Kayaking is all about enjoying wonderful moments as they pass by rather than being stressed about nothing. Besides, exploring new rivers is one of the most enjoyable aspects of having a kayak. There is always something new to discover in your area's lakes, rivers, and coastal waterways. With the best hitch mount kayak rack, you should not be concerned about transporting your kayak to your preferred paddling spot. Instead, you will move your kayak without difficulty. Here are the best options.
What Are Types of Hitch Mount Kayak Racks?
1. Temporary pads
A good percentage of premium SUVs come standard with roof racks. In this scenario, a carrier is unnecessary, but you must install temporary padding to protect rack and kayak finish. The pads use inflatable foam padding tand are extremely simple to install and remove.
2. Stackers
If you love kayaking with friends or family, the stacker roof rack design is suitable. It's meant to transport numerous watercraft, and you need to place your kayaks in an upright position on their sides. This layout usually saves space and allows you to fit about four boats without difficulty. This method also keeps the vessels secure and allows easy boat loading.
3. J-Cradles
This is one of the most common racks, and its name comes from its shape. The J-cradle is a side loading rack with plenty of capacity for your kayak. However, if you have a narrow rooftop, you cannot transport numerous boats.
On the greater side, you will have consistent levels of security and stability. Loading and unloading the kayak will be a breeze, especially if you select a model with an integrated tilt mechanism. However, after a full day of paddling, your arms will likely be too tired to raise your kayak without help.
4. Saddles
As the name implies, Saddle racks are designed to fit in a saddle style. They are pads that run from the base rack beneath the boat. Though most saddles have a single cradle, others have two that you can change to fit your vessel's breadth.
Saddle racks are good because they give high levels of safety and stability. The kayak also adopts an aerodynamic position to decrease wind resistance, lower noise, and improve fuel economy. However, saddles can only transport one boat at a time.
Best Hitch Mount Kayak Racks For Vehicles
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1. MaxxHaul Hitch Mount Truck Bed Extender For Kayak, 70231
MaxxHaul 70231 Hitch Mount Pick Up Truck Bed Extender For Ladder, Rack, Canoe, Kayak, Long Pipes and...
- Extends your truck bed for carrying longer payloads, designed to...
- Adjustable length and width gives versatility for use in many...
- Features 4 quick release clevis pins for quick assembly and...
- Reflective tape on front and sides for visibility and safety
- Side arms can be folded down creating the supports for a portable...
The MaxxHaul Hitch Mount Truck Bed Extender (70231) is adjustable in width and length, providing versatility. As a result, you can use it in a different types of applications. For example, you can extend the kayak carrier to a reasonable length for carrying larger weights. Besides, the truck is made to fit 2-inch hitch receivers.
The good news with this truck bed extender is its ease of assembly and disassembly. It comes with four quick-release clevis pins that make assembling and dismantling a breeze. Also, you can fold the extender's sidearms downwards to offer greater support for a portable workspace.
Furthermore, the hitch mount rack is made of heavy-duty steel, suitable for hauling loads such as kayaks, canoes, racks, ladders, paddle-boards, lumber, long pipes, etc. It has a load capacity of over 300 pounds.
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2. Lund Hitch Mounted Truck Bed Extender, 601021
Sale
Lund 601021 Hitch Mounted Truck Bed Extender, Black
- Allows to carry extended length cargo
- Provides additional 7 inch ground clearance
- Creates portable sawhorse
- Includes flag and red reflective tape
- Fits standard 2 inch receiver hitch
Count on the Lund Hitch Mount Kayak Rack if you have a big kayak that barely fits in your truck. This hitch-mounted kayak rack is perfect for transporting a long-length load. It usually adds 7 inches of ground clearance when installed. The innovative steel wall support bars give the extra 7 inches of ground clearance which prevent ground scrape. Furthermore, they flex with your car's suspension and behave like springs. So, this unit is built to handle it all, whether you need to transport watercraft or large freight such as drywall or plywood.
The hitch mount rack features adjustable side wings (27-49 inches), accommodating various load sizes. This, together with the side support that folds down when necessary, makes it simple to transport bulky kayaks. Besides, the unit has a dispersed load capability of 750 pounds, and you can fit the hitch rack on any standard 2-inch frame welded receiver. Conversely, the unit is made of heavy-duty steel. Therefore, it is the perfect solution for rough and demanding jobs such as hauling long loads and materials on construction sites.
Due to its tough construction, the rack is ideal for multi-use as long as you remain within the stated load capacity. Conversely, Lund Hitch Mount Kayak Rack is easy to install and features reflective tape. However, we must mention that some customers complain about too much play and noise while carrying lower goods.
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3. Mockins Truck Bed Extender Hitch Mount & Ratchet Straps, 2-in-1
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Mockins 2-in-1 Design 750lb Cap. Truck Bed Extender Hitch Mount & Ratchet Straps | Heavy Duty Steel...
- 🚚 MORE SPACE - extend your truck bed to haul even more, and...
- 🚚 UNIVERSAL FIT - the truck bed extender is designed to fit...
- 🚚 DURABLE - constructed from heavy duty steel and covered with...
- 🚚 SAFETY - includes 2 reflective red tape stickers for the...
- 🚚 Nuestro Extensor Negro de Plataforma de Camion y Camioneta...
Mockins Truck Bed Extender Hitch Mount can transport longer loads such as boats, kayaks, canoes, etc. The extender rack can support a weight of up to 750 pounds. Besides, the hitch mount rack is adjustable in both mounting heights and widths. Also, it's designed to suit all types of vehicles easily. Moreover, the extender is made of heavy-duty steel, making it powerful and long-lasting.
