6 Best Ladder Mounts For Kayak Transport For Rv Owners
Transport your kayak easily with our top 6 ladder mounts for RV owners. Discover the best secure, durable options for your next road trip and shop today.
Transporting a kayak on an RV ladder is the ultimate space-saving hack for mobile adventurers who refuse to leave their favorite watercraft behind. While mounting gear to a rear-mounted ladder seems straightforward, the physics of wind resistance and structural load demand careful selection of hardware. Choosing the wrong setup doesn’t just damage the gear—it risks the integrity of the RV itself.
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Stromberg Carlson LA-104: Best Universal Fit
The Stromberg Carlson LA-104 stands out as the industry standard for those needing a reliable, no-nonsense mounting solution. Its universal design allows it to attach to almost any standard RV ladder, providing a stable platform that feels rock-solid once tightened.
This rack is ideal for the RVer who prioritizes ease of installation and a clean, unobtrusive look when the kayak isn’t attached. Because it clamps directly onto the ladder rungs, it distributes weight reasonably well without requiring permanent modifications to the exterior skin of the RV.
If there is a preference for a tried-and-tested piece of equipment that works straight out of the box, this is the definitive choice. It is perfectly suited for standard recreational kayaks and provides the peace of mind that comes with a well-engineered, mass-produced accessory.
Surco 501BR Rack: The Tried-and-True Classic
For decades, the Surco 501BR has been the go-to for travelers who value durability over aesthetic flair. Built with heavy-duty steel and a rugged powder-coat finish, this rack is designed to withstand the vibrations and grit encountered on long hauls through diverse terrain.
The strength of the 501BR lies in its simple, honest construction. It features adjustable arms that can be set to accommodate various hull shapes, making it a versatile contender for different types of small watercraft.
Those who frequent rougher boondocking sites will appreciate the robust nature of this rack. It is an investment in longevity, making it the right pick for anyone who plans to travel extensively and needs a mounting system that won’t succumb to rattling or hardware fatigue.
Top Line Universal Rack: Best Budget Option
The Top Line Universal Rack serves as a functional, cost-effective solution for weekend warriors who don’t want to spend a premium on specialized hardware. It captures the essential requirements of a ladder mount—stability and simple attachment—without the added cost of proprietary locking mechanisms or complex adjustments.
While it lacks some of the finer finishes of high-end brands, its ability to hold a kayak securely is indisputable. The installation is straightforward, typically requiring only basic tools to tighten the clamps onto existing ladder rungs.
This is the smartest choice for the budget-conscious traveler who wants to prioritize gear quality over brand-name accessories. As long as the kayak is properly strapped down, this rack performs exactly as expected, saving funds for more important upgrades elsewhere.
Yakima JayLow with Adapter: Best J-Cradle Mount
The Yakima JayLow offers a sophisticated approach to kayak transport by using a J-cradle design, which tilts the boat on its side to save space. While this usually requires a roof crossbar, pairing it with a ladder-mount adapter creates an incredibly secure, upright transport configuration that minimizes wind drag.
This setup is perfect for those who worry about the kayak extending too far out from the rear of the RV. By orienting the kayak vertically, the profile remains sleek, reducing the likelihood of hitting low-hanging branches or causing aerodynamic instability.
Choose this option if you are willing to spend a bit more for a premium, specialized mounting geometry. It is the most refined way to carry a kayak on a ladder, provided that the RV’s ladder has enough clearance and strength to support the vertical load.
RecPro RV Ladder Rack: Best for Smaller Kayaks
RecPro has carved out a niche with equipment specifically designed for the RV community, and their ladder rack reflects that focus. It is lighter and more compact than many universal options, making it ideal for smaller, lighter recreational kayaks or paddleboards.
The design emphasizes a low profile, which prevents the rack from becoming a visual eyesore when the kayak is stored away. It is incredibly easy to mount and unmount, appealing to those who prefer quick setup times during short-term stops.
This rack is not intended for heavy-duty sea kayaks or long-distance hauling of oversized craft. However, for a standard 8-to-10-foot kayak used for casual exploration, the RecPro is an efficient, purpose-built companion that gets the job done without extra bulk.
