Quick and easy 2x4 Kayak/Canoe Rack

Thought I'd share my first project in this kayak fishing journey.  I built a quick and easy truck bed kayak/canoe rack for my truck using some extra 2x4s, Simpson strong ties, and 1/2 carriage bolts. 

All lumber used was 2x4 studs.  To build the front and rear supports I cut four lengths at 33” and cut a groove in the bottom to accommodate the stake pocket of my short bed 1500 Chevy Silverado.  Setting on top of each set of supports I secured a 68” section using 1 ¼" #8 strong drive screws with Simpson Strong-Tie RTA2Z Connectors.  Finally, two final lengths at 73” were attached using ½ inch diameter carriage bolts with a no spin insert on top, and a wing nut and washer underneath.

• 4 - 33” length of 2x4
• 2 - 68” length of 2x4
• 2 - 73” length of 2x4
• 8 - Simpson Strong-Tie RTA2Z - ZMAX Galvanized 16-Gauge 2X Rigid Tie Connectors
• 1 - box of 1 ¼" #8 strong drive screws
• 4 - ½ inch diameter carriage bolts
• 4 - 5/8 washers
• 4 - ½ inch no spins

The whole unit is removable and quite sturdy.  I haven’t found a reason to secure it to the bed in any way, but may add that in the future.  I did all the cuts with a circular saw and a hang saw, so any of you with a proper woodshop should find this super easy.  I can also now report that it handles a single 13' kayak fine at highway speeds as I used it to pick up my first one today!   

Attached photos are of the front and rear corner joints, and final product with brand new (to me) kayak on top.

Looks good now you need to widen it and add another level for the other 3 boats you end up buying.... It's a vicious disease, but well worth it. 

Gid r' dun.......!  DIY.......

Check to see if you have any play forward and backward as when you stop and go.  If you do run a 2x4 in the middle on the sides or an "X" to keep it solid.  From experience,  I had my version 1 trailer fail when the uprights broke due to metal fatigue (on 280 with RShu's kayak on top).  Version 2 trailer is still going strong with no metal fatigue.


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Hey Dry Bones, thanks for the response, I do have a little play front to back and am going to add some additional supports.  Would hate to have accidently created a truck mounted kayak launcher instead of a rack.