How To Carry Kayaks With a RV

Updated 03/11/2026 | Published 03/05/2026

Products Featured in This Question

LockRack Series-X Universal Adjustable Watersport Carrier - Side Loading - Universal Mount

(26)

$339.60

Malone EcoLight Sport Trailer - 58" Crossbars - 400 lbs

(67)

$1299.00

Question:

Can this be used vertically? For example on a rv or caravan rear ladder? Thanks!

asked by: Matt

Expert Reply:

Hi Matt,

That’s a really cool idea, I can totally see why you’d want to use that space on the rear ladder.

The LockRack Series-X Universal Adjustable Watersport Carrier part # LR24VR is designed to mount on roof rack crossbars. It clamps onto your roof bars and holds your kayak, canoe, or SUP in place while you’re driving. It has not been tested or rated for vertical mounting on an RV ladder or rear wall. Because of the different weight distribution and road forces in that position, we can’t confirm it would safely support a kayak that way, and the manufacturer does not approve it for that type of use.

For a true vertical setup, you’d actually need a hitch-receiver mounted vertical RV kayak rack. Those are designed specifically to handle the weight and road forces of carrying a kayak upright behind an RV. We don’t currently carry those vertical hitch-style RV racks, but they are an option out there if that’s the direction you want to go.

If you’re looking at options we know will work well and be fully supported, your best bet is usually either installing a roof rack system on top of the RV or pulling a small kayak trailer. Something like the Malone EcoLight Sport Trailer part # MAL53FR with the 58" crossbars is a really nice solution. It gives you plenty of capacity (up to 400 lbs), keeps the load off your RV’s ladder and rear wall, and makes loading and unloading a lot easier.

What RV are you working with? Does it have a hitch? I’m happy to help you sort through the best way to transport your kayaks safely and confidently.

expert reply by: Heather A

Edmond L.

3/10/2026

Mounting vertically should work if you have the proper cross bars to mount the carrier. Only concern is although the carrier cinches tight, it is still relies on friction and if the item is heavy, it could slowly slip down.

Tom Z.

3/10/2026

Hi Matt, It really depends on how long and light weight your object is. I would guess no for a 10’ kayak or larger canoe. The struts are made for something to rest on top of them, not torque out and down. As soon as you tip vertically, you’re defeating the design intent. The fasteners used to attach and hold the bar struts aren’t very robust (because they’re intended to have something push straight down). Hope that helps! Tom Z

Carol M.

3/11/2026

I have the double SUP carrier - love how easy it is to unload and load my boards. Everyone else is jealous when I am done in 60 seconds and they are still trying to figure out their ratchet straps.