The Origins of Yakima

Founded in the 1970s in the small town of Yakima, Washington, Yakima began as a modest machine shop. Over time, it grew into one of the most recognized names in the cargo transportation industry. With its roots in innovation and outdoor passion, Yakima’s focus has always been on creating products that help people carry their gear—safely, conveniently, and in style.

Today, Yakima has a vast catalog of bike racks, roof cargo boxes, ski/snowboard mounts, kayak carriers, and truck accessories. Their deep understanding of adventurers’ needs has helped them design gear that’s not just functional but also stylish and durable.

Commitment to Innovation and Engineering

Yakima is renowned for its commitment to smart engineering and superior design. Each of their products undergoes extensive field testing under real-world conditions. The LongArm is a perfect example of this—an adaptable truck bed extender that blends strength, utility, and style.

The brand collaborates with outdoor enthusiasts, professional athletes, and engineers to refine every product. This ensures Yakima’s offerings aren’t just built for show—they’re tools crafted for purpose and performance.

Environmental and User Responsibility

Yakima isn’t just about selling gear. They’re also a brand that cares about the environment and user safety. They follow stringent sustainability practices and ensure their materials are recyclable and responsibly sourced. Products like the LongArm demonstrate their belief in creating long-term solutions that are safe for users and environmentally friendly.

Customer-Centric Philosophy

Another reason Yakima has become a household name among outdoor lovers is their exceptional customer service. With extended warranties, how-to videos, helpful documentation, and responsive support, Yakima ensures that buyers feel confident throughout the product’s lifecycle.

The LongArm Hitch Rack is backed by a limited lifetime warranty, which further showcases Yakima’s trust in its build quality.

2. Product Overview and Key Specifications

Introducing the Yakima LongArm Aluminum Hitch Rack

The Yakima LongArm is a truck bed extender that mounts to any 2-inch hitch receiver. Its primary function is to add additional support when carrying items longer than your truck bed—such as kayaks, ladders, lumber, or canoes. Designed to work both with tailgate down and up, and even at roof height, this adjustable 3-position rack maximizes the versatility of your vehicle.

Key Features At a Glance

Dimensions & Measurements

• Length (fully extended): Up to 60 inches
• Width of Crossbar: 48 inches (accommodates wide loads)
• Height Adjustment Range: Roof-height mode supported with LongArm Height Extension (sold separately)

Three-Position Design Explained

The standout feature of the LongArm is its tri-level adjustability, which provides users with three distinct hauling modes:

1. Bed Extension Mode – Ideal for hauling when your tailgate is down. Great for lumber or long boards.
2. Flatbed Mode – Offers support flush with the tailgate up.
3. Roof Height Mode – With the addition of the LongArm Height Extension, the extender reaches roof level, enabling rooftop-level support for kayaks or canoes.

Black Powder-Coated Aluminum Finish

The premium black powder-coated finish not only provides a sleek and professional look but also protects against:

• Scratches
• Rust
• UV exposure
• Road grime and salt

This ensures that the LongArm maintains its appearance and integrity even in harsh conditions.

Tool-Free Install and Secure Fit

The LongArm uses a simple bolt-on system with minimal tools required for setup. Installation can be done in under 30 minutes. The adjustable arm fits tightly into a 2-inch receiver, and Yakima offers a lockable hitch bolt (sold separately) for added anti-theft security.

Yakima’s signature Hitch Tight™ technology ensures minimal wobble, making it ideal for both highway and off-road conditions.

Who Is It For?

• Outdoor Adventurers – Kayakers, paddleboarders, and canoeists who need to transport gear safely.
• Contractors and DIYers – Transporting construction materials like PVC pipes, wooden beams, or drywall.
• Homeowners – Perfect for weekend hauls from hardware stores, gardening centers, or moving long furniture.
• Anyone with a Short Bed Truck – The LongArm significantly extends cargo space, reducing the need for trailer use.

✅ Benefits at a Glance

• Expands truck’s hauling capacity instantly
• Lightweight but highly durable
• Multiple positions for different needs
• Corrosion and UV-resistant
• Backed by Yakima’s warranty and reputation

3. Material & Durability: The Power of Aluminum Construction

Why Material Matters in a Truck Bed Extender

When transporting long and often expensive cargo like kayaks, timber, or ladders, your gear extender must offer more than just size — it must offer reliability, strength, and longevity. This is where Yakima’s decision to use aluminum as the core material for the LongArm shines.

