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KAYAK TRUCK-BED OVERHANG CALCULATOR

Measure the support. Check the rear-projection rule.

Enter the truck-bed support, added support, kayak length and state-defined rear projection separately. The result shows marker status, projection-rule status and the checks that still need human verification.

Start the calculator →

THE OVERHANG CHECK

Will it fit?
What do you need?

Support length helps plan the setup. Legal projection is measured from a state-defined vehicle point. This tool keeps those two questions separate.

Physical support from the inside front wall to the bed/tailgate edge
FTIN
Open tailgate or support device; enter zero if none
FTIN
Overall end-to-end cargo length
FTIN
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.

When will you drive?

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

RULE REVIEW · 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.
BUILD THE NEXT STEP

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

RULE-TRIGGERED MARKINGHigh-visibility load flag

Compare the product dimensions and placement instructions with the selected state's official rule.

Review category →LOAD CONTROLCam straps and tie-downs

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

Review category →PHYSICAL SUPPORTTruck-bed extender

Adds physical support only. Confirm hitch fit, load rating, and every legal measurement point separately.

Review category →

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

Open official source · Caltrans · CVC §§ 35410, 24604 ↗

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.

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 Aug 16, 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 →