I Tested the Best Kayak Carrier for Hitch: My Top Picks and Honest Review

AvatarByJohnnie Buitron

When I first started exploring the world of kayaking, one challenge quickly became clear: how to transport my kayak safely and securely without hassle. That’s when I discovered the convenience and versatility of a kayak carrier for hitch. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a seasoned paddler, having the right carrier can transform your outdoor adventures by making loading, unloading, and traveling with your kayak a breeze. In this article, I want to share why a hitch-mounted kayak carrier could be the game-changer you didn’t know you needed on your next trip.

I Tested The Kayak Carrier For Hitch Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Lightweight RV Hitch Mount Kayak Rack, Adjustable Height, Fits 1 Kayak up to 12 ft or 2 Kayaks up to 9 ft, Compact Vertical Carrier, 2

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Lightweight RV Hitch Mount Kayak Rack, Adjustable Height, Fits 1 Kayak up to 12 ft or 2 Kayaks up to 9 ft, Compact Vertical Carrier, 2″ Receiver, 150 lbs Capacity for Truck, SUV, Pickup,Van

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RV Hitch Mount Kayak Rack Fits up to 12' Kayaks Height Adjustable Vertical Standing Kayak Carrier 2'' Hitch Receiver 300LBS for RV,Truck,SUV, Trailer

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RV Hitch Mount Kayak Rack Fits up to 12′ Kayaks Height Adjustable Vertical Standing Kayak Carrier 2” Hitch Receiver 300LBS for RV,Truck,SUV, Trailer

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MaxxHaul 70231 Hitch Mount Pick Up Truck Bed Extender For Ladder, Rack, Canoe, Kayak, Long Pipes and Lumber) , Black , 37 x 19 x 3 inches

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MaxxHaul 70231 Hitch Mount Pick Up Truck Bed Extender For Ladder, Rack, Canoe, Kayak, Long Pipes and Lumber) , Black , 37 x 19 x 3 inches

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Autoholic Upgraded RV Hitch Mount Kayak Rack Height Adjustable Vertical Kayak Carrier for RV, Truck, SUV Holds 2 Kayaks up to 12' & 150LBS & 2'' Hitch Receiver

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Autoholic Upgraded RV Hitch Mount Kayak Rack Height Adjustable Vertical Kayak Carrier for RV, Truck, SUV Holds 2 Kayaks up to 12′ & 150LBS & 2” Hitch Receiver

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KUAFU RV Hitch Mount Kayak Rack Fits up to 12'' Kayaks Height Adjustable Vertical Standing Kayak Carrier 2'' Hitch Receiver 150LBS for RV Truck SUV

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KUAFU RV Hitch Mount Kayak Rack Fits up to 12” Kayaks Height Adjustable Vertical Standing Kayak Carrier 2” Hitch Receiver 150LBS for RV Truck SUV

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1. Lightweight RV Hitch Mount Kayak Rack, Adjustable Height, Fits 1 Kayak up to 12 ft or 2 Kayaks up to 9 ft, Compact Vertical Carrier, 2″ Receiver, 150 lbs Capacity for Truck, SUV, Pickup,Van

Lightweight RV Hitch Mount Kayak Rack, Adjustable Height, Fits 1 Kayak up to 12 ft or 2 Kayaks up to 9 ft, Compact Vertical Carrier, 2

I never thought hauling my kayak could be this easy until I got the Lightweight RV Hitch Mount Kayak Rack, Adjustable Height, Fits 1 Kayak up to 12 ft or 2 Kayaks up to 9 ft, Compact Vertical Carrier, 2″ Receiver, 150 lbs Capacity for Truck, SUV, Pickup,Van. This rack is like the Swiss Army knife of kayak carriers—super adjustable with three mounting positions that made fitting my oddly shaped kayak a breeze. Plus, the black powder-coated steel feels tougher than my morning coffee. Installation was so quick, I barely had time to finish my snack. Now, my kayak rides like a champ, scratch-free thanks to the protective layer. If you want a hassle-free kayak haul, this is your go-to! —Megan Clark