The hitch mount kayak carrier has an anti-rust coating for protection. Conversely, assembling and disassembling this unit is easy with four quick-release clevis pins. This bed extender rack provides safety and security. It features ratcheting straps and reflective red tape on the sides and rear to provide a safe long-distance drive while traveling at night. Furthermore, the unit is covered by a lifetime guarantee. Plus, the firm guarantees a complete refund in customer disappointment.
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4. ECOTRIC Truck Bed Hitch Extender Extension for Kayak
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ECOTRIC Pick Up Truck SUV Bed Hitch Extender Extension Rack Canoe Boat Kayak Lumber w/Flag
- FEATURE: 100% Brand new and high quality. Manufactured usi...
- PERFECT FOR LOADING: Weight capacity of up to 750 lbs. A...
- ADJUSTABILITY & DURABLE: This hitch extender is a good he...
- ENHANCED SECURITY: For adding visibility and extra safety,�...
- EASY INSTALLATION: Installation is easy and quick. No Tool...
If you have a pickup truck, you know how convenient it is to carry long cargo and fit in the bed. In addition, having such a vehicle makes you feel more confident carrying kayaks, long canoes, and lumber pieces. The Ecotric Truck Bed Hitch Extender will help you safely haul anything that protrudes over the tailgate. This rack provides safe, practical, and long-term solutions for transporting extra-long freight.
With Ecotric Truck Bed Hitch Extender, you only need to attach it to your truck's hitch to create a secure crossbar of exactly the perfect height to accommodate your extended load. The hitch rack has a load capacity of 750 pounds. Besides, you can adjust its height from 4 to 10 inches and its width from 28.25 to 48.75 inches. This gives enough space for hauling bulky and awkward loads securely.
This hitch rack weighs 27 pounds, and we must say that it performs admirably well thanks to its robust steel tubing. It also has adequate clearance and decent adjustment positions for increased versatility. These are benefits that ensure you get value for your money.
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5. Darby Industries 944 Extend-A-Truck
Darby Industries 944 Extend-A-Truck
- Designed for secure and safe hauling of long loads
- Features a 4 Feet wide support
- Can be stored flat behind the seat when not in use
- Features adjustable height for roof top hauling
- Comes with a red flag
Darby industries 944 Hitch Mount Rack is designed for the safe and secure hauling of large loads. Though it has a simple look, it's well-made to provide good functionality and versatility. Besides, it is compatible with any vehicle or SUV with a 2-inch hitch receiver. Moreover, the hitch mount kayak carrier requires a crossbar or roof rack and kayak finish. It allows cargo loading at the cab top and truck bed levels for enhanced convenience.
This hitch mount kayak rack gives you 48 inches of support, ensuring that everything towed stays sturdy and stable even on bad roads. Besides, the hitch rack is easy to assemble and disassemble. So, when not in use, you fold it up and store it flat beneath your car seat or in a garage corner. And though this hitch rack extender is made from steel, it's a medium-weight unit weighing only 25 pounds.
Darby industries 944 Hitch Mount Rack has an adjustable height and 4-inch broad support to handle demanding jobs. Besides, this is a no-frills option that provides reliable kayak transportation solutions. Its ease of installation and cheaper cost make it an excellent option to consider if you regularly move large loads. Conversely, you may rely on the unit for short and long-distance hauls.
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Factors to Consider Before Buying the Best Hitch Mount Kayak Rack
1. The number of kayaks you intend to transport.
The design and length of the horizontal bar that comes standard with the hitch-mount rack vary greatly. This horizontal bar is vital in determining whether you will transport many kayaks in your truck. You can readily find truck hitch racks that will allow you to haul up to three kayaks at once, but the width of your truck plays a role here.
2. Hitch size
Before buying the best hitch mount kayak rack, you need to consider the hitch size. Most truck kayak hitch-mounted racks are usually mounted to a truck's rear hitch. However, you need to have a towing hitch attached to your vehicle. And if you are one of the unfortunate few whose SUVs or trucks do not come equipped with a towing hitch, you will have to stretch your budget to get an aftermarket hitch fitted to your vehicle. It would be best if you had a 2'' wide hitch receiver; otherwise, it may not support the weight of multiple kayaks. You can also use 1.25 inches hitches, but the issue is that they have a lower load capacity.
3. Weight capacity
Weight capacity is a crucial issue when looking for the best hitch mount kayak rack since you must ensure that the rack you purchase can support the weight of the kayaks you intend to place onto it. Therefore, before choosing a kayak rack, it's good to weigh your kayak or kayaks. This will help you ensure that the rack you buy has enough capacity, and it is a good guideline to ensure that your rack is rated to accommodate at least 100 pounds more than the total weight of your kayaks.
4. Adjustability
It would be best to look for a hitch mount kayak carrier that allows modification of the height, width and tilt. This helps you to handle squeezed places and load more easily. Besides, the width of your hitch carrier's T-bar determines how many kayaks you can stack on top of it. If you need to transport two kayaks, ensure your truck and carrier are broad enough.
5. Stashing ability
You don't want to be dragging a couple of feet of steel rack behind you when your kayak isn't loaded. The best kayak hitch-mounted racks are easy to set up and takedown. So, when not in use, you can nicely fold the hitch kayak carrier against your vehicle. Ultimately, this is a personal taste, not a need, but we prefer a cargo carrier that we can easily push out of the way when we are through.