Kayaking is a popular activity with outdoor enthusiasts and is a great way to experience nature while you’re RVing. RV kayak racks can get pretty expensive, so knowing how to build a kayak rack for an RV is a great way to save money and get a customized kayak transporting solution for your rig.
We’ll walk through some different DIY RV kayak rack plans in today’s guide.
How To Build A Kayak Rack For An RV
There are different options you have when choosing how to build your RV kayak racks, and fortunately most of them are extremely affordable and don’t require much expertise.
You’ll need to decide whether you want a vertical RV kayak rack versus a horizontal RV kayak rack.
You’ll also need to decide whether you’ll be storing your kayaks on your RV roof or placing your kayak mount for RV behind the vehicle.
Take notice of what else you are carrying and where it’s placed on the exterior of your RV when choosing your DIY RV kayak rack plan below.
DIY Vertical RV Kayak Rack
The first and probably easiest DIY RV kayak rack plan is to use a pre-made cargo carrier or RV cargo rack that hooks into your tow hitch.
Here’s an example of a popular RV cargo rack you can use as the base of your RV kayak carrier:
- RUGGED CARGO RACKS FOR TRAILER HITCH : Transport gear with ease using the Mockins Cargo Carrier Hitch Mount Basket, built to support up to 500 lbs. Designed for heavy-duty use, this weatherproof steel, folding cargo hitch carrier combines strength & a sleek look. The trailer hitch rack cargo carrier measures 60"x20"x6", offering generous space for luggage, camping gear or construction materials. Plus, our rust-resistant vehicle cargo baskets stand up to the elements for long-lasting durability.
- ALL-WEATHER TOW HITCH CARGO CARRIER BAG : The Mockins Hitch Mount Cargo Carrier bundle includes a soft-shell folding hitch cargo carrier bag measuring 58"x20"x24" offering 16 cubic feet of dry hitch storage . Made from abrasion-resistant vinyl with fully waterproof zippers, this cargo bag for vehicle cargo carriers handles harsh weather with ease. Reinforced seams & a protective flap with Velcro strips boost moisture resistance, making this hitch basket cargo carrier bag ready for the road.
- WITH A LICENSE PLATE BRACKET & MORE: Travel seamlessly with our cargo trailer rack , featuring a 2" raise for better ground clearance. The 2" receiver hitch cargo carrier fits a wide variety vehicles. Plus, this hitch cargo rack for SUV & car is designed with a license plate holder for added security & reflectors for visibility, while the car rack stabilizer set minimizes sway. Enjoy a smoother ride with this reliable trailer hitch storage rack with accessories. Also an ideal RV cargo carrier !
- ALL-IN-ONE HITCH PLATFORM SET: Along with a heavy-duty hitch mounted cargo carrier that supports up to 500 lbs. & comes with a stabilizer & hitch lock, this car hitch cargo carrier comes with a 16 cu.ft. trailer hitch carrier bag with combo lock & carry bag. Keep gear secure on the luggage rack for car with included buckle & ratchet straps, & a 36"x20" cargo net that stretches up to 75"x40". Lock everything down on the Mockins Car Luggage Rack for Hitch Storage for peace of mind on every trip.
- CUSTOMER CARE COMES FIRST: At Mockins, we put customer satisfaction first & back the quality of our trailer hitch cargo rack with foldable trailer bag combo. That's why we offer a 10-year limited warranty on this dependable hitch luggage rack set. The Mockins Rear Cargo Carrier for SUV & Car bundle includes essential hitch accessories such as a license plate holder—an industry first. Have questions? Please reach out anytime. Transport cargo with confidence using the Mockins Cargo Hitch Rack .
Here’s how to build a DIY vertical RV kayak rack:
- Assemble the RV cargo rack per the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Install the RV cargo rack on your RV’s trailer hitch.
- Line the bottom of the cargo rack with padding such as foam or something soft to protect the end of your kayak.
- Stand the kayak up vertically in the kayak rack.
- Secure the kayak by bungee cords, ratchet straps, or rope to your RV’s ladder.
- You can store up to two kayaks using this DIY vertical RV kayak rack plan.
DIY RV Kayak Roof Rack
If you’d rather transport your kayaks on your roof, you can build a DIY RV kayak roof rack.
Building a rooftop RV kayak carrier is extremely simple- just line your RV’s existing roof rack rails with pool noodles and line the roof with as many pool noodles as you can get your hands on.
These foam noodles will protect your RV’s roof and your kayaks from damage during transport.
- 6 PACK OF BLACK OODLES OF NOODLES POOL NOODLES: Includes six extra-dense foam noodles, each measuring approximately 48” long × 2.5” in diameter with an approximately 1” hollow core. Lightweight, durable and flexible for versatile use at the pool, lake, beach, or in craft project.
- EXTRA-DENSE PROPRIETARY FOAM: Made with dense closed-cell structure, these pool noodles foam resist bending, water absorption, and surface damage. Firm, buoyant, and durable, they’re stiffer than standard pool noodles, ideal for water fitness or soft play equipment.
- MULTI-PURPOSE FOAM TUBES: Lightweight foam noodles for crafts, décor, swimming, floating, aquatic fitness, summer camps, obstacle courses, DIY insulation and protective padding. Smooth surface and flexible build make them unique pool toys adults can enjoy for activities, games, and themed events.
- MADE IN NORTH AMERICA: Manufactured with safe, non-toxic, closed-cell polyethylene foam, our swim noodles foam is free of harmful chemicals and built to meet safety standards. Ideal for swimming pool toys and recreational use.
- OFFICIAL OODLES OF NOODLES BRAND: Trusted by families, camps, and recreation centers for quality and reliability, our swimming noodles are made from premium pool noodle foam for a dense, supportive feel. Available in standard and jumbo pool noodles sizes for versatile recreational use, water activities, and creative projects.
Cut the foam noodles to size if needed, depending on if you are aligning them parallel or perpendicular to your roof or the kayaks.
Once done, set the kayaks on top and use ratchet straps to secure the kayaks to the roof of your RV.
DIY Vertical RV Kayak Rack Under $200 (Option 2)
You can use a little creativity and cheap parts to make a very sturdy vertical RV kayak rack using supplies found at your local hardware store.
This vertical RV kayak rack plan uses a truck bed extender, a heavy duty luggage rack for a hitch mount, and a double decker receiver.
Cut square holes approximately 10” in size in the rack that your kayaks will sit in, then you can cut some pool noodles for each side and secure them to the rack with zip ties.
How To Build A Camper Kayak Rack
You can use the plans we outlined above when learning how to build a camper kayak rack.
Just make sure your camper has a tow hitch available or that you can install one so that your DIY camper kayak rack will work using the suggested materials.
Weld Your Own Custom DIY RV Kayak Rack
If you have some welding skills, you can really make a very nice and customized option.
Check out this video for someone who made a customized kayak and bike rack that mounts on to their trailer hitch for a fraction of the cost of a pre-made RV kayak rack:
How To Build A Kayak Rack For An RV: Wrapping Things Up
We hope this guide helped you learn more on how to build a kayak rack for your RV and saved you some money versus buying a premade RV kayak rack.
What plan did you go with, how did the process go, and were there any additional modifications you made?
Please share with us in the comments below!
While you’re here, check out our other great guides on RV mods:
- How to build DIY RV slide out storage trays
- Installing an RV bike rack over propane tanks
- The best RV outdoor kitchen mods
- RV gate ideas