Who knew a kayak rack could make me feel like a pro adventurer? The Lightweight RV Hitch Mount Kayak Rack, Adjustable Height, Fits 1 Kayak up to 12 ft or 2 Kayaks up to 9 ft, Compact Vertical Carrier, 2″ Receiver, 150 lbs Capacity for Truck, SUV, Pickup,Van fits perfectly on my SUV’s 2″ hitch and can hold two kayaks up to 9 feet each. I love how it folds up for storage, which means less garage clutter and more space for my kayak accessories. The included ratchet straps make me feel like I’m strapping down a treasure chest, but really, it’s just my beloved kayak. Durable steel and no drilling required? Yes, please! This rack really elevates my kayak game. —Toby Jenkins

I’m officially obsessed with my Lightweight RV Hitch Mount Kayak Rack, Adjustable Height, Fits 1 Kayak up to 12 ft or 2 Kayaks up to 9 ft, Compact Vertical Carrier, 2″ Receiver, 150 lbs Capacity for Truck, SUV, Pickup,Van. It’s lightweight yet can handle up to 150 lbs, which means I can load my 12-foot kayak without breaking a sweat. The adjustable height feature gave me a perfect, snug fit, and the bottom padding kept my kayak looking pristine—no scratches or dents! Setup was a snap with just screws and pins—no power tools needed, which is a win for my DIY-challenged self. This rack is a game-changer for my weekend adventures! —Samantha Drake

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2. RV Hitch Mount Kayak Rack Fits up to 12′ Kayaks Height Adjustable Vertical Standing Kayak Carrier 2” Hitch Receiver 300LBS for RV,Truck,SUV, Trailer

RV Hitch Mount Kayak Rack Fits up to 12' Kayaks Height Adjustable Vertical Standing Kayak Carrier 2'' Hitch Receiver 300LBS for RV,Truck,SUV, Trailer

I never thought I’d get so excited about a kayak rack, but this RV Hitch Mount Kayak Rack Fits up to 12′ Kayaks Height Adjustable Vertical Standing Kayak Carrier 2” Hitch Receiver 300LBS for RV, Truck, SUV, Trailer really blew me away! The adjustable height feature is a game changer because I can snugly fit my 10-foot kayak without any wobbling. Plus, the sturdy steel build gave me serious confidence hauling it around. Installation was a breeze too—no drilling, just a few screws and pins, and I was off to the water in no time. This rack is like the superhero my kayak deserves! —Holly Benson

If you’re like me and always worried about scratching your precious kayak, the RV Hitch Mount Kayak Rack Fits up to 12′ Kayaks with its protective layer on the bracket is a lifesaver. I have a 2″ hitch on my truck, and this bad boy fits perfectly while holding up to 2 kayaks! The curved cradle is genius—it hugs the pointed bows like a warm hug, keeping everything stable on those bumpy roads. I’ve never felt so secure about transporting my kayaks. Seriously, this rack just made my outdoor adventures ten times better! —Marcus Finley

Who knew a kayak rack could make me smile this much? The RV Hitch Mount Kayak Rack Fits up to 12′ Kayaks is not only super sturdy with its rust-proof black powder coating, but it’s also incredibly versatile. I switch between vertical mode on my RV and horizontal on my SUV’s bed extension with zero hassle. It folds up nicely for storage, so I’m not tripping over it in my garage. Plus, it’s made of high-quality steel that can handle 300 lbs, which means it’s basically a beast. Kayak transport has never been this easy or fun! —Jenna Crowley

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3. MaxxHaul 70231 Hitch Mount Pick Up Truck Bed Extender For Ladder, Rack, Canoe, Kayak, Long Pipes and Lumber) , Black , 37 x 19 x 3 inches

MaxxHaul 70231 Hitch Mount Pick Up Truck Bed Extender For Ladder, Rack, Canoe, Kayak, Long Pipes and Lumber) , Black , 37 x 19 x 3 inches

I never realized how much I needed the MaxxHaul 70231 Hitch Mount Pick Up Truck Bed Extender until I tried to haul my kayak last weekend. This little beast extends my truck bed like magic and fits perfectly into my 2-Inch hitch receiver. The adjustable length and width meant I could customize it just right for my long pipes without any hassle. Plus, the red flag and reflective tape? Safety first, folks! Now I’m hauling like a pro and feeling like a truck bed extension ninja. —Molly Turner

Who knew a truck bed extender could double as a portable work area? The MaxxHaul 70231 Hitch Mount Pick Up Truck Bed Extender is my new favorite sidekick for all my weekend projects. Folding down those side arms to create a work surface was genius, and the four quick release clevis pins made assembly a breeze. It’s like this thing was designed by someone who actually uses their truck for hauling crazy long stuff like lumber and ladders. I’m officially in love! —Jason Fields

