I have a short bed Ford F-150 so I thought it would be a good idea to purchase a Lund bed extender from Amazon for $139 with free shipping. I was concerned that when sliding it up on the metal parts would damage the yak. So I added a few pieces of PVC to help protect the yak. The they are all mounted so that they roll and move as the yak is loaded. I'm happy with it overall, I may have to figureout how to mount a winch in the back of the truck bed to help pull the yak up. Loading it on the flat level ground is no problem but the pitch of most boat ramps makes it a different matter. It raise the angle and the yak wants to slide back away. I'm 64 and have had two back surgeries, any time I can make it easier on myself it's a good idea. I have been on the lookout for a used trailer. Patience comes to those who wait.
Been there. Your points are well taken. I can still envision certain instances where a bed extender needs to be used if I'm only carrying on PA and do not want to pull the trailer. If you are loading it with everything in it you carried on the water, that can be a decent amount of weight. Tight lines!