How to Build a Kayak Rack for an RV
If you own an RV, adding a kayak to your setup gives you another way to explore while you’re on the road. The only issue is that kayaks can be bulky and cumbersome to transport from place to place. Fortunately, there are many different types of kayak racks for RVs that make bringing your yaks along easy and convenient! Let’s explore your options…
Every RV owner who packs a kayak runs into the same problems: where to mount it, how much weight the rig can carry, and whether loading it takes one person or two. A DIY build can solve this for less than a pre-built rack. This guide covers construction, the range of RV kayak racks, what to weigh before you buy or build, and common mistakes — plus a few good spots to paddle once you’re set up at an RV park near Silver Falls State Park.
Key Takeaways
- A DIY rack costs less than most pre-built options.
- Roof racks suit motorhomes; hitch-mount racks suit trailers.
- Check your RV’s weight rating before adding a rack and kayaks.
- Test any rack at low speed before a long trip.
How to Build a Kayak Rack for an RV
If you’re handy and enjoy DIY projects, building your own custom RV kayak rack is a great option. You can save money and create a rack that meets your specific needs.
There are many different ways to go about a DIY kayak rack. PVC piping is a popular material for many DIY projects, as it’s strong, easy to cut, and comes in many sizes and fittings. However, this material is much easier to mount on the roof of your RV than on the hitch.
If you aren’t totally confident in your DIY skills, or you prefer to store your kayaks on the rear of your RV, you can modify a hitch-mount cargo carrier instead of building a rack completely from scratch. To avoid welding, most people use fold-down or hitch-mounted cargo trays when they go this route.
Tools and Materials You’ll Need
A basic build calls for PVC piping or aluminum channel, mounting brackets, weather-resistant padding, ratchet straps, and stainless hardware. PVC is cheap but softens in the sun; aluminum costs more but lasts longer. Budget $50–$150 for PVC and $150–$400 for aluminum.
Step-by-Step DIY RV Kayak Rack Construction
Measure your kayak and your RV’s roofline or hitch receiver before cutting anything, then dry-fit the frame to check the angles. Mount it with brackets rated for your roof or hitch class, spacing the points evenly, and secure the kayak with straps at the bow, stern, and midpoint.
Testing and Adjusting the Rack
Take a short test drive before a long trip, then recheck the straps. Side-to-side movement usually means a strap loosened or a mounting point needs tightening. Also recheck your total height, since a roof-mounted kayak adds clearance you can forget about until a low bridge.
Is a DIY Kayak Rack Right for Your RV?
A DIY build makes sense if you’re comfortable with basic tools and want a rack sized to your exact kayak and RV. It’s also the cheapest route. A commercial rack makes more sense if you want it installed the same day, or if your roof or hitch has an unusual shape.
RV Kayak Rack Options and Types
Before you decide to build a kayak rack for an RV on your own, it’s a good idea to take stock of the different types of kayak racks available for purchase. Carefully compare the cost of a new or used rack with how much time, skill, and material the DIY route would require. Here are some of the different RV kayak racks available:
Roof Kayak Rack
There’s plenty of space up on the roof for storage, but this option can make your kayaks more difficult to load and unload, and it may require more than one set of hands. This might not be the best option if you want to access yours easily and regularly. Adding extra height to an already tall RV can also increase your clearance concerns. There are several types of roof racks available, including ladder racks and fold-down racks.
Hitch-Mount Kayak Rack or Vertical Kayak Rack
Hitch-mounted racks let you store your kayaks vertically on the rear of your RV. This placement avoids adding extra height to your RV, and your kayaks will be easier to load and unload compared to roof rack storage.
Kayak Trailer
If you plan to transport a bunch of kayaks, a larger kayak trailer might be your best bet. They are convenient and accessible, but you’ll need a tow hook, and it can be challenging to maneuver an RV with a trailer, especially if your RV is long to begin with.
