Video · Rigging & Gear

How to Transport a Large Kayak With a Hitch Bed Extender

I show how I haul a long, heavy Hobie Pro Angler 14 in a short bed truck using a hitch mounted bed extender.

Published August 19, 2013 · 2:41 · Watch on YouTube

What’s in this video

Long, heavy kayaks are a pain to haul. Here I load my Hobie Pro Angler 14 (14 feet, 140 lbs) into a 5.5 foot short box truck bed using a hitch mounted adjustable bed extender. The model shown is made by Lund and was $139.99 at the time of the video. It is a heavy duty model that works with trucks.

There are versions that also give roof support on SUVs, and cheaper models, but some of those do not have the same SUV flexibility. For cars without a hitch you will need a different setup like a roof rack.

Quick takeaways

  • A hitch bed extender lets a 5.5 ft short bed carry a 14 ft, 140 lb kayak.
  • Some cheaper extenders do not work as well with SUVs, check before you buy.
  • Cars without a hitch need another option such as a roof rack.

Gear from this video

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