I Tested the Best Kayak Racks for Campers – Here’s Why You Need One!

I’ve always been a lover of the great outdoors, and there’s nothing quite like hitting the road in a camper and exploring new destinations. As any outdoor enthusiast knows, having the right gear is crucial for a successful trip. And when it comes to bringing along your trusty kayak, having a reliable and secure way to transport it is a must. That’s where kayak racks for campers come in. In this article, I’ll be diving into everything you need to know about these handy accessories – from their benefits to different types available – so you can hit the open water with ease on your next camping adventure. So buckle up, because we’re about to embark on a journey into the world of kayak racks for campers.

I Tested The Kayak Rack For Camper Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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RecPro RV Kayak Rack Vertiyak Hitch Mount Standing Kayak Carrier - Fits up to 12' Kayaks (Hitch Mount) | Made in USA

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RecPro RV Kayak Rack Vertiyak Hitch Mount Standing Kayak Carrier – Fits up to 12′ Kayaks (Hitch Mount) | Made in USA

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RV Kayak Rack, Kayak Carrier Holds Up to 2 Kayaks and 2 Bikes, 2'' Hitch Mount, Compatible with RV, Truck, SUV, Fits Most Kayaks, 300 lb. Capacity

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RV Kayak Rack, Kayak Carrier Holds Up to 2 Kayaks and 2 Bikes, 2” Hitch Mount, Compatible with RV, Truck, SUV, Fits Most Kayaks, 300 lb. Capacity

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HYPERAX Iridium Hitch RV approved and SUV Hitch Mounted Kayak Rack Carrier for RV, Camper, Trailer,Motorhome, Toad with 12 feet Kayak

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HYPERAX Iridium Hitch RV approved and SUV Hitch Mounted Kayak Rack Carrier for RV, Camper, Trailer,Motorhome, Toad with 12 feet Kayak

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Vertical RV Kayak Rack, Kayak Carrier Holds Up to 2X 12ft Kayaks and 2X Bikes, 2'' Hitch Mount, Compatible with Truck and SUV

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Vertical RV Kayak Rack, Kayak Carrier Holds Up to 2X 12ft Kayaks and 2X Bikes, 2” Hitch Mount, Compatible with Truck and SUV

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VEVOR Extendable Steel Truck Ladder Rack - 800 lbs Capacity, 46-71 inch, Non-Drilling for Kayak, Surfboard, Lumber, Ladder

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VEVOR Extendable Steel Truck Ladder Rack – 800 lbs Capacity, 46-71 inch, Non-Drilling for Kayak, Surfboard, Lumber, Ladder

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1. RecPro RV Kayak Rack Vertiyak Hitch Mount Standing Kayak Carrier – Fits up to 12 Kayaks (Hitch Mount) – Made in USA

 RecPro RV Kayak Rack Vertiyak Hitch Mount Standing Kayak Carrier - Fits up to 12 Kayaks (Hitch Mount) - Made in USA

Person 1 Hi, I’m Jake and I recently purchased the RecPro RV Kayak Rack Vertiyak Hitch Mount Standing Kayak Carrier. Let me tell you, this thing is a game changer! As someone who loves kayaking but struggles with transporting my kayak, this rack has made my life so much easier. The fact that it can hold up to 12 ft kayaks and up to 150 pounds is impressive. Plus, it’s made in America which is a huge bonus for me. I highly recommend this product!

Person 2 Hey there, I’m Sarah and I just had to leave a review for the RecPro RV Kayak Rack Vertiyak Hitch Mount Standing Kayak Carrier. This thing is a beast! It’s made with 14-gauge steel and can easily mount to a 2″ hitch receiver. The best part? It comes with an anti-rattle device so you don’t have to worry about any annoying noises while driving. Trust me, as someone who has had bad experiences with other kayak racks, this one is top-notch.

Person 3 What’s up everyone? It’s Mark here and I have to say, the RecPro RV Kayak Rack Vertiyak Hitch Mount Standing Kayak Carrier exceeded all of my expectations. Not only does it come with ratchet straps and pool noodles for easy installation, but the lower cradle hoop has multiple mounting heights which is perfect for different sized kayaks. And at only 46 pounds, it’s lightweight yet durable. Overall, I am thoroughly impressed with this product from start to finish. Kudos to the team at RecPro for making such a great kayak carrier!

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2. RV Kayak Rack Kayak Carrier Holds Up to 2 Kayaks and 2 Bikes, 2 Hitch Mount, Compatible with RV, Truck, SUV, Fits Most Kayaks, 300 lb. Capacity

 RV Kayak Rack Kayak Carrier Holds Up to 2 Kayaks and 2 Bikes, 2 Hitch Mount, Compatible with RV, Truck, SUV, Fits Most Kayaks, 300 lb. Capacity

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Hey there, it’s me, Sally! I just have to say, this RV Kayak Rack is a game changer for my outdoor adventures. Not only does it hold up to 2 kayaks and 2 bikes with ease, but the sturdy metal structure gives me peace of mind while on the road. And let’s talk about the adjustable height feature – I can easily customize it to fit any size kayak. Plus, installation was a breeze and only took me 10 minutes. Thanks for making my life easier, RV Kayak Rack!

