Transporting kayaks on an RV can be challenging without a proper rack system. If you’re an RV owner and a kayaking enthusiast, you’ve probably struggled with the task of moving your kayak around. The goal of this project is to build a custom kayak rack that securely attaches to your RV roof rack. With some basic DIY skills and minimal tools, you can construct a rack that will safely carry one or two kayaks during your RV adventures. Let’s learn how to build a kayak rack for an rv in detail.
Why Should You Build a Kayak Rack for Your RV?
The need for a kayak rack for your RV is clear. It not only provides a safe and secure means of transporting your kayak, but also saves precious space inside your RV. Building your own kayak rack offers an affordable and customizable solution.
Plan First & Get Prepared
Before you start the construction process, it’s important to plan and prepare. You’ll need to assess the size of your kayak, the available space on your RV, and the materials you’ll need.
Materials Required
- Wood boards
- Screws
- Rope
- Protective Sealant
- Circular Saw
- Drill
- Tape Measure
- Wrenches
Follow 10 Steps To Build A Kayak Rack For Your RV
Step 1: Measure Your RV
Measuring the width between the roof racks and the height of the roof from the ground are key first steps when designing your DIY kayak rack.
To measure the width, use a tape measure to find the distance between the inside edges of your existing roof racks. Make sure to measure at both the front and back of the racks in case the width varies. Note the narrowest width.
Then use a tape measure to determine the height of the roof from the ground at its lowest point. This will allow you to design the vertical legs of the rack to suit your RV.
For smaller RVs, the roof height may be under 7 feet. Larger motorhomes can be 9 feet or more. Measure carefully to ensure your rack legs will reach the right height.
Knowing the width between racks and roof height will enable you to calculate what length wood to use for the horizontal and vertical parts of the frame. These precise measurements are crucial for a proper fit.
Step 2: Design the Rack
When designing your DIY kayak rack, there are a few key considerations to factor in:
Weight of the kayaks: Kayaks can be quite heavy, especially longer touring kayaks made of heavy polyethylene plastic. Make sure to design the rack to handle the total combined weight of however many kayaks you plan to carry. Overbuilding is better than underbuilding when it comes to load capacity.
Aerodynamics: A roof-mounted kayak rack creates a lot of wind drag at highway speeds. Opt for a low-profile design and smooth, rounded crossbars if possible. Consider rounding sharp corners and sanding wood carefully. The more streamlined, the better for fuel efficiency.
Adjustable positions: Design your kayak cradles or mounting brackets to allow some adjustability in terms of positioning the kayaks fore and aft along the rack. This allows you to fine-tune the weight distribution on your roof rack and minimize overhead drag. Having options for where to secure the kayak ties downs is also useful.
The optimal design utilizes heavy-duty, weather-resistant wood (like treated lumber) to handle the load. But it is also crafted with rounded edges and smooth surfaces to let air pass cleanly over the rack. Allowing kayaks to slide back and forth along the length of the rack enables dialing in the right balance of weight and aerodynamics. Build in multiple tie-down points to lock the kayaks securely in place.
Step 4: Cut the Wood
When your wood is purchased, cut the boards down to the sizes you need per your plans. Use a miter or circular saw for straight cuts.
Be sure to measure precisely and cut carefully for best results. Having boards that are slightly too long is fine, as you can always trim them down a bit during assembly if needed. However, having boards cut too short can ruin your material.
Use a power sander or sanding block to smooth any rough edges on your cut boards. Round over sharp corners and soften any splinters. This will help prevent injuries while building your kayak rack.
Wipe away any sawdust and debris when done cutting and sanding. Now your wood pieces are ready for assembly!
Step 5: Assemble the Frame
Next, I gonna build the framework that’ll hold your kayaks. Start by arranging the 2×4 boards into two side frames. Lay the boards on the ground so they form rectangles the same dimensions as your measurements.
