How To SAFELY Transport A Kayak In Your Truck Bed | Kayaking 101

[@Hawhyin69]

I thought this was a video to show how to transport a kayak in a truck, but its a Honda Ridgeline... just kidding man, I know people make fun of the ridgeline not being a real truck. Great info in this video!

[@HeadwatersKayak]

This comment was inevitable. Thanks for knocking it out early 🤣

[@Hawhyin69]

@@Hammerdak I think thats why people make fun of them though. They are built built more like a crossover rather than body on frame like SUVs and trucks. Its pretty much a RAV4 with a bed.

[@robertodiaz1637]

😂😂

[@coldspring624]

I modified the bed extender with a simple top bar and 16 inch wide section of light conveyor belt under the kayak that suspends and gives a wide area of support under the hull. Works great

[@Scumbag88s]

Nice truck lmao 😂😂

[@tommyrehbein5306]

Thank you so very much for this video. I've kayaked before but have never owned one nor had need to transport one. So I watched a bunch of videos on kayaks for "big" guys and then I wondered the options for transport. I currently have an 05 Equinox w 58k on it. Yeah, grocery cart.....was my dad's. So I guess I can toss one on the roof with it but when it goes away I'm actually buying a new Ridgeline! So your video was flippin perfect! I've always been a river floater (tube) but having a yak may be fun as well. Thanks for making your video easy to understand as a newbie. Stay safe, have fun, and happy paddling. 😀

[@andym436]

The most important step is when you pluck the strap and say “Thats not going anywhere”

[@MsLori62]

I use a bed extender with my short bed truck to transport my Pungo 120. I put the boat upside down stern first. So far, so good.

[@jaybell265]

I use a bed extender with foam water pipe protector tubes ziptied on. And I have two sandbags that I position at the front of the truck bed on each side of where the bow of the boat will be. They are each flush with the sides of the bow and help keep the front of the boat from sliding side to side

[@r4-drz84]

That was super helpful thank you. I didn't even know a Bed Extender was a thing that existed.✌🤠🤙

[@deannbabs902]

Highly recommend a bed extender! Better safe than sorry. Besides, they’re much cheaper than replacing your yak…as well as any vehicles you damage behind you!

[@773fishing2]

I've seen a few good options on amazon. any recommendations?

[@traviswhitworth6506]

@@773fishing2 I love my tbone bed extender.

[@deannbabs902]

@@karlyrodenburgh1533 I went with the MaxxHaul extender. I added J-hooks to it so I can take both my 13.5 foot tandem and my 10.5 foot fishing yaks.

[@traviswhitworth6506]

@@karlyrodenburgh1533 I could easily put a 16ft in my truck bed with extender.

[@bunsen27]

This was the PERFECT video for me because I too have a Ridgeline!! One quick question: does it matter if you haul the kayak with the keel up or down in a truck bed w/extender? I would think it would give you more and larger/stabler points of contact with the keel up. Thanks!

[@Scrambler1]

I use the goal post method but I put foam noodles on the rack to guard the kayak

[@michealbass5908]

I appreciate this video wholeheartedly. I am purchasing a 11'8" kayak and I have a 5' truck bed. Your recommendation of a bed extended will benefit me greatly. Thanks.

[@au69miner]

pick-up bed extender....excellent idea!!....save me and the wife lifting them up on truck racks....

[@BrianDaleNeeley]

It would be a good idea to mention that if your straps are extra long, *MAKE SURE* to tie them off somewhere. This would also be something to do with any lines on the boat. I had my kayaks on J hooks on another vehicle this past weekend, and a bow line was blowing about. It wound up hanging off the back end of the vehicle, and could have potentially wrapped up on the back wheel. If that happened, in would *NOT* be a good time.

[@Twinville2]

Thanks! How about any tips for securing a 10.5 ft kayak on a 8 ft long CM flatbed truck with a headache rack?

[@jackstanford7635]

Great videos. An old camping motto I learned when it comes to safety, 2 is 1 and 1 is none. You must be doing it right, good on ya.

[@jonnywick4402]

Mate thank you so much for your video very informative and detailed.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Thanks for watching. Glad it helped!

[@jonnywick4402]

@@HeadwatersKayak you just have a new subscriber.

[@dabradguy]

Appreciate it. I guess I've been doing alright. The solid handles on my feelfree kayak make it very easy to tie down. Seems like a secondary feature that almost never gets talked about.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Agreed. Super helpful feature.

