Thread: Better way?

Ladder rack?

Put the tailgate up. Then put the heaviest end of kayak nose down in the front of the truck bed with the lighter end resting on top of the tailgate. Run a couple of straps over the kayak to secure it and tie off a red flag of some sort off the back of the kayak. You should be fine but if you feel it's still a little too long you could angle into bed at a slight angle to shorten overhang a little. it really should go in and ride easily, just take it slow over bumps. I also usually put one of those floating noodles things that kids use in water and place it under the kayak between it and the top of the tailgate to protect it. I bend it in a a U shape with the ends facing into the truck bed and they kayak sitting on the U.

Goalpost made by Thule. Fits the hitch receiver.

Get a buddy, carry one kayak to the water and back at a time.

Hate to tell ya,but unless you buy a trailer,your gonna have to lift your yak even with a bed extention.If you are a DIY guy,you could make a hinged hoist that fits into the back standards of your bed.A small snatch block to lift the yak bow up,then a simple push from the stern will flip the hinged hoist forward,allowing the yak to lift and slide into the bed.
I know it may sound confusing,I'm building one for my trailer to load logs as soon as our weather gets better.Google loading logs onto trailers,you should find something.

Bed extender

Originally Posted by warhawk

Bed extender

Yes, this. Make sure you get one with "high sides" like a goalpost. It makes a big difference when loading as it keeps that end from sliding off the extender.

I have THIS one and it works very well. I did start using one of THESE to help tighten it up in the receiver.

I opted for the truck rack but sometimes wish I went with a trailer. I am slinging 2 WS Ride 115s up there.