Published Date: February 14, 2021
Last Updated on March 23, 2023 by Camper Front
Rivers and lakes are features that we often seek when out for a camping trip. Not only does it reinvigorate your love for nature, but also compels you to participate in water activities like Kayaking.
But how do you carry a kayak on an RV?
This is every camper’s worst nightmare!
Here on this page, you will learn the simplest, yet most effective solution that ensures your Kayak(s) comes with you safely, without giving up any necessities even when running out of space.
More importantly, these techniques offer a convenient carrying, loading, and unloading of your kayak –so you have absolutely nothing to be afraid of.
Table of Contents
How Do You Carry A Kayak On An RV?
First of all, if you are obsessed with the tranquility of gliding through the water comfortably, you may love to come with your OWN Kayak.
And I want to make it crystal clear that “it is indeed possible to carry your kayak on the RV, rather than hiring one on the campground.”
There are numerous ways you can do that. Let’s look at a few that are relatively easy to accomplish by your hand and won’t pose any risk while traveling.
But you should have it at the back of your mind that the method you will use depends on the weight as well.
Don’t fret! kayaks aren’t that heavy. On average they weigh around 20-100 pounds. However, fishing kayaks are the heaviest as they can weigh more than 120 lbs.
So without wasting any more of your time, let’s jump right into it.
How To Carry A Kayak On RV
Below are the various ways you can easily carry a kayak on an RV, even if you’ve never done it before:
Method 1: Strapping The Kayaks to The Back of the RV
One of the famous methods for most campers is using a Bungie cord to strap their Kayaks to the ladder at the back of the motor home.
It is the easiest method that kills two birds with one stone.
First, it saves you from strictly tying knots in a rope, while snuggly keeping the kayaks In place (on the ladder) preventing it from slipping off or scratching the RV on the first big bump in the road.
Additionally, you can as well use foam pipe insulation to place around the rungs and at the sides of the ladder, to further prevent damage to either the RV or the kayak.
But the huge stumbling block for this practice is that you can only carry one kayak. And if you’re RV doesn’t have a ladder this method won’t work.
This method of transporting the kayak is mostly ideal for class B, class C motorhomes, or even towable RVs.
Method 2: Use Kayak Trailers
If you and your family are big on kayaking, you might want to consider buying a Kayak trailer because it allows you to carry all the kayaks along with you, without having to do much.
This option is probably not for bachelors and spinsters, as it was designed for experienced kayaking families.
Aside from that, it is quite pricey but the benefits it brings are worth every penny.
It doesn’t matter the length or size of the Kayaks, it is convenient when loading and offloading them.
Another significant benefit of using a kayak trailer is that you can buy a ready one in the market, or get a mechanic to customize one that suits your trailer’s towing capacity, as well as the number of kayaks.
Method 3: Get a Kayak Rack for your RV
The best way for transporting your kayak to the campground is to get a mounted rack on your RV.
Although, it is not everyone’s favorite especially for me because you will need a hitch on your RV, and not all campers have one. So you will have to install the hitch first before you could use the kayak racks –but that’s more costly.
Secondly, it’s quite challenging to get off and put on the kayaks on the rack.
And if not carefully fastened, the highway speeds can cause the wind force to blow the kayaks off your roof, which could lead to a fatal accident should there be any vehicle coming from behind.
Besides, these racks are expensive – but once you buy one, you can use it for a lifetime.
On the bright side, it is more secure than method 1 and the rack allows you to carry more than just kayaks. There is enough room that can hold bikes and largely carry other luggage supplies.
Also, they are easy to install and take off. You can either use these racks to carry your kayak on the roof or at the back of your RV.
BONUS TIP
Have you ever thought about buying inflatable kayaks?
If you haven’t, you should give it a second thought.
Because let’s face it: one of the simplest and trouble-free ways to conveniently carry a kayak without having to worry about space or mounting expensive racks here and there is when it’s inflated.
This is probably your best bet if you have a smaller RV that does not contain enough space for a kayak because these inflatable kayaks are lightweight, and can be folded into a bag and then stored in your RV trunk.
Another incredible aspect of inflatable kayaks is that they are available in a wide variety of lengths, shapes, and colors from various trustworthy brands in the market.
Conclusion
With the methods listed here on this page, the question of “how do you carry a kayak on an RV?” will no longer be a problem.
Funnily enough, these techniques may look ridiculously easy and practicable but can make a big difference.
It is common sense to forgo blowing the cash on a kayak trailer if you can make do with the other methods.
But if you feel you’ll be towing lots of kayaks and can afford it, no hard feelings.
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