[@davidnesson7277]

Did you post this after seeing my kayak on my truck 🙂

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Nahh we had a request for this video from a viewer a couple of weeks back. Your bed rack setup looked great! Same way I haul my sea kayaks.

[@andrewbrown6522]

I just had to build skid plates for my boat to cover repairs i did from previous owner dragging it. Have a couple short vids on it but working on a longer, full repair vid.

[@stevebond9054]

How long is the bed extender from the tow bar anchor point?

[@tyson_billings]

Do you have any tips for padding the front of your pickup bed or the end of the kayaks? I typically load the stern end of my kayaks into my truck bed first but worry about rubbing and wear on the kayaks during travel.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Ah, nothing too fancy needed. Usually a towel or some foam is all that’s needed.

[@jeffreyelliott622]

I went to tractor supply and bought heavy duty waterproof tarp to put down in the bed of my pickup truck so no damage to my Old Town NEXT 13ft canoe and just strap her down good tight and red flag at the end of course !!! I use a set of Tie Boss rope and pulley system and it ain't going no where and simple to use !!! My canoe hangs over 5 ft extra over the tailgate !!

[@ironkayaker5682]

Thanks for the advice

[@maxboo1]

I always secure the boat/canoe/kayak at the the front of the box so it cannot move around. Especially for vertical movement. I was transporting a canoe in a truck with no extender, hit a bump, the stern overhanging the tail gate dropped and the bow came up and blew out the rear window. It also prevents what you are carrying from falling out if the rear strap fails.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Eek! That's one rough way to learn a lesson..

[@andreasspyrou7688]

@@HeadwatersKayak Can you tie your Kayak from the molded handles it already has ?? Or are they figile ?

[@ASK-mz1ls]

I have a perception Carolina and a short bed truck, there are no hard points to run the straps thru. Any thoughts on securing it for my outings?

[@natthebratster]

I have the same problem with my Pelican. I'm actually thinking about selling it

[@HeadwatersKayak]

That’s tricky - this is definitely a spot where the bed extender would come in handy. If that’s not an option, I’ve wrapped a third strap around my tailgate before as a fail safe. Definitely a tricky scenario though. A bed rack would also be a good option.

[@harpnant]

I bought some brackets that attach on the sides with self tapping screws

[@harpnant]

Oh, you meant hard points on the kayak

[@truesimplicity]

What about using the rack system to tie down the kayaks?

[@HeadwatersKayak]

That definitely works too, but it's a lot more stress on my back to get them up there. These days I generally just use the bed rack if I'm hauling more than two boats or for sea kayaks.

[@truesimplicity]

@@HeadwatersKayak I can definitely relate, I now use SeaEagle RazorLlite 393rl & 473rl hull to avoid the heavy lifting and storage both in vehicles and garage.

[@fedguy9182]

I have two WS Tsunamis and two Pungo 12ft yaks. I transport with a Malone micro sport kayak trailer with J carriers to secure the boats on edge. Much easier to load and haul.

[@robbiejohnson3698]

2 6ft straps tho through the handles and I use a bed extender that works for me Nick Navarre shared that on his you tube channel

[@irod7]

Great tips 👌 👍

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Thanks!

[@shaggydudegaming]

Please please please make a video about how to transport my kayak on a car like a Hyundai Elantra 🙏

[@NickGoesTrucking]

They sell these foam block kits for like 15$. That's what i used before I got my truck. It ain't pretty and depending on your kayak it might be hard but if it's all you got it gets you on the water

[@samuraijak6605]

I have an 08 Ridgeline. What type of bed rack do you have? Looks great 👍

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Nice - such an underrated boat hauling machine! The bed rack is by US Rack. I believe they’re out of California. Put it on about a year ago and it’s been great!

[@KingWing26]

I have a bed extender for my PA14 and I have been debating on putting a rubber or foam mat in my bed to avoid any rash from the kayak sliding in and out of the bed (it has a bed liner in it). Am I overthinking it or would it actually help? (havent noticed anything but i think about it every time I take it out).

[@HeadwatersKayak]

I've seen people put yoga mats and such in the bed of their trucks to avoid messing up their boats. My kayaks all take quite a beating on the bottom of the hull and I know they'll stand up to it, so I've never bothered. If you're worried about resale value or something along those lines I could see it. Totally a matter of preference.

[@KingWing26]

@@HeadwatersKayak thank you for the reply, I'll likely do just that. Appreciate all the Kayak content over the years.

