13 Best Kayak Racks for RV

RVing is only worth it if you bring your favorite outdoor sport with you, and kayaking shouldn’t be an exception. RV roofs and ladders are not naturally suited to carry kayaks, which is why you need the best kayak racks for RVs to keep your paddleboards and kayaks safe in transit. Getting the right kayak carrier for campervans can be daunting because there are many options with compatibility and safety issues to consider in the market.

It all comes down to the compatibility of the kayak rack with your crossbars or ladder and how soft the resting bed on the kayak rack is. The type and number of kayaks you need to carry also matter when choosing the right kayak carrier for campervans. You need the guidance of those who have succeeded in moving sea kayaks around, which is why this guide is based on the experience of fellow camper owners that are also kayaking enthusiasts.

DR SPORTS Universal Kayak Racks For RVs

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The best kayak racks for RVs need to fit your camper’s crossbar and include everything you need to secure your kayak in transit, including the tie-downs. The complete package of the DRSports Universal Kayak Racks For RVs is a lifesaver as it includes all the accessories you need to secure a kayak. Moreover, the racks are made of solid steel frames to withstand harsh weather, but they are foam padded to keep your kayak safe.

This package includes two pairs of kayak racks, which means you can load two racks onto the trailer roof. The racks clamp onto most camper-roof crossbars up to 3.5 inches in width, accommodating most square and aerodynamic crossbars. Furthermore, the racks are foldable on both sides to free up your roof when they are not in use.

BougeRV Roof-Mounted Kayak Racks For RVs

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If you need more flexibility with the cradle shape for better management of your roof space, then you should buy the BougeRV Kayak carrier for camper roofs. The J-Bar on these racks can slide and tilt on both sides, allowing you to choose which side gets more space. Better still, you can carry two kayaks or SUP paddleboards on the rack, which allows you to carry more RV camping gear for the whole family.

The racks come preassembled, so there is no time wasted putting them together. The cradles also have inbuilt strap clips, which help you secure your kayak better without the risk of ropes sliding and squeezing your boat’s hull. Moreover, the paddle cradles on these kayak carriers are rubber padded to eliminate bouncing and keep paddles safe.

Yakima – SweetRoll Rooftop Mounted Boat Loader

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Yakima is one of the most popular brands for RV camping gear, and this is one of their most innovative kayak carrier for camper options. The Yakima Sweetroll kayak racks for camper roofs make loading easy as your boat simply slides into position because of the rollers on the pads. Moreover, the racks are super light and easy to install.

They are also compatible with most types of crossbars and can fit without scratching your camper roof because no bolts are needed to lock them in place. Moreover, these kayak pads come with a complete set of straps and tie-downs you need to secure your kayak. The pads also have springs that adjust to your kayak’s shape, so no adjustment is required.

Rhino-Rack Nautic Kayak Racks For RV Roofs

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If you need a sturdy set of racks that don’t need to be collapsed or removed every time you drive into your garage, then you should try the Rhino-Rack Nautic racks for campervan roofs. These low-profile racks grab onto your kayak like a secure pair of hands, so all you need to do is strap it down for extra safety. They are also universally compatible with square and aerodynamic camper-roof crossbars.

The cradles are nylon padded to prevent scratches and dents on your boat. Moreover, the pads can rotate 180 degrees allowing them to adapt to any shape of kayak or SUP paddleboard. The package also includes all the straps and tie-downs to secure every side of your kayak, including hooks for securing at the fifth wheel or A-frame.

YAKIMA – BigStack Rooftop Mounted Boat Rack

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If you need to carry up to four kayaks, regular saddle kayak racks for RVs won’t be of much help unless you have a stack rack. The YAKIMA BigStack kayak racks for campervans simply act as strong pillars for you to fasten a stack of kayaks. Like other kayak racks from YAKIMA, this one is a sturdy frame that comes with the straps you need to secure two kayaks, including bow and stern tie-downs.

However, the pillars can safely secure up to four as long as you get extra straps, which is a lifesaver when you are RVing as a family. When not used, the bars can be collapsed onto the roof for parking convenience. Moreover, the pillars have strap clips that make it easier to secure your kayak.

Malone Seawing Stinger-Combo Kayak Racks For Campers

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If you need a kayak rack that makes loading easy while protecting your camper roof from scratches, then you need the Malone stinger-combo kayak racks for campers. The stinger is the best thing about this rack, as it makes loading super easy, especially when loading alone. Moreover, the racks have a large surface that secures your kayak better, with the rubber padding protecting the hull from scratches.

These racks are adjustable to fit any length of crossbars which is suitable for wider rooftop crossbars. Better still, the straps lock safely thanks to the strap clips that reduce the pressure on your kayak’s hull. The stinger can also be locked onto the cradle when not in use to act as extra padding for the kayak.

Vertiyak Hitch-Mounted Kayak Carrier For Camper Backs

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Kayak racks for RV bumpers and hitches save your space, allowing you to use your RV’s roof for more demanding camping accessories. The rack still needs to be strong enough to keep your kayaks safe, which is why the Vertiyak kayak rack for RV bumpers is a wise investment. The best part is that the lower hoop can be adjusted to three different heights to help you choose the best position for your kayak, so it doesn’t get scratched.

These heavy-duty kayak racks for trailer hitches are built to last with a powder zinc coating to prevent rusting. The package also includes anti-rattle stoppers to keep the back of your camper quiet as you move. Better still, the rack is over 60-inches in height, which can accommodate any kayak safely.