DIY RV Kayak Rack
DIY racks like the ones described above can be more affordable, but they require significant time and specific skills to assemble correctly. If they aren’t installed securely, they can be a safety hazard to you and others on the road, so take your time and do your research if you go the DIY route.
Used Kayak Rack
Rather than buy new or build your own, you can also look online for used kayak racks. This is a great option if you’re looking to cut costs but aren’t confident in your DIY skills.
| Rack Type | Best For | Advantages | Limitations | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roof Kayak Rack | Motorhomes and trailers with roof access | Space efficient, widely available | Difficult loading process | $$ |
| Hitch-Mount Kayak Rack | Frequent kayak users | Easy loading and unloading | May impact rear access | $$–$$$ |
| Kayak Trailer | Multiple kayaks or heavy models | Highest carrying capacity | Additional trailer maintenance | $$$–$$$$ |
| DIY RV Kayak Rack | Budget-conscious owners | Fully customizable | Requires construction skills | $–$$ |
| Used Kayak Rack | Occasional users | Lowest upfront cost | Potential wear and compatibility issues | $ |
Rooftop racks work best on motorhomes and larger trailers with flat roofs. Hitch-mount racks suit rigs where roof access is difficult. Confirm your hitch class and roof weight rating before choosing.
Choosing the Best Rack Based on Your RV Type
Travel Trailers and Fifth Wheels
These usually have thinner, less reinforced roofs than motorhomes, so a hitch-mount or bumper-mount rack is safer. A rack on the rear also adds tongue weight, so recheck your tow vehicle’s rating once loaded.
Class A, B, and C Motorhomes
Class A motorhomes typically have the most accessible roofs. Class C roofs are accessible but more crowded with vents and AC units. Class B campervans rarely have safe roof access, making a hitch-mount rack more realistic.
Truck Campers and Vans
These have the least roof space and weight capacity to spare, so a hitch-mount or bed-mounted rack usually fits better. Look for a mounting system that adjusts to your bed rail or hitch receiver.
Kayak Rack for Camper Considerations
When comparing different kayak rack options, consider the following factors:
Kayak Type
You need to ensure the kayak rack you buy is compatible with the types of kayaks you intend to transport. You could also choose an inflatable or foldable kayak that eliminates the need for a rack. Recreational and touring kayaks fit standard J-cradles. Fishing kayaks run wider and heavier, so check the weight limit, and tandem kayaks may exceed most racks’ rated length.
Capacity
Some kayak racks hold only one kayak, while others are designed to carry multiple kayaks safely. For example, stacker-style racks can accommodate up to four kayaks — enough for the whole family! Solo travelers or couples do fine with a single or double rack; families should look at stacker systems built for three or four instead of buying multiple single racks.
Weight
Whenever you add something to your RV, it’s important to think about the extra weight you’ll have to carry. Every recreational vehicle is rated to carry a certain amount of weight, and that limit is what keeps the vehicle safe while traveling. Extra weight can also reduce your fuel efficiency. Check your RV’s cargo carrying capacity, not gross vehicle weight rating — the rack and hardware count as cargo too. This weight rating glossary breaks down which number applies.
Size & Placement
The size and placement of your RV rack matter for aerodynamics, visibility, and safety while driving. A rack mounted too far forward or back can shift your center of gravity or block your rearview camera. A high or wind-catching rack also cuts fuel efficiency more than a low-profile mount.
Security
Some RV racks offer security measures, while others do not. If you have expensive kayaks that you want to keep secure, security will be an important factor. Look for racks with locking pins or cable loops, especially for overnight stays. A basic cable lock through the scupper holes deters casual theft.
Materials
Different materials affect the weight and durability of your kayak rack. Aluminum is much lighter than other metals and equally durable, so it’s often the preferred choice for kayak trailers and racks. Steel costs less but rusts without a coating. Aluminum resists corrosion without adding weight, though it costs more. This aluminum grade guide is a helpful reference for building your own frame.
