Something to keep in mind, we live in a sue happy society these days. There are some possible liability issues
if you're allowing something to hang out of your truck and it's not properly marked. I could care less about getting a ticket but anytime a ambulance chasing attorney gets involved it's probably not going to turn out good, even if you win.

You also have to be careful with the interpretation, some municipalities say the tailgate is the end of the vehicle others say the tail light and some go with the bumper. You just have to cover yourself by using the extender with lights.

Each municipality decides what is acceptable beyond the state requirement so if you have 2 lights visible from the rear with DOT approved reflectors rear and sides you are legal for the most part throughout Texas.

When I used my bed extender I'd use the red lights, yellow marker lights, reflectors, and red flag, even in the daytime. I wanted drivers to see that kayak hanging off the back. I also carry a copy of the regulations in my glove box in case some LEO ever tried to hassle me.

Guess I'll just think back to this post and think, "Man that Rhino dude was so right about this"...or not. omg

So true about liability, honestly none of this ever crossed my mind. I figured if someone rams my yak from behind it's their fault. Sorry sacks of shite they are!

But me screaming, "how could you not see my mango colored yak hanging 5' out the back," may not hold up.

Will have to think this one through, one thing for sure, this hobby is starting to add up.

BOAT = Break Out Another Thousand, it doesn't matter if it's just a kayak.

How easy is that extender to break down and put in the truck after you unload? Man I swear when I was looking for mine I couldn't find anything cheaper than $80 on ebay so i went with the Harbor Freight one. But I like this one because it goes up at the end instead of staying straight. My Harbor Freight one scrapes the ground sometimes. Even raised the rear of my truck up 1" to try and compensate for it.

Ill sell you my used Harbor Freight one for $40 so I can switch to the ebay one if you're interested?

Nathan, that extender breaks down fast, it's a 3-piece unit. I'd undo the top "goal post" section and leave the 2-piece bottom section together and store them in the truck cab while on the water. 60 seconds to undo and store. I also like that the height of the top piece is adjustable, as is the width. I'd angle the bow of the kayak downward.

Awesome thank you! If anyone wants a lightly used Harbor freight one Ill sell it for $40 obo!

I just bought one online from Home Depot and it was delivered free to my local Home Depot. I figured I could return it if it didn't work right. It was around $75 and seemed pretty well built. I figured it was worth that much to
a) protect my Yukon while I slid the kayak up on the roof
B) have a further back point to balance and tie the yak for long transport
c) help my buddy when we use his short bed truck to go together and take 2 yaks

This one is reversible, it stands up for suv's and lays down for pick ups. The downside is it is a "L" shape that will probably scrape if we get on uneven ground in the truck.

I get it that the cost of owning a yak can be surprisingly high given the seeming low purchase price. Some things just can't be safely ignored, and transport is one.

Mariner Sails has a $4 red flag that is designed to slip through the kayak handle and make you legal. The only cheaper alternative might be tying a clean red grease rag or t-shirt to the end of the kayak.

http://shop.mariner-sails.com/Mariner-Safety-Flag-KP-817.htm?categoryId=-1

Its super easy. It's in the three parts and it has quick disconnect pins. It's lightweight too. I can have it out in less than a minute.