Several considerations, including the size of your boat and the length of your truck bed, will determine the best way for tying down your kayak. However, there are numerous actions you can take to ensure that a kayak is properly secured in your truck bed.
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1: Prepare the bed of your truck
When you’re ready to tie down a kayak in a truck bed, the first step is to prepare the bed so that loading your kayak is as simple as possible. It’s best to totally empty your truck bed before loading one or two kayaks, whether you’re transporting one or two.
This will prevent any things or kayak accessories from getting in the way while loading your kayak (or kayaks). It will also limit the chances of your kayak being strapped to something that could be harmed while you’re driving.
We recommend adding a bed liner before strapping down kayaks in your truck if you don’t already have one. A good truck bed liner can preserve your truck’s bed as well as the integrity of your kayaks from damage.
In addition, a little foam pad across the front of your truck bed might be a good idea. Instead of resting the bow of your kayak directly on the harsher surface of your bed liner, you’ll have something soft and padded to place it on.
2: Kayak Straps Should Be Placed
We recommend that you secure your kayak cam straps before loading it into your truck bed. This eliminates the need to reach uncomfortably under or beneath your kayak to secure your straps before you can secure them. Most truck beds feature hooks or loops on the floor or walls that will work well as kayak tie-down points. The specific tie-down points you employ will be determined by the size of your kayak and the length of your cam straps.
3: Fill Up Your Kayak
It’s time to load your kayak into your truck bed now that your straps are in place, and there are two main methods for doing so. However, it is recommended that you load your kayak in with the bow facing forward and the hull against the truck bed for both of them.
However, some kayaks may be placed directly into your truck bed, keeping them parallel to your vehicle. Others, on the other hand, should be loaded at an angle so that the bow of your kayak wedges into one of your truck bed’s front corners.
If you want to transfer your kayak while closing the tailgate at the back of your truck bed, the ideal technique is to load it in at an angle. This is also a preferable option for kayaks that are carried into truck beds that are shorter.
4: Fasten It Down
It’s time to tighten your straps in place now that your kayak is loaded into your truck bed. If you choose the angled loading method, make sure to close your tailgate before starting to secure your kayak straps, as it will be impossible to do so once your kayak is strapped down.
5: Affix A Flag
Most places require you to attach a bright-colored flag to the back of any item that protrudes beyond your vehicle’s bumper. Before you start driving, attach a flag to the molded-in or toggle handles at the stern of your kayak. This serves as a warning to other vehicles that your vehicle is longer than usual, as well as a fail-safe to prevent other drivers from colliding with (and damaging) your kayak.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do kayaks have an easy time flipping?
Many people believe kayaks are easily flipped over, yet they are much more solid than they appear.
Should kayaks be facing inward or outward?
Always flip your kayak over and lay it on its side on your crossbars.
Is it necessary to transfer a kayak backward?
Kayak stackers can safely transport rotomolded kayaks on their edge or upside down (hull up).