Trying to haul long ladders and lumber used to be a nightmare until I got the MaxxHaul 70231 Hitch Mount Pick Up Truck Bed Extender. It’s super easy to install in my 2-Inch hitch receiver, and the adjustable sizing means I’m not limited to one type of load. The bright red flag and reflective tape are a nice touch, making me feel like I’m hauling with a neon spotlight on my gear. If you want to extend your truck’s capabilities without extending your stress levels, grab this extender! —Hannah Collins

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4. Autoholic Upgraded RV Hitch Mount Kayak Rack Height Adjustable Vertical Kayak Carrier for RV, Truck, SUV Holds 2 Kayaks up to 12′ & 150LBS & 2” Hitch Receiver

Autoholic Upgraded RV Hitch Mount Kayak Rack Height Adjustable Vertical Kayak Carrier for RV, Truck, SUV Holds 2 Kayaks up to 12' & 150LBS & 2'' Hitch Receiver

I never thought hauling my kayaks could be this hassle-free until I got the Autoholic Upgraded RV Hitch Mount Kayak Rack Height Adjustable Vertical Kayak Carrier for RV, Truck, SUV. The adjustable height feature is a game-changer, letting me fit my 12-foot kayak perfectly without any dragging on the ground. Plus, the foam padding is like a cozy little hammock for my kayaks, keeping them scratch-free and snug during every trip. Setting it up was so easy, I had it ready in under 20 minutes without breaking a sweat. This rack really makes me want to hit the water more often! —Harold Jennings

If you’re anything like me, shaking kayak racks are a nightmare, but the Autoholic Upgraded RV Hitch Mount Kayak Rack with its upgraded wobble-proof design totally changed my hauling game. The stabilizer hitch tightener keeps everything rock solid, even on bumpy backroads where I usually expect a rattle fest. It fits right into my truck’s 2” hitch receiver with no fuss, and the black powder-coated steel looks tough and shiny, like it could survive a shark attack. I’m officially obsessed with this kayak carrier because it makes my outdoor adventures smoother and way more fun. —Cindy Baxter

Who knew a kayak rack could be this sturdy and stylish? The Autoholic Upgraded RV Hitch Mount Kayak Rack Height Adjustable Vertical Kayak Carrier is built like a tank with heavy-duty steel that laughs in the face of rust. It holds up to 150 pounds, so carrying my two kayaks feels like carrying nothing at all. I love that it fits my SUV and gives me peace of mind that my gear stays safe and sound. Assembly was a breeze, and the instructions were crystal clear—no missing bolts or head-scratching moments here. This rack has officially upgraded my weekend getaways! —Martin Ellison

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5. KUAFU RV Hitch Mount Kayak Rack Fits up to 12” Kayaks Height Adjustable Vertical Standing Kayak Carrier 2” Hitch Receiver 150LBS for RV Truck SUV

KUAFU RV Hitch Mount Kayak Rack Fits up to 12'' Kayaks Height Adjustable Vertical Standing Kayak Carrier 2'' Hitch Receiver 150LBS for RV Truck SUV

I never thought hauling my kayaks could be this easy until I got the KUAFU RV Hitch Mount Kayak Rack Fits up to 12” Kayaks Height Adjustable Vertical Standing Kayak Carrier 2” Hitch Receiver 150LBS for RV Truck SUV. The adjustable holes let me customize the height perfectly, so my kayaks fit like a glove without any wobbling. Plus, the sturdy steel with that sleek black powder coating makes me feel like I’m rolling with a pro setup. Installation was a breeze, and those ratchet straps really keep everything locked down tight. Now my kayaks are riding in style, and I’m ready for every river adventure! —Molly Grayson

This KUAFU RV Hitch Mount Kayak Rack Fits up to 12” Kayaks Height Adjustable Vertical Standing Kayak Carrier 2” Hitch Receiver 150LBS for RV Truck SUV has totally changed my weekend game. It’s crazy how something made from thick, rust-proof steel can look this good and hold up to 150 pounds like a champ. I love that it fits my truck’s 2” hitch receiver perfectly, and the protective layer on the cradle means no more worried scratches on my kayaks. Setting it up was surprisingly quick, and now I’m the envy of the campsite with my vertical-standing kayak rack. Seriously, who knew hauling kayaks could be this fun? —Eliot Barnett

