If cradles aren't necessary for proper transport I can save some money there. Just use some pool noodles around a metal bar or wood to accomplish the same thing.

Dbl, shoot me a message with an offer I can't refuse and I'll put the trailer idea on hold. I was hoping not to have to drill any holes into my truck bed, since I don't know if this will be a forever method of transport. The C-clamps are a cheap enough and easy enough answer to that problem though.

I do worry about the heat though. Being Texas I know we enjoy our fair share of days over 100 degrees. Most of the time we will be taking short trips, since we have a couple lakes fairly close to home, but it would be nice to be able to transport the kayaks without fear of them being all bent out of shape when we get where we're going. Not tying improperly or too tight sound to be the major concern?

pm sent

This is how I'm carrying mine in a 98 Dakota with a short bed

Bed extender or trailer with pool noodles for some cushioning for me.

Hello, I'm new to the forum and new to kayaks. I was in the same position a couple weeks ago. Discount Ramps was recommended to me on an RV forum and I ended up with Apex Aluminum Truck Rack. It will easily transfer between my F250 and my wife's F150. It cost about 1/2 of the big name brands that I looked at. My only complaint is the tie-down eyes don't tighten to the top rail 100%. It's really not an issue once the yak is strapped securely. I've been hauling my new Jackson Mayfly around for the last week to work and back (100+ miles / day) so I can put it in the water at every opportunity. I do use a cable lock running through the scupper and around the rack

DR customer service has been great and w/o asking, they shipped all new hardware to replace the tie-downs eyes that I have. We will see if the new ones tighten better after the shipment arrives next week. I am very happy with the rack overall.