New member, rookie kayak fisher, a few questions for you veterans

[wfauby]

I went kayak fishing 1x w my neighbor (borrowed his spare) on the Potomac River and am now hooked. Picking up my Jackson next week. Here is my question; what method do you vets use to haul your kayaks? i have an f-150 p/u, 6' bed, was considering building a ladder rack but have now thought about purchasing one of those Truckbed, TRAILER HITCH EXTENDERs, but am concerned about having 6 feet of kayak hanging out the end...even w/ flags etc, the thought of someone rearending my $$$ kayak is disturbing. Is this a popular/preferred method? Do you think the ladder rack idea is best? Dont like the j-bars on the roof idea...Thanks in advance for your responses.

[dDreadnaught]

I have a 12' Heratige Red Fish and just put the tailgate down on my truck 6' bed. With tailgate down only extends 4 feet. I tie a red tee shirt to the end as my flag. works great, easy in and easy out. I strap the yak down and run a chain through skupper hole and lock to the bed of my truck. I have no need for bed extender.

[ronaultmtd]

I bought the bed extender for my Ford Ranger P/U 6 foot bed- works fine- A little bit of a hassle to take it off and store it behind my seat, but it does greatly stabilize the kayak- If someone rear ends me, the least of my worries is my Hobie Outback- the bed extender will t-bone the hell out of their vehicle and they are at fault-

[ComeOnFish]

Wfauby,

Welcome aboard.

I hear your concern. I drive 2 - 3.75 hours (one way) very often to fish. Rear-ending is not an issue.

Advantages:

• Cheap (the extender is 39.99 at the Harbor Freight
• The truck is quieter (comparing to putting on the top of the Cabin) at 55-88MPH
• Save my back (Truck and extender are my wife’s requirements for me (my age, and past injuries))
• Easy to secure the kayak. The straps don’t have to be tight.

Disadvantages:

• Wide turn – especially at the drive-in window at McDonalds or Gas Stations. Or driving backward from your drive way.
• Parking – I park far away from the entrance. I don’t eat at a restaurant if a restaurant does not provide me a good space.

Overall: I highly recommend using the extender. You will get used to it within a few trips

Here is my truck with the Extender:

Joe

[daddyg]

Welcome I have a ford ranger and a hobie PA. I use a trailer when my son gos with me.

[wfauby]

Thank you for the reply...my confidence in the idea is improving. Some other fellas offered pics and vids...i am really looking forward to this. Great website with, what appears to be great members. wfauby

[wfauby]

Joe - thank you for the video it is very helpful...nice set up.

[archeryrob]

A 12' kayak on a 6' truck bed is fine! Here is a 12' Commander in a 6' bed and put in at an angle corner to corner. Almost 9' of support corner to corner with the tail gate down.



The 15' kayak needs a truck rack or a rid on the trailer. It's too long for use in the bed without a bed extender hitch attachment.