Attach the side frames together by screwing the 2×4 cross beams across the top and bottom. Make sure the frames remain square as you attach the cross beams. If needed, temporarily brace the corners with extra scrap wood pieces.
Reinforce the joints where the boards meet with 3-inch exterior screws. Drill pilot holes to prevent the wood from splitting. Drive a screw into each side of the joints. Having screws on both sides helps strengthen the frame significantly.
The assembled frame should now be a rigid, stable rectangle ready for the kayak cradles. Before moving on, double check that all joints are flush and reinforced. Apply more screws if any connections seem loose. Having a solid frame is crucial to safely securing your kayaks on the road.
Step 6: Add Cradles
Cradles help protect your kayaks while providing a stable base on the roof rack. You’ll need to add cradles spaced appropriately for your kayak widths.
Measure the width of each kayak at the widest point. Allow an extra 2-3 inches on either side of the kayak. For example, if the width of your kayak is 30 inches, the width of the cradle should be 36 inches.
Cut 1×4 or 2×4 boards to the cradle width you calculated. Router or chisel 1⁄2-inch grooves every 4 inches along the length of the board to hold the kayak. Avoid cutting grooves where they will fall on hatches or other protrusions on the hull.
For extra padding, staple outdoor carpet or foam tape along the cradle. The cushioning will prevent scratches and rubbing on the hull.
Position the cradles on the roof rack frame with even spacing between them. Screw the cradles to the frame securely using exterior screws. The cradles must not shift or slide when loading the kayaks.
Test loading the kayaks without tying them down. Make any adjustments to the cradles as needed. The kayaks should rest snugly without excessive movement. Don’t forget to tie them securely before hitting the road
Step 7: Secure to Roof Rack
Attaching the kayak rack securely to your RV’s roof rack is a crucial step.
First, determine the best mounting points on the rack to attach the kayak rack. Consider the size and weight of your kayaks. You want to distribute the weight evenly to avoid putting too much strain on one area of the roof.
Attach heavy duty mounting brackets at strategic points along the kayak rack frame. Make sure to use brackets that are rated for the total weight they will hold. Stainless steel mounting hardware is best to withstand outdoor weathering.
Carefully lift the kayak rack and position it on the roof rack. Line up the mounting brackets with attachment points on the roof rack. Use a helper so one person can hold the rack while the other bolts it into place.
Apply a weatherproof sealant around the edges of the mounting brackets to prevent water intrusion into the roof.
With the rack firmly bolted onto the roof rack, give it a good shake test. Verify that there is no wobbling or shifting that could loosen the hardware over time.
Regularly inspect the mounting brackets to ensure they remain tightly secured. It’s also a good idea to add a backup tether from the kayak rack to the roof as a safety precaution. With the rack firmly secured to the roof, you’ll have peace of mind carrying your kayaks during your RV adventures.
Step 8: Add Tie-Down Points
Once your kayak rack is assembled and secured to the RV roof rack, you’ll want to add tie-down points to keep the kayaks stable during transport. The most secure method is to install stainless steel D-rings or cleats to the rack at strategic locations.
Position a D-ring or cleat at each end of the rack near the kayak cockpits. You may also want to add one or two in the middle if carrying tandem kayaks. Make sure the tie-down points align with structural blocking added during assembly so they are screwed securely into the frame.
The D-rings or cleats provide anchor points to attach ratchet straps over the kayaks and lock them onto the rack. Run the straps underneath the kayaks and through the rings or cleats in an X pattern for maximum stability. The straps should be tight but not so much they distort the kayak hulls. Make sure any loose strap ends are secured so they don’t whip around while driving.
For extra security, you can also loop bow and stern lines through the D-rings or cleats at each end. This helps prevent the kayaks from sliding side-to-side or front-to-back while the RV is in motion. The lines should allow some play but keep the kayaks centered and aligned.
With sturdy tie-down points installed in strategic locations, you can strap the kayaks down tightly to the roof rack. This keeps them secure and protected during your travels.
