From long journeys through rivers to a relaxing fishing trip, kayaking allows you to enjoy the freedom of open water. Which is exactly why many RVers consider a kayak to be essential equipment for RV camping. Kayaking provides a peaceful, uncomplicated means of exploring the outdoors. But getting kayaks to that perfect waterfront camping spot can be a little challenging. The question is: With limited space in the RV, where do you put it? Because if you go the hard-back, sit-up-top kayak route, you’ll also need to shop kayak racks for your RV.
Now, there are a few ways to transport kayaks on an RV. One, of course, is to transport a kayak on the rooftop rack of your tow vehicle. But transporting your kayak on an RV is a whole different story. RVs are typically more than nine feet high. So, if getting a kayak onto the roof is an option at all, it isn’t an easy one.
Fortunately, there are other ways to transport kayaks on an RV. We’ll detail a few methods and then list our favorite kayak racks for an RV at the end.
Kayak Transportation Options for Your RV
Top of the Tow Vehicle
Kayaks that are less than 10 feet can be secured in place in the box pickup — if your RV is a travel trailer. Additionally, some RVers transport kayaks that are under 10 feet long on a rooftop rack on the tow vehicle.
Be advised: That length matters. Longer kayaks transported on the roof of a tow vehicle can make contact with the trailer when you turn a corner. This can damage the boat and/or the trailer. Also, even if you have a shorter kayak, transporting it on the roof of the tow vehicle has two downsides:
- Kayaks are heavy. Lifting the 40- to 80-pound kayaks onto a rooftop carrier can be difficult.
- Kayaks increase wind resistance. Once mounted on top of the roof, kayaks often result in a noticeable drop in fuel economy
Back of the RV Ladder
Some RVers find creative ways to mount a kayak onto the RV ladder. However, this isn’t always a good idea. Truthfully, RV ladders aren’t designed to carry weight for an extended period of time. (Perhaps especially over all the lumps, bumps and jiggling that happen at the back of an RV during transport.) Also, using the RV ladder as an improvised kayak carrier could damage it or cause its mounting brackets to loosen.
Quite simply, it’s possible but risk-prone. I don’t advise it.
Hitch-Mounted RV Kayak Carriers
Hitch-mounted RV kayak racks transport kayaks vertically behind your RV. The vertical placement makes the process of loading and unloading kayaks easier than any other method. Basically, you just need to lean the kayak onto the main cradle of the carrier, then lift it onto the carrier. Once it’s in place, it’s secured there with straps. After that you’re good to go.
The benefits of vertical kayak transport don’t end with relatively easy loading and unloading. Because they’re positioned at the back of the RV, kayaks on hitch-mounted racks don’t create wind resistance like their roof-mounted counterparts. This helps to minimize effects on RV or tow vehicle fuel consumption.
Key Considerations for Purchase
There are a few things you’ll want to consider before you go shopping for an RV kayak carrier.
- RV cargo carrying capacity. Ensure the additional weight of kayaks and the kayak carrier itself won’t exceed the cargo carrying capacity for your RV.
- Hitch receiver size and capacity. RV hitch receiver capacity can be as low as 50 pounds or up to 500 pounds. It’s a good idea to know how much weight your RV hitch receiver can handle before loading it with the weight of a kayak rack along with kayaks.
- Kayak length. Be aware that carrying a kayak vertically on an RV might raise your RV’s clearance height. If this is the case, keep it in mind when you’re planning routes or driving.
- Fold-up features: Some kayak racks can be folded flat against the RV when not in use.
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- Durability and materials. Look for carriers constructed from robust, weather-resistant materials like powder-coated steel or aluminum to withstand the rigors of travel and outdoor elements. Stainless steel hardware is a plus for longevity.
- Budget. Kayak racks vary in price according to features and materials. Knowing which features you want and how much you have to spend will help you stay within your budget.
- Security features. Some carriers come with integrated locking mechanisms for security.
