Anybody try a 9.5-10' kayak sticking over the tailgate while pulling a trailer? Does it clear? Been looking online and I can't find any good info. Other option would be a 12' modular, they just cost a lot more and I'm wondering how rigid they are when assembled???? Anybody use one? Inflatables are out for me and not really interested in putting a rack on my truck.

What I have been doing is I got some racks that mount on the bed rails, with saddles and carry my 12 ft kayaks on there. That way you can slide them over the cab enough to provide the needed clearance. I don't know if that helps you much or not.

Thanks

Thinking for what I pay for a yak and rack, I can just buy a modular. May have to save a little while though.

I'm going with inflatables. I just received my NRS Pike. I haven't used it yet, but far the build quality looks great.

Fair enough. However, some of the quick-install racks are not terribly expensive and you can get two kayaks on there (should the need arise). Just a thought.

For example, this one has decent reviews and comes with the J Racks and straps.


https://www.amazon.com/AA-Racks-Non-Drilling-C-Clamps-J-Racks-2Packages/dp/B0B1DHVQZ7?th=1

I've done inflatables and they are great once you get them set up. What I've found is you think you have plenty of air in it, you get it in the cold water and you end up pulling it out again to add more. But then you have to let air out if you pull it out for very long on a hot day and the cycle starts all over. I'm ready for hard plastic.

Current rig:

I would rather put a rack on and off my truck than assemble and disassemble a modular kayak. I picked up a used Thule rack for $200 off FaceBook Marketplace. They typically run about $200 - $250 used. I have used it to haul a canoe and 16' lumber for a Pergola house project. I have it hanging in the garage until I need it again. It takes about 10 minutes to install with a cordless drill. The two downsides are the rack won't let the pickup through an automated car wash and the neighbors see the truck and rack and want to borrow it for their home projects.

Most of my fishing is done from 12' kayaks and Hobie Float Cats which fit in the bed of the truck with the tailgate down. The Thule rack is only used about once or twice a year.

This is what I do also. I have a big flatbed and still I don't use the bed.

These pictures should answer your question. This is what a 12' kayak looks like sitting diagonally in a 6' 3" pickup bed with the tailgate closed. I would tow with that if I didn't have the Thule rack.

Thank you sir! That helps a lot. Think a 9.5' should be very doable.

I carry my 12' 3" kayak all the time like PowerLiz pulling my TT. Only thing different that adds height and protects tailgate is setting those gray foam blocks under yak ontop of gate.
A strap across at rear bed sqishes it down securely. Straps on each handle to low hook in front of bed keeps it from moving.
Ive hauled hundreds of miles like this and is ALOT easier than roof racks
btw- I got a 6' bed on my Tundra

Regarding the inflation cycle on inflatable boats:

- start by placing the inflated boat into one foot or so of cold water, tether it, and let it sit there while you load it up.

- when everything is ready for launch, add enough air to bring it up to full pressure, and maybe just a tiny bit more if the water is really cold. An air gauge will help you adjust as necessary. This will allow you to have close enough to the recommended pressure while on the water. If you have a low pressure 2 PSI type like I do, a mouth tube that reaches the valves can be used to adjust pressure with Boston type valves, while on the water. Being able to adjust pressure with a mouth blow tube while underway is very helpful, especially if someone should get a pinhole slow leak. It means someone can continue their Excursion without having to return to shore immediately for a patch, it can wait till someone gets home.. Usually the maximum pressure of Inflatables with a Boston valve is 2 PSI, and that is also the usually maximum air pressure that someone can blow in with.

- if it's necessary to let the boat sit for an extended time at the shoreline, let it sit tethered in one foot or so of the cold water or under shade if possible.

- if you are car topping the inflatable boat strapped to the top of your car- fill the boat loosely with air so that the tie down straps will indent down by at least 6 in when fully tightened. That allows enough room to hold the boat in place and yet not be overpressured by a blazing overhead sun, while transporting short or long distance.

An inflatable can take someone to places that cannot be reached with a hard boat, sometimes without having to deflate it, because it is so much lighter and easier to Portage than a heavier hardboat. Especially if it is a float tube with back and Rod straps, plus the zipper pockets holding fishing accessories, which allows transport by foot along rough terrain and narrow trails.

Hope this helps.

At 9 to 10 feet, can you secure inside the TT? Powerlizard and Snottynose have the right ID for your situation unless your purchase a rack.

Getting it in and out of the TT would npt be fun. Think I've talked myself into a modular with a fin drive but told the wife I'd wait until spring.