VertiYak Hitch Kayak Rack – Vertical Kayak & SUP Carrier for RVs, Vans & Vehicles
The VertiYak Hitch Kayak Rack solves one of the biggest problems facing RV owners and paddlers: how do you carry kayaks when putting them on the roof isn't practical? Instead of lifting boats overhead, the VertiYak carries up to two kayaks or paddleboards vertically behind your vehicle using a standard 2" hitch receiver.
Designed for kayaks and SUPs up to 12 feet long, the VertiYak is particularly well suited to RVs, camper vans, motorhomes, SUVs, and other vehicles where roof-mounted kayak racks are difficult or impossible to use. Its heavy-duty steel construction supports up to 150 lb, while adjustable lower cradle positions help you achieve the necessary ground clearance for your vehicle and boats.
A Smarter Way to Carry Kayaks Behind Your RV
Transporting kayaks on an RV or tall vehicle can be awkward. Roof loading may require ladders, additional racks, or simply more lifting than many paddlers want to deal with. The VertiYak moves your boats to the rear of the vehicle, allowing them to be loaded vertically rather than lifted onto the roof.
The design originated specifically as a solution for RV travel and is manufactured in the USA. By carrying boats vertically at the rear, the VertiYak also leaves your vehicle's roof available for other equipment such as cargo boxes, solar panels, or existing RV equipment.
Carries Two Kayaks or Paddleboards up to 12 Feet
The VertiYak can carry a maximum of two kayaks or SUPs up to 12 feet in length, with a total rack capacity of 150 lb. Each boat sits vertically with one end positioned inside one of the rack's lower cradle openings.
The lower cradle openings measure 11.5" × 17", so it's important to measure the bow or stern of your kayak before purchasing. VertiYak recommends having at least approximately 4 inches of the boat seated inside the lower cradle for proper support.
Fits a Standard 2" Hitch Receiver
The VertiYak installs into a standard 2" hitch receiver. A frame-welded receiver is preferred, although the manufacturer also notes that the rack can be used with appropriate bolt-on bumper receiver configurations.
Because every RV and vehicle is different, always confirm the hitch receiver and vehicle are rated appropriately for the combined weight of the 46 lb rack plus your kayaks or paddleboards. Ground clearance, rear-mounted spare tires, bumpers, ladders, and other accessories should also be considered before installation.
Three Adjustable Lower Cradle Heights
The lower cradle can be installed at three different mounting heights, allowing the rack to be adjusted to suit different vehicles and boat dimensions. Proper adjustment is important because enough clearance must remain between the bottom of your kayak and the road to prevent scraping when travelling over dips, driveways, or uneven terrain.
Remember that carrying a kayak vertically also increases the overall height of your vehicle. Always check your loaded height and pay attention to bridges, campground trees, overhead structures, and other low-clearance obstacles.
Heavy-Duty Steel Construction
At approximately 46 lb, the VertiYak is a substantial steel carrier built for repeated road trips and RV travel. The main beam and upper section use 14-gauge steel, while the lower cradle uses heavier 11-gauge steel. The rack is finished with a black powder coat for durability and corrosion resistance.
Despite its robust construction, the cradle design can fold inward when the rack isn't carrying boats, reducing the amount of space it occupies behind the vehicle.
Secure Your Kayaks Properly
VertiYak recommends securing kayaks or paddleboards using two ratcheting straps at the designated strap loops. Protective foam can also be installed around the lower cradle to reduce contact between the boat and metal rack. Straps and protective foam are not included with the AQ Outdoors version of the rack.
For installations where there is movement between the rack and hitch receiver, an optional VertiYak Anti-Rattle Device can be added. It uses a threaded bolt to tighten the VertiYak inside the receiver and reduce unwanted movement.
Key Features & Specifications
- Category: Vertical hitch-mounted kayak & SUP carrier
- Best For: RVs, motorhomes, camper vans, SUVs, and vehicles where roof loading is difficult
- Boat Capacity: Up to 2 kayaks or paddleboards
- Maximum Boat Length: 12 ft
- Maximum Load Capacity: 150 lb
- Rack Weight: Approx. 46 lb
- Hitch Compatibility: 2" hitch receiver
- Lower Cradle Opening: 11.5" × 17"
- Lower Cradle Adjustment: 3 mounting heights
- Main Beam / Upper Construction: 14-gauge steel
- Lower Cradle Construction: 11-gauge steel
- Finish: Black powder coat
- Storage: Lower cradles fold inward when not carrying boats
- Origin: Made in the USA
Will My Kayak Fit the VertiYak?
