July 25, 2022 7 min read

A kayak rack is a great way to transport your kayaks, and it's not as difficult to build as you might think. With a little time and effort, you can easily build a rack that will last for years.

Know the Proper ways to install your kayak racks on RV

If you're an avid kayaker, then you know the importance of having a reliable way to transport your kayaks when you hit the open road. While there are a variety of ways to do this, one of the most popular is to install kayak racks on your RV. But before you start drilling holes in your beautiful rig, there are a few things you need to know about the proper way to install kayak racks.

DIY kayak: Mount the Rack to Carry Your Kayak

If you enjoy kayaking and own an RV, you may want to consider installing a kayak rack. This will allow you to bring your kayak or kayaks with you on your travels and will make it easy to store and transport them. Here are some tips on how to build a kayak rack for an RV. Decide where you want to mount the rack. You'll need to consider both the height of the rack and its location on the RV. Keep in mind that you'll need to be able to access the kayaks easily, so they shouldn't be mounted too high up. Choose the type of rack you want to build. There are many different designs available.

Place a Kayak Rack On the Roof

If you have an RV, you probably already know how difficult it can be to find a place to store your kayak. You may even have considered just leaving it on the roof of your RV, but that's not really a very good idea. Not only is it dangerous to have a kayak dangling precariously off the side of your RV, but it's also likely to damage the kayak or the RV itself. A better solution is to invest in a kayak rack specifically designed for RVs. There are a few different types of RV kayak racks, but the most popular is the roof-mounted rack. Roof-mounted racks are typically made of metal or aluminum and attach to the roof of your RV.

On the Back of a Camper or an RV

Decide how many kayaks you want to be able to transport. This will determine the size and number of racks you will need. Choose the type of rack you want to build. There are many different designs available, so take some time to browse the options and pick the one that best suits your needs.

Place Your Kayaks On the side of your RV or a Trailer

One option for storing your kayak on an RV is to simply strap it to the side of the vehicle. This is a relatively simple and inexpensive solution, but it does have a few drawbacks. First, it can be difficult to access your kayak if it's strapped to the side of the RV. Second, if you're not careful, your kayak could simply drop-down when you drive.

Gather the Materials You Will Need

Here are tips on how to build a kayak rack for your RV. You will need. Two PVC pipes. Four pipe clamps. Drill -1/8 inch drill bit. Measuring tape. PVC cutter or saw. Cut the PVC pipes to the desired length. The pipes should be long enough to reach from one side of the RV to the other. Use the drill and drill bit to make four holes in each pipe. These holes will be used to attach the pipe clamps.

Kayak Racks

Installing a kayak rack is a relatively simple process and can be done in a few hours. First, you will need to purchase a kayak rack system. There are many different brands and styles available, so be sure to do your research to find the best one for your needs. Next, you will need to measure the width of your RV's roof. This will ensure that the rack you purchase will fit properly. Once you have the measurements, you can begin installing the rack.

Lumber

You'll need some lumber to build the frame of the rack. 2x4s or 4x4s will work well. Hardware. Nuts, bolts, and washers will be necessary to secure the rack to your RV. Padding. You'll want to add some padding to the rack to protect your kayaks from scratches.

Drill

Decide where you want to mount the kayak rack on your RV. The most convenient location is on the roof of the RV, but you could also mount it on the back of the RV. Keep in mind that you'll need to be able to reach the rack to load and unload the kayaks, so don't put it too far.

Jigsaw

Decide where you want to mount the rack. Keep in mind that you'll need to be able to access the rack, so, again, make sure it's in a convenient location. Measure the area where the rack will be mounted. You'll need to know the dimensions of the rack in order to buy the necessary materials. Cut the lumber to size. You can use a saw or a jigsaw to do this. Assemble the rack using screws or nails.

car rack kayak

Assemble the Frame

If you have an RV, you may want to consider adding a kayak rack. Here are easy instructions for how to build a frame to store your kayaks on the top of your RV. Start by measuring the length and width of your RV.

You will need two pieces of lumber that are at least as long as your RV and two crosspieces that are half as long as your RV.