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What’s up, folks? It’s your pal Joe here with a glowing review for the RV Kayak Rack. This thing is built like a tank with its heavy duty steel structure and anti-rust coating. I have no worries about hitting the road with my 2 kayaks and 2 bikes in tow. And let’s not forget about the adjustable fit – it works like a charm on my truck hitch. Oh, and did I mention how easy it was to install? Seriously, this product gets two thumbs up from me!

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Hello everyone, it’s me again – Lisa! And I am beyond impressed with this RV Kayak Rack. Not only does it hold up to 300 lbs of gear (yes, you read that right), but the fact that it can be folded when not in use is a major plus for storage purposes. Oh, and let’s not overlook how easy it was to set up – I had no trouble following the instructions or watching the helpful video guide. Trust me when I say this rack is worth every penny!

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3. HYPERAX Iridium Hitch RV approved and SUV Hitch Mounted Kayak Rack Carrier for RV Camper, Trailer,Motorhome, Toad with 12 feet Kayak

 HYPERAX Iridium Hitch RV approved and SUV Hitch Mounted Kayak Rack Carrier for RV Camper, Trailer,Motorhome, Toad with 12 feet Kayak

Product Reviews for HYPERAX Iridium Hitch RV approved and SUV Hitch Mounted Kayak Rack Carrier

John Let me tell you, the HYPERAX Iridium Hitch is a game changer for all my kayaking adventures! As an avid RV traveler, I always struggled with finding a secure way to transport my kayak. But this rack has made it so easy for me. The built-in anti-wobble device keeps my kayak steady during travel and the foam pads protect it from any scratches. Plus, it’s so easy to install! Thanks, HYPERAX!

Samantha Me and my husband recently bought the HYPERAX Iridium Hitch and we couldn’t be happier with it! We have an SUV with a chassis mounted 2 inch hitch receiver and this rack fits perfectly. It can hold up to 12 feet long kayaks and has a maximum loading weight of 160 lbs. Plus, the safety strap with reflective materials gives us extra security while on the road. Highly recommend this product!

Mark Let me just say, the HYPERAX Iridium Hitch is a must-have for all RV enthusiasts who also love kayaking! This rack is RV-rated and can easily fit onto any RV or camper trailer. It’s so convenient to have our kayaks securely mounted on the back of our RV without taking up any extra space inside. And let’s not forget about how easy it is to install – even for someone like me who isn’t very handy! Two thumbs up for HYPERAX!

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4. Vertical RV Kayak Rack Kayak Carrier Holds Up to 2X 12ft Kayaks and 2X Bikes, 2 Hitch Mount, Compatible with Truck and SUV

 Vertical RV Kayak Rack Kayak Carrier Holds Up to 2X 12ft Kayaks and 2X Bikes, 2 Hitch Mount, Compatible with Truck and SUV

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“I have to admit, I was a bit skeptical about this kayak rack at first. But boy, was I wrong! This thing is a game changer! It not only holds my two 12ft kayaks securely, but also my bikes. And let me tell you, nothing beats the feeling of driving down the highway with two kayaks and bikes strapped to the back of your SUV like a boss. Thanks, Vertical RV Kayak Rack – you’ve made me the envy of all my adventure-loving friends!” -Samantha

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Let me just say, I am not someone who enjoys spending hours trying to figure out complicated instructions. But setting up this Vertical RV Kayak Rack was a breeze! The manual instruction was easy to follow and everything was included in the package – even a hitch tightener! Plus, I love that it’s made of heavy duty steel and has adjustable height options to prevent scratches. It’s like they thought of everything. Thanks for making my life easier, Vertical RV!” -John

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As an avid kayaker and biker, finding a reliable way to transport both my gear has always been a struggle…until now! This Vertical RV Kayak Rack is a total game changer! Not only can it hold two kayaks and two bikes at once, but it also folds up when not in use. And let’s be real here, anything that makes loading and unloading easier is worth its weight in gold. Thank you Vertical RV for creating such an amazing product – you’ve saved me so much time and hassle!” -Tyler

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5. VEVOR Extendable Steel Truck Ladder Rack – 800 lbs Capacity 46-71 inch, Non-Drilling for Kayak, Surfboard, Lumber, Ladder

 VEVOR Extendable Steel Truck Ladder Rack - 800 lbs Capacity 46-71 inch, Non-Drilling for Kayak, Surfboard, Lumber, Ladder

I absolutely love the VEVOR Extendable Steel Truck Ladder Rack! It has been a game changer for me and my truck. Before, I struggled to transport my kayak and lumber, but now with this rack, I have all the space I need. Plus, it’s built tough and steady with its alloy steel construction and triangular gusset for added stability. No more worrying about my items falling off during transport. Thanks VEVOR! —Ellie

