How Far Can a Kayak on a Ladder Rack Extend Behind a Truck Towing a Trailer

Published 08/22/2024

Products Featured in This Question

Buyers Products Over-The-Cab Truck Bed Ladder Rack - Aluminum - 800 lbs

(33)

$958.69

Kuat Class 2 Kayak Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs - J-Style - Fixed Arms - Clamp On

(13)

$172.37

Question:

What is a safe distance a ladder rack mounted kayak can extend behind tow vehicle when towing a travel trailer and using full turns?

asked by: James S

Expert Reply:

Thanks for reaching out, James!

If you place the kayak in the middle of the ladder rack it can extend pretty far back since the trailer only gets closer to the sides of the truck during tight turns. If you are wanting to carry multiple kayaks then I wouldn't have them extended more than a foot or two. Some of this is determined by the height of the trailer as well as the length of the tongue, so it's best to get that info ahead of time and mockup the turns behind your truck so you can mark things out and know exactly what's going to happen.

A great way to avoid contact at all is to use an over-the-cab style ladder rack so the kayak(s) can be shifted much further forward. I actually had the chance to install the Buyers Products Over-The-Cab Aluminum Ladder Rack # 3371501400 and I'm attaching that video for you to check out. If you let me know what the year/make/model and bed length is for your truck I can make sure we get you a ladder rack that fits.

One other thing to keep in mind is that some ladder racks can use crossbars that are wider and taller than your standard roof rack crossbars so if you're planning on using a kayak carrier I recommend checking out the Kuat Class 2 Kayak Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs # C2R1B because it comes with longer hardware to accommodate the taller ladder rack crossbars.

expert reply by: Jon G

James S.

8/22/2024

It appears the buyers rack side rails extended back past the bumper. Wouldn't that interfere with full tuning?

Jon G.

8/22/2024

@JamesS It depends on where you place the rear crossbar bracket. In my video I had it adjusted back, but you can shift the whole thing forward so it's pretty much flush with the back of your truck.

James S.

8/22/2024

I will be loading 2 sit on top kayaks, without the load stops installed, what is the usable width of the cross bar? So by moving the rear crossbar forward ill be able to insure the rear corners do not extend past the truck rear. Will the forward bed bar line up with the side rails? Are the rail attachments adjustable anywhere along the side rails?

Jon G.

8/22/2024

@JamesS The usable crossbars space is 62". Yes, those rear corners won't extend past the rear of your truck. If you check out the product photos and my install video you'll see where the brackets from the ladder rack upright "legs" attached to the side rails. They connect to the side rails in sets of 4 bolts so they are adjustable but just by a few positions if that makes sense.