Recreational Vans
Inflatable boards use woven drop stitch cores and PVC skins that prefer stable support, light compression, and a cool, dry environment. Storage systems should protect against UV, heat, abrasion, and sharp point loads that create dents or creases. Good setups also keep accessories in order so the board, paddle, pump, leash, and fins travel as one kit.
At home, reliable solutions range from padded wall cradles to ceiling hoists and free standing racks. In vehicles and vans, compact rail systems and strap points keep a rolled board contained and silent while driving. On water days, ease of loading matters as much as protection, so look for smooth surfaces, rounded edges, and quick release buckles.
The best systems balance three goals: preserve the board, save space, and speed up deployment. If a storage choice improves two of these but harms one, rethink the design.
Wall cradles work well for rolled boards in protective bags. Use wide, padded arms so weight spreads evenly and avoid tight straps that crease PVC over time. Mount racks into solid studs at the right height to reduce lift effort and to keep gear off damp floors.
Ceiling hoists free up floor space in tight garages. A two point hoist supports the board bag at both ends with broad slings. Avoid thin rope digging into fabric. Hoists should include a safe locking cleat and a slow, controlled pull ratio so one person can operate without strain.
Freestanding racks fit apartments and rental spaces where drilling is not an option. Pick stands with broad bases and dense foam contact points. If a board leans upright, place a soft buffer under the tail, and keep the fin box facing out to avoid pressure.
For vehicle transport, roof baskets and crossbars carry the load if you pad the contact points and cinch with cam straps at moderate tension. Do not over tighten. Store the paddle and pump in a soft bag to prevent rattle. Inside vans, horizontal shelves or under bed bays keep a rolled iSUP contained. Add soft dividers so the board cannot roll or rub against hardware.
Rolled inflatable boards vary in diameter based on length and thickness. Before buying racks or bins, measure the packed board including its bag and pump. Leave extra clearance for airflow and easy removal. If you store two boards side by side, ensure each has its own support so they do not flatten each other.
Drop stitch PVC dislikes high heat and heavy point loads. In hot climates, avoid attic spaces or sealed car trunks. Indoors, keep boards away from heaters and water heaters. Mild, steady temperatures reduce material fatigue and glue stress at rail seams.
Moisture control is a must. Rinse salt and lake residue, dry the board completely, and crack open the bag zipper so air can circulate. A small desiccant pack inside the bag helps during humid seasons. Inspect the valve cap and O ring after drying to keep dust out.
If you store the board inflated for short stints, bleed pressure down to reduce stress. Lay it on broad pads or hang with very wide slings under the nose and tail. Never suspend by a single narrow strap. For long term storage, rolled and bagged is the safer approach.
Inside a travel rig, the best paddleboard storage systems combine soft contact surfaces, multiple tie points, and a loading path that does not block living space. A low, pull out tray under a raised bed keeps a rolled board accessible without climbing. Overhead shelves must be shallow enough to avoid head strikes yet strong enough to support bumpy roads.
Look for modular rails or L track with adjustable rings. This lets you cinch the board near the center so weight stays low and balanced. Add mesh pockets for fins and a dedicated tube for the paddle so everything travels as one kit. A vinyl lined wet bay helps when you stow a damp board for a short drive home.
If you plan roof transport, match crossbar spacing to the board’s length and use broad pads. A small wind fairing can reduce buffeting and noise. Keep strap hardware away from painted surfaces, and recheck tension after the first miles of driving.
For travelers who want a single rig for biking, camping, and paddling, an integrated approach saves time. Map out board dimensions, pump length, and paddle sections, then allocate a home for each item. The result is a quiet ride and a fast shoreline setup.
To turn these principles into a cohesive vehicle solution, explore how a purpose built adventure van can carry boards without sacrificing sleeping space or power systems. Browse Recreational vans by OZK for ideas on layouts that protect gear while staying road ready. If you want a tailored floor plan with secure mounts, see our custom van build process. Shoppers who prefer finance friendly platforms can explore mainstream vans that finance to start faster.
If carrying a paddleboard is part of your life, we can design storage that fits your board, keeps it quiet, and makes loading effortless. OZK Customs builds adventure vans and partial upfits that integrate racks, rails, and quick dry bays so your iSUP is always within reach. Share your gear list and travel style, and we will turn it into a clean, secure storage plan that works on the road and at camp.
Ready to make paddleboard carry and storage effortless in your next adventure van? Tell us how you travel and we will design secure, quiet, space saving storage that fits your boards, pumps, and paddles. Start your custom build plan now.
ADDRESS:
6159 E Huntsville Rd, Fayetteville, AR 72701
PHONE:
(479) 326-9200
EMAIL:
info@ozkvans.com