Yak Truckers!

[spicolly]

I currently have an SUV for transporting my 12' Outback. I throw it on top of the roof racks and strap it down. It works fine, but I am getting tired of lifting it up on the roof.

I want to buy a truck. A 4x4 so I can follow Mako Bob and others down to MX.

This question is for those of you who transport your yak in the back of your trucks. I am not concerned about brand/model of trucks, more curious about the size of the bed and your yak.

Truck beds range from 5 1/2' to 8'. Will you please share with me your experience transporting your yak and how you do it? Ie., lay in the back of the bed with a red flag? Thule (or similar) truck racks?

I'd rather not buy racks. Please share the size of your truck bed and yak.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

[HobieScot]

I have an avalanche that has a five foot bed with a Midgate that can be laid down to create a full 8 foot bed. I have never once had to lay down the mid gate and use the full 8 foot bed.

What I do is leave the tailgate down to support the kayak. I lay the kayak in the bed with the bottom of the hull facing up and use two tie downs to keep it secured with a red rag tied into my rudder. It has worked great every time

Often times I take a buddy with me and we just place his kayak next to and partially on top of mine.

That's transporting two outbacks with no problem.

I will be buying a PA sometime this year and for that I will have to put the mid gate down to use the full 8 foot bed.

But for now with the 12 footers the five foot bed works great. It leaves about 4 feet of yak sticking out the back which isn't a problem.

So if you find a killer deal on a short bed you will be fine. But if you have the choice of a full size bed I would go that route just so you have the extra room for the future and it helps for transporting anything and everything


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[Dirty Curti]

Same here, I have an Avalanche that I drop the midgate to slide the Malibu Stealth 12 into easily and strap a couple of bungies to the back. When my Son was here we would put both yaks in the back side by side with no problem.

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[Dannowar]

6 foot bed with a bed extender in the hitch

[makobob]

If going to Baja often, then you might need the 8 foot bed for gear. Carrying two people and gear definately get the 8 foot bed.

[Kayak_Bernie]

I have a extended cab with a short bed and I have found it much easier to utilize the TracRac Contractor racks to carry the kayaks. I use the yakima hully rollers on the rear crossbar to help load and unload the boats. As long as you can get the bow on the rollers it goes up and on the saddles very nicely, without having to lift the entire kayak up on the roof. I have traveled to Baja a few times with kayaks or paddle boards and it is really nice to have the bed space for other gear. I could potentially take 4 people, kayaks and gear with this setup. Hope this helps! Cheers and safe travels!

[DCS]

I have a Tacoma short bed (5 ft) with a trailer hitch extender from harbor freight hauling a 12'9 yak. I just simply strap it down to the extender and a second tie down point on the bed itself. Red shirt attached to the yak via carabiner.

[LawDog]

I think it's covered already. I throw my slayer propel 13 in the 5'8" bed of my Sierra every weekend. I have transported my trident 15(almost 16') but it's sketchy without an extender.

I just lay it flat in the center and throw one strap from the tie down rings through both handles and tighten 'er down.

[HobieScot]

That is how far a 12 foot Outback sticks out of a 5 foot bed. With the tail gate down only a few feet are not supported. With the tie down straps attached on each side it is nice and secure


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[tamddo714]

2000 tacoma truck no cab non pre runner. i stick my outback in the back and strap it down with a red flag. I think im suppose to have a trunk extender but ive never been hasseled. Dont get a no cab truck. i barely have enough room for my gear and cooler

[GR6RR]

[spicolly]

These are great comments and pic's - THANK YOU! I was set on getting the 8' bed, but I think the 6' with the tailgate down will be fine, which will allow me to get an extra cab.

[ironcross6921]

Guess I took the easy route I can carry 6 yaks if I NEED to but carry 4 VERY easily.

[HobieScot]

If you have the ability to get a full 8 foot bed with a cab I highly recommend it

There are just some things you can't carry in a 5-6 foot bed

You will also become everyone's best friend when they need something big or heavy moved


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[GR6RR]

Originally Posted by HobieScot

You will also become everyone's best friend when they need something big or heavy moved

So true....

[summers in kuwait]

Originally Posted by HobieScot

If you have the ability to get a full 8 foot bed with a cab I highly recommend it

There are just some things you can't carry in a 5-6 foot bed

You will also become everyone's best friend when they need something big or heavy moved


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Can't agree more. I have a newer short bed tacoma and I really notice the difference when hauling dump loads, mulch runs, etc. For kayak fishing its not too bad( I use the HF bed extender) and my kayaks max @13'.

[fishingfiend]

A 5.5' box with the gate down is more than enough to throw an outback in loaded without a bed extender. A couple of ratcheting straps and a flag, and you're good to go.

For more kayaks, it's hard to beat the TrackOne racks. Here's my setup with 3 kayaks at Convict Lake last month.

[Redeyejedi]

Originally Posted by fishingfiend

A 5.5' box with the gate down is more than enough to throw an outback in loaded without a bed extender. A couple of ratcheting straps and a flag, and you're good to go.

For more kayaks, it's hard to beat the TrackOne racks. Here's my setup with 3 kayaks at Convict Lake last month.

that's just a great pic right there.