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
- 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.
- 【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 stainless steel accessories and mounting tools for quick and easy assembly.
- 1,000 lbs capacity when evenly distributed across both racks and installed correctly. Stark Universal Rack is a one size fits all truck rack. It is the perfect rack for long items that just won’t fit in your truck bed
- Attaching longer items to a rack securely is much more convenient, and ensures the safety of your property without the worry of it falling out of your truck bed
- 28-1/2″ inch plus the height of your truck’s bed; Attaching longer items to a rack securely is much more convenient, and ensures the safety of your property without the worry of it falling out of your truck bed
- Includes (4) plastic ladder stops that slide into the cross members
- No drilling required, easy installation with universal mounting clamps, set of (8) clamps included
- 【Compatibility】: YZONA Bed Rack Overland Racks compatible with 2005-2023 Toyota Tacoma & 2014-2023 Toyota Tundra & 2020-2024 Jeep Gladiator JT with Truck Bed Rails (Not Compatible for Trucks with Tonneau Cover & Bed Cover.)
- 【Sturdy and Durable Construction】: Made from high-quality, heavy-duty steel plate, this rack is incredibly strong and can support up to 500 lbs when evenly distributed. It features a black textured powder coating for corrosion resistance and long-lasting durability.
- 【Practical Design】: Enhance your pickup truck’s utility with a discreet and practical bed rack, creating extra storage space. The two bed racks are customizable along the truck bed rails, allowing adjustable spacing between them. With three height options and adjustable bar width, these racks cater to diverse loading requirements. They offer a height range of 14.5 to 17.3 inches and a width range of 55.5 to 64.5 inches, ensuring adaptability to your needs.
- 【Versatile Functionality】: The Bed Rack is equipped with numerous elongated slots for installing accessories and securing cargo. It’s perfect for carrying kayaks, surfboard, canoes, luggage, skis, bikes, and more.
- 【Easy Installation】: No drilling, cutting, or modifications required. It securely bolts onto your truck’s bed track system and comes with all the necessary hardware for a hassle-free installation. (Note: Regularly check the rack’s hardware for any loosening and ensure that the cargo is securely fastened before driving.)
- 【Compatibility】: YZONA Bed Rack Overland Racks compatible for 2005-2023 Toyota Tacoma with Bed Rails (Not Compatible for Trucks with Tonneau Cover & Bed Cover.)
- 【Robust and Durable Construction】: Crafted from premium heavy-duty steel plate, this rack is exceptionally sturdy, capable of supporting 1000 pounds of weight when statically distributed and 500 pounds when in motion. It features a textured black powder coating for corrosion resistance and long-lasting durability.
- 【Practical Design】: Enhance your pickup truck with this practical and thoughtfully designed bed rack, providing additional storage space. Equipped with two LED Light Bars, it offers extra illumination for nighttime driving. With a maximum height of 23 inches, it doesn’t obstruct bed storage space and can be adjusted to match the cab perfectly, catering to various hauling needs.
- 【Versatile Functionality】: The bed rack features numerous slim slots for accessory installation and cargo tie-down. Ideal for transporting kayaks, surfboards, canoes, luggage, skis, and more. Both sides come with side panels and plenty of elongated slots for adding accessories. Install lights, high-lift jacks, fire extinguishers, roof tents, bike racks, and anything else you need.
- 【Easy Installation】: No drilling, cutting, or modifications required. It securely mounts onto the truck’s bed rail system and comes with all necessary hardware for a hassle-free installation. (Note: Regularly check the rack hardware for any looseness before driving to ensure cargo security.)
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.