6 Best RV Surfboard Racks For Your Next Road Trip

Finding the perfect wave is hard enough without worrying if your surfboard will survive the drive to the coast. For RV travelers, managing bulky water sports gear within a limited footprint presents a constant logistical puzzle. This guide breaks down the absolute best rack systems to keep your boards secure, accessible, and out of the way on your next road trip.

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Swagman VertiYack: Best Rear Bumper Ladder Mount

The Swagman VertiYack offers an innovative solution for RVers who want to avoid climbing onto the roof. This rack clamps securely to your RV’s rear bumper and attaches to the existing ladder, carrying up to two boards in a vertical orientation. By utilizing the unused vertical space at the rear of your vehicle, you keep the roof clear for solar panels or air conditioning units.

There are, however, important physical tradeoffs to consider before buying. Mounting boards vertically adds height and depth to the back of your vehicle, which can make backing into tight campsites more nerve-wracking. You must carefully measure your total clearance to ensure your boards do not extend past the roofline and catch on low-hanging branches or highway overpasses.

This rack is the absolute best choice for solo travelers or couples with shortboards or mid-length boards who want fast, ground-level access without the hassle of climbing. It is not suitable for oversized longboards that exceed your rig’s height limits, nor will it work if your RV lacks a sturdy, square rear bumper and a factory-installed ladder.

Yakima SupPup: Best Multi-Board Roof Rack

Roof-mounting requires heavy-duty security, and the Yakima SupPup delivers with a fully integrated, padded system designed for multi-board travel. It holds up to two boards securely, featuring a built-in locking mechanism that deters casual theft during pit stops. The heavy-duty straps are integrated directly into the rack, meaning you will never have to search for misplaced tie-downs before hitting the road.

The self-adjusting straps easily accommodate varying board widths and thicknesses, from sleek performance shortboards to chunky stand-up paddleboards. High-density foam padding protects delicate rails from pressure dings caused by highway vibrations. This ensures your boards arrive at the beach in the same condition they left your garage.

Lifting heavy boards onto a tall RV roof is physically demanding and requires a reliable ladder and solid footing. There is also a minor aerodynamic penalty to consider, as roof-mounted boards can marginally impact your fuel efficiency on long highway stretches.

This is the ultimate system for couples or families traveling with multiple boards who already have roof crossbars and comfortable roof access. Skip this option if you struggle with heavy lifting or if you prefer a quick-release side-mount system that keeps your gear closer to the ground.

Thule Board Shuttle: Best Adjustable Roof Mount

The Thule Board Shuttle stands out for its clever telescoping design, which adjusts to fit boards of almost any width. This flexibility makes it incredibly valuable for multi-discipline surfers who swap between longboards, shortboards, and windsurf hulls depending on the seasonal swell. The dual-loading design allows you to carry up to two boards with maximum stability.

The flip-up wrap-around pads protect your board’s edges, while the heavy-duty straps ensure everything stays locked down at highway speeds. The flip-down design also keeps the rack low-profile when not in use, reducing wind resistance and clearing garage doors. It mounts easily to most factory and aftermarket roof crossbars.

Mounting this system requires existing roof crossbars, which might mean an additional investment if your RV does not have a factory rack. Additionally, adjusting the width on a high roof can be tedious, so setting it up before departure is highly recommended.

This is the ideal choice for the versatile surfer who demands premium build quality and needs to carry diverse board shapes. Skip it if you want a simple, tool-free installation or if your RV lacks compatible crossbars.

Cor Surf Wooden Cradle: Best for RV Interiors

Leaving expensive fiberglass boards exposed to the elements and highway grime is not always ideal. The Cor Surf Wooden Cradle offers an elegant interior wall-mount solution that transforms your gear into functional wall art while keeping it safe from salt, sun, and road debris. Crafted from sustainable wood with protective foam padding, this cradle securely holds a single board flat against an interior wall.