[@maximusprimus827]

How do you store your rods with the kayak in the pickup bed?

[@hunterpro_1]

in the cab

[@curvingphoenix]

So is it better to use round rope or flat rope straps? And what’s the difference between cam straps and typical straps?

[@Eburfield]

Cams have a buckle with grooved metal that grips a flat, nylon strap. A ratchet is too much force and can warp a boat. Ropes rely on a person's ability to tie a knot and knots can fail. I've never seen a cam undo and it takes guess work out and can be done and undone much quicker, easier and more reliably. I only ever use rope for bow/ stern lines and cams for holding the body. Wide strap stays in place. I will sometimes use cams for bow/ stern lines, too. Depends how many kayaks I am transporting. I wouldn't rely on knot tying. Takes longer, can come loose, can tighten and it's thousands of dollars. Cams are cheaper and more reliably safe.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

What Erin said ⬆️

[@PublikSerpnt]

I have a 6 foot bed and a 13 foot kayak. I have had no problems transporting it with my tail gate up and the boat strapped down. An extender seems unnecessary?

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Totally up to your comfort level. I’ve don’t the same for short trips. On long trips I still prefer the extender.

[@HK-uj9qc]

Can you get an extender that LOCKS into the receiver, like a bike rack does?.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Yes there are loads of locking hitch pins on the market.

[@VinnyM.92]

I have a 6’ bed and with the tail gate down it’s maybe 6.5’ I just bought a Old Town Sportsman 120, do you think a bed extender would be necessary?

[@HeadwatersKayak]

If you can swing it yeah. If nothing else it will make tying the boat down much easier and more secure.

[@VinnyM.92]

Right on, probably better safe than sorry. Thanks for the reply! 🤙🏻

[@jasonmelby6221]

I use a bed extender in my truck for a single kayak, but I’d like to set up my trailer for pulling more than one kayak to the lake/river. Could y’all do a best practices for setting up a trail to pull a kayak?

[@HeadwatersKayak]

I’ll do my best, but I’ll have to get my hands on a trailer first! Would be happy to shoot a video on the topic though.

[@alisonscott4353]

I’m absolutely gutted. Just got a new pungo 120 and love it but I’ve pulled the straps down too hard having the kayak sitting over the back of the truck end. I’ve dented the bottom/hull of the kayak so it’s now not straight. I’m hoping it will still paddle true.☹️

[@HeadwatersKayak]

It it hull side up on the sun. It will pop back.

[@alisonscott4353]

@@HeadwatersKayak oh wow that’s brilliant. Thankyou so much . So grateful for that♥️

[@alisonscott4353]

@@HeadwatersKayak it worked!!! I’m so happy. Thankyou. Now I know what not to do. 68 recently widowed and just learning and having so much enjoyment and exercise ❤️

[@tangoindiamike9189]

You should add straps to your stern and run them back to the tie downs in your truck. This will prevent the kayak from sliding out if all else fails.

[@ducker030]

Any concern with laying the kayak on it's keel versus flipping it over? and laying it down on it's top? I would think it would rock side to side and or scrape up the underside of your kayak. no?

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Some folks use foam blocks to protect their hulls. If secured well it won’t move much.

[@Equinox051256]

QUESTION - what is the best way to transport two kayaks, (one is 9.5' and the other is just shy of 10'), in a 5' truck bed? Side-by-side or on top of each other?

[@HeadwatersKayak]

If they can fit side by side I prefer to do it that way. Most kayaks don't stack very nicely, and if it's a bad fit for stacking it can warp the hull if they are strapped down in the heat for a while.

[@iamalemontree]

Great video!! Random question, would you recommend the revo 13 over the outback for offshore fishing?

[@HeadwatersKayak]

I'd take the Revo all day. I've spent a lot of time in both boats in the salt and I've always preferred the Revolution. Outback is just too slow to fight the strong currents you run into sometimes out there unless you really need the extra stability.

[@iamalemontree]

@@HeadwatersKayak thanks so much!! Revo it is!

[@laurentomas1199]

Can you haul 2 or more 8.5' kayaks in the back of your Ridgeline or do you recommend a bed extender?

[@HeadwatersKayak]

You could do it without an extender if they’re strapped well. The purple boat in this video is about 9’ for reference.

[@laurentomas1199]

@@HeadwatersKayak Thanks! We moved to an area with shallow lakes and I'm hoping to get kayaks.

