New guy and transporting a kayak

Have a transport question for the experienced kayakers.   I have a full size pick up truck (6.5' bed) that I would be using to transport a kayak, 13’ is max.  Is there a problem with loading it in back and securing it or is it better to purchase a rack it and secure it on top....... and why.  What’s works for you truck owners?  Thanks

? is how heavy is your kayak.
Can do either bed or rack
Rack is to high for heavy kayak for me so local transport is in bed with a bed extender. (full Size truck)
Tip: if use bed use a strap to secure after tie down that wont allow your kayak to move fwd in case hit breaks hard

I have 6' bed and transport 13.5 foot kayak without bed extender.

I think the only way I haven't tried it is a bed extender, and a rack over a bed without a camper shell, oh or a Hullivator, those are cool.

They're definitely in order of difficulty.

when I put it in my bed I would put a piece of Foam on the bow, and on top of the tailgate.
one strap on the back tie downs over the kayak and one through the Mirage drive hole to the front tie downs to keep it from moving front and back.

Topping it on the camper shell for me is easier than Loading from the back to the J racks, but I'm getting better at it.   Oddly enough the Outback is a little easier to load from the back on the J racks because there's more places to grab.

MooMoo has a good video on car topping without throwing out your back.

I have a tool box mounted in my truck bed, and lumber racks. I tried the bed extender, but didn't like it. I've got an Old Town Predator PDL, and it's really heavy and awkward to put on the racks by myself. I ended up with a small trailer, which is super easy for loading up and moving, not so hot for parking and backing up! If you don't have a tool box, the bed extender makes more sense. Cheaper too!

tehpenguins
When you carry your outback flat onto of the camper shell do you use any padding between it and the rails or just lay it directly on the bars? I just ordered an outback and I'm debating whether to get J hooks or just lay it flat onto of my stock Subaru cross bars. Thanks for the feedback.

for the first 5 or so times I did use some neoprene rubber mats that I found super cheap because I was scared of it moving around. after topping it enough times I think the rubber mat actually made it move more because it had more wiggle room?  since I stopped putting something between I haven't had any wiggle.

I also stopped caring about scratches on the aerobars, I'm much more obsessed with making sure I don't lose the end caps now.   

Depending on the model Subaru, J racks might be a scary proposition, the more I read about J bars, the more I want to figure out a different solution for these super wide sit on top kayaks which they weren't really made for, at least the racks I have(who knows how old craigslist ones).

you could always cut some pool noodles and place it across the bars for when you're transporting, less scratches, padding that is squishy enough.

tehpenguins
When you carry your outback flat onto of the camper shell do you use any padding between it and the rails or just lay it directly on the bars? I just ordered an outback and I'm debating whether to get J hooks or just lay it flat onto of my stock Subaru cross bars. Thanks for the feedback.

I'd be wary about stock Subaru bars.  Wilderness Medic had a catastrophic failure a while back: http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=74956.msg853776#msg853776
Was it a one-time fluke? Maybe... but that's one time too many.

When I got my Tarpon in 2013 I made a pvc rack and put J hooks on it. It is still going strong. Easy to use and easy to stow away.

Great thanks for the feedback and heads up about the Subaru racks. Will make sure the new boat is well lashed down to prevent any mishaps.