If you’re an avid kayaker and you own a truck with a tonneau cover, you might be wondering how to transport your kayaks without compromising the security and convenience of your tonneau cover. Fortunately, there are several kayak rack options available that can accommodate your needs. If you don’t have a tonneau cover you might look into getting just a kayak rack for a truck or a package deal!
Firstly, it’s important to note that there are two main types of tonneau covers – hard covers and soft covers. Hard covers are typically made of fiberglass or aluminum and are more secure and durable, while soft covers are made of vinyl or canvas and are more affordable and easy to install. The type of tonneau cover you have will impact which kayak rack options are available to you.
If you have a hard tonneau cover, you may want to consider a kayak rack system that mounts directly to the cover. Thule, Yakima, and Rhino-Rack all make kayak racks that can be mounted to hard tonneau covers, providing a secure and convenient way to transport your kayaks. These racks typically use clamps or bolts to attach to the tonneau cover and have adjustable supports that can accommodate different kayak sizes and styles.
If you have a soft tonneau cover, your options are a bit more limited. However, there are still kayak rack systems available that can work with a soft tonneau cover. One option is to use a J-style kayak rack that mounts to the bed rails of your truck. This type of rack holds the kayak on its side, which can be more aerodynamic and space-efficient than other options. Another option is to use a vertical kayak rack that mounts to the hitch receiver of your truck. This type of rack can hold multiple kayaks and can be easily removed when not in use.
No matter which type of tonneau cover you have, it’s important to choose a kayak rack that is compatible with your truck’s make and model. Most kayak rack manufacturers provide compatibility charts on their websites or in their product manuals, so be sure to consult these resources before making a purchase.
In addition to choosing the right kayak rack, it’s also important to properly secure your kayaks to the rack to ensure safe and hassle-free transport. Be sure to use tie-down straps or bungee cords to secure your kayaks to the rack, and use bow and stern lines to prevent side-to-side movement.
Overall, a kayak rack for a truck with a tonneau cover can provide a convenient and secure way to transport your kayaks without sacrificing the functionality of your tonneau cover. By choosing the right kayak rack and properly securing your kayaks, you can hit the road with peace of mind and enjoy your kayaking adventures to the fullest.
The best kayak racks for a truck with a tonneau cover – the bestsellers
- FITMENT | Make sure you’re getting the full Elevate Rack system that’s right for your truck by following the steps in the images!
- UNIQUE CUSTOMIZATION | The Elevate Rack creates more storage options and overall cargo space for your truck. The rack includes telescoping uprights (18″ or 28″ in height) and crossbars to bring your cargo anywhere. TruXedo TS Rails are sold separately
- TONNEAU COMPATIBLE | Both FS and CS Elevate Racks are designed to be compatible with, and allow for, full function of most inside mount truck bed covers. Whether rolling or folding, you can still use your truck bed cover to its fullest capabilities
- TOUGH CONSTRUCTION | This storage system boasts a durable, powder-coated, textured aluminum construction. Capable of carrying 500 lbs. on road and 250 lbs. off road. Strong enough for work or play; carry bikes, kayaks, baskets, ladders and more
- LIFETIME GUARANTEE | The Elevate Rack is backed by a Limited Lifetime Warranty. We are committed to providing you the best service at all times. Simply call our team. All our products are proudly made in the USA with globally sourced materials
- 【DURABLE】The truck bed rack is made of rust-resistant, lightweight aluminum, which is sturdy and rust-free. It can hold up to 800 Ibs and has a weather-resistant powder coating to resist wear. NOTICE: Load capacity at rest is 800 lbs. Load capacity in motion is 600 lbs.
- 【ADJUSTABLE】The adjustable truck bed rack can be adjusted to fit truck bed widths ranging from 71.25″to 80.11″. The uprights can be adjusted in height from 11″to 12.79″. The racks is compatible with most sizes of pickup trucks, including the Ford F-Series, Chevrolet Silverado, and Dodge Ram, etc.
- 【SAFE AND CONVENIENT】The bed rack for trucks is designed with drilled holes to stabilize the rack during transport, reducing shaking and noise. It also comes with strapping to easily secure cargo.
- 【NECESSARY】The universal design fits a variety of full-size pickup trucks and can carry larger and longer items that the average pickup bed cannot accommodate, such as kayaks, ladders, pipes, lumber, and other items that may extend beyond the length of the truck bed.
- 【BEST SERVICE】The truck ladder rack is wrapped in pearl cotton and comes in a thickened box to prevent damage during transport. It is complete with accessories and mounting tools for quick and easy assembly.
- ADJUSTABLE & REMOVABLE: Durevo ladder rack will fit most standard pickup trucks within average ranges. If you want remove cross bars, it can be taken off entirely in minutes leave brackets on truck bed.
- CAPACITY of LEVEL LOAD: 600lb weight capacity. You can feel confident with Durevo tuck rack haul bike, carry surfboard water sports, ski and snow board, even roof top tent. Whether it’s a vacation trip to the beach with the family or a hunting trip across the country with the buddies.