[@BB_1997_]

Hey Alex, I have a 16 footer I’ll be hauling with a bed extender out of a 5 foot frontier bed. I was worried about turning right when there are cars to the left of me in a lane beside me and vise versa. I worry that my long kayak will hit their car during my turn (if that makes sense?). Any advice?

[@HeadwatersKayak]

I’ve see it done. Just be aware of your tail swing. You’ll do fine. And put a red flag on your kayak.

[@BB_1997_]

@@HeadwatersKayak thanks man!

[@derekdelfino6425]

Will the extender still be safe if you are driving at highway speeds?

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Yep, I take it on the highway all the time. As long as you secure everything correctly it’s good to go.

[@derekdelfino6425]

@@HeadwatersKayak Thank you! Really appreciate the video and the fast reply! I have a long drive ahead of me and was a little nervous.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Happy to help.

[@fannymccracken6385]

I wonder why you didn't use the bed rack

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Oh crap I didn’t even see it there.

[@MsLori62]

Why not put the stern in first on the long kayak?

[@HeadwatersKayak]

In this case the rudder would be in the way, and it would be harder to load and unload since the cart mounts to the scuppers in the back.

[@freddy4pi595]

Is this your preferred way to transport kayaks? Better than the on the bed rack you have there?

[@HeadwatersKayak]

I’ll use the bed rack if I’m paddling a lighter boat or if my truck bed is full (happens a lot on weekend fishing trips), but if it’s just a quick run I prefer to save my back and use the bed.

[@nikilragav]

What's "oil can"

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Dents in the bottom of a Rotomolded kayak

[@vicpetrishak1077]

Why would you not use your truck bed rack to secure your boat ? Always use quality 1” webb racket straps .

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Much easier on my back to load them in the truck bed. And no one should ever use ratchet straps on a kayak. I’ve seen way too many folks crack boats over tightening with ratchets. Cam straps are nearly impossible to overtighten. That’s why you never see any kayak shop selling ratchets.

[@nhansen197]

I have my doubts about the bolt holding the tow ball in place. As in I'm doubtful that it's legal. Anyone doing this should consider drilling a hole near the end of the thread so that a pin of some kind can be inserted to prevent the nut from backing off.

[@kevinhill.8]

Nice video. Great use of the wireless mic (what brand?), and so many good camera angles.🎥

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Thanks Kevin. The mic kit is a Hollyland - nice little kit that comes with two transmitters and a nice receiver. I'd never heard of the brand as I've always used Rode in the past, but the was much less expensive than a similar Rode kit and I've been super happy with the quality. www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08PKG16X8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s03?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[@kevinhill.8]

@@HeadwatersKayak thanks! I’ve been looking the Rose, and especially the new DJI (kzbin.info/www/bejne/d5Kxcomhfb6MqrM), but I’ll check this one out too. Appreciate it!

[@DaysTheRaccoon]

This was perfect bc I just got a riot edge 11 kayak and I drive a santa cruz so very similar to the ridgelines bed size. Thanks for the great ideas it helped alot!

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Glad it helped. Thanks for watching!

[@krickette5569]

What if you keep your tail gate closed and then position the kayak from corner to corner, diagonally. You could then tie the kayak down at each of the two corners.

[@LakeVermilionDreams]

Thousands of dollars on your kayak? Spend less than a hundred on a bed extender!! Do convenient, saves your back from lifting too high, very worth it!

[@HeadwatersKayak]

For sure!

[@HK-uj9qc]

Wow. That long boat.....no way was it 75% in the bed. I'd be too leary to haul it like that.

[@james3drc]

I believe he was talking about if you had a long bed.

[@HK-uj9qc]

@@james3drc yeah but in ANY bed it would have to be that much.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Correct; as I said in the video, I wouldn’t haul a boat that long with that much overhang. Was simply showing how someone with a longer bed or shorter kayak would tie down without a bed extender if it wasn’t necessary. Also why I led with the bed extender.

[@randytrashcan]

I'd say the first step is to buy an actual truck, not an open-air SUV. Those ultra short beds are too goofy. Might be able to fit a cooler and a sleeping bag back there, but I can fit those in a compact sedan.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Let give Randy a hand for being a real man. 👏 Feel better Randy?

[@randytrashcan]

@@HeadwatersKayak I drive an SUV.

[@jerrygundrum1]

That's not a truck

[@HeadwatersKayak]

🤷🏻‍♂️