Whether you’re driving to the lake for a day of fishing or heading out for a weekend kayak camping trip, transporting your kayak inside your SUV is the best way to protect your investment.
Not only will it protect your SUV and kayak from damage, but it will also keep it from shifting around and potentially causing an accident.
However, transporting a kayak inside an SUV can be a challenging task. And if it’s your first time, it may seem tricky! But with a little bit of planning, it can be done relatively easily.
In this article, we’ll give you some tips on how to do just that.
If you are thinking about getting a kayak, you may be wondering whether your kayak will fit inside an SUV or not! In short, the answer is yes; kayaks can definitely fit inside an SUV. But there are a few things to keep in mind.
First, you need to consider the size and type of the kayak. Most recreational kayaks are between 8 and 12 feet long, so you’ll need to make sure your SUV is large enough to accommodate the length of the kayak.
Second, the width of the kayak. Kayaks can be as wide as 36 inches, so you’ll need to make sure your SUV has enough width to accommodate the width of the kayak.
However, if you have a larger SUV, you might not be able to fit a kayak inside without some serious modifications. So, if you’re planning on buying a kayak, make sure you have enough space to store it before you make the purchase.
Once you’ve confirmed that your kayak will fit inside your SUV, you can start planning your next kayaking adventure. There’s no need to worry about whether your kayak will fit – it definitely will!
Why you might want to transport a kayak inside an SUV
You might want to transport your kayak inside an SUV, especially if you don’t want to invest in a truck or trailer. That’s where transporting a kayak inside an SUV comes in handy!
However, there are some amazing reasons with certain benefits;
First, it’s a great way to avoid damage to your kayak. If you’re transporting your kayak on the roof of your vehicle, it’s exposed to the elements and can be damaged by wind, sun, and rain. Transporting it inside your SUV keeps it safe from the elements and helps to prolong its life.
Second, transporting a kayak inside an SUV can be more convenient than transporting it on the roof. If you’re planning on taking your kayak on a long road trip, it can be a pain to have to stop and unload it every time you want to get out and stretch your legs.
Having it inside your SUV means you can take it with you wherever you go and not have to worry about unloading it every time you stop!
Finally, transporting a kayak inside an SUV can give you peace of mind in knowing that your kayak is secure. If you’re worried about it being damaged or stolen while you’re away from your vehicle, transporting it inside your SUV can give you an extra layer of protection.
The best way to transport a kayak inside an SUV
To be frank, transporting a kayak inside an SUV can be a bit of a challenge. Many kayaks are too long to fit inside a traditional car, and even if you have an SUV, getting the kayak inside can be a bit of a struggle.
But there’s no need to worry – with a little bit of planning, you can easily transport your kayak inside your SUV.
Here’s the best way to do that;
Fitting a kayak inside an SUV is actually quite easy if you know how to fold down the back seats. This will give you extra room to maneuver the kayak inside.
With these simple tips, you’ll be able to transport your kayak inside your SUV with ease;
- Fold down the back seats
Fitting a kayak inside an SUV is actually quite easy if you know how to fold down the back seats. This will give you extra room to maneuver the kayak inside.
- Lift the kayak into the SUV
If your kayak is too heavy, you may need help from a friend to lift the kayak into the SUV.
- Secure the kayak
Once the kayak is inside, make sure to secure it so it doesn’t slide around while you’re driving.
Most SUVs have fold-down seats that make it easy to load large items like kayaks. Before you load your kayak, make sure the area is clear of any loose items that could roll around and damage your kayak. Once the area is clear, fold down the back seats and begin loading your kayak from the front.
If your kayak is too long to fit in the SUV, you can try folding down the back seats and putting the kayak in lengthwise. This may take some maneuvering, but it’s often possible to get a kayak to fit this way.
Once your kayak is loaded, make sure it is secure before driving. You don’t want your kayak to shift around while you’re driving and possibly damage your kayak or SUV. If possible, put some straps around the kayak to secure it in place.
Let’s have a close look;
Loading And Unloading
SUVs are often taller than other vehicles, which can make loading and unloading a kayak a bit more challenging. Additionally, the extra height can make your kayak more susceptible to wind damage while you’re driving.
Here are a few tips to help you get started:
Loading a kayak inside an SUV
The good news is loading a kayak inside an SUV is not as difficult as you might think. There are a few things you’ll need to do in order to make sure your kayak is safely and securely loaded.
With a little bit of planning and the right equipment, it can be a breeze!
Here’s how you can load your kayak inside an SUV;
How do you load a kayak in an SUV
You’ll want to start by placing the kayak on its side, with the cockpit facing the back of the SUV. Then, you’ll need to tie the kayak down with straps or rope.
