Looking for suggestions on how to haul kayaks and SUP's with Silverado?

[AZBadgerFan]

After driving Tahoe's for years I bought a Silverado and looking into methods to haul one or both with the truck. I see there are numerous (and cheap) hitch mount bed extenders and Thule, Yakima and other manufacturers also make racks that install on the roof or ladder racks that install in the bed of the truck. Looking for ideas that others have used (links or pics would be great!) and the positives and negatives of those methods and and others would be greatly appreciated.  Something that can easily be removed when not used for transporting is preferred.  Thanks in advance!

The kayak is 10'4" and the SUP is is 11'2".

[Flatblack83]

Not to sound bad or anything but I haul 2 sit on fishing kayaks with the tailgate down. I ratchet strap them to the bed front and rear. I only go 50 miles at most and it works for me.   I would think one that goes in the hitch to support them while in the bed would be perfect for longer trips.  I was actually going to build one out of 2 inch square tube.

[brookee]

If you're looking for an easy, versatile solution to haul your 10'4" kayak and 11'2" sup stand up paddle   with your Silverado, a hitch-mounted bed extender is a great option, especially if you want something budget-friendly and easy to remove when not in use. These extenders provide excellent support for longer loads and are straightforward to install and uninstall, but they do take up some space behind the truck, which can make tight parking tricky. For a more premium, multi-use setup, roof racks from brands like Thule or Yakima offer a secure way to transport your kayak and SUP without occupying the truck bed, leaving it free for other gear. While roof racks are more expensive and can be a bit challenging to install, they’re excellent for long-term use and keeping your items off the ground. Ladder racks that attach to the bed are another durable option, though they can be less convenient to remove and might add some height to your truck, limiting garage clearance. Ultimately, a hitch-mounted extender is the easiest for quick trips, but if you're frequently hauling your kayak and SUP, a roof or ladder rack might offer the best combination of convenience and functionality.

Edited February 21, 2025 by brookee