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Why Buy A Kayak Trailer?
- Don’t Risk Hurting Your Back Lifting A Heavy Kayak Over-head
- Putting A Kayak On Your Vehicle Can Dent, Scratch and Otherwise Damage It
- A Trailer Can Haul Multiple Kayaks So You Can Bring A Friend Along
- Free Up Space In Your Vehicle
Kayaking is a great sport for an individual or a whole family. There are many benefits to kayaking. First the entry cost can be relatively low depending on your wants and needs. This activity can be done almost anywhere. No-matter if you live in the middle of a large city or out in the country all that is needed is a small river, lake, bay or ocean front. Kayaking is a great way to get off the couch or office chair and enjoy the great outdoors.
Millions of people own 1 or more kayaks. The majority of us transport our vessels by putting them on top of our vehicles and driving to our next adventure. That’s actually a great way to go as it makes things simple and compact. Sometimes things are not so simple though. What if you have more than one kayak? What if you have too much stuff to pack into the car or need that room for passengers? Sometimes a trailer can solve many problems we might be experiencing when heading out to the kayak launch.
Best Kayak Trailer Buys
| Great Choice | Good Choice | Budget Trailer |
|---|---|---|
 |  |  |
| Yakima Rack and Roll Trailer | Malone EcoLight 2-Boat V-Rack | Ironton Utility Trailer |
| * 78-Inch crossbars compatible with all Yakima accessories * Locking levers with keys prevent theft of wheels and tongue * Adjustable, Dual Spring progressive rate, motorcycle-style shock absorbers provide four inches of wheel travel. Independent suspension. * Includes a carrying handle that will turn your trailer into a hand cart. * Can carry up to 300lbs with the Heavy Duty Springs and the independent suspension | * Marine-grade galvanized steel frame for years of dependable service * Galvanized heavy-duty axle & leaf spring suspension deliver a smooth stable ride under full load * Reinforced extra-long tongue with lift handle and tongue skid plate * Coated steel load bars fit most manufacturers kayak carriers * Powder-coated 5-lug high-speed wheels and injection-molded fenders | * Sturdy steel frame for long life * 1,200 lb. GVWR with a max load capacity of 1060 lbs. to handle a variety of cargo * Includes wheel fenders to prevent rocks and debris from damaging cargo * 1 7/8in. coupler assembly with safety chains so your trailer stays secure * Tail lights, turn signals and side running lights keep you visible on the road |
| Pro… Best Overall Quality Aluminum Excellent Suspension for heavy loads Cons… Expensive | Pro… Good Overall Quality Heavy Duty Moderate Cost Cons… Might Be Difficult To Assemble | Pro… Around $400 Bucks! Can Hold 2 Kayaks Cons… Bare Bones Trailer Needs A Little DIY Work |
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Kayak Trailer Considerations
Trailers for kayaks have come a long way in the last 5-10 years. There are many styles and sizes available to fit our custom needs. Some are very light weight so that even a small compact car can pull them. Some trailers can handle are equipped to haul 3 or 4 kayaks at a time. Special features can allow for bikes along with kayaks or a cargo area for storing life jackets, fishing gear, paddles and other equipment that would otherwise have to be hauled in your vehicle.
Saddle vs J Style Cradles
Kayak trailers come with different style cradles which are what the kayak actually sits in. The most popular are the ‘J’ style and the Saddle or V-Saddle style kayak holder.
The J cradles is often helpful when you are carrying 3 or more kayaks. Since the kayak is held up in a more vertical position you can ‘squeeze’ more boats onto the trailer. Some feel that maneuvering the kayak onto the J Saddles can be a bit more difficult to manage. Another issue (when on the roof) to the J style is an ever so slight worry about them sticking up too high when going through a fast food lane or a low over-head situation.
A standard saddle sits the kayak down in a more horizontal or flat position. Since this is the widest position usually only 2 kayaks can fit on a trailer this way. The benefit is sliding the kayak on the saddle is easier than when using the ‘J’ cradle.
How Big Should My Trailer Be?
This is a really important question. If you change your mind, it can undermine the entire purchase. Maybe your just a soloist today but what if you find a kayaking buddy in the near future. What if family members want to join you from time to time. Or what if you just need more options in the future. Be sure to consider these things and maybe error on the side of caution by buying a unit that can accommodate an additional kayak or two. Also consider how much additional equipment you might take on a vacation and see how this trailer might be able to handle these occasional needs.
Where Will You Store Your Trailer and How Will You Secure It?
Is your garage filled up with ‘stuff’ and your driveway packed with cars? Be sure to consider where you will store your new trailer. If your trailer will be kept in the driveway be sure to consider how you will secure it. A kayak trailer can be a tempting target for thieves as it is usually a bit smaller than standard trailers so they can be a little easier to take. Also, there’s a bonus if a kayak is on board. Consider buying a trailer hitch lock or heavy cable to secure it. If at all possible, keep your kayaks in the garage or around the back of the house.
Top Kayak Trailer Picks
1. Yakima Rack and Roll Trailer
| Color | Silver |
| Material | Aluminum |
| Brand | YAKIMA |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 10.25 x 161.19 x 3 inches |
| Item Weight | 161.19 Pounds |
- Crossbars (78-Inch) – Yakima accessory compatible
- Locking levers with keys prevent theft of wheels and tongue
- Adjustable, Dual Spring progressive rate, motorcycle-style shock absorbers provide four inches of wheel travel. Independent suspension.
- Includes a carrying handle that will turn your trailer into a hand cart.
- 300lb load capacity – Heavy Duty Springs with independent suspension
2. Malone MicroSport XT Trailer
| Brand | Malone |
| Item Weight | 230 Pounds |
| Capacity | 800-pound |
- This is the popular MicroSport Base Trailer but includes three top-selling xtras at special bundle price
- Diamond plate aluminum fenders
- Custom 12-inch aluminum spoke wheels
- Storage is a cinch with a tongue that is removable and retractable
- DOT-approved lighting and bearings, pre-tested electrical system, pre-fitted chassis components, and 65-inch coated steel load bars
- 3 hour or less assembly time
- Measures 65-by-159 inches (W x D; 102.5 inches long retracted); 800-pound capacity; standard two-inch hitch coupler
- Limited five-year warranty
3. Ruff-Sport Trailer – Galvanized Finish for Kayak, Bicycle, and SUP
Product details
| Brand | RIGHT-ON TRAILER |
| Item Weight | 210 lbs |
| Dimensions LxWxH | 144 x 64 x 19 inches |
| Material | Alloy Steel |
| Max Load | 400 Pounds |
- Galvanized steel construction with big 4.80 x 12″ Tires
- Crossbars (64″ wide) supports most racks from Yakama and Thule
- Standard LED Lighting and fold up locking tongue stand
- Sturdy frame and soft springs to handle rough roads
4. Malone EcoLight 2-Boat V-Rack Kayak Trailer Package
Product details
| Brand | Malone |
| Constructed With | Alloy Steel |
| Color | Silver |
- Galvanized steel frame made – Marine-grade. Will stand up to abuse for years.
- Heavy-duty leaf spring & axle provide a smooth stable ride under heavy loads
- Comes with lift handle and tongue skid plate. Reinforced extra-long tongue
- Coated steel load bars fit most manufacturers kayak carriers
- Injection-molded fenders. Powder-coated 5-lug high-speed wheels.