Make sure the straps or rope are securely fastened so the kayak doesn’t come loose while you’re driving.
After the kayak is secured, you can start loading any other gear you need for your trip. Once everything is loaded, you’re ready to hit the road!
Choose the right SUV
Not all SUVs are created equal when it comes to loading a kayak. If you have a smaller SUV, you may need to get creative with how you load the kayak.
But if you have a larger SUV, you’ll have plenty of space to work with.
Gather your supplies
Before you start loading the kayak, make sure you have all the supplies you need. You’ll need straps to secure the kayak, and you may also need a ramp or lift to get the kayak into the SUV.
Load the kayak
Once you have all your supplies, it’s time to load the kayak. If you’re using a ramp, position it so that it’s close to the SUV. Then, gently roll the kayak up the ramp and into the SUV.
If you’re using a lift, position the lift so that it’s close to the SUV. Then, lower the kayak onto the lift and into the SUV.
Secure the kayak
Once the kayak is in the SUV, it’s important to secure it so that it doesn’t move around while you’re driving. Use the straps to secure the kayak to the SUV, and make sure the straps are tight.
With these tips, loading a kayak into an SUV is easy! Just take your time, and be sure to secure the kayak properly.
Unloading a kayak from an SUV
Now that you know how to load a kayak inside an SUV, it’s time to learn how you can unload it. If the kayak is too heavy to lift, then it may be necessary to use a launching dolly. However, if the kayak is not too heavy, then it can simply be launched from the ground.
Here’s how you can unload it;
- Park your SUV next to a dock or a level spot.
- Place the kayak on its side next to the SUV, with the cockpit facing the vehicle.
- Open the rear door of the SUV and fold down the seats, if possible.
- Lift the kayak into the SUV, being careful not to hit your head on the door frame.
- Slide the kayak forward until it’s resting on the folded-down seats.
- Close the door, and you’re ready to go!
Now that you know how to load and unload a kayak inside an SUV, you can hit the road and enjoy your favorite paddling spots without having to worry about lifting your kayak up and over the side of the vehicle.
Now that you know how to fold down the back seats and transport a kayak inside an SUV, you can enjoy kayaking without worrying about how you’re going to get your kayak to the water.
How can You secure a kayak inside an SUV?
There are a few different ways that you can secure your kayak inside your SUV. One option is to use straps. You can either use ratchet straps or cam straps, depending on what you have available.
If you’re using ratchet straps, be sure to secure them to something sturdy inside your SUV, so they don’t come loose and cause damage.
It’s not worth risking your safety just to save a few minutes! So, be sure to secure your kayak inside your SUV.
What are some things to consider when transporting a kayak inside an SUV?
When it comes to transporting a kayak inside an SUV, there are a few things to keep in mind. Some of them are as follows;
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The first thing you need to consider when transporting a kayak inside an SUV is the size and width of your kayak.
Make sure that it’s not too big or too small for your SUV. If it’s too big, it could block your view out the back window.
And if it’s too small, it could slide around and get damaged.
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After that, you’ll want to make sure that the kayak is properly secured. You don’t want it sliding around inside the SUV while you’re driving.
This means using straps or tie-downs to keep it in place.
Remember, it’s best to put the kayak on the roof rack. This will free up space inside the SUV. But when you put your kayak in the backseat or trunk.
Just be sure to secure it, so it doesn’t move around during transport!
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Be careful when loading and unloading the kayak. You don’t want to damage the kayak or the SUV.
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If you’re transporting more than one kayak, you may need to get a bigger SUV.
Two kayaks can take up a lot of space, so you’ll want to make sure you have enough room inside your SUV to store them.
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When you’re going to be transporting it on a long trip, you might want to invest in a kayak rack.
But if you’re just going to be transporting it around town, you can probably get away with just putting it in the back seat or in the trunk.
No matter how you’re going to be transporting your kayak, make sure you take the time to consider all of your options before you hit the road.
Guidelines for safely transporting a kayak inside an SUV
When it comes to kayak transportation, safety is always the number one priority. Here are some tips for safely transporting a kayak inside an SUV:
- Make sure the kayak is properly secured before driving.
- Drive slowly and carefully, especially when turning or stopping.
- Avoid bumpy roads or potholes whenever possible.
- If possible, transport the kayak upside down on the roof rack to reduce wind resistance and noise.
- When loading or unloading the kayak, be careful not to scratch or dent the hull.
So, you can transport a kayak inside an SUV. And with a little bit of planning and some patience, you can definitely make it easier.
