Longest cargo loads

Any idea what the longest load is we can have sticking out the back of the truck bed?

I'm thinking of buying a 16.5 ft. kayak. Want to haul it around in the truck bed (rather than buy a special rack).

That leaves over 8 ft sticking out of the truck bed :eek:
Is this okay? I'm in California.

wow 8 ft, i think you should get a ladder rack, in ct you need a red frag on the end if it sticks out more than 3 ft.

How about a small trailer, like for dirt bikes, but without the ramps. You really dont want half your load hanging out beyond your bumper.

With the cost of the Kayak, I agree with MJ, I'd get yourself some sort of rack or trailer. That's an awfully long distance to be having stick out past your tail gate. A Cop might right you a ticket for carrying an unsafeload.... Sorry. :(

Watch out here...

If you have an accident with a 17' anything stickout out the back of your truck the courts will have a hay day with you. Get a trailer and make sure the lights work on the trailer.

Reason:
Drivers was carrying an unsafe load - They will say that you should not carry a load that extends pass the bed.

Biggest thing carried in my bed: Mother-in-Law - butt stuck out 20'.

I hauled a canoe in my old s-10 (looked funny) I let the front of it lay on top of the cab,I put my tail-gate up braced the other end in the corner of the bed against the tail-gate, tied it down real good, and put a towel on the top of the cab so it wouldn't scratch it up. Of coarse I didn't have far to go and I live out in the boonies.