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
- The Racks a Tested Loads Capacity of 800 lbs.
- Black Powder Coated
- The rope hook on each side of all four uprights provides the security for tying the tools or loads
- Include J-Bolt Clamps(4pcs), no drilling required.
- Fit type: Fits most trucks.
- ADJUSTABLE AND REMOVABLE: Available in two length options to fit most truck beds. The crossbars can be easily removed in minutes when not needed, leaving your truck bed ready for other uses.
- STRONG LOAD CAPACITY: Built with high-strength brackets and aluminum crossbars, it offers a static load capacity of 900 lbs and a dynamic load capacity of 450 lbs (evenly distributed). Perfect for transporting bikes, surfboards, skis, snowboards, or rooftop tents—whether you’re heading to the beach with family or embarking on a hunting trip with friends.
- TONNEAU COVER COMPATIBILITY: Specifically designed for hard tonneau covers with T-slots. Comes with two types of T-slot nuts or bolts for installation. Please confirm your tonneau cover’s compatibility before purchasing.
- QUICK AND EASY INSTALLATION: No drilling is required for installation (pre-drilled holes are available if extra stability is desired). The aluminum crossbars slide into the brackets and are secured with bolts, ensuring a secure fit without any drilling.
- 【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 AND REMOVABLE: Available in two length options to fit most truck beds. If you need to remove the crossbars, they can be taken off completely in minutes, leaving the brackets securely in place on your truck bed.
- IMPRESSIVE LOAD CAPACITY: Designed with high-strength brackets and aluminum crossbars, it supports a static load of up to 900 lbs and a dynamic load of 450 lbs (evenly distributed). Perfect for hauling bikes, surfboards, skis, snowboards, or even rooftop tents—ideal for beach vacations with the family or cross-country hunting trips with friends.
- TONNEAU COVER COMPATIBLE: Features a wide design to work seamlessly with most tonneau covers, including soft roll-up, hard rolling, tri-fold, and retractable hard covers.
- QUICK AND EASY INSTALLATION: The bed-mounted brackets offer multiple no-drill installation options (pre-drilled holes are also available for extra stability if needed). The aluminum crossbars slide into the brackets and are secured with bolts—no drilling required.
- Adjustable and Easy to Remove: Comes in two size options to fit most truck beds. Need to take them off? No problem—the crossbars can be removed in just minutes, while the brackets stay securely mounted to your truck bed.
- Strong and Reliable Load Capacity: Built tough with heavy-duty aluminum crossbars and high-strength brackets, this setup can handle up to 900 lbs of static weight and 450 lbs of dynamic weight (evenly distributed). It’s perfect for carrying bikes, surfboards, skis, snowboards, or even rooftop tents—whether you’re hitting the beach with the family or heading out on an epic hunting trip with friends.
- Tonneau Cover Friendly: Designed to work seamlessly with most tonneau covers, including soft roll-up, hard rolling, tri-fold, and retractable hard covers.
- Quick and Hassle-Free Installation: The bed-mounted brackets offer no-drill installation options, but pre-drilled holes are there if you want extra stability. The aluminum crossbars slide easily into the brackets and lock in place with bolts—quick, secure, and hassle-free.
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.