This layout utilizes dead vertical space, keeping the floor clear for daily living in tight van conversions or Class B motorhomes. The dark stained wood finish provides a warm, residential feel that blends seamlessly with modern camper aesthetics, elevating the look of your living space.

The obvious tradeoff is wall space. Mounting a seven-foot board inside requires a long, unobstructed wall section, which is rare in smaller, cabinet-heavy RV layouts. You must also be careful to dry your boards thoroughly before storing them inside to prevent mold and moisture buildup in your living area.

This cradle is a perfect fit for van lifers, custom builders, or large trailer owners who prioritize interior security and aesthetic appeal. It is not practical for families or those with highly compact layouts where every square inch of wall space is already occupied by cabinets or windows.

StoreYourBoard Ceiling Rack: Best Overhead Option

Ceiling space is the most underutilized real estate in any mobile home or RV. The StoreYourBoard Ceiling Rack capitalizes on this overhead void, keeping your boards completely out of your living path while traveling. Constructed from heavy-duty steel and wrapped in thick foam padding, this rack mounts securely to ceiling joists.

It holds boards flat against the ceiling, ensuring they do not sway or slide when navigating winding mountain passes or bumpy gravel roads. The wrap-around design prevents the boards from shifting laterally, while the foam padding protects the delicate fiberglass from scratches. This overhead storage method keeps your boards safe from accidental bumps during daily indoor activities.

Installation requires locating solid ceiling framing, which can be challenging in lightweight RV structures with hidden wiring or thin paneling. Headroom is also a major factor; tall travelers in low-ceiling rigs might find themselves ducking around fins if the boards are stored in high-traffic zones.

If your RV has high ceilings (such as a toy hauler or a high-roof transit van) and you want your gear stored safely indoors, this is the smartest space-saving investment you can make. Do not purchase this if you have a low-profile pop-top camper or lack the DIY confidence to anchor screws into your ceiling joists.

SeaSucker Vacuum Mount: Best No-Drill Solution

Drilling holes into an RV’s exterior is a nerve-wracking prospect that can lead to water leaks and structural rot if done incorrectly. The SeaSucker Vacuum Mount eliminates this anxiety entirely by utilizing powerful, marine-grade vacuum cups that attach to any smooth, non-porous surface. These are not ordinary suction cups; they pull hundreds of pounds of holding power and feature integrated indicators that show if vacuum pressure is dropping.

This system allows you to mount boards temporarily on the side or roof of your vehicle and remove the rack entirely when not in use. This portability is incredibly useful if you rent your RV or swap between different vehicles for your surf trips.

The key tradeoff is maintenance. The mounting surface must be spotlessly clean to ensure a perfect seal, and the vacuum cups should be checked periodically during long drives to guarantee safety. They also do not perform well on textured fiberglass surfaces common on some older RV models.

This is the absolute best solution for renters, owners of vintage rigs who refuse to drill, or anyone who wants a temporary, highly portable rack system. If you prefer a “set-it-and-forget-it” setup that requires zero ongoing maintenance, look toward permanent mechanical mounts instead.

Choosing the Right Rack for Your Specific RV Type

Not all RVs are built the same, and a rack that works perfectly on a Class B campervan will likely fail on a massive fifth wheel. Matching the rack to your rig’s specific layout and structural strength is critical for safe travel. Class B and C motorhomes, with their automotive-style roofs and rear doors, offer the most versatility for exterior mounts.

Travel trailers and fifth wheels present a different challenge. These towables experience intense “trailer whip” at the rear, magnifying any vibrations and road shocks. For these rigs, heavy-duty bumper mounts or internal storage options are far safer than roof mounts, which are difficult to access and expose boards to extreme turbulence.

Pop-up campers and teardrop trailers have strict weight limits on their roof structures. For these ultra-light setups, side-mounting systems or lightweight, removable vacuum mounts are often the only viable options to prevent structural damage to the roof lifting mechanisms.