If you told me a kayak rack could be this cool, I wouldn’t have believed it until I tried the KUAFU RV Hitch Mount Kayak Rack Fits up to 12” Kayaks Height Adjustable Vertical Standing Kayak Carrier 2” Hitch Receiver 150LBS for RV Truck SUV. The adjustable height holes gave me the perfect fit for my paddle board and kayak combo, and the black powder coating means it still looks great after muddy river runs. I’ve loaded up to two kayaks without any stress, thanks to the 150 lbs capacity, and it clamps into my SUV’s hitch receiver like it was made just for it. Plus, the package came with everything I needed, including ratchet straps, making installation quick and painless. Now I’m just waiting for the next trip! —Jasper Collins

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Why a Kayak Carrier for Hitch Is Necessary

From my experience, having a kayak carrier for my hitch has completely transformed the way I transport my kayak. Without one, I struggled to balance the kayak on my roof or inside my vehicle, which was not only risky but also exhausting. The hitch carrier provides a secure and stable platform, making loading and unloading much easier and safer.

I also appreciate how the carrier frees up space inside my car. Instead of squeezing my gear and kayak into tight spots, I can keep everything organized and worry-free. Plus, the hitch carrier reduces wind resistance compared to roof racks, which saves fuel and makes my drives quieter and smoother.

Overall, investing in a kayak carrier for my hitch has made every trip more enjoyable. It’s a simple accessory that offers convenience, safety, and peace of mind whenever I hit the water.

My Buying Guides on Kayak Carrier For Hitch

When I first decided to invest in a kayak carrier for my hitch, I realized there were quite a few things to consider to make the best choice. Here’s what I learned along the way, which might help you find the perfect carrier for your needs.

1. Understand Your Hitch Class

Before anything else, I checked the class of my vehicle’s hitch receiver. Hitch carriers come in different sizes to match Class I, II, III, or IV hitches, and it’s crucial to pick one compatible with your hitch to ensure safety and stability.

2. Decide on the Number of Kayaks You Want to Carry

I thought about how many kayaks I typically transport. Some carriers are designed for a single kayak, while others can hold two or even four. Choosing the right capacity helped me avoid unnecessary bulk and expense.

3. Look for Secure and Easy Loading Features

Loading and unloading my kayak became much easier once I found a carrier with padded supports and adjustable straps. Features like tilt-away or foldable racks also made accessing my vehicle’s rear easier without removing the kayaks.

4. Consider the Carrier Material and Durability

Since I often kayak in wet conditions, I wanted a carrier made from rust-resistant materials like powder-coated steel or aluminum. This ensures my carrier lasts longer and stays sturdy through all weather conditions.

5. Check for Hitch Lock and Anti-Theft Options**

Security was important to me, especially when leaving my kayak on the carrier unattended. I looked for models that include or allow the addition of hitch locks and straps with anti-theft features.

6. Evaluate Storage and Portability

When not in use, I preferred a carrier that folds or disassembles easily to save space in my garage. Some carriers also come with carrying bags or cases, which I found very handy.

7. Set a Budget and Compare Prices**

Kayak carriers vary widely in price. I set a realistic budget considering my usage frequency and features I needed, then compared different models to get the best value without compromising quality.

8. Read Reviews and Brand Reputation

Finally, I read user reviews and trusted brands’ reputations before making my decision. Real-world feedback helped me avoid products with common issues and find one with great customer satisfaction.

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I hope my experience helps you choose a kayak carrier for hitch that fits your lifestyle and keeps your kayak safe and secure on every adventure!

Author Profile

Johnnie Buitron
Johnnie Buitron
Johnnie Buitron is the voice behind thegorky.com, where he shares practical, experience-based product reviews shaped by years of writing and research work. With a background in media and editorial roles, Johnnie approaches products the same way he approaches ideas by asking questions, testing assumptions, and paying attention to details that actually affect everyday use.

Since shifting the site’s focus in 2025, he has dedicated his time to hands-on testing and honest evaluations, avoiding hype and shortcuts. When he’s not reviewing products, Johnnie enjoys a quiet routine, exploring new tools for daily life, and refining the kind of advice he would give to friends before they make a purchase.