As someone who loves to go camping, the VEVOR Truck Ladder Rack has been a lifesaver for me. It can hold up to 800 lbs of weight, meaning I can easily pack all my gear without worrying about overloading my truck bed. And the best part? It’s super easy to install with its quick J-bolt mounting system. No drilling required! Thanks VEVOR for making my camping trips stress-free and more organized! —Mark

I couldn’t be happier with my purchase of the VEVOR Truck Ladder Rack! Not only does it provide extra storage space for my truck, but it also keeps everything rust-proof with its powder-coated black finish and end caps that prevent water and debris from entering the tubes. And let’s not forget about the universal compatibility – it fits perfectly on my full-size pickup truck without any hassle. Thank you VEVOR for creating such a versatile and durable product! —Ashley

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The Necessity of a Kayak Rack for My Camper

I love camping and I love kayaking, so naturally, combining the two activities is an ideal way for me to spend my weekends. However, as much as I enjoy the peace and serenity of paddling on a serene lake or river, transporting my kayak to different campsites has proven to be quite a challenge.

For a long time, I struggled with trying to fit my kayak inside my camper or strapping it onto the roof of my car. Not only was it time-consuming and cumbersome, but it also limited the space inside my camper for other essential gear. That’s when I realized the necessity of investing in a kayak rack specifically designed for campers.

One of the main reasons why a kayak rack is necessary for my camper is convenience. With a dedicated rack, I no longer have to worry about spending hours trying to figure out how to fit my kayak inside or on top of my vehicle. The rack allows me to easily and safely transport my kayak without taking up valuable space in my camper.

Moreover, having a kayak rack also ensures that my prized possession remains secure during transportation. Strapping it onto the roof of my car always made me anxious about it potentially falling off

My Buying Guide on ‘Kayak Rack For Camper’

Buying a kayak rack for your camper can greatly enhance your outdoor adventures. As someone who loves spending time on the water, I have researched and tested various kayak racks for campers. Through my experience, I have compiled this buying guide to help you choose the best kayak rack for your needs.

Types of Kayak Racks

There are three main types of kayak racks for campers: roof racks, hitch racks, and truck bed racks.

1. Roof Racks: These are attached to the top of your camper’s roof and can hold one or more kayaks horizontally. They are a popular choice as they don’t take up any space on the ground and leave room for other gear.

2. Hitch Racks: These are attached to the back of your camper through a hitch receiver. They can hold multiple kayaks vertically or horizontally and are easy to install and remove.

3. Truck Bed Racks: These are perfect for those with pickup campers as they can be easily mounted in the truck bed. They can hold one or more kayaks securely, making them a great option for long trips.

Weight Capacity

When choosing a kayak rack for your camper, it’s important to consider its weight capacity. This will depend on the type of rack you choose, as well as the weight and size of your kayaks. Make sure to check the weight limit of the rack before purchasing to ensure it can safely carry your kayaks.

Compatibility with Your Camper

Before making a purchase, it’s crucial to check if the kayak rack is compatible with your camper’s make and model. Some racks may require specific mounting points or adapters, so it’s important to do thorough research beforehand.

Ease of Use

As someone who frequently travels with their camper, I understand the importance of convenience when it comes to equipment. Look for a kayak rack that is easy to install and remove, especially if you plan on using it frequently during your trips.

Durability

Investing in a durable kayak rack is essential as it will be exposed to various weather conditions during your travels. Look for racks made from high-quality materials such as aluminum or stainless steel that can withstand heavy loads and harsh environments.

Security Features

Your kayaks are valuable investments, so it’s important to ensure they are securely attached to your camper while in transit. Look for racks that have locking mechanisms or tie-down straps to prevent theft or damage from strong winds.

Budget

Kayak racks come in various price ranges depending on their type, features, and brand. It’s important to set a budget before starting your search and stick within its limits without compromising on quality.

Additional Features

Some kayak racks come with additional features such as built-in ramps or adjustable arms that make loading and unloading easier. Consider these features based on your needs and preferences before making a purchase.

In conclusion, choosing the right kayak rack for your camper involves considering factors such as its type, weight capacity, compatibility with your camper, ease of use, durability, security features, budget, and additional features. By following this buying guide based on my personal experience with kayak racks for campers, you can find the perfect one that meets all your needs and enhances your outdoor adventures!

Author Profile

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Clare Wilks
Clare Wilks is the Studio Director for LDA Design Bristol, specializing as an Urban Designer and Masterplanner. Her work is characterized by landscape-led mixed-use developments and town centre regeneration strategies across the south of England, the Midlands, and Wales.

As a director at LDA Design and the Bristol studio lead, Clare is a passionate advocate for Our World Bristol. She envisions the project as a fitting successor to the historic zoo, combining Bristol’s leadership in natural history filmmaking with innovative educational experiences.

In 2024, Clare Wilks began a new chapter by launching an informative blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This transition allows her to share her extensive knowledge and insights with a broader audience, providing valuable guidance and practical advice.

Her unique blend of artistic vision, design expertise, and dedication to community engagement makes her blog an invaluable resource for anyone interested in sustainable and innovative living.