6 Best RV Kayak Mounts for Adventure

You pull your RV into the perfect lakeside spot, the water glassy and inviting under the morning sun. The only problem? Your kayaks are sitting in the garage, hundreds of miles away. This exact scenario is why finding the right way to transport your boats is less about storage and more about unlocking the spontaneous adventures that RV life promises. The right kayak mount transforms your rig from a simple camper into a mobile basecamp for exploration.

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Choosing the Right RV Kayak Rack for You

Before you even look at specific models, you need to assess your setup. The perfect rack for a Class A motorhome might be a disaster on a small travel trailer. The first question is always: where can you realistically mount it? Your main options are the roof, the rear ladder, or the trailer hitch.

Your kayak itself is the next critical factor. A 35-pound, 10-foot recreational kayak presents a very different challenge than a 70-pound, 16-foot sea kayak. Be brutally honest about the weight and length you’re dealing with. This will determine not just which racks can handle the load, but which ones you can safely load and unload by yourself at a remote campsite.

Finally, consider how you use your RV. Do you tow a car? If so, a hitch-mounted rack is likely out unless you have a dual-hitch receiver. Do you have solar panels covering your roof? That limits your options up top. Thinking through these constraints first will save you a world of frustration and a costly return shipment.

Thule Hull-a-Port XT: Versatile Roof Mount

For RVers with accessible roof space and lighter kayaks, the Thule Hull-a-Port XT is a classic for a reason. This J-cradle style rack is known for its robust build quality and versatility. It mounts easily to most factory and aftermarket crossbars, including Thule’s own aero and square bars, making it adaptable to different tow vehicles or RV roof rack systems.

The standout feature is its ability to carry one kayak in the J-cradle position or two kayaks stacked vertically in a "stacker" mode. This flexibility is fantastic if you sometimes travel solo and other times with a partner. When not in use, the entire rack folds flat, reducing wind noise and improving clearance for low-hanging branches or storage facility doors—a crucial detail for any tall vehicle.

The obvious challenge, however, is physics. Getting a kayak onto the roof of a car is one thing; hoisting it onto the roof of a 12-foot-high fifth wheel is another entirely. This solution is best for agile RVers with lightweight kayaks or those who have a very solid, safe ladder system and a reliable helper. Don’t underestimate the difficulty and risk of managing a bulky boat that high off the ground.

Yakima JayLow: Best Folding J-Cradle Rack

The Yakima JayLow is another top-tier player in the J-cradle roof rack world, offering a compelling alternative to the Thule. Its key advantage is the tool-free installation. The mounting hardware is designed to be operated by hand, which makes moving it between your RV and a tow vehicle a much simpler process. For RVers who use their truck for daily driving and paddling excursions, this is a significant convenience.

Like the Hull-a-Port, the JayLow folds down when not in use, a non-negotiable feature for RVs. It also offers a dual-carry position, though its implementation is slightly different. The real-world difference between the two often comes down to which brand’s crossbar system you’re already invested in and which locking mechanism you prefer. Both are exceptionally well-made and will secure your boat reliably.

Again, the roof-mount caveat applies. This is a fantastic piece of gear, but it’s only as good as your ability to get the kayak up to it. If you’re wrestling with a heavy fishing kayak, the ease of a tool-free installation becomes irrelevant when you’re struggling on top of a ladder. It’s an excellent choice, but only for the right combination of RVer, RV, and kayak.

Stromberg Carlson LA-104: RV Ladder Solution

Many RVs come with a built-in rear ladder that we rarely think about beyond roof access. The Stromberg Carlson LA-104 rack cleverly repurposes this structure. It’s a simple, effective, and often very affordable system consisting of two padded arms that clamp directly onto the vertical posts of your RV ladder, creating a cradle to carry a kayak (or chairs and other gear).

The beauty of this system is its simplicity and the fact that it doesn’t occupy your roof or hitch. Installation takes minutes, and loading is far easier than a roof mount since you’re only lifting the boat a few feet off the ground. For a single, lightweight kayak, this can be an elegant and budget-friendly solution that gets the job done without any complex modifications to your rig.

However, you must respect the limitations. Most RV ladders are only rated for 250-300 pounds, and that includes the person climbing it. This rack is designed for one, maybe two, very light kayaks, and you should never exceed your ladder’s weight capacity. It also adds to your vehicle’s width, so you need to be mindful of clearance on the road. It’s a great solution, but not for heavy boats or rigs that are already pushing the width limits.