Aluminum vs. Steel: Which Is Better?

Let’s look at why aluminum construction is a game-changer:

Aerospace-Grade Strength in a Hauler

Yakima’s aluminum isn’t just standard-grade—it’s an aerospace-grade alloy treated for durability. It’s the same material used in high-performance aircraft and bicycles, offering:

• High strength-to-weight ratio
• Structural rigidity under pressure
• Natural corrosion resistance
• No compromise on reliability

Even with heavy loads up to 300 lbs, the LongArm remains stable. The wide crossbar provides additional torsional support, minimizing flex and sag during use.

Powder-Coated for All-Weather Protection

Yakima coats the LongArm in a black powder finish, giving it more than just an aesthetic advantage. The coating is:

• UV-resistant – Won’t fade or weaken under sun exposure
• Scratch-resistant – Holds up against tools and outdoor elements
• Anti-corrosion – Protects the aluminum from road salt, water, and mud

This finish ensures the extender remains in good condition for years of use, even in coastal or snowy areas.

Real-World Durability Tests

Outdoor professionals and hobbyists have put the LongArm through:

• Rain and snow hauls across Canada
• Saltwater exposure during beachside kayak transports
• Rocky off-road terrain carrying timber and metal rods

In all cases, it remained firm, didn’t warp, and showed minimal cosmetic wear even after prolonged use.

4. Design Features: Three-Position Adjustability & Ergonomics

The Versatility That Sets the LongArm Apart

What makes the Yakima LongArm especially popular is its adjustable three-position setup. Unlike many fixed-height bed extenders, the LongArm is engineered to adapt to your cargo type, vehicle size, and hauling style.

Three Position Modes Explained

✅ 1. Bed Height Mode

This is the base position. Ideal when your tailgate is up, providing a flush continuation of your truck bed. It keeps loads like:

• Long PVC pipes
• 8’ timber or trim
• Sheetrock

…level and secure without stressing the tailgate.

✅ 2. Tailgate Mode

When the tailgate is down, the LongArm extends its arm to provide support at that lowered level. This is perfect for:

• Kayaks or canoes extending beyond the tailgate
• Ladders that need stable back-end support

The extender ensures they don’t sag or fall out during transportation.

✅ 3. Roof Height Mode (with Height Extension Accessory)

With the Yakima LongArm Height Extension (sold separately), you can convert the LongArm into a roof-height support rack. This is ideal for:

• Transporting boats or long gear on roof racks
• Matching a truck cab-level roof rack height
• Loading gear that overhangs the roof but needs stable rear support

This mode is especially popular with kayak enthusiasts who already use roof-mounted cradles.

Ergonomic Adjustability and Tool-Free Transitions

Adjusting between modes is fast and tool-minimal. The ergonomic knobs and easy pin-release system allow for:

• Fast height changes
• Custom tilt adjustment
• Stable lock-in-place positioning

It’s designed so that one person can adjust the LongArm in under 5 minutes, without needing professional tools.

Stability and Wobble Control

The LongArm uses Yakima’s HitchTight™ system, which reduces play in the receiver. This means:

• Less noise during driving
• More stability even on bumpy roads
• Improved handling at high speeds

It also allows for tight lock-in fitment, avoiding rattles and reducing wear on your hitch.

Additional Design Elements That Add Value

🔧 Integrated Tie-Down Points

Multiple points on the crossbar and arms for ratchet straps or bungees provide secure options to tie down:

• Surfboards
• Scaffolding poles
• Kayaks and boats

🚩 Safety Flag Attachment

There’s a built-in mount to attach a red safety flag, a legal requirement in many states when hauling gear longer than your vehicle.

🧱 Square Tubing Design

This not only looks great but provides superior torsional rigidity, ensuring the bar doesn’t twist under heavy or uneven loads.

🌊 Drainage Ports

Tiny holes in the bar allow rainwater to drain out—preventing rusting from inside and keeping weight minimal.

🧰 Design Awards & Industry Praise

The LongArm has been recognized in gear publications for:

• Best Truck Bed Extender for Water Sports (OutdoorGearLab)
• Top Innovation for DIY Transport (Truck Life Magazine)
• Featured on Top Kayak Transport Gear by REI Co-op Blog

Summary of Design Benefits

5. Ease of Installation & Compatibility with 2-Inch Hitch Receivers

Straightforward Installation Process

Yakima designed the LongArm with simplicity in mind. Unlike many hitch-mounted accessories that require complex tools or drilling, the LongArm can be installed in under 30 minutes, even by someone with no prior experience.