Accessories
Some kayak racks require accessories such as tie-downs, while others come fully equipped. A kayak lift helps if you’re loading a rooftop rack solo, and padded cradles protect the hull from scratches.
Safety Tips for Transporting a Kayak on an RV
Balance the kayak’s weight evenly and use at least two tie-down points, plus bow and stern lines, for any trip longer than a few miles.
Know your total height with the kayak mounted, not just your RV’s listed height. Most states cap vehicle height between 13 feet 6 inches and 14 feet, and these state clearance rules are worth checking before a route through older bridges.
Before every trip, check every strap, bracket, and bolt by hand, and address any rust or loose mounting point before you pull out.
How Much Does a Kayak Rack for RV Cost?
Another major consideration is cost. Kayak racks can cost anywhere from $25 to $650 or more, depending on the type, whether it’s new or used, and the quality. Those with lift-assist technology for convenient loading and unloading tend to cost more.
| Option | Average Cost | Installation Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIY Rack | $100–$500 | Self-installed | Budget-conscious owners |
| Roof Rack System | $300–$1,000 | Optional | Single kayak transport |
| Hitch Rack | $250–$900 | Optional | Easy loading |
| Trailer System | $1,000–$5,000+ | May require setup | Multiple kayaks |
| Premium Custom Rack | $1,500–$5,000+ | Professional | Frequent travelers |
Materials, labor, and lift-assist hardware all factor into price. A well-built rack — DIY or premium — tends to cost less over time than replacing a cheap one that rusts or cracks within a year. If you’re budgeting for the whole trip, our Oregon RV park rates page shows what a site near the water costs too.
Common Mistakes RV Owners Make When Carrying Kayaks
Overloading a rack beyond its rated capacity is a common mistake, especially when adding a second kayak to a rack built for one. Loose tie-downs are another frequent problem; use rated straps at multiple points plus bow and stern lines. Skipping maintenance causes more failures than any design flaw.
Exploring Oregon by RV and Kayak
The Willamette Valley is one of Oregon’s best regions for combining RV travel with kayaking, with calm reservoirs and slow rivers within a short drive of most campgrounds. We’re based in Silverton, close to spots like the Silverton Reservoir and the Santiam River. See more attractions near us for other things to do between paddling trips. Silver Spur RV Park makes a convenient basecamp for exploring the water around Silverton, and our park map can help you find the site closest to the water.
A Recap of How to Build a Kayak Rack for an RV
Once you have your RV kayak rack installed and ready to use, you can focus on the fun part: making RV park reservations close to the lakes and rivers where you can put those kayaks to good use!
Silver Spur RV Park & Resort in Silverton, Oregon is close to many great kayaking spots, such as the Silverton Reservoir, Mission Lake, the Santiam River, Lower Silver Creek, and the Willamette River, just to name a few. There are plenty of options for beginners and advanced kayakers alike.
Building your own rack or buying one ready to install both work well. Either way, measure first, match the rack to your RV and kayak, check your weight ratings, and test it before a long drive. Thanks for reading — we hope to host you soon!
FAQs
Can I carry multiple kayaks on an RV roof?
Yes, with a stacker-style rack rated for two or more. Confirm your roof weight rating first.
Do kayak racks affect RV fuel efficiency?
Yes. A roof-mounted kayak adds more wind resistance than a hitch-mounted one, which sits lower and out of the direct airflow.
How often should RV kayak rack hardware be inspected?
Check every strap, bolt, and bracket before each trip, and take a closer look every few months if it stays mounted for a season.
Are there legal height limits when transporting kayaks on an RV?
Most states cap vehicle height at 13 feet 6 inches to 14 feet. Add your kayak and rack height to your RV’s listed height to get your real total.
What is the safest way to load a kayak onto a tall motorhome?
A kayak lift lets one person load a rooftop rack safely. Without one, load with a second person and lift from the ends rather than the middle.