Official-source planning toolRules verified Sep 8, 2026 · Planning information, not legal advice
Check my load

KAYAK TRUCK-BED OVERHANG CALCULATOR

Measure the support.
Check the rule.

Measure your kayak, lumber or other long load. Check physical support and the state's rear-projection rule separately, then review the equipment and manual checks that apply.

Where do I measure? ↗Compare state rules ↗
Physical length comparisonFrom entered dimensions
Cargo length12 ft 0 in
Front-to-last-support reach7 ft 6 in
Bed floor Added reach
Beyond last support4 ft 6 in

Both bars start at the bed's front wall. Reach does not mean continuous contact or suitable support. This diagram does not show legal projection. Starting values are examples.

Planning information, not legal advice. Official sources are linked in every covered result. No account required.

LOAD CHECKTell us about the trip and setup
No account needed
1
Trip and cargoSelect where, what and when.
When will you drive?
2
Measure the loadUse the actual loaded configuration.

Prefilled dimensions are examples, not your measurements. This simple geometry assumes a straight, horizontal load aligned with the bed's front wall. Diagonal, tilted or offset loads need direct measurement and manual review.

Inside front wall to the rear edge of the bed floor; do not include an open tailgate
FTIN
Total support reach behind the bed floor; count overlapping tailgate/extender reach only once, or enter zero if none
FTIN
Overall end-to-end cargo length
FTIN
3 LEGAL-RULE MEASUREMENT
Measure from the taillamps to the extreme rear end of the load.
FTIN

Do not subtract a tailgate or bed extender unless the cited rule uses that point.

Measure this separately. The starting value is illustrative, even when a guide link fills the physical dimensions. Recheck this measurement whenever the state, trip time or load position changes.

Planning information only — not legal advice. Secure every load and confirm current rules, vehicle limits, cargo guidance, axle position, total length, and exceptions.

YOUR PLANNING RESULT

One result, three decisions.

Review physical support, the selected state rule and the manual checks that still apply before driving.

Edit measurementsOpen official rule ↗
MEASUREMENT SUMMARY · CA△

UNSUPPORTED CARGO LENGTH

4 ft 6 in

Marker equipment is triggered by the entered projection

California's maximum rear projection depends on the last point of support and wheelbase. Any projecting load still needs a manual maximum-length check.

Physical support7 ft 6 in

Cargo length12 ft 0 in

Legal projection4 ft 6 in

Marker threshold≥ 4 ft

MARKER STATUSRequired at entered projection
PROJECTION-RULE STATUSManual check required
DAYLIGHT REQUIREMENT

At 4 ft or more behind the taillamps: a solid red or fluorescent-orange flag at least 18 in square; wider loads can require two flags.

MANUAL CHECKS THAT REMAIN
  • Compare projection beyond the last point of support with two-thirds of wheelbase.
  • Confirm total vehicle/load length and any special-load exception.
VERIFY THE RULE BEFORE CHOOSING EQUIPMENTOpen official source · California Vehicle Code § 24604 · flags and lights ↗Open official source · California Vehicle Code § 35410 · rear projection ↗
NEED A HUMAN CHECK?

Build a clean fact sheet before asking an authority or professional.

No form, account or personal information is required. Opening the checklist only records anonymous interest in manual-review guidance.

BUILD THE NEXT STEP

Matched to this result; product links do not change the legal measurement.

RULE-TRIGGERED MARKING18 × 18 in red cloth load flag

The retailer lists an 18 × 18 in true-red flag. Check whether one or two flags, placement and attachment are required for this load.

Review retailer details →LOAD CONTROLCam straps and tie-downs

Choose rated equipment and follow the cargo and vehicle manufacturers' securement guidance.

Review category →PHYSICAL SUPPORTPickup-bed extender candidate

This retailer-listed candidate adds physical support only. Confirm vehicle and receiver fit, installed load rating, securement and every legal measurement point separately.

Review retailer details →

These are ordinary, non-affiliate product and category links. Overhangers does not currently earn a commission, and no retailer or brand sponsors, endorses, or has approved this recommendation. Read the disclosure.

Why the calculator asks for two rear-length measurements

Unsupported cargo length is a physical setup calculation. Legal rear projection comes from the reference point named by the selected state's rule. An open tailgate or bed extender can add support without moving the legal reference point.

Worked example: a 12 ft kayak and a 5 ft 6 in bed

Assume the kayak is straight, horizontal and aligned with the bed's front wall. A 12 ft kayak is 144 in; a 5 ft 6 in bed is 66 in. With 24 in of additional tailgate support, the calculation is 144 − 66 − 24 = 54 in, or 4 ft 6 in unsupported. These are hypothetical dimensions, not specifications for a particular truck or kayak.

That 4 ft 6 in is not automatically the legal projection. Measure the cargo end from the selected rule's origin separately. Adding support without moving the load does not move the cargo end. If the entered support exceeds cargo length, the tool shows zero unsupported length, not a negative result or proof that the setup is safe.

Use the measurement worksheet →

What the result does and does not decide

The result separates marker status, projection-rule status and manual checks. It does not determine weight distribution, product compatibility, axle position, overall vehicle/load length, special-cargo exceptions, route restrictions or permit eligibility.

VERIFIED STARTER COVERAGE

California, Texas, North Carolina and Washington rules were last checked on Sep 8, 2026. Every result links to its official source.

Compare the four state-rule boundaries →California truck-bed overhang law →Texas truck-bed overhang law →North Carolina truck-bed overhang law →Washington truck-bed overhang law →Read the short-bed kayak guide →Review a tailgate-down setup →