Yak Truckers!

[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!

[spicolly]

Thanks everyone...this is great info. What an awesome community we have - very grateful for y'all!!!

[619-SWIM-DOG]

Here is how I role. Just add a red flag to the end of the yak.