- Ground clearance. For vertical carriers, ensure that your kayaks will have sufficient ground clearance when mounted to avoid scraping on uneven terrain or during inclines.
- Will you travel with bikes as well as kayaks? Some kayak racks come with features like bike carriers. If you like to camp with both bikes and kayaks, this can save you from having to get an additional carrier for your bikes.
- RV approved. Be sure the kayak rack you choose is approved for use on RVs.
- Vertical clearance. When driving with kayaks mounted vertically be aware of overhead obstacles (low bridges, limbs, etc.).
Top Picks for Hitch-Mounted Kayak Racks
Ease of both installation and use have helped make these hitch-mounted RV kayak racks float to the top of the pack.
Recpro Vertiyak Vertical Kayak Rack for RVs
Manufactured in the USA, the Recpro Vertiyak Vertical Kayak Rack for RVs is great for kayaks and paddleboards up to 12 feet. This carrier stacks up to two kayaks securely in place. Vertiyak recommends users secure kayaks in place with ratchet straps using the holes provided for this purpose.
A cool feature is that the bottom cradle can be adjusted to three different heights, making it versatile for a variety of trailers and motorhomes. Another neat thing about this rack is that it folds flush with the back of the RV when not in use, getting it out of the way where it can’t get damaged. These kayak racks come stock with an anti-rattle hitch tightener which reduces movement of the rack during travel.
Important Notes: You’ll need to supply your own ratchet straps and hitch pin with this kayak rack. In addition, the manufacturer recommends the use of pool noodles to protect kayaks from scratches.
At a Glance
Capacity: 2 kayaks
Maximum weight capacity: 150 pounds
Dimensions: Top – 66 inches (H) x 40 inches (D) x 37 inches (W/Top) x 20 inches (W/Bottom)
Lower cradle opening: 11 ½ inches x 17 inches
Upper cradle opening: 35 inches
Weight: 46 pounds
Mounting: Requires a 2-inch receiver
Material: Powder-coated, 14-gauge steel (top), 11-gauge steel (lower hoop)
Mounting height: Lower cradle is adjustable to 3 mounting heights
Use: Motorhomes and trailers mounting kayaks up to 12 feet long;
Price: $449.00 at Vertiyak.com
Hyperax Iridium RV Approved Kayak Carrier
The Iridium Hitch by Hyperax provides secure kayak storage on the back of the RV. Reviewers report that it’s easy to install and durable enough to withstand years of use on the back of an RV. Made of carbon alloy steel with integrated foam pads on cradles to help prevent scratches, the Hyperax Iridium uses simple reflective straps to hold kayaks in place.
Important Notes: The Hyperax Iridium can only be used on vehicle combinations up to 50 feet long with trailers being only 25 feet long. This makes it unsuitable for use on many fifth wheels and longer travel trailers.
At a Glance
Capacity: 2 kayaks
Maximum weight capacity: 160 pounds
Mounting: Requires 2-inch receiver
Measurements: 65 inches x 5 inches x 76.49 inches
Weight: 52.5 pounds
Material: Alloy carbon steel
Use: Trailers, motorhomes, and SUVs
Price: 599.95 at Amazon.com
Honorable Mention: Yakups
Perhaps surprisingly, there aren’t a lot of options when it comes to vertical kayak racks for RVs. One other popular kayak rack for RVs until recently has been the Yakups kayak rack, which can haul bikes along with your kayaks. The Yakups rack is well-loved by RVers who tote kayaks on their adventures.
Ready to Rack and Roll?
Whether we’re exploring little islands in the middle of a lake, or paddling down a sleepy river, getting out on the water on camping trips is a fun and relaxing way to enjoy the outdoors.
That said, getting kayaks on (and off) the RV doesn’t need to be difficult. The right RV kayak rack makes loading kayaks simple and easy. Not only that, but you’ll have peace of mind that your kayaks will be safe and secure en route to wherever the road takes you.
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