Transporting your kayak safely and efficiently is a top priority for any Tacoma owner who loves water adventures. The right bed rack system not only secures your gear but also maximizes your truck’s utility, freeing up precious bed space for other equipment. With so many options on the market, from heavy-duty overland racks to simple cross bars, finding the perfect solution for your specific needs can be a challenge.
This roundup simplifies your search by highlighting the best bed kayak racks designed to work with the Tacoma’s factory bed rails. We’ve compiled a list of nine top-tier products, considering factors like load capacity, compatibility, and unique features to help you make an informed decision for your next outing.
Our Top Picks for Tacoma Bed Kayak Racks
- LONGSUN Truck Bed Rack with 2 Cross Bars
- Compatible with Toyota Tacoma Bed Rail Fishing Rod Holder
- EYOUHZ for Tacoma 13.3″ High Overland Truck Bed Racks
- Adjustable Truck Bed Rack Cross Bars
- LONGSUN Bed Rack for Mid Size Truck w/Bed Rails
- Malone Auto Racks Paddle Carrier
- Reese Explore Rainproof Hitch Cargo Carrier Bag
- Thule Xsporter PRO, Black, One Size
- MaxxHaul 70212 Solid Rubber Heavy Duty Truck Bed Cross Bars
LONGSUN Truck Bed Rack with 2 Cross Bars
This heavy-duty rack from LONGSUN is built for strength and reliability. Constructed from high-strength steel with a corrosion-resistant e-coating and powder coat finish, it is designed to withstand the elements. It offers an impressive load capacity, supporting up to 500 pounds while moving and 900 pounds when stationary, making it a robust platform for multiple kayaks and other gear.
The practical design features a low profile and two adjustable cross bars. You can adjust the width from 47.2 to 63.6 inches to perfectly fit your Tacoma’s bed, creating valuable extra storage space without a complicated installation process. It is a direct fit for 2005-2023 Tacoma models with a bed rail system.
Compatible with Toyota Tacoma Bed Rail Fishing Rod Holder
While not a traditional kayak rack, this accessory is a fantastic addition for any angler. It is specifically engineered to fit perfectly into the T-slots of your Tacoma’s bed rails, holding up to three fishing rods securely. The key benefit is that it positions your rods at an angle above the tailgate, requiring zero bed space.
Installation is tool-free and straightforward, utilizing a custom T-nut that slides directly into the bed rails. The angle of the rods is adjustable based on how close you position the holders, providing a customized and secure fit for your equipment. This is an ideal solution for keeping your rods safe and accessible during transit to and from your kayaking destination.
EYOUHZ for Tacoma 13.3″ High Overland Truck Bed Racks
The EYOUHZ Overland Bed Rack combines high capacity with thoughtful features. Built from premium heavy-duty steel plate, it boasts a remarkable 1000-pound static weight capacity, ensuring it can handle your kayak and much more. A textured black powder coating provides excellent protection against rust and corrosion for long-term use.
This rack stands out with its integrated pair of LED lights, offering extra illumination for nighttime loading or camp setups. With a maximum height of just 13.3 inches, it maintains a low profile that doesn’t interfere with bed storage while still providing a solid mounting point. It is designed to adjust for a perfect fit with the cab on 2016-2025 Tacoma models.
Adjustable Truck Bed Rack Cross Bars
For Tacoma owners who also use a tonneau cover, these adjustable cross bars present a versatile solution. The aluminum construction and slide groove design allow the width to be adjusted up to 65 inches, ensuring a perfect fit for mid-size trucks. This design makes them ideal for carrying kayaks, bed tents, bikes, and other large items.
The primary advantage of this system is its tonneau cover compatibility. It works with various types, including roll-up, retractable, and soft tri-fold covers. It is important to note that while retractable covers can still open and close, folding covers will not be able to fold back completely once the cross bars are installed.
LONGSUN Bed Rack for Mid Size Truck w/Bed Rails
This LONGSUN model offers adjustable height, giving you more control over your storage setup. You can set the rack height between 14.5 and 17.3 inches, which is useful for clearing other gear in the bed or for creating a more streamlined profile. Like its counterpart, it is made from robust steel with reinforced folded edges and a durable powder coat finish.
Installation is designed to be straightforward with a direct bolt-on process that utilizes the factory bed rails. All necessary mounting hardware is included, and no cutting or welding is required. It fits a range of 5.5-foot bed models, including the Tacoma (2005-2023), Tundra, and Jeep Gladiator.
Malone Auto Racks Paddle Carrier
Don’t forget the paddles! The Malone Paddle Carrier is a specialized accessory that securely holds up to four paddles. This ensures your essential kayaking equipment is organized and protected during travel, preventing them from rolling around in the truck bed or cabin.
It features universal mounting hardware, making it easy to attach to various cross bars or racks. The ratchet-style adjustable straps provide a simple and secure method to fasten your paddles down, giving you peace of mind that they will arrive at your destination safely.
Reese Explore Rainproof Hitch Cargo Carrier Bag
For storing all your soft gear, the Reese Explore cargo bag is an excellent companion. It offers 13 cubic feet of storage space, perfect for life jackets, dry bags, camping gear, and other supplies you don’t want in the truck bed. This helps free up even more space for your kayak and rack setup.