Drill four holes in each piece of lumber spaced evenly. Run a length of rope through the holes, tying a knot on the inside of each hole. Stack the lumber on top of each other, with the crosspieces in the middle.

Attach the Frame to the RV

So, the frame for our kayak rack is ready. Now it's time to attach it to the RV. To do this, we'll need some heavy-duty brackets and screws. The brackets should be wide enough to fit over the frame, and the screws should be long enough to go through the thickness of the frame and into the RV. We'll start by attaching the brackets to the top of the frame.

Once they're in place, we'll screw them into the RV. It's important to make sure that the screws are tightened securely so that the frame doesn't come loose while we're driving. Next, we'll attach the brackets to the bottom of the frame.

Add the Kayaks

Now that the frame is complete, it's time to add the kayaks! Start by attaching the straps to the front and back of each kayak. Make sure the straps are tight so the kayaks don't move around. Then, place the kayaks on the rack so they are evenly spaced. Once they are in place, use the rope to tie them down. Be sure to double knot the rope so it doesn't come loose. And that's it! Your kayak rack is now complete and ready to use.

kayak on the car

Final Thoughts

If you love being outdoors and on the water, then owning a kayak is a great way to enjoy your favorite activities. But if you have an RV, you need a way to transport your kayak with you. That’s where a kayak rack comes in.

A kayak rack for an RV can be a simple and effective way to transport your kayak, and it’s not as difficult to build as you might think. With a few basic materials and some easy-to-follow instructions, you can build a kayak rack that will make it easier than ever to take your kayak with you on all your adventures.

Commonly Asked Questions

How do I build an outdoor kayak rack?

Building an outdoor kayak rack is a great way to keep your kayak safely stored while not in use. To build an outdoor kayak rack, you will need the following materials: 4x4 lumber, 2x4 lumber, deck screws, outdoor paint or stain. First, cut the 4x4 lumber into four equally sized pieces. These will be the posts for your rack. Next, cut the 2x4 lumber into eight equally sized pieces. These will be the crossbars for your rack. Drill pilot holes in the 4x4 posts and attach the 2x4 crossbars with deck screws. Finally, paint or stain your rack to protect it from the elements.

kayak rack on the car

How do you make a homemade kayak rack for camping?

There are many ways to make a homemade kayak rack. One popular method is to use two PVC pipes, two pieces of plywood, and some rope.

First, cut the PVC pipes to the desired length and then glue them together.

Next, cut the plywood into two pieces that will fit snugly around the PVC pipes.

Finally, drill some holes into the plywood and use the rope to tie it all together.

How do you make a homemade kayak rack for a bike?

There are a few different ways that you can make a homemade kayak rack for a bike. One way is to attach two PVC pipes to the front and back of your bike frame using zip ties. You can then place the kayak on top of the pipes and secure it with straps. Another way is to Attach a bike rack to the back of your bike, and then secure the kayak to the rack with straps.

Is the kayak rack building concept for an RV and for a trailer the same?

A kayak rack is a device used to store or transport kayaks. There are many different types and designs of kayak racks, but the basic concept is the same for all of them. The main difference between the kayak rack for an RV and the kayak rack for a trailer is that the RV kayak rack is typically attached to the roof of the RV, while the trailer kayak rack is typically attached to the side or rear of the trailer.

Which is better: a verticle kayak rack or a horizontal one?

There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on personal preference and what type of kayak you have. Some people prefer vertical kayak racks as they are easier to load and unload, while others prefer horizontal kayak racks as they provide better stability and protection for the kayak.

Author - Olivia Poglianich
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Olivia Poglianich          

Content Strategist

Olivia Poglianich is a nomadic brand strategist and copywriter in the surf, watersports and outdoor adventure space who has worked with brands such as Visa, Disney and Grey Goose. Her writing has taken her all over the world, from a Serbian music festival to a Malaysian art and culture event. Olivia is a graduate of Cornell University and is often writing or reading about travel, hospitality, the start-up ecosystem or career coaching. Her latest interests are at the intersection of web3 and communal living, both on and offline.


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