🧰 What’s Included in the Box:

• Main aluminum beam (pre-coated)
• Crossbar with end caps
• Mounting bolts and pins
• Hitch tightening mechanism (HitchTight™)
• Detailed instruction manual with visuals

🔩 Tools Needed (Not Included):

• Standard wrench or socket set
• Optional torque wrench for secure tightening

Step-by-Step Installation Overview

1. Insert into Hitch Receiver
   Slide the main beam into your 2-inch hitch receiver. It should slide in snugly without excessive resistance.
2. Align and Lock
   Use the supplied hitch pin and bolt to secure the main beam. Optional: Yakima’s lockable hitch bolt (sold separately) adds anti-theft protection.
3. Attach Crossbar
   Mount the crossbar using the included hardware, adjusting to the required width.
4. Adjust Height Setting
   Choose between bed, tailgate, or roof height (if using the extension). Use the knob and lock pin to secure the height.
5. Secure With HitchTight™
   Tighten the anti-wobble knob to remove any play in the hitch connection. This greatly reduces vibration.
6. Final Safety Check
   Wiggle-test the assembly. Load your cargo to verify proper support.

Video Support

Vehicle Compatibility

The Yakima LongArm is compatible with any truck or SUV that has:

• A standard 2-inch Class III or Class IV hitch receiver
• Clearance behind the vehicle to allow the extender beam to drop

✅ Compatible With:

• Ford F-150, Ranger
• Toyota Tacoma, Tundra
• Chevrolet Silverado, Colorado
• Ram 1500, 2500
• GMC Sierra, Canyon
• Nissan Frontier, Titan
• Honda Ridgeline
• Full-size SUVs like Chevy Tahoe, Toyota Sequoia (for roof height use)

⚠️ Note: Vehicles with spare tires behind the hitch may need an extension adapter for full clearance.

6. Payload and Utility: Kayaks, Lumber, Ladders, and More

Multi-Purpose Hauling System

The Yakima LongArm is not a one-trick pony—it’s a multi-use hauler for everything from weekend lake trips to weekday work jobs. Its 48-inch wide crossbar accommodates large and irregular loads, and the 300-pound weight capacity gives it impressive hauling power.

1. Kayaks and Canoes

Perhaps the most common use for the LongArm is hauling long watercraft. Whether you’re into:

• Touring kayaks
• Sit-on-top kayaks
• Sea kayaks
• Tandem or solo canoes

…the LongArm supports the back end of your boat, while the front sits on a roof rack or bed mount.

🛶 Key Benefits:

• Protects hull from sagging
• Eliminates the need for a trailer
• Works in tandem with Yakima roof cradles
• Perfect for solo adventurers—easy to load/unload

2. SUPs and Surfboards

Long paddleboards and surfboards often extend beyond a truck bed. The LongArm holds them level and reduces the risk of damage or warping during travel.

Use ratchet straps or Yakima’s tie-down kits to secure them tightly.

3. Ladders and Construction Materials

For tradespeople and contractors, the LongArm is ideal for transporting:

• Extension ladders
• Scaffolding
• 2×4, 2×6, and 2×8 lumber
• PVC, copper, and conduit piping
• Sheetrock and drywall

Its wide crossbar and strong support reduce the chance of shifting or sagging materials, improving road safety and reducing risk of product damage.

👷 Tip: Add reflective tape and use the built-in flag mount for oversized jobsite loads.

4. Home Improvement and Landscaping Gear

Weekend warriors and DIYers love the LongArm for its convenience. You can haul:

• Fence posts
• Rolled turf or pipes
• Gardening timber
• IKEA flat packs (yes, really!)

This makes it ideal for homeowners and rural property owners who regularly move awkward items.

5. Roof Rack Extension Mode

With the Height Extension accessory, the LongArm becomes an upright vertical support—acting like a rear rack tower.

This allows you to carry:

• Canoes or kayaks at cab height
• Long loads across your vehicle roof
• Roof boxes or platforms with rear support

💡 Bonus Use: Tarp frame support

Some creative users even use it to drape tarps or mobile shelters during camping.

Real-World Load Examples

Yakima advises distributing weight evenly and using secure tie-downs to maximize safety and performance.

Legal Considerations

In the U.S., any load extending more than 4 feet beyond the rear bumper must be flagged or marked with a red flag (included in Yakima’s optional accessories). Some states also require taillight extensions.

Summary of Utility Features