Best way to have a bed cover and occasionally transport a kayak?

[970rap]

I go on family camping trips periodically, which normally fills most/all of the bed up to my Lomax bed cover. I'm now the owner of a kayak, which my family would like to bring on some of these trips. Using space in the bed isn't a reliable option for these trips.

What options do I have for retaining some sort of bed cover but also adding the ability to attach a kayak, presumably through some sort of raised rail system? Further, the raised rails, ideally, should be removable. Bonus points if it's semi-easy to do. I'll only need to use this a few times per year and I don't want to be driving around with them on all the time. And I'd need to be able to open the bed cover while the rail system is on.

I see so many options and products out there but I'm not sure what works with what. I assume nothing will work with my existing Lomax cover, which is ok. Any ideas? Is this even possible? Thanks!

 

[HighwaySentinel]

I'd hit up the Realtruck folks on here for your specific application. They are very knowledgeable when it comes to covers.

RealTruck

www.RealTruck.com - Truck Bed Accessories - Lighting- Interior - Exterior Accessories

www.fordraptorforum.com

 

[MDJAK]

I asked the same thing a while back. Unfortunately, there's no easy answer, short of as you say raised rails or a rooftop carrier which ain't cheap once you buy the necessary extras for the cross bars. I have 2 12' kayaks and use my enclosed trailer which is definitely overkill, but I only transport them maybe 20 miles each way.

 

[John M BUNMAN]

2-ways that I have done it and taken them cross country in both configurations. Both options use my Diamondback Bed Cover.

Option 2-no DB Rails is to Strap the Kayaks down on the DB and use the Yakima Bed Extender.

YAKIMA, LongArm Truck Bed Extension for Hauling SUPs, Ladders, Kayaks, and More https://a.co/d/56J09Uq

Thread 'Diamondback Bed Cover & CargoGlide- Detailed Review'
https://www.fordraptorforum.com/threads/diamondback-bed-cover-cargoglide-detailed-review.90935/

 

[Nick@Apollo-Optics]

I have a solution that would work nicely for you. It's a little pricey, but there is a $300 mail-in rebate going on right now.

Truxedo makes their TS Bed Rails and Elevate Rack. The TS Bed Rails give you the ability to have T-slotted rails with virtually any existing bed cover. Then they make the modular height Elevate rack that are adjustable. They can be set low for a overland tent or max height for paddle boards and kayaks.

Here's some pictures for you.

The first pic is the TS rails and how they install.



And then here's a picture of the rack installed with a bed cover so you can see how it works.





At this time, I have both the rails and the racks in stock. Retail for the two pieces is $819 and $216, respectively. But I'm happy to put a package together for you with discounted pricing and free shipping. And you're able to collect the additional $300 mail-in rebate from Truxedo after the sale.

Feel free to reach out if you'd like any more information.

-Nick

 

[970rap]

Thanks for all of the responses and Nick's suggestion looks like a good one.

Related question - If I were to attach a kayak rack to these crossbeams, which has its own straps and locking system, do I also need to use bow and stern lines? If so, where would they attach on a setup like this (it's not going to hang over the hood)? Everything I've read says they are just a backup safety precaution but are essentially required.

 

[Nick@Apollo-Optics]

Thanks for all of the responses and Nick's suggestion looks like a good one.

Related question - If I were to attach a kayak rack to these crossbeams, which has its own straps and locking system, do I also need to use bow and stern lines? If so, where would they attach on a setup like this (it's not going to hang over the hood)? Everything I've read says they are just a backup safety precaution but are essentially required.

Trailer hitch for the rear is the usual spot. Or just grab one of the rear tow hooks. For the front, I'd rig a line back to the rack if you won't be able to make it to the hood.