7 Best Durable Roll In Docks For Coastal RV Living Nomads Swear By
Explore the 7 best roll-in docks for coastal RV life. Our guide ranks durable models by their saltwater resistance, easy setup, and overall stability.
You’ve found the perfect coastal spot for your rig—the view is incredible, the salt air is refreshing, but the shoreline is a mucky mess. Getting your kayak, paddleboard, or dinghy to the water is a chore, and you’re tracking mud back into your home on wheels. For RV nomads who set up camp by the water for a season, a roll-in dock isn’t a luxury; it’s an essential piece of gear that extends your living space right to the water’s edge.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases. Thank you!
Hewitt Roll-A-Dock: The Classic RV Nomad Choice
When you see a simple, sturdy aluminum dock, there’s a good chance it’s a Hewitt. The Roll-A-Dock is a classic for a reason: its truss-style frame is incredibly strong yet relatively lightweight, making it manageable for one or two people to install and remove. This is the workhorse dock that gets the job done without fuss.
For the coastal RVer, Hewitt’s marine-grade aluminum construction is key. It stands up to the corrosive nature of salt spray far better than steel. The design allows water to pass through the open truss frame, reducing the force of waves and storm surge. This isn’t the fanciest dock on the list, but its reliability is legendary. It’s an investment in a system that will last for years, moving with you from one waterfront spot to the next.
The real magic for a nomad is the ease of seasonal use. The wheels at the end of the dock let you simply roll it into the water in the spring and pull it out in the fall. No complex construction, no calling a crew for help. For the RVer who values proven durability and straightforward function, the Hewitt is a top contender.
ShoreMaster Infinity RS4: Premium Coastal Durability
If your coastal RV spot is a bit more long-term and you want a dock that feels absolutely rock-solid, the ShoreMaster Infinity RS4 is your premium upgrade. This system is built around a 4-sided truss frame that offers exceptional stability, even in choppy water. It feels less like a temporary dock and more like a permanent pier.
ShoreMaster’s real advantage in a coastal setting is its InfinityTrack accessory system. The rails running along the entire dock allow you to attach cleats, bumpers, benches, and ladders anywhere you want without drilling. This means you can customize your setup for your specific boat or PWC, and then change it easily if your needs evolve. It’s a level of adaptability that’s perfect for the versatile RV lifestyle.
The construction is top-notch, with welded aluminum frames and stainless steel hardware designed to resist saltwater corrosion. While heavier than some other options, the stability it provides is unmatched. Choose the ShoreMaster if you have a seasonal spot that gets hit with wind and waves and you refuse to compromise on stability.
EZ Dock Modular System for Ultimate Versatility
EZ Dock throws the traditional dock design out the window. Instead of a long aluminum frame, it uses floating, modular polyethylene sections that connect like giant Legos. For an RVer who might face a different shoreline every season—from a steep drop-off to a shallow, muddy flat—this versatility is a game-changer.
The polyethylene construction is a massive win for coastal living. It’s completely impervious to saltwater, won’t rot or splinter, and the beige color stays remarkably cool under the hot sun. The sections are incredibly stable and buoyant, creating a platform that moves with the water, making it ideal for areas with changing tides. You can even integrate kayak launches and PWC ports directly into your layout.
The main tradeoff is the feel underfoot. It’s a floating dock, so it will have more movement than a fixed, roll-in pier. However, the ability to reconfigure your dock, add sections, or create a completely different shape makes it the most adaptable solution on the market. If your top priority is adaptability to unknown shorelines and zero maintenance, EZ Dock is the answer.
FLOE Roll-In Docks: Effortless Leveling System
One of the biggest pains of any roll-in dock is getting it perfectly level, especially on an uneven lakebed or tidal flat. This often involves wading into cold water with a wrench. FLOE’s standout feature is its "Easy-Level" system, which lets you level the entire dock from the top surface using just a cordless drill.
This feature alone makes FLOE a favorite among RVers who handle setup and teardown solo. You simply roll the dock into place, then walk along the deck, adjusting the leg height at each support post until it’s perfect. It transforms a frustrating, chilly chore into a quick, five-minute task.