Constructed from premium rainproof material with sonically sealed seams, this bag is built to keep your cargo clean and dry in various weather conditions. It is designed to fit most full-size hitch-mounted cargo carriers, making it a versatile addition to your adventure-ready Tacoma.
Thule Xsporter PRO
From a leading brand in cargo management, the Thule Xsporter PRO offers a premium and highly adjustable truck bed rack system. It is engineered to carry up to 450 pounds of gear and requires no drilling for installation, preserving your truck’s integrity. The adjustable bar height provides added flexibility for loading and carrying various items, including kayaks.
Security is a key feature, as the rack includes integrated locks to secure it to your vehicle. This deters theft and provides added peace of mind when your vehicle is unattended. Thule’s reputation for quality and innovative design makes this a top-tier choice for discerning Tacoma owners.
MaxxHaul 70212 Solid Rubber Heavy Duty Truck Bed Cross Bars
For a simple and effective cross bar solution, the MaxxHaul model is a reliable option. These cross bars are constructed from solid rubber, making them heavy-duty and resistant to the elements. They are designed to provide a sturdy base for securing kayaks and other cargo directly to your Tacoma’s bed rails.
This type of cross bar is a fundamental building block for a custom rack setup. They are straightforward to install and offer a no-frills approach to adding secure mounting points above your truck bed. Always verify the specific fitment and dimensions to ensure compatibility with your Tacoma model and bed size.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Bed Kayak Rack for Tacoma Bed Rails
Figuring out the right bed rack for your Tacoma can feel a bit overwhelming with all the choices out there. I’ve found that focusing on a few key areas makes the decision much easier. The goal is to get your kayak from point A to point B safely, without stressing about your gear or your truck.
First, consider the material and build quality. You’re going to be trusting this rack with a valuable piece of equipment, often at highway speeds. Look for racks made from sturdy, corrosion-resistant materials like aluminum or steel with a good powder coat finish. This is especially important if you live near the coast or in an area that uses road salt, as rust can quickly ruin a cheaper rack. The hardware should feel solid, and the clamps or mounting systems should be robust.
Next, think about the mounting system itself. Most bed racks for Tacoma bed rails are designed to clamp directly onto the factory rails in your truck bed. Check how these clamps work. Are they easy to adjust and tighten down securely? Some use simple T-bolts, while others might have tool-less knobs for quick installation and removal. You want a system that feels secure and doesn’t require a degree in engineering to set up each time.
Height and adjustability are also huge factors. A taller rack is great if you need to stack multiple kayaks or want to fit other gear underneath in the bed. A lower-profile rack, on the other hand, keeps your kayak’s center of gravity down, which can feel more stable and might help with garage clearance. Many of the best bed kayak racks for Tacoma bed rails offer adjustable crossbar heights, giving you the flexibility to adapt to different loads.
Finally, don’t forget about versatility and accessories. While you’re buying it for a kayak now, you might want to carry stand-up paddleboards, lumber, or a roof-top tent later. Look for racks with crossbars that have standard T-slots. This universal channel system lets you attach a wide range of accessories from different brands, from simple kayak saddles and J-cradles to bike mounts and cargo boxes. Investing in a versatile system now can save you money and hassle down the line.
FAQ
Will a bed rack damage my Tacoma’s bed rails?
If installed correctly, a high-quality rack should not damage your bed rails. The key is to follow the manufacturer’s instructions precisely. Most racks use padded clamps that grip the rails without scratching or denting them. I always make sure the contact points are clean and free of debris before tightening everything down. It’s also a good habit to periodically check the tightness of the clamps, especially after the first few drives with a new rack, as things can sometimes settle.
Can I still use my soft tonneau cover with a bed rack?
This can be tricky and often depends on the specific rack and cover. Some bed racks are specifically designed to be compatible with certain tonneau covers, using special brackets that allow both to be installed simultaneously. However, many standard racks will not work with a full cover. Your best bet is to look for a rack that advertises tonneau cover compatibility or to consider a retractable or roll-up cover that can be used with a rack that has enough clearance underneath.
How many kayaks can I carry with one of these racks?
The number of kayaks depends entirely on the rack’s design and your kayaks’ width. A single set of crossbars can typically hold one to two kayaks using J-cradles or stacker accessories. If you need to carry more, you might need a rack with a taller upright to allow for vertical stacking, or you can look into adding a second set of crossbars further forward in the bed. Always, always check the rack’s stated weight capacity and distribute the load evenly.
Are these racks difficult to install by myself?
Most bed racks for Tacoma bed rails are designed for a straightforward DIY installation. You typically just need the right size wrench or Allen key. The process usually involves positioning the uprights, clamping them to the bed rails, and then attaching the crossbars. Having a friend to help hold things in place can make it easier, but it’s rarely a two-person job. The whole process shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes to an hour for most models.
Do I need any special accessories to carry my kayak?
The rack itself is just the foundation. To actually carry your kayak safely, you will need kayak-specific accessories. The crossbars alone are not enough. You’ll need to purchase either kayak saddles, which cradle the hull, or J-cradles, which hold the kayak on its side. These accessories almost always mount to the T-slots on the crossbars. You will also need high-quality cam straps or tie-downs to secure the kayak to the rack. I never rely on just one strap per kayak.