YAKIMA DeckHand Roof Mounted Boat Rack

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A universal fitting kayak rack is the surest way to avoid extra crossbar costs after buying your kayak rack, which is why the YAKIMA Deckhand kayak racks for RV roofs are so famous. These racks don’t need any tools for installation because opening and clamping are the only actions needed to secure them to the crossbar.

Furthermore, the racks are easy to load thanks to the soft felt padding, which allows kayaks to slide smoothly when loaded as opposed to nylon which offers resistance. The package also includes all the straps needed to secure a kayak, including bow and stern tie-downs.

TMS J-Bar Rack HD Kayak Carrier For Camper Roofs

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If you need a wider bed to secure big kayaks better, then the HD kayak carrier for campers from TMS is a great option. It is one of the market’s best budget-friendly kayak carrier options, with enough security measures for your kayak, including a soft rubberized bed to protect the hull. Moreover, the wide bed and extra foam padding make loading smooth and easy.

These racks are easy to install because of the wide base clamps onto any crossbar, including round and square roof racks for RVs. Better still, the package has strong straps with ratcheting locks that are easy to tie down and secure.

Mrhardware 2-Pair Heavy Duty Kayak Racks For RV Roof

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If you need a low-budget package for your kayak rack, then the Mrhardware Heavy-duty kayak rack package is worth the money. The package doesn’t compromise on quality because the frames are made of durable steel. Moreover, the entire J-Bar is covered with soft padding to protect all sides of your kayak.

This rack is easy to install, and the base is compatible with most aerodynamic, round, and square crossbars. The main catch is that the package includes four 10ft straps, a durable bow, stern hooks, and ropes. The set can be tightened onto your crossbar using the knobs, so no tools are required.

ACCPOLS Bike And Kayak Racks For RVs

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Biking and kayaking/canoeing are great outdoor sports when RV camping, which is why this ACCPOLS kayak carrier for camper backs is also a bike rack on the side and a great buy. This package of one sturdy steel frame can carry two bikes and kayaks with everything you need to tie them securely. Moreover, these kayak racks for trailer hitches securely clamp onto any hitch receiver locking in easily without drilling your vehicle’s body.

The kayak racks are foam padded to hold your kayak snugly without scratching the hull. The rack’s height can also be adjusted up to 62-inches, enough to accommodate any kayak. Additionally, the rack can be securely folded into a smaller package for easy carrying and storage.

Thule Hull-A-Port Aero Rooftop Kayak Carrier

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Thule is the ultimate heavy-duty rack brand in the market, and the Aero rooftop Kayak carrier with its 130lb capacity is no different. The best thing about this rack is its strong grip on the crossbars that eliminate bouncing. This kayak carrier for campers also has one of the heaviest rubber paddings to protect the hull of your kayak. Its J-bar can adjust to 36” wide, enabling it to carry even the largest kayaks.

Thule kayak carriers are built to last with sturdy frames that withstand the battering of regular kayak transporting and harsh weather. The J-bars are also easy to adjust and lock securely using a simple knob under the cradle. Moreover, the rack can be folded to be completely flat for convenience when parking your camper.

YAKIMA, EvenKeel Rooftop Mounted Boat Rack

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If you don’t want your camper’s roof cover to be disturbed but still need a set of pads to carry your kayak safely, then the Yakima EvenKeel Kayak Racks for camper roofs will do the job. They are one of the easiest kayak racks to mount, and they stay out of the way, so no folding or offloading is needed when you park your motorhome. What’s more, these racks can carry any kayak in saddle style with protective rubber padding keeping the hull safe from scratches and dents.

The pads come fully assembled, so you only need to clamp them to your crossbars to secure them and then load your boat. Moreover, the package includes tie-downs for securing your kayak so the wind doesn’t damage the hull. The pads are also designed to self-adjust to the shape of your boat, so you don’t need to adjust anything once the boat is loaded.

How To Choose The Best Kayak Racks For Campers

Transporting a kayak in your RV doesn’t have to be complicated. You just need a rack that makes everything easy by installing easily onto your crossbars and offering a soft bed for your kayak to lie on. You have to ensure that the rack can support the width of your, too and that all the straps you need are in place. These are the other things to consider when buying a kayak carrier for campers.

Crossbar Compatibility

Most kayak racks are now made for aerodynamic crossbars to match the most popular crossbar makes in the market. You should therefore check the manufacturer’s specifications to ensure that the racks are compatible with your crossbars. Some manufacturers also make kayak racks that are compatible with their own branded crossbars, so you have to be keen on specifications.

Stability

The wind is always strong on the roof, which is why many kayaks in transit get ripped apart before they reach their destination. It gets worse when your rack is not clamping sturdily onto the crossbars because the bouncing and rattling will damage both the camper’s body and the hull. If you can’t get a roof rack that fits your crossbars, then you should consider kayak racks for RV bumpers because they can fit any hitch receiver.

Accessories And Convenience

Bow and stern tie-downs are important accessories that some manufacturers don’t include. You should never drive around with a kayak without tie-downs because the wind won’t spare it. You should also consider strap clips on the rack so that the straps don’t tie too hard around the kayak’s body, which can also cause damage. Collapsible J-bars are also an important consideration because your garage wasn’t made with the height of your kayak rack in mind.

What Is The Easiest Kayak Rack To Use?

Rooftop kayak pads are the easiest because they adjust to make loading easy and adapt to your kayak’s shape. Kayak racks for trailer hitches are also easy to load and dismount.

How far should kayak racks be apart?

It depends on the width of your crossbars. Most racks have a width recommendation between 24 and 30 inches. You may need straps to secure the base of your kayak if it goes too close to the camper roof.

Can I Go Through A Car Wash With My Kayak Rack?

No. It is safer for the car and the racks to be removed when going to a car wash.