Kayaking has become one of the most trending water sports, as it’s the best way to explore the outdoors. However, kayak transportation from or to water is one of its most challenging jobs. Mostly, people use roof racks for their vehicles, but it’s also possible to carry kayak via a truck.
Transporting single kayak is on a truck is super easy because it has enough space to accommodate it. But what about two kayaks? Using single truck for two kayaks need special techniques and planning. So, let’s see how to do this job!
How to Carry Two Kayaks in a Truck?
Carrying two kayaks in a truck includes essential preparations, loading and securing the kayaks, and attaching the red flags. Before you proceed for loading the kayaks on the pick up truck, it’s essential to gather the essential material.
It may include the straps or ratchet straps, bed extender, and red flags. After collecting these items, follow these steps;
Step-1. Prepare Your Truck Bed
First of all, clean your truck bed and remove all the dust and debris from it. If you can manage, use a rubber mate for additional safety of your kayaks. It will make the bed nonslip.
Step- 2. Load Your Kayaks on Truck
Most of the users have kayak rack for transportation. If you have the one, place your kayak in the rack and then shift it to the truck bed. If you don’t have the one, simply load the kayaks on the truck and secure it well with ropes and ratchet. Then place the second kayak and repeat the securing process for it too. If you have two different kayaks, put the heavier one below and the lighter one on the top.
Step- 3. Secure the Kayaks
After you are sure that the kayaks are fit well to their place, use cam buckles to tie down the straps. Secure the kayaks well using the tie points of your truck carrier. Ensure the straps are moderately tight, it’s important for safety of your vessels.
Step-4. Secure the Kayaks Using Bow and Stern Lines
If you are extra conscious about the safety, you can use bow and stern lines to tow the kayaks on front and rear of the truck. It will not let the kayaks move even in sudden breaks or close turns.
Step-5. Attach the Red Flags
After you’ve properly secured the kayaks to your pick up truck, attach the red flags to the end. It’s an additional step for safe transportation on on the road.
Other options
If you have extra luggage and don’t have enough space for kayaks on the truck bed, you can use any of the following alternatives for it;
Truck rack
One of the most convenient method of transporting kayaks is using truck racks. These racks are specifically design to carry kayaks on the trucks easily. However, if you have more than one kayaks, this method may not suit you.
Trailer
Kayak trailers are becoming popular globally with a boom in the popularity of kayaks. These trailers are separately designed for transporting kayaks separately from your trucks. Simply, load the kayaks on trailers, tow them to truck, and move them along with you to your destination.
Inflatable kayak
Inflatable kayaks are easy to transport even if you don’t have space in your car or truck. You can inflate them according to your needs.
How to Tie Down a Kayak in a Pickup Bed?
You can use straps, ropes, or ratchet to tie down a kayak in a pickup bed. Bow and stern lines are ideal to secure the kayaks to the front and rear of the pick up for additional security. Use clamps wherever needed to secure the kayaks.
How Do You Transport Two Kayaks Without a Roof Rack?
If you don’t have roof rack, you can use a utility trailer and truck for transporting two kayaks.
Utility Trailer
These trailers are specifically made for transporting your luggage without overloading the truck.
Pros and cons of a Utility Trailer
Pros:
- These are easy to use
- Trailers are lightweight and easy to transport
- These are relatively inexpensive choices
- The trailers are ready to use for each camping trip
Cons:
- These are uncovered
- These trailers don’t have space to live out
- These don’t provide power
- Trailers may face some road penalties
Your Truck
A truck us another option to use for transporting your kayaks without a roof rack.
Pros and cons of the truck bed
Pros:
- Quick way of transportation
- Cost effective methods
- You don’t need to look after additional accessories
Cons:
- You may need a bed extender
- Truck beds don’t suit all kayak types
Safety Rules of Kayak Transportation
Safety should be your priority when transporting a kayak using any of the above listed methods. Here are some rules to follow when driving a truck with kayak;
- Drive at a moderate speed and don’t exceed the limits
- Don’t stop suddenly
- Avoid sharp turns
- Avoid low clearance areas
- Abide by the road safety rules
- Use red flags for road clearance
Conclusion
In conclusion, transporting two kayaks on a truck is possible but it’s tricky. Especially, new users may face difficulty when transporting two kayaks on single truck. Use proper guidelines when loading and unloading the kayaks from the trucks. Use straps and ratchet to secure the kayaks for a smooth driving experience with kayaks.
FAQs
What is the easiest way to transport multiple kayaks?
Roof rack system is the easiest way to transport multiple kayaks if your vehicle can accommodate them. However, you can some other methods like trailers or truck bed.
How many kayaks can fit in a truck bed?
A truck bed fits well to two or maximum three kayaks depending upon the kayak type and size. Moreover, different truck bed have different spaces. If you use a bed extender, you can easily transport three kayaks via a truck bed.
How far can a kayak stick out of a truck bed?
Most of the states allow 4ft overhanging from the back and 3ft from the front. However, this rule may vary state to state. So, it’s good to abide by the rules of the relevant state when transporting a kayak on your pickup truck.