Recommendation on How to Carry Kayaks With Hard Tonneau Cover on Truck
Question:
I have a Ford F150 with a short bed. I need a ladder rack that I can use in conjunction with my classic undercover tonneau cover that I can use to carry a couple kayaks. has a fitting at the base that might be modified to get under the lip of the classic undercover edge and if i use a no drill clamp on the inside bed rail, it might hold the rack piece in place. My only other thought is if I can get someone to fabricate a custom rack. Any thoughts? Thank you. Mike
asked by: Mike
Expert Reply:
Having a ladder rack and a tonneau cover can be challenging because of the clearance each one needs. Looking at the hard cover, and the Erickson Over-The-Cab Truck Bed Ladder Rack # EM07707 you referenced I don't think that they would be compatible without major modification. Usually the tonneau cover or ladder rack will mount inside or on top of the bed rails, but they can't occupy the same space.
I do have another option that would not involve any modifications to your tonneau cover. The Darby Extend-A-Truck Kayak Carrier w/ Hitch Mounted Load Extender and Single-Bar Roof Rack # DTA944-968-924. This will allow you to keep your tonneau cover and use a hitch mounted load extender to carry the kayak above your truck. You just need a 2" trailer hitch receiver on your F150.
It comes with the load extender that mounts right to the hitch, a single roof mounted load bar that will support the front of the kayak, and 1 foam block to provide a resting point. Tie down straps are required and sold separately.
If your carrying more than 1 kayak with you, you may want to pick up another foam block for support, like the Malone # MPG172. This block is 24" long which is 6 inches longer than the block that comes with the Darby Extend-A-Truck Kayak Carrier.
I linked our tie downs straps, and a review video of the carrier for you to check out.
Products Referenced in This Question
Malone Foam Block for Kayaks and Stand-Up Paddleboards - 24" Long - Qty 1
- Accessories and Parts
- Watersport Carriers
- Roof Mount Carrier Parts
- Foam Blocks
- Kayaks
- Paddleboards
- Malone
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Erickson Over-The-Cab Truck Bed Ladder Rack - Steel - 1,000 lbs
- Ladder Racks
- Truck Bed
- Fixed Rack
- Work
- Steel
- Fixed Height
- 100 lbs or Less
- Over the Cab
- No-Drill Application
- Erickson
more information >
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Tonneau Cover
- Shop: Ladder Rack
- Shop: Roof Rack
- Search Results: sks core
- Shop: Replacement Tower for Yakima OverHaul HD Truck Bed Ladder Racks - Driver Front or Passenger Rear
- Video: Review of Yakima Replacement OutPost HD or OverHaul HD J-Clamp - Y32XR
- Shop: Replacement J-Clamp for Yakima OutPost HD & OverHaul HD Racks
- Q&A: Can Roof Top Tent be Used with Thule TracRac Truck Bed Ladder Rack on 2014 Ford F-150 Raptor
- Q&A: What Tonneau Cover Can I Use With a Thule TracRac
- Shop: Yakima HD Crossbars - Aluminum - Black - 55" Long - Qty 2
- Shop: Thule TracRac TracONE Truck Bed Ladder Rack - Fixed Mount - 800 lbs - Matte Black
- Shop: BAK Revolver X2 Hard Tonneau Cover - Roll Up - Aluminum and Vinyl
- Shop: Yakima HD Crossbar - Aluminum - 68" Long - Qty 1
- Search Results: ladder racks
- Q&A: Recommended Crossbar Size for Yakima Overhaul HD on 2019 Ram 2500
- Shop: Tonneau Cover Adapter Kit for Yakima OverHaul HD and OutPost HD Truck Bed Ladder Racks
- Search Results: yakima sks core
- Q&A: Carrying Kayak On Roof Vs. Truck Bed with Malone Axis Truck Bed
- Q&A: How To Haul Two 10' Kayaks In The Bed Of A Truck
- Q&A: 2021 Ford F-150 Yakima OverHaul HD Crossbar Length Recommendation
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Search Results: tonneau covers
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Video: TruXedo Elevate Truck Bed Rack System Review
- Q&A: What Tonneau Cover Is Compatible With The Thule TracRac TracONE Ladder Rack
- Search Results: yakima
- Video: BAK Revolver X4s Hard Tonneau Cover Review
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop