how far can your kayak extend off tailgate
 

I have a tool box on the the back of my truck. I have an 8ft bed. my kayak extends just under 6ft off the back of my truck with the tailgate up.

Is this legal if i flag it?

I believe the law is with that much out you need extra lights as well

From the dmv
Lamp or Flag on Projections

24604.XXWhenever the load upon any vehicle extends, or whenever any integral part of any vehicle projects, to the rear four feet or more beyond the Xrear of the vehicle, as measured from the taillamps, there shall be displayed at the extreme end of the load or projecting part of the vehicle during darkness, in addition to the required taillamp, two red lights with a bulb rated not in excess of six candlepower plainly visible from a distance of at least 500 feet to the sides and rear. At any other time there shall be displayed at the extreme end of the load or projecting part of the vehicle a solid red or fluorescent orange flag or cloth not less than 12 inches square.

When I got my yak, I went to the CHP office and asked them. In a nutshell. You may extend one half the length of you vehicle. In other words, if your truck is 16 feet from front to back, you can extend 8 feet past the end of vehicle, not including the bumpers. Must have red flag during the day and a red light during the night. Also does not include a tailgate in the down position.

Another related excerpt from the vehicle code.

V C Section 35410 Projections to the Rear

Projections to the Rear

35410.XXThe load upon any motor vehicle alone or an independent load only upon a trailer or semitrailer shall not extend to the rear beyond the last point of support for a greater distance than that equal to two-thirds of the length of the wheelbase of the vehicle carrying such load, except that the wheelbase of a semitrailer shall be considered as the distance between the rearmost axle of the towing vehicle and the rearmost axle of the semitrailer.

While we're on the subject of safety...I have an xterra and a tarpon 120 and I've been just using a pair dakine straps, do you guys think its necessary to tie down the nose and tail?

2 tie downs is all I ever use, for long road trips the bow safety line is a good idea.

Pool noodles and cam straps
 

I run a pair of boats in my F250's 6.5 foot bed with red vinyl flags from Lowes hangin' on 'em.

Three 3" diameter pool noodles make it easier to slide the boats in and out without getting scuffed by the Line-X.

I run a 1/2" cam strap through the bow handles and another through the stern scupper holes. The bow line allays any tippage up and the scupper strap keeps 'em in place.

I used to run a third over the tailgate for bouncing, but it seemed not needed. If I did a long trip, I might add it.

There's no slack in the straps, but I don't snug 'em down hard. I've toyed with the idea of getting a tail light harness from Harbor Freight. Might help light 'em up for texting tailgaters.

I was warned rural county mounties on traffic duty and CHPs might ding you on a slow night. But, I don't know what's written in the CVC.

I got the red flag (that I only use 1/2 the time) but one thing I do use religiously is a red battery powered bike light velcro'd to the end of the yak when driving in the dark.

I think I need to pick one of these up. I have a red/orange flag hanging from the kayak, red and white reflective tape. I didn't think I needed a light while driving in the dark, but that makes sense.

I got a ticket for my stealth 14 extending 8 feet past my tailights. I had on a big red flag, more than 12x12inches. I think I can get this ticket dismissed, what do y'all think.

Is your vehicle's wheelbase 145.45 inches or more? Based on the CVC that was quoted earlier in this thread the limit is 2/3 the length of your wheelbase and 96 inches (8ft) is 2/3 of 145.45 inches.

for Christmas
 

i picked up the bed extender on sale , and the trailer lights . everything is made in china . never buy anything electrical from china . already having electrcal issues. connection problems with the bulbs .

What he said.

I always use two straps for <10 miles -

These
http://www.amazon.com/Master-Lock-30...terlock+straps

When I go up to dana or long beach, always bow/stern straps can't hurt. Make sure the tag end on the bow/stern are very secure. I drove over one once and it ripped the handle off my stealth