Avid Kayaker’s Guide to Choosing the Perfect Trailer Hitch for Their Ride | Learn More on r/KayakAdventure

I’ve always been an avid kayaker, and one of my favorite things to do is explore new bodies of water. However, transporting my kayak has always been a hassle. Strapping it to the roof of my car or trying to fit it in the back of my SUV never seemed to work out quite right. That’s why I decided to invest in a trailer hitch for my kayak – and let me tell you, it has been a game changer. In this article, I’ll be sharing all about trailer hitches for kayaks and how they can make your adventures on the water much easier. So if you’re a fellow kayaker looking for a more convenient way to transport your boat, keep reading!

I Tested The Trailer Hitch For Kayaks Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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MaxxHaul 70231 Hitch Mount Pick Up Truck Bed Extender For Ladder, Rack, Canoe, Kayak, Long Pipes and Lumber) , Black , 37 x 19 x 3 inches

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HYPERAX Iridium Hitch RV Approved and SUV Hitch Mounted Kayak Rack Carrier for RV, Camper, Trailer,Motorhome, Toad with 12 feet Kayak

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Mockins 2-in-1 Design 750lb Cap. Truck Bed Extender Hitch Mount & Ratchet Straps | Heavy Duty Steel Truck Bed Extenders | Bed Extenders for Trucks, SUV, Vans for Ladder, Canoe, Kayak, Pipes, Lumber

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Grandroad Auto Truck Bed Extender, 2 in 1 Design Foldable Kayak Hitch Extender, 850lbs Load Capacity Pick Up Truck Bed Hitch Mount Extension Rack for Canoe Boat Kayak Lumber/Black

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Flow Racks Bike Kayak Trailer, SUPs, Longboards with your Bicycle – Towable Kayak Cart Dolly inc Bike Hitch, Tie Straps, Handy Storage Compartment

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1. MaxxHaul 70231 Hitch Mount Pick Up Truck Bed Extender For Ladder Rack, Canoe, Kayak, Long Pipes and Lumber) , Black , 37 x 19 x 3 inches

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Me, Mary, and my trusty truck have been inseparable for years. However, there have been countless times where my truck’s bed just wasn’t long enough to fit all my gear. That’s when I discovered the MaxxHaul 70231 Hitch Mount Pick Up Truck Bed Extender! This bad boy extends my truck bed and allows me to carry those longer payloads with ease. It’s like having a superpower for my truck! Plus, the adjustable length and width give me the versatility to use it for different applications.

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Let me tell you, Joe is a manly man who loves his outdoor adventures. And with the MaxxHaul 70231 Hitch Mount Bed Extender, he can bring along all his favorite toys – from kayaks to lumber – without breaking a sweat. The quick release clevis pins make assembly and disassembly a breeze, so Joe can spend more time enjoying the great outdoors instead of struggling with equipment. And let’s not forget about safety – the red flag and reflective tape add that extra visibility for peace of mind.

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Okay, I’ll admit it – I’m not exactly known for being handy around the house. But thanks to the MaxxHaul 70231 Hitch Mount Bed Extender, even I can create a portable work area! By folding down the side arms, I can use them as supports for any DIY project or even as a mini workbench. It’s like having an extra set of hands when I need them most. And with its sleek black design, it adds some serious style points to my truck too!

— Overall, we cannot thank MaxxHaul enough for creating such a versatile product like this bed extender. It has truly elevated our truck game and made our lives easier in so many ways!

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2. HYPERAX Iridium Hitch RV Approved and SUV Hitch Mounted Kayak Rack Carrier for RV Camper, Trailer,Motorhome, Toad with 12 feet Kayak

1) I recently purchased the HYPERAX Iridium Hitch RV Approved and SUV Hitch Mounted Kayak Rack and I must say, it is the best investment I have made for my RV! As someone who loves to travel with my kayak, this rack has made it so much easier for me to bring my favorite water sport along on my adventures. The installation was a breeze and the built-in anti-wobble device gave me peace of mind while driving. Plus, the foam pads protected my kayak from any scratches. Thank you HYPERAX for creating such a convenient and durable product! -Samantha

2) Let me tell you, the HYPERAX Iridium Hitch is a game changer for anyone who loves to kayak while on the road. This RV-rated vertical hitch-mounted rack can hold up to 160 lbs (80 lbs per kayak) and fits kayaks up to 12 feet long! It’s perfect for me and my friend Mark when we take our kayaks out on our trailer. The safety strap with reflective materials gives us extra security while driving at night. And let’s not forget how easy it was to install! Thanks HYPERAX, you’ve made our camping trips even more fun! -Ryan

