6 Best Truck Bed Racks For Kayaks And Bikes That Preserve Bed Space

You’ve got the truck loaded for a weekend at the lake. Coolers, camp chairs, and firewood are packed tight in the bed. The only problem? Your two kayaks and mountain bikes are still sitting in the driveway. This is the classic truck owner’s dilemma: how do you haul big adventure toys without sacrificing the primary function of your truck bed?

The right rack system transforms your truck from a simple hauler into a true adventure basecamp. It’s not just about adding more space; it’s about creating an organized, accessible system that gets your gear to the trailhead or boat launch securely, leaving your bed free for everything else. This choice is about enabling bigger, better, and more frequent adventures.

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Choosing Racks That Maximize Truck Bed Utility

Before we dive into specific models, let’s frame the problem. You need to get bulky gear—like a 12-foot kayak or a 35-pound mountain bike—out of the bed to make room for the essentials. The solution is to go vertical. A good rack system elevates this equipment above the bed rails, creating a second story for your gear transport. This preserves nearly 100% of your bed’s footprint for coolers, tents, and supplies.

Think about how you’ll use it. A rack that sits just above the bed rails is great for aerodynamics and keeping a low profile. A full-height rack that extends over the cab is essential for carrying long paddleboards or lumber. Some systems even integrate with tonneau covers, giving you the best of both worlds: overhead storage and a secure, weatherproof bed. The key is matching the rack’s design to the adventures you have planned, not the other way around.

There’s no single "best" rack, only the best rack for your specific needs. The trade-offs are real. Taller racks can affect fuel economy and might not fit in your garage. Heavier, more modular racks are amazing for overlanding but might be overkill for simple weekend trips to the river. Be honest about your primary use case—are you hauling bikes to local trails or loading up for a two-week expedition?

Yakima OverHaul HD: The Most Adjustable System

Imagine this: one weekend, you’re hauling long sea kayaks that need to clear your truck’s cab. The next, you want to keep a rooftop tent low for better aerodynamics on a long highway drive. The Yakima OverHaul HD is built for this exact kind of versatility. Its standout feature is its adjustable height, ranging from 19 to 30 inches above the bed rails. This allows you to customize its profile for the load you’re carrying that day.

This system is part of Yakima’s "HD" (Heavy Duty) line, and it lives up to the name. With a dynamic (on-road) load capacity of 500 pounds and a static (parked) capacity of 800 pounds, it can handle multiple bikes, heavy fishing kayaks, and a spacious rooftop tent without breaking a sweat. The aluminum construction is robust yet manageable, and the system is designed to be installed without any drilling on most trucks.

The real strength of the OverHaul HD is its integration with the vast Yakima ecosystem. From bike mounts like the HighRoad to kayak carriers like the JayLow, everything clicks together seamlessly. This is a premium option, and its price reflects that. But for the adventurer who needs a single rack to adapt to a wide range of gear and trip types, the adjustability and high capacity are worth the investment.

Leitner Designs ACS Forged for Ultimate Modularity

For those whose adventures start where the pavement ends, the Leitner Designs ACS Forged is the gold standard. This isn’t just a rack; it’s a complete cargo system designed for serious overland travel. Its fixed, cab-height design is engineered to carry heavy, dynamic loads over rough terrain. If your trips involve washboard roads and technical trails, this is the level of durability you need.

The magic of the Leitner system is its modularity, which extends far beyond the top crossbars. The rack’s uprights and side rails are designed to mount a wide array of accessories. You can add side-mounted GearPODs for storing recovery gear, universal mounting plates for RotopaX fuel cans, or brackets for traction boards. This frees up even more space in your bed by moving essential equipment to the exterior of the rack, where it’s easily accessible.

Constructed from forged aluminum, the ACS Forged is incredibly strong without the weight penalty of steel. However, this level of engineering and capability comes at a premium price. It’s a significant investment, and its fixed height lacks the on-the-fly adjustability of other systems. For the dedicated overlander who needs a bombproof, highly customizable platform, the Leitner ACS Forged is in a class of its own.

Thule TracRac TracOne: A Simple, Robust Solution

Sometimes, you don’t need endless modularity or push-button adjustability. You just need a rock-solid, reliable way to get two canoes to the river or a load of lumber home from the hardware store. The Thule TracRac TracOne is the workhorse of the truck rack world. It’s simple, incredibly strong, and built to last, which is why you often see it on work trucks.

This rack is a no-frills, fixed-height system made from powder-coated aluminum. Its 800-pound load capacity is more than enough for any combination of bikes and kayaks you can throw at it. The aerodynamic crossbars help reduce wind noise, and the entire system clamps onto your bed rails with no drilling required. It does one job—hauling heavy things above your bed—and it does it exceptionally well.

The trade-off for this simplicity and value is a lack of features. You won’t find side-mounted accessory panels or height adjustment. But if your primary goal is to carry long, heavy items without compromising bed space, the TracRac TracOne offers unbeatable strength and reliability for the price. It’s the perfect choice for the practical user who values function over form.

