carrying a kayak

[mrlmd]

How do you guys carry one or two 12' kayaks in a CC Colorado with a short (5') bed ?  Even with the tailgate down it will stick out 6' beyond the truck. Is there some good way to tie it down or do you use a roof rack? And if you do, do you have any recommendations that don't cost $400+?

[mrlmd]

New to this whole pickup truck thing - but I just discovered the hitch extender. Does anyone on here use one of those?

Do you have a problem with the Harbor Freight one scraping on the ground if backing up on a hill or incline? Others are angled up to avoid this but are they necessary?

[davester]

Kayaks are relatively light, so you might be able to fab up a brace that goes into your hitch (assuming you have one), that holds up the rear of the kayaks, and that you can secure the kayaks to it.  You'll need flags or a marker at the end of it, because it sticks out so far.   And a bit of padding in the bed and on the brace so the kayaks don't get damaged from rubbing/vibrating on metal or against each other.

[Brass Monkey]

Hitch extender is the best cheap option.  5ft bed - 2ft tailgate - so you would want the extender to go maybe 4 feet out - so somewhere around the 9ft mark on your Yak.  That should make it more than stable enough & not drag unless you hit a steep incline. 

 

I use a utility trailer for mine - scour craigslist & marketplace - eventually you can get a deal on an old trailer - but it's rare to see something for less than $500 that doesn't need tires & lights & wires & maybe new decking.   But decking, lights, wires & tires are fairly cheap & really easy - so if the price is right....