Yakups KR2B2: Premium Vertical Hitch Mount

The Yakups KR2B2 is a specialized, premium solution designed from the ground up for the unique challenges of an RV. Instead of laying kayaks flat or on their side, this hitch-mounted rack holds them vertically. This brilliant design solves several major problems at once: it adds no extra width to your rig, and it keeps the kayaks well below the roofline, avoiding any height clearance issues.

This rack is built like a tank. It’s engineered to handle the intense forces on the back of a bouncing RV and is designed to clear most rear ladders and spare tires. Loading is also significantly easier than a roof rack; you simply rest the nose of the kayak in the bottom holder and pivot it up into place. For RVers with heavy kayaks who can’t or don’t want to use the roof, this is one of the safest and most secure options available.

The tradeoffs are clear: price and the hitch receiver. This is a significant investment compared to other options. It also completely occupies your 2-inch hitch receiver, meaning you can’t use it while towing a car or using another hitch-based accessory. But if you have a motorhome and don’t tow a toad, the Yakups rack offers an unparalleled combination of security and ease of use.

Let’s Go Aero V-Rack for Dual Kayak Hauling

If you need to carry two kayaks and a hitch mount is your best option, the Let’s Go Aero V-Rack is a leading contender. This rack has a unique V-shaped design that cradles two kayaks securely. Its high mast provides plenty of ground clearance and positions the boats high enough to clear the departure angle on most RVs, preventing them from scraping on steep driveways.

The V-Rack is known for its impressive 150-pound weight capacity, making it suitable for two larger recreational or touring kayaks. The design holds the boats firmly and keeps them well away from the back of your RV, preventing potential damage from road vibrations. It’s a solid, well-engineered piece of equipment for serious paddlers who always travel with a partner.

The primary consideration with this style of rack is rear access. Depending on your RV’s design, the rack and kayaks might block access to rear storage bays, a generator compartment, or even interfere with the operation of a rear slide-out. Before committing, take careful measurements of your rig to ensure the rack’s footprint won’t create a new set of problems.

Malone DownLoader with Load Assist Feature

The Malone DownLoader directly tackles the biggest weakness of roof racks: loading. This J-cradle rack includes a built-in loading ramp that extends down the side of your vehicle. This allows you to rest one end of the kayak on the ramp, then simply slide it up into the cradle, rather than having to clean-and-jerk the entire weight of the boat overhead.

This load-assist feature is a game-changer. It makes solo loading possible and dramatically reduces the risk of dropping the boat or injuring yourself. The rack itself is well-built, folds down when not in use, and includes all the necessary straps and tie-downs. It provides the space-saving benefits of a roof rack without the Herculean effort typically required.

While it makes loading easier, it doesn’t make it effortless. You still need to lift half the kayak’s weight to get it started on the ramp, and you’re still managing it from a ladder. It’s a fantastic compromise, but it’s not a zero-effort solution. For those who are set on a roof mount but worried about the physical strain, the DownLoader is arguably the smartest choice on the market.

Key Factors for Your RV Kayak Mount Decision

Choosing the right rack comes down to balancing four key variables. There is no single "best" rack, only the best rack for your specific situation. Don’t get sold on a popular model that doesn’t fit your needs.

Start by honestly evaluating these factors:

• Your RV: Where can you mount a rack? Roof, ladder, or hitch? Check for obstructions like air conditioners, solar panels, spare tires, and slide-outs.
• Your Kayaks: What is their combined weight and length? This is a hard limit. Don’t try to overload a rack.
• Your Body: Can you comfortably and safely lift your kayak to the required height? Be realistic about your physical abilities, especially after a long day of driving or paddling.
• Your Travel Style: Do you need your hitch for a tow vehicle? How often will you be loading and unloading? Convenience matters more on a multi-stop trip than for a seasonal stay.

Think of it as a simple equation. A heavy kayak on a tall RV for a solo traveler points toward a hitch mount with load-assist features. A lightweight kayak on a small travel trailer for an athletic couple might be perfect for a simple roof rack. Match the gear to the reality of your adventure, not the other way around.

Ultimately, the best RV kayak rack is the one you’ll actually use. It’s the one that makes you say "yes" to a quick paddle on an unexpected river, rather than "it’s too much hassle." By choosing a system that matches your RV, your boat, and your body, you’re not just buying a piece of equipment; you’re buying the freedom to explore the water wherever the road takes you.