Owning a fifth wheel means that as an outdoor explorer, you have pretty much everything that the tours will need. Apart from other adventurous activities, you don't want to miss the fun in waterways and lakes. For this purpose, you will need a kayak or a couple of them depending on the persons the vehicle have onboard.
Unlike other accessories and equipment, a kayak is something that you cannot accommodate inside an RV. If you saw people moving with kayaks, and wondering how to carry kayaks with a fifth wheel, then you have come to the right place.
The good news is that you will not miss out on this fun outdoor activity if you own a fifth wheel.
Although fifth wheelers come in different designs, most models should be fine carrying one or a couple of kayaks without much issues. If you own a model that doesn’t come with any hitch on its rear, still there are ways to manage carrying a kayak at least.
how to carry kayaks with a 5th wheel?
There are primarily two ways to carry or attach a kayak to a fifth wheel. You can carry it on the truck using an integrated clamping system. Or if your fifth wheel or RV has an arrangement for attaching a rack on its rear side, you can attach one or multiple kayaks in this way.
Consider your fifth wheel’s attachment system and capability, and then decide which way would be more convenient and easier for you.
1. Carrying a Kayak using Truck Rack on a Fifth Wheel
When we run out of cargo space, the first thing that hits our mind is to get a truck rack for additional cargo space. The good thing is, you can carry your kayak on this rack without putting too much pressure on the truck’s roof.
You don't need to do any drilling to attach this add-on to your vehicle. These racks come with an integrated clamping system to ensure the rack is well secured even if you pass through a rough road or drive off-road.
These racks can be 60 inches long. Whether you drive a Ford, Dodge, or Chevy pickup vehicle, you will find the right size to serve a kayak carrying purpose well. If you don't carry any other things on the rack, then there will be plenty of space for a couple of kayaks.
The rack can carry loads up to 200 lbs. easily. Also, you can attach option deck panels to carry miscellaneous loads, tools, equipment, and accessories for outdoor adventures.
2. Carrying a Kayak using Deck on the Rear Side of a Fifth Wheel
If your fifth wheel has arrangements, for example; hitch for attaching a deck on the back door of it, this method will be more convenient and easier. Along with carrying multiple kayaks, this deck will also allow you to carry bicycles and surfboards securely.
For those who want to push outdoor adventures to its limit, this carrying method would be worth investing both money and time.
However, there are some flaws. If you fail to attach the equipment securely while moving, kayaks, bikes, or surfboards will shake a lot, and cause scratches on the back door of your fifth wheel or RV.
The rack attaches to the hitch receiver of the back of your RV. If your vehicle doesn't have it, you can attach one easily. Other than the hitch, the rack doesn’t need other mounting points.
Some manufacturers design these specialized racks allowing them to accommodate a spare wheel or ladder to attach to the back of the RV. Don't worry about the backup camera that is on the center of the back panel of the fifth wheel, the rack will not block it anyway.
Make sure the one you get for this purpose, comes with a good quality clamping block that tackles the movement of the rack while moving. Depending on the brand, you should also get a locking cable to secure the bikes as well as kayaks. This feature also provides theft protection.
A Few Considerations Before Ordering a Rack for Your Fifth Wheel
As I have mentioned earlier, if you don't manage to install the rack properly, and secure the equipment and gear attached to it, your RV will be scratched or get damaged in worst cases. So, be sure to keep the following things in mind.
1. Kayak Size
Although kayaks differ from each other in terms of size, shape, and build-material, here, you need to focus on the size factor. Kayaks racks are of different capacities. Before you finalize the order, make sure that the kayak fits securely to it.
2. Fifth Wheel or RV Type
Not all the fifth wheelers, travel trailers, or RVs are of the same capability. Too much weight beyond its capacity can impact fuel mileage, and cause damage to the vehicle.
Consider the weight of your kayak or the number of kayaks you plan to attach to the fifth wheel, and then go for a rack that can withstand the weight.
Final Words
Hopefully, you no longer need to ask people how to carry kayaks with a fifth wheel. Rather, after you attach a kayak along with bikes or surfboards, people will ask you about how you managed to do it. Be prepared to get a lot of questions about it.
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