How To Build A Kayak Rack For An RV (Ultimate Guide!)

Do you own a kayak? Do you have an RV? Does that RV have somewhere to put your kayak? If not, that’s not a problem because, in this article, we will show you how to build your very own kayak rack.

The easiest short-term kayak rack you can build is made out of two to four pool noodles and three ratchet straps per kayak. Lay the pool noodles on top of the RV, put the kayak or kayaks on top of the pool noodles, and ensure that they are secured using the ratchet straps.  

The following is a more extensive explanation of how to set up this kayak rack and how you can set up two alternative kayak racks that are more permanent. Just stick around and find out how to build a kayak rack for an RV.

How To Make A Kayak Rack For An RV 

In this article, we are going to go over three methods of building a kayak rack for your RV. These are the kayak pad method, the top mount method, and the tow hitch method.

The Kayak Pad Method

This method is predominantly used by cars and is by far the most simplistic method out there. Kayak pads also work just as well, mounting kayaks to your RV.

What You Will Need

  • 2 to 4 solid pool noodles depending on the size of your kayak.
  • 3 ratchet straps. (per kayak)

How To Mount Your Kayak

Step 1. Lay pool noodles on the roof of the RV. If you are using four, you can either spread them out evenly or place two where the front of the kayak will be and two where the back will be (whichever option you choose to use, the outcome is the same). If you are using two pool noodles, one has to go at the front, and one has to go at the back.

Step 2. Position the kayaks on top of the pool noodles.

Step 3. Use three ratchet straps to secure one of the kayaks in position. Secure each kayak with one ratchet in the front, one in the middle, and one in the back of each kayak.

The Top Mount Method

This method requires you to have a moderate understanding of the art of welding.

Top-mounted kayak racks are generally used for transporting larger kayaks longer than 7 feet. However, you can use a top-mounted kayak rack for kayaks of all sizes.

What You Will Need

  • An electric sander 
  • A set of large workbench clamps
  • A drill
  • Welding equipment
  • A hand saw or circular saw
  • A measuring tape
  • 2 x spray cans of gorilla waterproof patch and seal
  • 2 x packets of 12 adhesive rubber pads
  • 2 x packets of large screws or bolts
  • 2 x hollow pool noodles
  • 4 x 5-foot long steel tubing that is 1 and ½ inches thick
  • 6 x 2-inch long steel tubing that is 1 and ½ inches thick
  • 6 x steel plates that are 2 inches wide, 3 inches long, and ¼ inch thick
  • 6 x ratchet straps

How To Assemble

Step 1. Take each of the 5-foot steel tubes and cut the ends to a 45% angle, making sure that the pointy ends are on the same side of the tube.

Step 2. Lay all of the tubes on the ground in a square. 

Step 3. Take 2 of the tubes and weld the 45% cuts together. Repeat this with all of the pieces until you have a solid square frame.

Step 4. Take 1 of the steel plants and lay the plate down on a workbench with one of the long sides facing towards you.

Step 5. Now take 1 of the 2-inch steel tubing and use the electric sander to make sure that both ends of the tube are flat enough to stand upright.

Step 6. From the top of the plate. Measure 1-inch down and make a mark. Use that mark to draw a line across the length of the plate. If done correctly, this line should be in the exact center of the Y-axis of the plate.

Step 7. Place the tube upright 5/8 of an inch from the left-hand side of the plate, making sure that the center of the tube is lined up with the line you made on the plate.

Step 8. Use a large workbench clamp to secure the two pieces together so you can spot weld each side of the tube to the plate.

Step 9. Now that you have secured the plate to the tube with some spot welds, you can now remove the clamp and continue welding the rest of the way around the tube. Repeat steps 4 through 9 with all of the remaining plates and tubes.

Step 10. Take the legs you have just welded and place three of them on the left side of the frame and three on the right side of the frame, making sure that you spread the legs on both sides out with one in the front, one in the back, and one in the middle.

Step 11. Put the leg on top of the frame with the foot up in the air. Use the large workbench clamp to keep the leg in position.

Step 12. Make spot welds on each side of the 2-inch tube where it meets the frame. Then remove the clamp and finish welding the leg to the frame. Repeat steps 11 and 12 on all of the remaining legs.

Step 13. While the frame is still upside down, take the adhesive rubber pads and stick 4 onto the bottom of each of the leg’s feet with one rubber pad on each corner of the foot.

Step 14. Cover the entire frame with a layer of gorilla waterproof patch and seal. Let the first layer set and then apply a second layer.

How To Install The Frame

You may need to get a friend to help you with the installation of the frame.

Step 1. Hoist the frame up and position it on top of your RV, making sure the legs are positioned over the RVs frame.

Step 2. Drill a hole through each of the frame’s feet into the RVs frame.

Step 3. Fasten the frame to the roof using the large screws or bolts, depending on which you landed up buying.