• Class B Campervans: Vacuum mounts or interior ceiling racks for quick access and sleek aerodynamics.
• Class C Motorhomes: Rear ladder mounts or adjustable roof racks to utilize the flat roof space.
• Travel Trailers: Heavy-duty bumper mounts or dedicated interior wall cradles to mitigate road vibration.
• Teardrop/Pop-up Trailers: Lightweight removable vacuum mounts to protect fragile roof structures.

Securing Your Boards Against High Highway Winds

Driving an RV down the highway at 65 miles per hour creates a massive amount of aerodynamic drag, which acts like a giant sail on your surfboards. Improperly secured boards can lift, vibrate, or even rip completely off their mounts, causing catastrophic highway accidents. Understanding how wind dynamics affect your cargo is the first step to preventing disaster.

Always mount surfboards deck-side down and fins-forward. This orientation aligns the natural rocker (curve) of the board with the airflow, pushing the board down onto the rack rather than lifting it up. It also ensures that if the board slips backward, the fins will catch on the straps, acting as an emergency stop.

Twist your tie-down straps. A flat strap vibrating in the wind creates an incredibly loud, annoying hum and causes unnecessary wear on both the strap and the board. Putting a single twist in the strap disrupts the airflow, eliminating the noise and reducing aerodynamic drag.

Finally, always use high-quality cam-buckle straps rather than elastic bungee cords, which stretch and degrade rapidly under UV exposure. Inspect your straps at every fuel stop to ensure tension has not loosened due to road vibrations and temperature changes.

Clever Ways to Store Surfboards Inside Your RV

When weather gets rough or you find yourself camping in high-theft urban areas, storing your boards inside the RV becomes a necessity. The trick is doing so without sacrificing valuable living space or turning your home-on-wheels into an obstacle course. Utilizing dead space is the golden rule of small-space gear storage.

Under-bed storage is an excellent option if your RV features a “garage” style layout under a raised platform bed, common in many modern van conversions. If the space is tight, slide the boards in nose-first, using protective board socks to prevent wax from rubbing off on your gear or storage boxes.

Another clever zone is the space behind your dining booth or sofa. Often, there is a small gap between the back of the furniture and the RV wall that can perfectly accommodate one or two shortboards. Placing high-density foam blocks at the bottom of these gaps prevents the boards from sliding and protects your rig’s interior finishes.

If you must store boards in the main living aisle during transit, secure them with heavy-duty tension rods. Placing vertical cargo bars between the floor and ceiling creates a temporary barrier that holds the boards upright and prevents them from shifting into the driver’s cabin during sudden stops.

Preventing Theft: How to Lock Your Boards Outside

Leaving expensive surfboards exposed on the exterior of your RV is an open invitation to opportunistic thieves. While no security system is completely foolproof, your goal should be to make your boards a difficult, time-consuming target. Thieves look for quick, silent targets, so adding visible physical barriers is highly effective.

Specialized locking straps, which feature integrated stainless steel cables running through the webbing, are a fantastic first line of defense. These straps secure your board to the rack frame and lock with a key, preventing anyone from simply untying or cutting your tie-downs.

For longboards or boards with removable fin boxes, fin-lock systems are an excellent option. These devices lock into the center fin box, allowing you to run a heavy-duty vinyl-coated steel cable through the lock and around your RV’s chassis or bumper.

If you are using a ladder-mounted rack, lock the boards directly to the ladder frame using a high-security U-lock combined with a heavy steel cable. Always park in well-lit areas, and whenever possible, back your RV up close to trees, walls, or other vehicles to physically block access to your rear-mounted gear.

Whether you choose to mount your boards on the roof, hang them from the ceiling, or lock them securely to the rear bumper, finding the right storage solution is key to a stress-free road trip. With your gear safe and secure, you can focus on what really matters: chasing the perfect swell and enjoying the freedom of the open road.