6 Clever Ways to Carry Kayaks with a Travel Trailer

For those looking to get back to the great outdoors, there is nothing like loading up your travel trailer with all of your favorite gear. If you have ever traveled with one of these trailers, then you probably know how valuable space is. Kayaking is an ideal past time of many people who enjoy nature, but how do you carry large kayaks with limited space?

6 Clever Ways to Carry Kayaks with a Travel Trailer: If you are looking to use a travel trailer as your home away from home, then knowing how to bring along your kayaks will ease your worry and allow you to have as much fun as you can. Here are a fey steps you need:

1. On Top of Your Towing Vehicle

2. In the Trunk of Your Towing Vehicle

3. Attached to the Back of Your Travel Trailer

4. Use Inflatable Kayaks to Travel

5. Get a Travel Trailer With an Opening Back Door

6. Try Storing Your Kayak Inside Your Travel Trailer

Although a kayak can be a significant item to pack for your upcoming trip, with these tips on carrying your kayak and your travel trailer, you will be able to get the full experience you are looking for while traveling on your next vacation.

6 Clever Ways to Carry Kayaks with a Travel Trailer

Travel trailers are one of the most budget-friendly ways to travel around the country. They can be your home away from home, and they have everything you need to have a great vacation. One area where travel trailers tend to struggle is with organization and storage space. Kayaks are a great activity to enjoy the water around you without having to go swimming, but they are not necessarily space-friendly. Sometimes you have to get creative when it comes to traveling with kayaks.

Most travelers like to carry their kayaks on their towing vehicles in some way. This way, you can keep an eye on them at all times while you are heading toward your destination. Many companies create racks that can be placed on the roof of your vehicle, in the bed of your truck, or in the trunk space that many SUVs have. If your towing vehicle is not equipped to use racks, then you could also choose inflatable kayaks, which will save you the most space, but you will be limited to where you can use them.

Another option is to somehow store the kayaks on or inside of your travel trailer. You can purchase racks that attach to the back of your trailer where you can safely store your kayaks. Although they can be expensive, they are an excellent option for those who may have limited space but love to kayak wherever they go. Some travel trailers have a back wall that opens up for people who are interested in using a lot of equipment when they travel. With these, you can easily open the back door and slide your kayak in with no need for racks. If all else fails, you can also try to fit your kayaks into a regular-sized travel trailer.

Related reading: How Do RV Rentals Work: 7 Expert Tips

How do you transport a kayak on a travel trailer?

It is no surprise how vital space is while using a travel trailer, and although you want to bring all of the comforts of home, they simply won’t fit. Luckily, packing your favorite kayaks to visit a nearby river, lake, or ocean does not mean that you have to sacrifice everything that you want to bring. Here are six ways that you can pack your kayaks!

1. Store Your Kayak On Top of Your Vehicle

Depending on what type of vehicle you are using to tow your trailer vehicle, investing or renting a roof rack for your kayaks maybe your best option. The benefit of having the kayaks on the roof of your vehicle is that it allows you to store necessities in the bed of your truck or SUV. It may be more comfortable for people who want to keep an eye on their kayaks while traveling to their destination.

 If you choose to travel with your kayaks on the roof of your vehicle, make sure the rack you are using is adequately attached to the roof of your car, and that the kayaks themselves are secured. You may even want to secure the back and front of your kayaks to the front and back of your car to prevent wind from lifting one end up while driving.

2. Utilize the Trunk or Bed of Your Towing Vehicle

If stacking your kayaks on the roof of your towing vehicle is not your style, you can also use the bed or trunk of your vehicle. For those who are using a truck, many companies create racks that you use to hold your kayaks without losing essential storage space. If you are not worried about storing items in your truck’s bed, you can also simply place them and make sure they are tied down securely.

3. Use Racks to Attach Kayaks to Your Trailer

Depending on the travel trailer you have as well as the kayaks you have, you may be able to purchase a rack that fits securely on the back of your travel trailer. It attaches to the hitch of your trailer on the back, and they can hold kayaks up to twelve feet, and some racks can even hold multiple kayaks. With racks like these, you need to be aware of bridge clearances, trees, and also how low you place the kayak on the rack to avoid potentially scraping your kayak.

How to load RV Racks Vans, Motorhome, Fifth wheel kayaks >> Check out the video below

4. Invest in High-Quality Inflatable Kayaks for Traveling

If space is a primary concern of yours, or you travel with a smaller trailer, then you can always invest in an inflatable kayak. While they are not as durable and versatile as a traditional kayak, they are perfect for making sure you enjoy your time at your destination. They can easily be stored in their original packaging, or be folded up into a smaller size. Inflatable kayaks can be stored in the travel trailer, inside the towing vehicle, or even in the trunk or bed of the vehicle as well. If you choose to travel with an inflatable kayak, make sure you also pack a repair kit in case of emergencies.

If you are wanting to kayak while on vacation but cannot travel with regular kayaks and are not interested in inflatable kayaks, try to rent one. Many locations have equipment that you can rent for a certain fee, and you can call ahead to make sure they have what you are looking for.

5. Select a Travel Trailer with Rear Wall that Opens

Picking a travel trailer with a rear opening door may be your best bet for those who are really into outdoor adventures. You can also quickly open the door and place your kayaks inside, but you can also use that space to store additional items. Having a rear opening door on your trailer can also allow you to place tents on the outside to extend the amount of living space you have.

Related reading: How to Choose the Right Size Travel Trailer: An In-Depth Guide

6. Store Your Kayak Inside of Your Travel Trailer

Depending on what kind of kayak you are using, it may be easier to place the kayak inside simply. Many kayaks that are used for rivers are short enough that you can place them inside your trailer with a bit of help. This ensures that they are going to be safe for the duration of your journey from road hazards. The kayaks can be stored on the floor of the trailer or can be securely attached to furniture such as a bed or a couch.

For more helpful articles about travel trailers please check out our articles below:

How to Prevent Travel Trailer or RV Pipes from Freezing?

How to Choose the Right Size Travel Trailer: An In-Depth Guide

4 Essential Reasons Travel Trailers Have Batteries [Must-read]

Setting Up a Travel Trailer to Live In: 20 Essential Steps