Surely, an important question that arises in mind after buying a kayak is How to Transport a Kayak in a Truck?
You must be thinking why are we going to talk about trucks specifically. The reason being, keeping in mind the size of the kayak, a truck is the best option to load and transport it on.
Worried about the kayak slipping and breaking, huh?
So, in this article, I will be telling you 5 easy steps to transport it safely without any damage to your truck and kayak alike.
Moreover, I assure you that after reading this article, you will not worry about it slipping out. You will surely be taking it where it belongs: home.
It does not get as simple as this!
Table of Contents
How to Transport a Kayak in A Truck? Let’s Move it
First things first:
It is necessary to have all the proper equipment present before you transport it. The following things are needed:
- Red flag.
- Rubber mat.
- Cam straps.
- If required, an extend-a-truck.
So, let us dive into the steps required to transport it:
Step 1: Get the truck ready
Before you even try to load the kayak in the truck, you need to make sure the truck is clean enough.
Moreover, by cleaning it, I mean that there should be ample space in the back to load that thing up. Remove all the unnecessary clutter and make as much room as possible to fit it in.
Getting ample space is the key at this point:
Tip: If your truck has a tonneau cover, that needs to be removed.
Once you have made space in the back, put the rubber mat on the ground. Personally, it always works for me.
You must be thinking why we would do that?
Well, this cushioning will not only protect the kayak from scratches and damage but will also save the truck bed from the same.
Secondly, it also stops the kayak from slipping in the truck and banging against the walls.
Step 2: Getting the kayak in
Next, the kayak needs to go in.
Duh, right?
Well, it does sound simple, but there is a little logic to it. There are 2 ways to carry it:
- You can ask someone to carry it by the handles with you.
- Secondly, it can be carried on a trolley.
Here the best option will be to slide it in and shut the tailgate. Now, that is only possible if it is a small kayak and a long truck bed. Usually, this is not the case.
Usually, it will be overhanging. In this scenario, make it extra secure to ensure it does not slip. Moreover, it is required by law to tie red flags at its end.
Moreover, you can purchase an extend-a-truck rack that makes the truck bed longer and gives maximum stability.
If this does not work for you, carry it with the tailgate up. In this way, one end will be high up in the air. This will protect others from getting hurt if it slides off. But, extra security and cushioning are required to keep it secured to the tailgate.
Step 3: Position it well
Getting it in was the easy part.
All the work starts once it’s in:
Both ends need to be positioned properly. One end needs to face the corner near the cab. On the other hand, the other one will automatically be on the opposite side of the tailgate.
Step 4: Strap it down
Fortunately, strapping down is fairly simple.
A thing to keep in mind is to check the balance before strapping it down. Most of it should be inside the truck and not outside. If it is outside, proper support should be provided to avoid accidents.
Let me tell you how:
Mostly, trucks come with pre-installed anchor points. Unfortunately, if your truck does not have them, it’s no big deal. Purchasing and installing one is a piece of cake.
Only 2 cam straps for the stern and bow are required.
1,2,3 that’s all it takes to secure it:
- Thread the cam straps in the grab handles and through them.
- Pull them tight.
- Tie them well to the anchor points on the wall.
Can it even get any simpler?
Also, the extend-a-truck has anchor points.
Tip: It will do you good if you run 2 sets of straps along with the kayak. One horizontally and the other one along its length.
Furthermore, to make it secure, you can use bungee straps on top of the kayak straps. In this way, it will become safer for transporting.
Check those straps:
I cannot stress how important it is to check and double-check the straps. It should be strapped tightly to ensure safety.
Step 5: Check it Again
Usually, people do not tell you this, but for me, this is one of the most important steps to consider. Always drive and stop after a while. Now, check that the straps and kayak are secure.
As you can see, it is not as difficult as it seems:
Want to know the best hacks to make it easier?
- Never, I repeat never try to rush to tie the kayak down. Always take your time. Proper attention is required as it can be fatal if it slips off.
- Drive slowly and carefully.
- Cockpit cover can save the day. The air drag can sometimes increase so much that the kayak flies off or bends due to pressure. Covering up the cockpit with a cover is essential if it is windy or you tend to drive fast.
Conclusion:
No doubt, even for an experienced person, knowing How to Transport a Kayak in a Truck is as important as for a newbie.
Hence, we have saved you all the headache of searching for the best ways to transport it. Moreover, we have come up with 5 simple steps to ensure the safety of not only the kayak but others also.
The catch is to place it properly, tie it nicely and secure it firmly.
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