The Custom DIY Mount: A Step-by-Step Guide
Constructing a DIY rack often involves using high-strength aluminum square tubing and U-bolt brackets to secure crossbars directly to the ladder rungs. This approach is highly effective for those with specific clearance needs or odd-shaped watercraft that standard racks cannot accommodate.
- Measure the clearance: Ensure your ladder spacing matches your tube length, allowing for at least two inches of overhang on each side.
- Select high-grade hardware: Use stainless steel hardware to prevent rust and ensure that vibration-resistant locking nuts are employed.
- Pad the contact points: Wrap contact areas in high-density foam or rubber to protect both the kayak hull and the ladder finish.
- Test the load: Before hitting the highway, load the kayak and apply pressure to ensure no movement or deflection occurs in the ladder structure.
While DIY solutions offer unmatched customization, they require a commitment to regular inspection. Always monitor the welds or mechanical joints for signs of stress every time you reach a new destination.
Is Your RV Ladder Strong Enough for a Kayak?
A common misconception is that all RV ladders are designed to bear the weight of heavy gear. In reality, many factory-installed ladders are intended primarily for occasional, lightweight access to the roof and have a weight limit often capped at 250 pounds—or sometimes much less.
Before mounting a rack, locate the manufacturer’s load rating for the ladder. If that information is unavailable, assume the lowest common denominator and exercise extreme caution by choosing the lightest kayak possible.
Reinforcing the ladder or mounting the rack as close to the bottom ladder supports as possible can help redistribute weight to the RV’s rear wall. Never mount a kayak in a way that creates significant leverage or pulling force on the ladder rungs; this can quickly pull screws out of the sidewalls and cause catastrophic damage.
Choosing the Right Mount for Your Kayak Type
Selecting the correct mount depends entirely on the material and dimensions of the kayak. A heavy rotomolded plastic kayak requires a rack with broad, cushioned support points to prevent hull deformation during transit.
- For Rotomolded Kayaks: Use cradles that support a large surface area of the hull to distribute pressure.
- For Lightweight Composite Kayaks: Ensure the rack includes soft padding, as point pressure can lead to cracking or structural stress over thousands of miles.
- For Long Kayaks (12ft+): Consider a secondary tether point on the RV bumper to prevent the tail of the kayak from swinging in the wind.
Regardless of the mount, the kayak must be strapped tightly enough to eliminate movement but not so tight that it stresses the material. Use cam-buckle straps rather than ratcheting ones to maintain control over the tension.
How to Install and Secure Your Ladder Rack
Installation success hinges on the initial tightening of the clamps. Use a torque wrench if possible to ensure all bolts are tightened evenly, preventing uneven tension that could lead to one side of the rack slipping under the pressure of wind gusts.
Security goes beyond just the mounting hardware. Once the kayak is mounted, pass a cable lock through the kayak’s grab handles and around the ladder frame itself. This deters casual theft while the RV is parked at rest stops or in public campsites.
Check all connections after the first fifty miles of travel. Road vibrations are notorious for loosening hardware, and a quick re-tightening during your first fuel stop will prevent a potential loose-load incident later in the trip.
Ladder Mounts vs. Roof and Bumper Racks
Ladder mounts are the most accessible option for solo travelers or those without roof access, but they are not always the best choice for every rig. Roof racks offer better weight distribution across the vehicle’s frame but require lifting the boat over your head, which is rarely practical for one person.
Bumper-mounted racks provide excellent stability and are easier to load, but they often require drilling into the frame or mounting to a hitch receiver. These are superior for heavy kayaks but take up precious space that could be used for cargo carriers or bike racks.
Ultimately, if you travel with a single, light kayak and want to keep your roof clear for solar panels or other gear, the ladder mount is the king of efficiency. Balance the convenience of the ladder against the necessity of keeping your gear safe and your RV sidewalls intact.
Integrating a kayak into a mobile lifestyle requires balancing the desire for recreation with the reality of weight limits and structural constraints. By carefully selecting a mount that matches your specific craft and verifying the load-bearing capacity of your ladder, you can enjoy the water without compromising the integrity of your home on wheels. Prioritize safety and routine inspections, and the ladder becomes a bridge between the road and the next adventure.
