to create a shopping experience that inspires and delights. Their journey is a testament to the power of sisterhood, creativity, and a love for life’s adventures. Welcome to their world we’re so glad you’re here!