How to load yak in new truck?

[stephenG]

So I recently got a new ride, it's a Chevy silverado w/ the 4 door crew cab. That said it has a much smaller bed than my previous truck. Does anyone have a similar truck and how do load ur yak? I have a hobie outback and its hangs out at least half the hull even with the tailgate down.

[jorluivil]

Originally Posted by stephenG

So I recently got a new ride, it's a Chevy silverado w/ the 4 door crew cab. That said it has a much smaller bed than my previous truck. Does anyone have a similar truck and how do load ur yak? I have a hobie outback and its hangs out at least half the hull even with the tailgate down.

save yourself the hassle and get a rack with saddles.

[Dannowar]

Bed extender. Waist high. Not head high. Best solution out there

[Cadillyak]

Originally Posted by Dannowar

Bed extender. Waist high. Not head high. Best solution out there

x2 for the bed extender. I have a crew can and having a bed extender definitely helps with my PA.

[yakety-yak]

while helpful, a bed extender is not required in your case with the tailgate down. you may need a pair of red lights though if you'll be transporting at night

for more detail, see: http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/traffops/tr...e/overhang.htm

[salty pirate]

The wife has 1500hd crew cab with standard bed, I have no trouble loading an outback and pa12 in the truck. If its just one kayak I use one hd tie down across the d rings closest to the gate.

I think chevy made a crew cab with a smaller bed then the standard 6 ft. if you got that one then you may need the bed extender.

[Raskal311]

Originally Posted by Dannowar

Bed extender. Waist high. Not head high. Best solution out there

X3 I have a roof rack and still transport it in the bed with expender. So easy and I feel much better not having a 100lb 12' boat on my room.

[t-$money bussard]

bigger truck?

[Cuyuna Kid]

I use a bed extender as well, works great!

[stephenG]

Got it, so sounds like the bed extender is the way to go. So now, what brands are recommended or not recommend and what's a reasonable price?

[Raskal311]

Originally Posted by stephenG

Got it, so sounds like the bed extender is the way to go. So now, what brands are recommended or not recommend and what's a reasonable price?

Harbor Freight about $40 with coupon.... They send out 20% off coupons every few weeks. I added some foam padding from HD and wrapped the foam with tape to make it easier to slide the yak up and down. Works great!

[stephenG]

Good lookin out raskal311, gonna pick mine up over the long weekend.

[PescadorPete]

I also use the harbor freight bed extender.

[Old Man in the Sea]

excellent job Pete!

[Steve W.]

Harbor Freight Bed Extender....PA 14 on my Tacoma crew cab, easy to load even when fully loaded with gear.

[jruiz]

Pete,

Besides the four visible bungee cords is there anything else in the front? Does the ice chest serve any function? For instance it limits side to side movement of the bow.

[LawDog]

Not being sarcastic, but I was always just a big fan of just throwin it in and strapping in down. My old 10' id leave the tailgate up and my t15 is just strap to the fro t of the bed

[PescadorPete]

Ice chest serves the function of storing the big catch .

All kidding aside, I have this mat in the bed to keep things from sliding around and to throw under the tires if I get stuck in the sand. I have the typical hard plastic bed liner which is very slippery. This solves the problem:



I did find with the chilly bin stashed on one side and my wheels stashed on the other side, it wedges the nose of the kayak and it just doesn't slip side to side. I didn't plan it that way, some times serendipity just works in your favor.

[Kelp Master]

I have a Chevy Silverado 1500 and I tried every conceivable way to get my x-factor into the bed and no dice... Finally spent the $450 and bought Yakima racks for the truck. Bolted on with j-bolts and got the long pads.I bought long Dakine pads with the Velcro all across the bottom and they roll when I load my yak. Makes for easy loading. Having my yak in the bed with all my poles and gear made me nervous. Plus I like being able to throw my bbq, cooler, and chairs in the bed so I can cook the fish moments after I land... Fresh fish....