- TONNEAU COVER COMPATIBLE: Fits alright with roll up tonneau cover and retractable covers will not affect closing and opening. Durevo brackets will only work with bed covers that are mounted on top of the rail. Compatible with all Durevo accessories and access other brand bike roof rack carriers, fishing rod rack, roof rack cargo basket etc.
- LOW PROFILE STYLE: Allows you to park your truck without restriction you couldn’t with a full-size ladder rack. In a northern climate, it allows you to park in your garage to keep the snow off your truck in the winter. Park downtown or at the airport in multi-level parking.
- QUICK and EASY INSTALLATION: Aluminum cross bar inserts to brackets no drilling necessary. Brackets Installation requires drilling into truck bed.
- 𝗪𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲: This adjustable aluminum truck bed ladder rack is suitable for most pickup trucks with T-slot on both sides of the tonneau cover.
- 𝗔𝗱𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝗱𝘁𝗵: The width of the truck bed ladder rack is adjustable up to 65″, with an overall installation height of 28″.
- 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝘅𝗶𝗻𝗴: Each truck rack comes with 2 ladder stoppers above, used to secure cargo and provide ample tie-down points for any load, ensuring cargo safety while driving.
- 𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗹𝗼𝗮𝗱-𝗯𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴: The truck bed rack is constructed from heavy-duty aluminum tubing, capable of supporting up to 800 pounds, corrosion-resistant, and durable.
- 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗲 𝗸𝗶𝘁: The package includes 2 racks, 4 ladder stoppers, rubber anti-slip strips, and hardware.
- Truck Bed Rack: OverHaul HD (towers only), redefines hauling utility and versatility with sturdily crafted aluminum construction and a durable powder-coat finish
- Adjustable Height: Adjustable height range of 19 to 30 inches provides easy gear access and a low center of gravity; Integrated SKS locks ensure your rack system stays securely attached
- Ease of Use: QuickChange rack attachment facilitates swift transition, designed for all common truck beds and secured by the BedGrip clamp; Integrated tie-down points ensure easy load securing
- Robust Features: Features built-in bottle opener and options to upgrade your experience with accessories like a sidebar, load stops, Rotopax mounting kit, recovery track mount, eye bolts, and tent
- Compatible Design: Compatible with all Yakima mounts for carrying kayaks, surfboards, bikes, rooftop tents, and lumber, and additional kits available for tracked beds and select tonneau covers
Buying guide for a kayak rack for a truck with a tonneau cover
If you’re in the market for a kayak rack for your truck with a tonneau cover, there are several factors to consider to ensure that you choose a rack that meets your needs. Here are some key considerations to keep in mind when shopping for a kayak rack:
Type of tonneau cover: As mentioned before, there are two main types of tonneau covers – hard covers and soft covers. The type of tonneau cover you have will impact which kayak rack options are available to you. Make sure to choose a rack that is compatible with your specific tonneau cover.
Truck make and model: Not all kayak racks are compatible with all truck makes and models. Before purchasing a rack, check the manufacturer’s compatibility chart to ensure that it will work with your truck.
Kayak size and weight: Consider the size and weight of your kayaks when choosing a rack. Make sure that the rack you choose can safely support the weight of your kayaks and is adjustable to accommodate their size.
Rack capacity: How many kayaks do you need to transport? Some racks can hold one kayak, while others can hold multiple kayaks. Make sure to choose a rack that has the capacity you need.
Ease of installation: Consider how easy the rack is to install and remove. Some racks require drilling or permanent installation, while others are designed to be easily installed and removed without leaving any permanent marks on your truck.
Security: Make sure that the rack you choose securely holds your kayaks in place while in transit. You don’t want your kayaks to come loose or be at risk of theft.
Price: Kayak racks for trucks with tonneau covers can vary in price. Determine your budget and choose a rack that fits within it while also meeting your needs.
Buying a tonneau cover and roof rack package
Some popular kayak rack brands for trucks with tonneau covers include Thule, Yakima, Rhino-Rack, and TracRac. These brands offer a variety of options that can accommodate different types of tonneau covers and truck models.
it can be a good idea to buy a tonneau cover and rack together if you’re in the market for both. By purchasing a tonneau cover and rack as a package, you can ensure that the two are compatible with each other and that the installation process will be as easy and seamless as possible.
Many manufacturers offer tonneau covers and racks as part of a package deal, which can also save you money compared to purchasing the two separately. These packages are often designed to work seamlessly together, so you can be confident that you’re getting a high-quality, reliable setup that will securely transport your kayaks while also protecting your truck bed.
That being said, if you already have a tonneau cover and are only in need of a kayak rack, you can still find a rack that will work with your existing cover. Just make sure to choose a rack that is compatible with the type of tonneau cover you have and that it is adjustable to accommodate your kayaks.
Ultimately, the decision to buy a tonneau cover and rack together will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re in the market for both and want to ensure a seamless installation process, purchasing them as a package deal may be the best option for you.