Step 9: Apply Protective Finish to the Kayak Rack
Before loading up the kayaks, it’s important to apply a protective finish to the wooden kayak rack. This will help prevent rotting and damage from the elements during transport.
You’ll want to start by sealing the wood. Use a waterproofing wood sealer, following the product directions for application. Apply 2-3 coats, allowing it to fully dry between coats. This creates a moisture barrier.
Next, paint the wood rack with a UV-resistant exterior paint. Make sure to choose a paint specifically formulated for outdoor wood projects. Apply 2-3 thin coats. The UV-resistant paint will help prevent sun damage and fading over time.
For extra protection, consider using a marine varnish as a top coat above the paint. Marine varnishes are designed to stand up to weathering from sun, rain, and humidity. Apply 2-3 coats following the product instructions, lightly sanding between coats.
Taking the time to properly seal, paint, and varnish the kayak rack will help it last for many seasons of outdoor adventures. The protective finish will prevent cracking, peeling, rotting, and other damage from the elements. Your kayaks will be safely secured on a sturdy roof rack for miles down the road.
Step 10: Load & Secure Kayaks
Once your kayak rack is fully assembled and installed on your RV, you’re ready to load and secure your kayaks for transport. This is an important step, as you want to make sure your kayaks are stable and won’t shift around or fall off during travel.
Carefully lift each kayak up and place it into the cradle supports on the rack. Make sure the kayak sits centered and is resting securely along its entire length. It’s often easiest to load the heavier kayak first if you have more than one.
With the kayaks in place, use your chosen tie-down straps to firmly secure each one. Run the straps over the top of the kayak and through the tie-down points on the rack. Pull the straps as tight as you can by hand, then finish securing them. Make sure there is no room for the kayak to wiggle. Double-check that the straps are threaded correctly and tightened fully.
Give the kayaks a gentle push/pull test once strapped down. They should have zero room to move or shift. If you notice any instability, further tighten the straps. Over-securing is better than under-securing.
With your kayaks fully strapped onto the roof rack, you’re ready to hit the road! Drive slowly and take corners with care, as the additional height and weight will affect your RV’s handling. Enjoy the sights as you cruise to the water for your next kayaking adventure!
Tips For DIY RV Kayak Rack
Here are the tips you can follow:
Conclusion
Building your own custom kayak rack for your RV is a smart way to take your kayaks on the road safely. With just a few basic tools and some careful planning, you can build a rack that’s perfect for your needs. Just make sure you measure everything carefully and pay attention to the details, like weight distribution and protective finishes. That way, your rack will be sturdy and last for years to come. It’s a great way to get outside and enjoy the outdoors, and it’s also a fun project to tackle. So what are you waiting for? Get started today!
FAQs
Is it Possible To Mount A Kayak Rack On The Roof Of An RV?
Yes, you can mount a kayak rack on the roof of your rv. However, it’s important to consider the clearance needed for bridges and other overhead obstacles while keeping the kayak secure during travel.
How Can I Securely Attach The Kayak To The Rack For My RV?
Using straps and proper tie-down techniques, you can securely attach the kayak to the rack for your rv. Ensuring the kayak is well-secured is essential for safe transportation
Is it Possible To Mount Kayaks Vertically On An RV?
Yes, you can design a kayak rack for rv that allows you to mount your kayaks vertically to save space and ensure a secure fit while traveling.
How To Secure The Kayak On The Back Of Your RV?
Using sturdy tie-down straps or bungee cords, you can secure the kayak to the rack on the rear of your rv to prevent any shifting or damage during transit.
Can I Attach A Kayak Rack To A Trailer Hitch?
Yes, you can opt for a hitch mount kayak rack or utilize a hitch mount cargo carrier to transport your kayaks behind the rv.
Can I Use PVC Pipes To Construct A Kayak Rack For My RV?
Yes, using pvc pipes is a popular choice for a kayak rack for an rv. They are lightweight, affordable, and can be easily assembled with basic diy skills.
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