Measure before ordering. The VertiYak does not fit every kayak. One end of each kayak or paddleboard must fit inside the 11.5" × 17" lower cradle opening, and the manufacturer recommends having at least approximately 4" of the boat sitting inside the cradle.
You should also confirm that a vertically mounted kayak will have sufficient ground clearance and overhead clearance on your specific vehicle. If you're unsure whether your kayak and vehicle combination will work, contact AQ Outdoors with your boat dimensions and vehicle setup before ordering.
Available Through AQ Outdoors & Roof Racks Calgary / Edmonton
Shop the VertiYak Hitch Kayak Rack through AQ Outdoors, Roof Racks Calgary, and Roof Racks Edmonton. Our team can help determine whether the VertiYak will work with your kayaks, hitch receiver, RV, camper van, or vehicle before you purchase.
VertiYak Hitch Kayak Rack – Frequently Asked Questions
What is the VertiYak Hitch Kayak Rack?
The VertiYak is a vertical hitch-mounted carrier designed to transport kayaks and paddleboards behind an RV, camper van, SUV, or other vehicle. Instead of lifting your boats onto the roof, they sit vertically at the rear of the vehicle using a standard 2" hitch receiver.
How many kayaks can the VertiYak carry?
The VertiYak can carry up to two kayaks or paddleboards with a combined maximum load of 150 lb.
What is the maximum kayak length for the VertiYak?
The VertiYak is designed for kayaks and paddleboards up to 12 feet long. Because the boats are carried vertically, you must also check your total loaded vehicle height and watch for overhead obstacles.
Will my kayak fit the VertiYak?
One end of your kayak must fit inside the VertiYak's 11.5" × 17" lower cradle opening. VertiYak recommends having at least approximately 4" of the boat sitting inside the cradle. Measure the bow or stern of your kayak before ordering because the VertiYak will not fit every boat.
What size hitch receiver does the VertiYak require?
The VertiYak mounts into a standard 2" hitch receiver. VertiYak recommends a frame-welded receiver where possible, although appropriate bolt-on bumper receivers may also be used.
Can I use the VertiYak on an RV or motorhome?
Yes. The VertiYak was developed specifically as a solution for RV owners who wanted to carry kayaks without putting them on the roof. Always verify that your RV's receiver and mounting structure are rated for the combined rack and boat load before installation.
How much weight can the VertiYak carry?
The VertiYak is rated for a maximum load of 150 lb. The rack itself weighs approximately 46 lb, so remember to account for both the rack and your boats when checking the capacity of your vehicle and hitch receiver.
Are the VertiYak lower cradles adjustable?
Yes. The lower cradle has three mounting-height positions, allowing you to adjust the rack for your vehicle and kayak. Always maintain enough ground clearance to prevent the kayak or rack from scraping on driveways, dips, and uneven roads.
Do I need straps to secure kayaks to the VertiYak?
Yes. VertiYak recommends securing your boats using two ratcheting straps at the designated strap loops. Protective foam can also be added around the lower cradle to help protect your kayak's finish. Straps and protective foam are not included with the AQ Outdoors version.
Can the VertiYak be folded when I'm not carrying kayaks?
Yes. The lower cradles can fold inward so they're more flush with the rear of the vehicle when the rack isn't being used to transport boats.
What is the VertiYak Anti-Rattle Device?
The optional VertiYak Anti-Rattle Device fits inside the rack's hitch tube and uses a threaded bolt and locking washer to tighten the connection inside the receiver. It can reduce movement and rattling where there is extra play between the rack and hitch.
Where can I buy the VertiYak Hitch Kayak Rack in Canada?
The VertiYak Hitch Kayak Rack is available through AQ Outdoors, Roof Racks Calgary, and Roof Racks Edmonton. Our team can help determine whether your kayaks and vehicle are compatible before ordering.