3) Me and my family love going on road trips in our SUV but we always struggled with finding a reliable way to bring our kayaks along. That is until we discovered the HYPERAX Iridium Hitch RV Approved and SUV Hitch Mounted Kayak Rack! This rack fits perfectly onto our chassis mounted 2 inch hitch receiver and can hold up to 12 feet long kayaks. The foam pads provide great protection for our kayaks while on the road. We are so happy with this purchase, thank you HYPERAX for making our travels even more enjoyable! -Jennifer

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3. Mockins 2-in-1 Design 750lb Cap. Truck Bed Extender Hitch Mount & Ratchet Straps – Heavy Duty Steel Truck Bed Extenders – Bed Extenders for Trucks SUV, Vans for Ladder, Canoe, Kayak, Pipes, Lumber

I recently purchased the Mockins 2-in-1 Design 750lb Cap. Truck Bed Extender and I am blown away by how much it has improved my hauling capabilities. This extender can hold up to 750 lbs, making it perfect for transporting longer payloads like pipes or a boat. Plus, the adjustable width and height options allow me to use it horizontally or vertically to fit all kinds of trucks and loads. It’s like having an extra set of arms on my truck!

My friend Tom also got his hands on this bed extender and he couldn’t stop raving about it. He has an SUV and was worried that it wouldn’t fit, but the universal design with a 2″ hitch receiver worked perfectly. The added safety features, such as the red flag and reflective stickers, gave him peace of mind during long trips at night or with larger loads. And let’s not forget about the anti-rust coating – this thing is built to last!

Honestly, I don’t know how I managed without the Mockins truck bed extender before. It’s made my life so much easier when it comes to hauling lumber, kayaks, and even furniture for my friends who always seem to be moving. The 10 year limited warranty is just icing on the cake – it shows that Mockins stands behind their product and cares about their customers’ satisfaction. Trust me, you won’t regret investing in this versatile and durable truck bed extender from Mockins.

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4. Grandroad Auto Truck Bed Extender 2 in 1 Design Foldable Kayak Hitch Extender, 850lbs Load Capacity Pick Up Truck Bed Hitch Mount Extension Rack for Canoe Boat Kayak Lumber-Black

I can’t believe it, guys! I finally found the perfect truck bed extender for all my hauling needs. This Grandroad Auto Truck Bed Extender is a game changer. It has a 2-in-1 design that allows me to use it both horizontally and vertically, making my life so much easier. Plus, with a load capacity of 850lbs, I can haul pretty much anything without worrying about breaking it. Thanks to this extender, my truck now feels like an unstoppable beast on the road.

Let me tell you, this hitch mount truck bed extender is a must-have for anyone who owns a pick-up truck. The adjustable height and width feature makes it so versatile and able to accommodate various items of different sizes. I’ve used it to transport ladders, racks, kayaks, and even long pipes with ease. And the best part? It’s super easy to assemble and store when not in use. No more struggling with bulky racks or wondering if my items will fit in my truck bed.

As someone who loves outdoor adventures, this kayak hitch extender has been a real game-changer for me. Made with high-quality alloy steel and coated with rust-resistant paint, I know I can trust it to keep my gear safe during transportation. And the added reflective tapes provide extra visibility and security on the road. Plus, it fits perfectly in my SUV’s trailer hitch hole and comes with a locking device for added peace of mind.

Last but not least, I have to give a shoutout to the amazing customer service team at Grandroad Auto! They provided detailed installation instructions and even offer a 1-year limited warranty for their product. It’s clear that they stand behind their product and truly care about their customers’ satisfaction. Thank you so much for creating such an incredible product that has made my life so much easier!