Beyond the leveling system, FLOE docks are built with a strong, reinforced aluminum frame and offer various decking options. Their systems are engineered to handle the rougher conditions you might find on a large bay or inlet. For the nomad who demands precision and hates cold-water adjustments, FLOE’s leveling system is a must-have.
Connect-A-Dock 1000: Lightweight & Easy Assembly
For the truly mobile RVer who might only be in one spot for a month or two, portability is everything. The Connect-A-Dock 1000 series is a modular floating system that prioritizes being lightweight and easy to assemble. The smaller, 10-inch-high floats are manageable for one person to carry and connect.
This system is perfect for protected coves, calm bays, and small lakes. It provides safe, stable access to the water for kayaks, canoes, or just swimming without the weight and bulk of a heavy-duty system. You can assemble a functional dock in under an hour, and disassembly is just as fast.
It’s important to understand the tradeoff here. The 1000 series is not designed for rough, open water. Its lower profile and lighter weight mean it will be more susceptible to wave action. But for the right environment, its ease of use is unbeatable. This is the go-to choice for the minimalist nomad in calm coastal settings.
CanadaDocks Kits: The Best DIY-Friendly Option
If you’re a hands-on RVer who isn’t afraid of a little assembly, CanadaDocks offers an incredible balance of quality and value. They ship you a kit containing their signature aluminum frames, legs, hardware, and assembly instructions. You simply supply the decking material of your choice, which you can source locally to save on shipping.
This DIY approach has two major benefits. First, it’s often more affordable than a fully pre-assembled dock. Second, it gives you total control over the final look and feel of your dock surface, whether you prefer cedar, pressure-treated pine, or composite decking.
The aluminum frames are corrosion-resistant and engineered for strength, making them a solid choice for coastal waters. The modular design also means you can start with a small dock and add sections later. For the budget-conscious and self-sufficient RVer, a CanadaDocks kit is the smartest way to get a high-quality, customized dock.
Tommy Docks: Superior Strength for Rough Waters
Tommy Docks takes a slightly different approach, focusing on brutally strong hardware and a semi-permanent feel. While they offer roll-in kits, their strength lies in their heavy-duty stationary dock packages. The components feature thick-walled steel pipes and robust, corrosion-resistant brackets.
This is the system you choose when your coastal spot is exposed to significant boat wakes, wind, or tidal currents. The installation is more involved than a simple roll-in, often requiring you to drive pipes into the substrate. The result, however, is a dock that feels like it’s part of the landscape.
For the RVer who has a deeded lot or a long-term seasonal lease, the extra effort provides peace of mind. You won’t have to worry about a summer squall pushing your dock out of place. Tommy Docks is the choice for maximum strength and stability when "durable enough" just isn’t enough.
Aluminum vs. Poly Docks: Comparing Hewitt & EZ Dock
The two most common materials you’ll encounter are aluminum and polyethylene, perfectly represented by Hewitt and EZ Dock. Choosing between them is a fundamental decision that impacts maintenance, feel, and longevity, especially in a coastal environment.
Aluminum docks, like the Hewitt Roll-A-Dock, offer a rigid and traditional feel. They are lightweight for their strength, which is a huge plus for installation and removal. However, in the intense summer sun, an aluminum frame and metal decking can get uncomfortably hot on bare feet. While marine-grade alloys are highly corrosion-resistant, they aren’t completely immune to the long-term effects of saltwater.
Polyethylene floating docks, like EZ Dock, are the champions of low maintenance. They are impervious to rot and saltwater corrosion, and their lighter color stays much cooler to the touch. The tradeoff is a more flexible feel underfoot; because it floats, it moves with the waves. This can be a pro (great for tidal areas) or a con (less stable feeling in chop) depending on your preference.
Your decision framework should be this:
- Choose aluminum if you prioritize a rigid, pier-like feel and need the lightest possible weight for frequent installation.
- Choose polyethylene if your top priority is zero maintenance and adaptability to fluctuating water levels in a harsh saltwater environment.
Ultimately, the best roll-in dock for your coastal RV life is the one that bridges the gap between your rig and the water with the least amount of hassle. It’s not just about buying a product; it’s about choosing a system that matches your location’s demands, your mobility, and how you want to interact with the water. By focusing on durability and ease of use, you can ensure your waterfront setup is a source of joy, not a seasonal chore.
