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: Full-size pickup trucks Ram 1500 |2500| 3500 /F-150|F- 250| F-350/ Titan/Tundra/Silverado 1500|2500/ Serria 1500| 2500; Mid-Size pickup trucks Frontier/ Tacoma/ Ranger/ Canyon/ Colorado/ Jeep Gladiator 2020-2023.
- Material: Constructed by heavy duty 1/8 inch thick carbon steel. Textured black powder coat finish & Premium E-coating process for long last weather resistant performance.
- Function: Multi-purpose cargo management system. Built-in mounting points allow unlimited options for adding accessories.Perfect for mounting roof top tent, recovery board, gears, Hi-Lift, etc. Modify the rack to your need.
- Installation: Mounts to bed rails. Fully bolt-on installation. No drilling is required. Shipped Disassembled, Easy to install.
- Product Dimensions 60.2 x 56 x 13 inches. Item weight 108 lbs. Upgrade design makes it Larger and heavier than before. Much more sturdy and durable.
- Fit Most Pickup Trucks: The expandable design of this truck utility rack makes it compatible with various truck bed widths, offering a range of 49 to 73 in. It’s easy to adjust and requires no side rails, meeting the needs of different truck models and bed sizes.
- More Cargo Space: Equipped with rope hooks around the truck ladder rack, this rack supports a maximum load of up to 800 lbs, making it ideal for transporting oversized items like kayaks, surfboards, ladders, lumber, and tents.
- Weather-Resistant & Durable: The surface is coated with a strong anti-corrosion layer, shielding this truck bed ladder rack from harsh weather conditions such as sun exposure, heavy rain, snow, and sandstorms, ensuring a longer lifespan.
- Deformation-Resistant: Made from durable steel, this truck rack is designed to be deformation-resistant. The top features two “T” tube rods and a central crossbar, avoiding the middle denting or bending, making it sturdier than single-rod designs.
- Easy to Install: This truck bed rack requires drilling holes in the bed rails and securing with bolts during installation. It is not suitable for bed tracks or trucks with tonneau covers.
- 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.
- RELIABLE AND STEADY: OUTPRIZE truck bed rack is expertly built with robust steel tubing, ensuring an 800 lbs load capacity and excellent reliability, stability, and durability. Its powder coating effectively guards against rust and corrosion, BUT it is still highly recommended to store it indoors and apply Truck Bedliner Paint to the susceptible joints for complete rustproofing
- COMPATIBILITY: The versatile ladder rack can be easily adjusted from 52″ to 71″, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of truck bed sizes. However, please note that it is not suitable for trucks equipped with a Utility Track System, Tool Box, Side Box, Cargo Management System, Truck Bed Cover, or Camper Shell
- DRILLING and NO-DRILLING INSTALLATION: We offer two mounting options for the truck kayak rack along with all the necessary accessories. You have the choice of drill mounting, which provides maximum stability and safety, or no-drill J-Bolt mounting for added convenience and without causing any damage
- MULTIPURPOSE: The pick-up truck rack is equipped with practical rope hooks and waterproof end caps, making it an excellent option for securely transporting a variety of items such as kayaks, surfboards, ladders, lumber, tents, and more
- Customer Service: OUTPRIZE prioritizes product quality and stands by our commitment to customer satisfaction. If you encounter any issues, we’re here to help
- Adjustable And Easy To Remove: Available In Two Sizes To Fit Most Truck Beds, These Crossbars Can Be Taken Off In Just Minutes When Not In Use, Giving You Full Access To Your Truck Bed For Other Activities.
- Strong And Reliable Load Capacity: Made With Heavy-Duty Aluminum Crossbars And Reinforced Brackets, This Rack Can Handle Up To 600 Lbs Of Static Weight And 300 Lbs Of Dynamic Weight (Evenly Distributed). Whether You’re Hauling Bikes, Surfboards, Skis, Snowboards, Or Even A Rooftop Tent, It’s Built To Handle All Your Adventures—Be It A Family Beach Day Or A Hunting Trip With Friends.
- Tonneau Cover Friendly: Specifically Designed To Work With Hard Tonneau Covers That Have T-Slots. Comes With Two Types Of T-Slot Nuts And Bolts For Easy Installation. Be Sure To Check Your Tonneau Cover’s Compatibility Before Ordering.
- Quick And Hassle-Free Installation: No Drilling Is Needed! The Aluminum Crossbars Slide Smoothly Into The Brackets And Secure Tightly With Bolts. For Added Stability, Pre-Drilled Holes Are Available, But They’Re Totally Optional. Install It Fast And Hit The Road!
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.