Kayaking and camping go hand in hand. Camping allows you to get out into nature and spend time in the great outdoors, and kayaking is a great way to explore an area on the water, keeping you fit and healthy whilst taking in the scenery and getting plenty of fresh air.
But what if you have a pop-up camper? Can you take your kayak with you? How do you transport your kayak on top of your pop-up camper?
We have answered these questions in this handy guide which tells you everything you need to know about transporting your kayak on a pop-up camper. Keep reading to find out more.
Table of Contents
How Much Weight Can The Roof Of A Pop-Up Camper Support?
The weight that can be supported by the roof of a pop-up camper varies depending on the size of the trailer. If you are planning to carry a small kayak or canoe then it will probably be fine.
However, if you plan to carry a larger kayak or even a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) then you may want to consider using a different type of vehicle for transportation.
The maximum load capacity of a pop-up camper top depends on how much space there is at the front of the camper. For example, a pop-up camper with a large opening would be able to support a lot more than one with a smaller opening.
This also means that the weight of the load will affect the amount of space available. So, if you are going to use a pop-up camper to transport a kayak, make sure that you choose a model that has enough room to accommodate the kayak.
If you are not sure whether a particular pop-up camper can handle your kayak, you should contact the manufacturer directly.
They will be able to tell you exactly how heavy your kayak is and how much weight it can safely support. You could also ask other people who own pop-up campers whether they think that your kayak would be safe inside their camper.
Most pop-up campers have a maximum roof weight capacity of 300 pounds, but you should always check the specifications of your model before you load the camper.
How Much Do Kayaks Weigh?
The weight of a kayak will depend on the size and what material it is made out of. They tend to weigh between 20 and 100 pounds, but most single-person kayaks are around 35 pounds. A tandem kayak will often weigh at least 225 pounds.
You also need to consider the weight of any other gear that you are transporting, such as fishing gear.
If you plan on storing this in the pop-up camper or on top of it then you need to make sure that you don’t exceed the weight capacity of the camper.
What Size Should My Kayak Be To Fit Inside My Pop-Up Camper?
Most pop-up campers come with a storage compartment built into the roof. This is where you put all of your items when you are traveling.
It is usually quite spacious, so if you have a small kayak then you might be able to fit it inside. Make sure that you leave enough room around the sides of the kayak to allow you to get in and out.
However, some pop-up campers have an external storage area. These are usually located under the roof of the camper.
Some models have a hatch door that opens from the outside of the camper, while others have a lid that slides down over the top of the camper. Either way, you will need to remove the lid to access the storage area.
The issue with using these storage areas for your kayak is that while you are driving the camper is folded into a smaller size. This means that you might not be able to keep your kayak in the storage area whilst you are traveling from place to place.
Can I Transport My Kayak On Top Of My Pop Up Camper Roof?
Yes! Many pop-up campers have a flat roof. This means that you can store your kayak on top of them without having to worry about damaging the roof.
Some pop-up campers have special brackets that you can attach to the roof to hold the kayak. Others just have holes in the roof through which you can thread ropes to secure the kayak.
Once again, make sure that you leave enough clearance around the edges of the kayak for you to get in and get out.
Can You Put A Roof Rack On A Pop-Up Camper?
If you want to carry more than one kayak then you may find that you need to buy a roof rack. Most pop-up campers have two tie-down points on each side of the roof.
These are ideal places to mount a roof rack. However, some models only have one tie-down point on each side of the camper. In these cases, you will need to use another method to secure your kayaks.
If you are planning on carrying multiple kayaks then you will probably want to look at buying a roof rack. The best ones will be designed specifically for kayaks and they will provide extra support for your kayaks.
How Else Can You Transport Your Kayak?
If you are struggling to transport your kayak on your pop-up camper then you can transport it using your car or truck instead.
It is easy to find a roof rack to fit most cars and trucks, so this might be a better option.
Another alternative you have is to use an inflatable kayak. These take up very little space and can be stored in a bag or backpack.
When you want to use the kayak, you inflate it at the waterside and then deflate it afterward.
Summary
It is possible to transport a kayak on a pop-up camper, but make sure you check the weight capacity of the camper first.
