How To Build A Kayak Rack For An RV

Are you looking for a way to store your kayaks or other outdoor gear in your RV? If so, then you’ll want to build an RV kayak rack for your vehicle. This article tells you how to build a simple kayak rack for your RV.

RVs come in all shapes and sizes, but they all share some common features. The most important feature is storage space. RVs usually come with a large number of compartments for storing things like camping equipment, fishing supplies, and even bicycles.

You can also use these compartments to store your kayaks. In this article, we talk about how to build a kayak rack for your vehicle. We’ll show you how to make a simple kayak rack that will help you keep your kayaks safe and secure while on the road.

Before You Start Building Your Kayak Rack

If you plan on building a kayak rack for an RV, it’s best to start by planning out what kind of kayak rack you want to create. There are many different types and popular options of racks available from many different companies. Some racks are designed specifically for kayaks, while others are designed for bikes, pool noodles, or other objects.

If you’re going to be using your kayak rack inside your RV, you’ll need to know if there’s enough room for it to fit inside. Most RVs have plenty of storage space, but if yours doesn’t, you might not be able to fit your kayak rack inside.

Another thing to consider is whether or not you want to mount your kayak rack outside of your RV. Many people prefer to leave their kayaks mounted on the roof of their RV because it makes them easier to access. However, mounting your kayak rack outside means you’ll have to deal with weather conditions when you’re travelling.

If you decide to mount your kayak outside of your RV, you’ll want to make sure that your kayak rack is sturdy enough to handle the elements. You don’t want to risk damaging your kayak or having it fall off of your vehicle.

Now that you’ve figured out what type of kayak rack you’d like to build, let’s get started!

How To Build A Simple Kayak Rack

The first step in building any kayak rack is to figure out where you’re going to put it. It’s best to place your kayak rack somewhere that won’t interfere with getting into your RV or accessing your kayaks. The following method explains how to build a mounted kayak rack on your RV using plywood.

Step One

Start by cutting two pieces of plywood measuring 6-inches wide x 8-feet long. These dimensions should work well for most vehicles. Cut one piece at a time, making sure to cut both sides of each board. Once you’ve finished cutting both boards, glue them together using wood glue.

Step Two

Next, attach the top edge of the boards to the back end of your RV using screws. Make sure to drill pilot holes before screwing the boards to the RV. Attach the bottom edges of the boards to the floor of your RV using screws as well. This will give you a solid base for your kayak rack.

Step Three

Once you’ve attached the boards to your RV, you’ll next need to install the brackets. Measure and mark the center point of the front of your RV. Then measure and mark the same spot on the side of your RV.

Use a level to ensure that your marks are even across the width of your RV. Next, draw lines connecting the two points. Drill three evenly spaced holes along these lines using a 1/2 inch bit.

Attach the brackets to the holes using bolts. Be careful to use washers between the heads of the bolts and the holes so they don’t strip out.

Step Four

After attaching the brackets, you can begin installing your kayak rack. First, slide the brackets over the tops of the walls of your RV until they’re centered. Now, slide the top portion of the kayak rack over the brackets. Slide the bottom portion of the rack down until it rests on the ground.

Step Five

Finally, attach the wheels to the bottom of the rack using nuts and bolts. Make sure to tighten all of the bolts securely.

Tips & Tricks

If you want to make your kayak rack even safer, consider adding a lockable storage compartment to the back of your vehicle for maximum protection. A locking compartment makes it harder for thieves to steal your kayaks whilst still giving you easy access to kayaks when you need them.

If you don’t have enough space to fit a full-sized kayak onto your vehicle, try building a smaller model instead. You might also consider mounting your kayak outside your vehicle instead.

You could also take advantage of an existing structure such as a roof rack or a trailer hitch. However, options such as a roof rack aren’t always available.

Kayak Racks For Small Vehicles

Building a kayak rack for small vehicles is similar to building a kayak rack for larger vehicles. The only difference is that you’ll need to build a shorter version of the frame.

The best way to do this is to start with a short piece of plywood. Then, use a saw to cut out two identical halves from the board.

Step One

Drill holes into both sides of the board. Make sure you put them close to the edges of the board. Drill one hole near each corner.

Step Two

Use a screwdriver or a pair of pliers to remove any excess material around the edges of the board where the holes were made.

Step Three

Attach the two halves using glue. Apply the glue along the entire length of the board.

Step Four

Wait for the glue to dry completely. When the glue has dried, attach the two halves of the board using screws.

Step Five

Repeat step four until you’ve built a complete frame. Now, you just need to attach the frame to your vehicle.

Step Six

Attach the frame using screws and add more screws to the bottom of the frame. Attach the rest of the parts by driving screws through the frame and into the vehicle.

Step Seven

When you’re done, you can enjoy your kayak rack!

Final Thoughts

We hope after reading this article you have learned how to build an RV kayak rack for your RV as well as for any other smaller vehicle.

Whether storing recreational kayaks, lightweight kayaks, fishing kayaks, or any other type of kayak, a rack can be a great addition for any camping trip when you don’t have the room inside to transport it. By following our simple step-by-step guide, you should have it up and running in no time at all.