[Thenewguy76]

alrighty, after much deliberation I think I'm going to get the ascend h12 for the wife and kid to enjoy. its got good reviews and easily accommodates a toddler. (sorry pikester).
here's the question, I've got a 5' truck bed and I don't want to lose the ability to haul stuff. usually we pack into 2-3 rubbermaids and a big cooler. all of that would fit beside a kayak just fine. What's the best method for hauling a 12 footer safely AND easily? I think it's 77lbs unloaded so not too bad. ideally I'd like a one person solution and anything that involves lifting over my head won't likely be a one person job.

 

[TthePikester]

Oh well bud, win some always a bridesmaid!!! LOL! Need a tool cart? :
Lund 601021 Hitch Rack Truck Bed Extender
http://www.kayakdiy.com/store.html

 

[Zman]

a topper then u can lock ish up still can haul stuff and have a flat platform on top for kayaks/lumber and ratcheting tie downs...

 

[boondock]

http://www.ebay.com/bhp/pickup-bed-extender

 

[Thenewguy76]

a topper then u can lock ish up still can haul stuff and have a flat platform on top for kayaks/lumber and ratcheting tie downs...

I don't think I can get a kayak up there solo. Been looking at toppers in general, haven't decided. Would be nice to have a covered sleeping option right there too.

 

[TthePikester]

I don't think I can get a kayak up there solo. Been looking at toppers in general, haven't decided. Would be nice to have a covered sleeping option right there too.

Then you really need to settle on the 10 footer, much lighter and cheaper since already set up!!! :biggrin1: J/K
Another option would be a kayak trailer, easier to handle solo.
http://www.basspro.com/Malone-Xtralight-V-Style-Double-Kayak-Trailer/product/14081008121834/

 

[slayerfish]

. Would be nice to have a covered sleeping option right there too.

How the hell you gonna sleep in a 5 ft bed?????

 

[dallasdb]

How the hell you gonna sleep in a 5 ft bed?????

Diagonally!

 

[Zman]

Do they weigh more than a 15 or 16 foot aluminum canoe?...we used to portage those things into insula lake as teenagers which was a killer portage of a 105 rods...a rod i think is 5.5 yards...plus get canoes up on the vehicle...I would of thought those things would of gotten lighter...with space age materials...

 

[Thenewguy76]

the one I'm looking at is 78lbs and that's before I bolt any crap to it. I can get it in the truck easily, I can't hoist 78lbs at 12' long over my head and the wife most definitely can't.

you sleep in a 5'bed with the topper by putting the tailgate down. easy peasy....or by being 4'10 tall.

 

[slayerfish]

you sleep in a 5'bed with the topper by putting the tailgate down. easy peasy....or by being 4'10 tall.

That'll work well when its raining or the skeeters are out-

 

[Thenewguy76]

works great. a $10 tarp makes it work even better. it's a place to sleep not the holiday inn.

 

[TthePikester]

TNG, you should check into a truck tent. I've seen these before and they are pretty cool, great for the outdoorsman that doesn't want a camper.

http://www.autoanything.com/truck-tents/10A50603.aspx

 

[dallasdb]

Cabela's in Lonetree had a handful of truck tents heavily discounted in the Bargain Cave about a month ago FYI.

 

[Thenewguy76]

I've actually eyeballed several of those. There are also versions that work with a topper to extend it.

 

[Ninja]

I like my jetski trailer. Light and easy to maneuver around (even by hand). Frees up my pick-up bed to carry other things. Picked mine up on Craigslist for a few hundred dollars.

 

[TthePikester]

Hey Ninja, how long is the jetski trailer you found? How far out the back of the trailer does your yak hang if any?

 

[slayerfish]

works great. a $10 tarp makes it work even better. it's a place to sleep not the holiday inn.

Whatever-

 

[earplug]

Why I drove a old Buick Station wagon. I could load a 17 foot canoe.
Get a bed extender. Thats what my other kayak friends use. I use a trailer.

 

[Ninja]

Hey Ninja, how long is the jetski trailer you found? How far out the back of the trailer does your yak hang if any?

Standard single jet ski trailer (Shorelander Tadpole). Close to 11' long. About 3' of the yak hangs over the back once I found the balance point by moving the winch stand all the way forward and widened the bunks. I just tie a red rag on the back and haven't had any issues with "johnny law". I have also removed the fender wells and added the biggest tire the hub can handle to minimize side to side wobble when driving down the highway at 75 mph. Easy peasy to launch and recover for sure and I don't have to take anything out except my trolling motor to transport/store it.

I'll try and snap a picture this weekend and post it here Tony.