Step 4. Cover the fastened screws or bolt with a layer of Gorilla waterproof patch and seal to prevent water from seeping into the hole, causing rust.

Step 5. Draw a straight line down the length of each of the hollow pool noodles. Cut along that line until you reach the center of the pool noodle.

Step 6. Open the pool noodles by the cut you made and wrap one around the front bar of the frame and one around the back.

How to mount your kayak

Step 1. Hoist your kayak onto the top of the RV.

Step 2. Lay the kayak across the pool noodles.

Step 3. Fasten the kayak to the rack with three ratchet straps. Now secure one ratchet in the back, one in the middle, and one in the front.

The Tow Hitch Method

This method requires you to have a moderate understanding of the art of welding.

What you will need

  • 1 x 5-foot square steel tubing that is 1 and ½ inches thick
  • 1 x 6-foot square steel tubing that is 1 and ½ inches thick
  • 9 x 31-inch square tubing that is 1 and ½ inches thick
  • 1 x 6-foot angle iron three-sixteenths of an inch thick
  • 1 x haul master deluxe cargo carrier 
  • 1 x strat hitch extension bar
  • 1 x dual hitch extender
  • 3 x hollow pool noodles
  • 3 x spray cans of gorilla waterproof patch and seal
  • 6 x eye hooks
  • A set of large workbench clamps
  • A circular saw
  • An electric sander 
  • Welding equipment

How To Assemble

Step 1. Weld the 6-inch steel tube to the base of the hitch connection of the haul master deluxe cargo carrier.

Step 2. Connect the dual hitch extender to the haul master deluxe cargo carrier, then mesor how far up the second hitch extends. 

Step 3. Take the length you just got and mark it out on the angle iron now. Cut that section of the angle iron off.

Step 4. Take the angle iron and place it on the bake of the tubing with the edge facing towards the RV.

Step 5. Use a large clamp to hold the two pieces together while making a series of spot welds on both sides.

Step 6. Remove the clamp and finish welding the two pieces until it is a solid unit.

Step 7. Take the strat hitch extender and put it into the top part of the dual hitch extender. 

Step 8. Line the strat hitch extender up with the 6-foot steel tube. Weld the steel tube and the extender together.

Step 9. Remove the unit from the dual hitch extender and place it to one side.

Step 10. Take the 5-foot steel tube and lay it down on the ground. Now take two of the 31-inch steel tubes and weld one to each end of the 5-foot tube, making sure that they are perpendicular to the tube.

Step 11. Measure the breadth of your kayak, then add ½ an inch to that length and make a marking on both sides of the 5-foot tube.

Step 12. Take two more of the 31-inch steel tubes and weld them to the 5-foot tube, making sure that they are facing in the same direction as the other two pieces.

Step 13. Find the center of the 5-foot tube and make a mark.

Step 14. Lay the haul master and 6-foot tube combination on its back. Then place the 5-foot steel tube at the top of it with the 31-inch tubes facing up, making sure that the 6-foot tube is in line with the marking you made in the center of the 5-foot tube.

Step 14. Weld the two steel tubes together.

Step 15. Take one of the 31-inch steel tubes and hold it at an angle so that one end of it is in contact with the 6-foot tube and the other is in contact with the 5-foot tube. Take note of the angle each side is at.

Step 16. Cut each end of the 31-inch tube to their respective angles, then use the electric sander to get rid of any burs so that there is a flat, clean surface for welding.

Step 17. Weld the angled 31-inch tube to the frame. Repeat step 15, step 16, and step 17 on the other side as well as at the bottom of the 6-foot tube where it meets the Haul master making sure that the tubes line up on both sides.

Step 18. Use the same methods learned in steps 15 to 17 to attach the last 31-inch tube to the bottom of the 6-foot tube and the center of the haul master. 

Step 19. Take all 6 of the eye hooks and start placing them on the frame in these positions, one on each end of the 5-foot tube and one on the end of each of the 31-inch tubes.

Step 20.Stand the frame upright or connect it to the tow hitch, then make a mark 12 inches from each side of the haul masters platform.

Step 21. Remove the two sections of tubing on both sides. Take one of the removed tubes and weld it back on, making sure it is perpendicular to the tubes that are still attached to the frame, do this on both sides. 

Step 22. Take the other tube and weld it back onto the frame roughly 2 inches from the back of the platform. 

Step 23. Spray the entire frame with two layers of gorilla waterproof patch and seal. Wait for it to dry completely, then put the kayak in to see where it makes contact with the frame.

Step 24. Cut the pool noodles to size and cover points of contact.

Step 25. Mount kayak or kayaks. Use ratchet straps at the top to hold it in place.  

Conclusion

At the end of it all, we have gone over three methods of building a kayak rack for an RV. We covered the kayak pad method, the top mount method, and the tow hitch method.

With easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions, you will be on your way to your favorite kayaking location in no time.

Good luck, and happy camping!

Check out our article on: The 5 Best Camper Kayak Racks

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