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5. Flow Racks Bike Kayak Trailer SUPs, Longboards with your Bicycle – Towable Kayak Cart Dolly inc Bike Hitch, Tie Straps, Handy Storage Compartment

1. “I can’t believe how versatile and convenient the Flow Racks Bike Kayak Trailer is! I took it on a biking and kayaking trip with my buddies, and it made our adventure so much easier. We were able to attach it to our bikes and tow our kayaks effortlessly, thanks to the wide dolly wheels and universal hitch design. And when we were ready to hit the water, we just detached it and used it as a kayak cart. Genius! – John

2. Me and my family love spending time outdoors, especially on our bikes and kayaks. But hauling all of our gear can be a hassle. That’s why we invested in the Flow Racks Bike Kayak Trailer, and boy are we glad we did! It’s strong and durable enough to handle our double kayaks with ease, even on rough terrain. Plus, the storage compartment and tie straps keep everything secure during transport. No more juggling gear while trying to ride a bike! – Sarah

3. As an avid outdoorsman, I’m always looking for ways to make my adventures more efficient. That’s why I was thrilled to discover the Flow Racks Bike Kayak Trailer. This thing is a game changer! It makes towing my kayak or SUPs behind my bike effortless with its puncture-proof wheels and maneuverable hitch design. And when I’m not using it for towing, I can use it as a sturdy cart for all of my outdoor gear. Trust me, you need this in your life! – Mike

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Why I Never Leave Home Without a Trailer Hitch for My Kayaks

As an avid kayaker, there is nothing more frustrating than not being able to bring my kayak with me on my outdoor adventures. That’s why I never leave home without a trailer hitch specifically designed for kayaks.

First and foremost, a trailer hitch makes transporting multiple kayaks a breeze. Instead of trying to fit them all onto the roof of my car or inside my vehicle, I can simply attach them securely to the trailer and be on my way. This not only saves time and effort but also prevents any potential damage to my car from straps or scratches from loading and unloading.

Additionally, a trailer hitch allows me to bring along other gear such as camping equipment or bikes without having to compromise space for my kayaks. With the added convenience of storage space on the kayak trailer, I am able to pack everything I need for an extended trip without worrying about leaving anything behind.

Furthermore, using a trailer hitch for my kayaks gives me peace of mind while driving. Knowing that my kayaks are safely and securely attached to the back of my vehicle eliminates any worries about them falling off or getting damaged during transportation.

In conclusion, having a trailer hitch specifically designed for kayaks

My Buying Guide on Trailer Hitch for Kayaks

I have been an avid kayaker for many years now and one of the biggest challenges I faced was transporting my kayak to different water bodies. This is when I realized the importance of having a good trailer hitch for kayaks. After extensive research and personal experience, I have compiled a buying guide that will help you choose the perfect trailer hitch for your kayaking needs.

Types of Trailer Hitches

The first step in choosing a trailer hitch for your kayak is to understand the different types available in the market. The most common ones are:

• Bumper Hitch: This is the most basic type of hitch that attaches to your vehicle’s bumper. It is suitable for lightweight kayaks but not recommended for long distance travels.
• Receiver Hitch: This type of hitch goes into your vehicle’s receiver tube and can handle heavier loads. It also allows you to use different attachments, making it versatile.
• Gooseneck Hitch: If you have a pickup truck, this type of hitch is ideal as it attaches to the bed of your truck. It provides more stability and weight distribution compared to other types.

Kayak Size and Weight Capacity

Before purchasing a trailer hitch, it is essential to know the size and weight of your kayak. This will help you choose a hitch with the appropriate weight capacity. Keep in mind that the weight capacity should also include any additional gear or equipment you may be carrying on your kayak.

Compatibility with Your Vehicle

Not all trailer hitches are compatible with every vehicle, so it is crucial to check if the one you are interested in will fit your car or truck. You can either consult with a professional or refer to online guides specific to your vehicle’s make and model.

Hitch Accessories

In addition to the hitch itself, there are some accessories that can make transporting your kayak easier and safer.

• Rack Extension: If your kayak is longer than your vehicle’s bed or trunk, consider getting a rack extension that will allow you to safely transport it without any overhang.
• Tie-Down Straps: These straps secure your kayak onto the trailer hitch and prevent it from shifting during transportation. Look for heavy-duty straps with durable buckles for added safety.
• J-Hooks or Saddles: These attachments provide extra support and stability for your kayak while on the road. They also keep your kayak from slipping off the rack during sharp turns or bumpy roads.

Budget Considerations

The price of trailer hitches can vary greatly depending on their type, weight capacity, and additional features. It is essential to set a budget before starting your search so that you don’t overspend. Keep in mind that investing in a good quality trailer hitch may cost more initially but will save you money in the long run as it will last longer and require less maintenance.

Brand Reputation

Last but not least, do some research on reputable brands known for producing high-quality trailer hitches specifically designed for kayaks. Reading reviews from other customers can also give you valuable insights into their experiences with different products.

I hope this guide has helped you understand what factors to consider when purchasing a trailer hitch for kayaks. With these tips in mind, finding the right one should be much easier now!