Pickup Rack

Hello again all.

I am so close to purchasing a yak , I can taste it!
I first need some advice on a pickup rack.
I don't want to spend a fortune and really don't care what it looks like.

Does anyone recommend a simple rack in the back and let the yak sit on the roof with some foam padding?

I have an '06 dodge 1500 (full size) crew cab (4 doors) and a short bed (6').

Any recommendations?
I only plan on hauling one yak, but if I meet some buds out there and get a crew for regular fishing trips, I would like to be able to haul a couple people with all the gear.


Let me know, I'm close to pulling the trigger on a Macski Kingfisher, maybe this weekend.


Thanks
Can't wait till I meet some of you folks on the water.


Stoggie

Stoggie,

Sounds like you want the Thule receiver hitch rack.  It runs about $100 and does exactly what you need.

I'll sell you mine if you want...  I just put the kayaks in the bed with the tailgate down, and put a red flag on the handle.  Easier to load that way.

-Eric

Thanks for the reply.
My truck doesn't have a receiver, don't want to spend $$ for that and then more for a rack.
I agree that one looks like the easiest to store in a garage, but I wanna go cheap at first.

I need all the WAF I can get. It is gonna cost a lot in accessories like FF, GPS etc.

Thanks for the input. I think I will just flag it and put it in my pickup bed.

Stoggie

I've got a similar truck and just hang mine out the bed.  Picked up a bed extender from Harbor Freight for $25 that slides into the receiver, which gives you plenty of length with the tailgate down.  If you don't want to get the full trailer hitch, you can get the drill and bolt receiver housing for around $25 which will work fine.  I think Cabelas has them, might even find them at Harbor Freight too.

I also have the full Yakima roof rack for my truck, but it's a pain in the ass.  If you need the bed space though for long trips this is the way to go though.  I'll see if I can find a few pics to show you.

-beenfishin

Yep, you are legal hanging it out the back, so long as you have a red flag on the end, and at night you need a flashing or solid red light.  Army surplus flashlight and duct tape works great.

I sent off for plans to build a rack out of 1" pipe. I did some other modifications and I'm real happy with the way it looks. The only thing is that I bought galvanized pipe instead of black iron pipe. Cost about 175.00 You proabaly can find one on Craiglslist. I just have building things, so I'm very happy. Good luck on getting something figured out.   

Stoggie,

Sounds like you want the Thule receiver hitch rack.  It runs about $100 and does exactly what you need.

I'll sell you mine if you want...  I just put the kayaks in the bed with the tailgate down, and put a red flag on the handle.  Easier to load that way.

-Eric

Eric,
That sounds like just what I need, which model of Thule rack are you referring to?
John

John, I think it's the 997.

http://www.orsracksdirect.com/thule-997.html

try craigslist for the Rack-It lumber rack (used).  they run from 100 to 200 but they are very convenient.
allan