RetraxPRO XR for Integrated Cover and Rack Security

What if your top priority is not just carrying gear, but also securing everything in your truck bed? The RetraxPRO XR offers a unique and elegant solution. This system combines a top-tier, retractable aluminum tonneau cover with an integrated T-slot rail system. This allows you to have a locked, weatherproof truck bed and mount crossbars above it for your bikes and kayaks.

The system works by mounting crossbars from brands like Thule, Yakima, or Rhino-Rack directly to the cover’s rails. This keeps your gear at a low, accessible height just above the bed. It’s an ideal setup for someone who regularly parks in urban areas or leaves their truck at a trailhead for multiple days. You can head out for a ride or paddle knowing the gear in your bed is completely secure and out of sight.

This integrated approach does have limitations. The rack’s weight capacity is determined by the crossbars you choose but is generally lower than a dedicated frame-style rack. Furthermore, because the rack is low, you can’t fit tall items like a generator or large cooler in the bed underneath the cover. But for the adventurer who demands security and weather protection above all else, the RetraxPRO XR is a brilliant, all-in-one solution.

BillieBars CS Classic for Mid-Height Versatility

Not everyone needs to haul a 17-foot sea kayak over their cab. For many, a mid-height rack is the sweet spot, and BillieBars has perfected this category. The CS Classic system places the crossbars 5 inches above the bed rails, creating a strong, low-profile platform for your gear. This height is perfect for mounting mountain bikes, shorter kayaks, or a rooftop tent.

The primary advantage of a mid-height system is accessibility and aerodynamics. Your gear is easier to load and unload, and by keeping it below the roofline of your cab, you significantly reduce wind noise and impact on fuel economy. This makes a huge difference on long road trips. BillieBars are built from aluminum with a durable powder coat and feature a T-slot design compatible with most rack accessories.

The obvious limitation is that you can’t carry anything longer than your truck bed without it extending far off the back. This isn’t the rack for hauling lumber or long paddleboards. But for the weekend warrior whose primary load is a couple of bikes and a rooftop tent for camping, BillieBars provides a sleek, strong, and practical solution that won’t break the bank or kill your gas mileage.

KB Voodoo MAX Modular for Custom Configurations

If you’re the type of person who likes to fine-tune every aspect of their rig, the MAX Modular system from KB Voodoo is your playground. This is less of a single product and more of a component-based platform that allows you to build the exact rack you need. You can choose from multiple heights, from low-profile 10-inch racks to full cab-height 22-inch models.

The system is known for its incredible strength, typically using steel construction, and its massive ecosystem of accessories. You can add side-mounted accessory panels, awning mounts, light bar brackets, and more. This lets you build a rack perfectly tailored to your gear, whether you’re a cyclist, paddler, overlander, or all of the above. It’s a highly robust and customizable option.

This level of customization and heavy-duty steel construction comes with a weight penalty. These racks are generally heavier than their aluminum counterparts. The assembly can also be more involved than a simpler, off-the-shelf system. But for the DIY-minded adventurer who wants total control over their setup and values strength above all else, KB Voodoo offers a path to a truly personalized cargo solution.

Key Factors: Height, Capacity, and Compatibility

When you’re ready to choose, boil your decision down to three critical factors. Getting these right will ensure you end up with a rack that serves you well on countless trips.

First, Height. This is the most important decision.

• Mid-Height (5-12 inches): Best for aerodynamics, garage clearance, and easy access. Ideal for rooftop tents and bikes.
• Cab-Height (18-24 inches): Necessary for carrying long items like canoes, long kayaks, or lumber over the truck’s cab. Maximizes access to gear inside the bed.
• Adjustable-Height: Offers the best of both worlds but at a higher cost. Perfect for those who carry a wide variety of gear.

Second, Capacity. Pay close attention to weight ratings, and understand the difference between them. Dynamic capacity is the maximum weight the rack can handle while the truck is in motion—this is the number that matters for your kayaks and bikes. Static capacity is the weight it can support when parked, which is critical if you plan to use a rooftop tent. Always choose a rack with a capacity that exceeds your heaviest planned load.

Finally, Compatibility. This is the practical check that saves you headaches later. Does the rack fit your specific truck model’s year and bed size? Does it require drilling or is it a clamp-on installation? Most importantly, if you have or want a tonneau cover, you must confirm that the rack is designed to work with it. Many racks block the rails needed for a cover, so look for systems specifically advertised as tonneau-compatible.

Choosing a rack can feel overwhelming, but remember the goal: to make it easier to get outside. The perfect system is simply the one that removes the most obstacles between you and your next adventure. Don’t get paralyzed by analysis. Pick the rack that best fits your trips, your gear, and your budget, and then go use it. The best memories aren’t made in the garage comparing spec sheets; they’re made out on the water and down the trail.