Best Kayak Trailer – A Complete and Comprehensive Guide
Let me tell you a true story! This summer I was in holiday in one of the most beautiful countries on earth, Switzerland. Yes I confirm, First Impression is Waouuuh! Just heaven on earth.
We decided with friends to go kayaking in a mountain lake. But how difficult it was to transport our kayaks, because the roads are narrow and sometimes there are very old and too small tunnels. So we had to go down and carry the kayaks by hand. We came to a conclusion: If you do not have the appropriate equipment, moving your kayak from your house to the water and back may be difficult and time-consuming.
This is why I will review with you one of the best Kayak accessories to have.
So Do you need an immediate response? It’s Trailer!
But, what are some of the finest trailers for kayaks?
The Best Kayak Trailer – Detailed Reviews
Malone MicroSport 2-Boat SeaWing Kayak Package (best of best)
This MicroSport trailer bundle can be an excellent option for longer vessels and sea kayaks from different brands., as well as for people searching for a kayak trailer with everything necessary to be loaded and ready to go in one convenient package. However, compared to the cost of comparable kayak trailers, this one is very pricey.
This kayak trailer is a specialized twin kayak trailer that has a load capacity of 355 pounds and can accommodate two kayaks with a combined length of up to 20 feet. It has dimensions of 159 by 65 inches and rectangular crossbars of 65 inches in length, both of which are compatible with various car rack accessories.
It also has a galvanized steel frame, making it resistant to wear and tear in various environments and ensuring consistent performance when used in saltwater environments. In addition, it features galvanized wheels 12 inches in diameter and comes with a good spare tire that is also galvanized and has a locking attachment for ensuring that your boats are safely stored.
The trailer comes equipped with two sets of two SeaWing kayak carriers, each of which is cushioned and broad to assist provide additional protection for your watercraft while it is being transported. Because it also comes with the necessary mounting hardware and straps, you will not have to worry about the safety of your kayaks while it is being installed; they will be ready to go immediately.
It should be noted that it does not arrive pre-assembled and does not have an extendable tongue.
Buy here the Malone MicroSport 2-Boat SeaWing Kayak Package
The Malone MicroSport 2-Boat SeaWing Kayak
This MicroSport trailer bundle can be an excellent option for longer vessels and sea kayaks, as well as for people searching for a kayak trailer with everything necessary to be loaded and ready to go in one convenient package. However, compared to the cost of comparable kayak trailers, this one is very pricey.
This kayak trailer is a specialized twin kayak trailer that has a load capacity of 355 pounds and can accommodate two kayaks with a combined length of up to 20 feet. It has dimensions of 159 by 65 inches and rectangular crossbars of 65 inches in length, both of which are compatible with various car rack accessories.
It also has a galvanized steel frame, making it resistant to wear and tear in various environments and ensuring consistent performance when used in saltwater environments. In addition, it features galvanized wheels 12 inches in diameter. It comes with a good spare tire that is also galvanized and has a locking attachment for ensuring that your boats are safely stored.
The trailer comes equipped with two sets of two SeaWing kayak carriers, each of which is cushioned and broad to assist provide additional protection for your watercraft while it is being transported. Because it also comes with the necessary mounting hardware and straps, you will not have to worry about the safety of your kayaks while it is being installed; they will be ready to go immediately.
It should be noted that it does not arrive pre-assembled and does not have an extendable tongue.
Ruff-Sport Trailer (multi-sport trailer)
This one comes from Ruff-Sport, and its dimensions are 11 feet and 12 inches by 64 inches. It is meant to carry two or more kayaks and bicycles in one trailer. It may also be adapted to carry stand-up paddleboards, surfboards, or a smaller watercraft if necessary. If you do a lot of different watersports and want to carry all of your equipment, then so can be a good option for you. In addition to that, the lights have DOT certification.
The galvanized steel frame kayak trailer features huge wheels that are 12 inches in diameter and have soft springs to decrease vibration at highway speeds. The frame is also composed of galvanized steel, making it sturdy, durable, and well suited to saltwater settings. However, the hardware is not made of stainless steel; thus, its durability cannot be guaranteed to be the same.
It takes a little time to put up, and although it does not come with cushioned crossbars, you can buy those separately if you like. However, it has a fold-up lockable stand and submersible LED lights, which are not typically included in other versions.
Buy here the Ruff-Sport Trailer
Malone MicroSport Kayak Base Trailer (best low bed trailer)
This one from MicroSport might be a fantastic alternative if you want something that can carry up to four kayaks. It advertises being easy to construct, with clear directions (and an instruction booklet that has won an award), and it incorporates a galvanized steel frame for increased strength and resistance to corrosion.
It holds the capacity of 800 pounds and is built for a maximum kayak length of 20 feet, which means that the vast majority of canoes and kayaks can fit on this one without causing any discomfort. It is 65 inches by 159 inches, which includes the extra long tongue that is eight feet long, and it has galvanized wheels that are 12 inches in diameter and have marine-grade bearings.
In addition to having a pre-wired electrical system for lighting, this vehicle rack has crossbars that are 65 inches wide and powder-coated steel, making it compatible with most car rack accessories. However, it does not come with cradles or straps, and you may find that purchasing a cable lock is necessary to ensure that your kayaks are suitably fastened on the two crossbars while they are being transported.
Buy here the Malone MicroSport Kayak Base Trailer
Malone XTRALIGHT Trailer Package (best V-style carrier)
If you desire to use your kayak for fishing or leisure paddling, the XtraLight package can be a smart option. Because it can hold up to two kayaks at once and can support up to 32 inches wide & 14 feet long on V-shaped cradles, this kayak trailer is suitable for transporting most recreational kayaks and even tandem kayaks. If you only want to transport one kayak, you can do so.
This one has a weight capacity of 275 pounds, meaning it can manage even the most fully outfitted fishing yak. On the other hand, if the width of your kayak is rather substantial, this might not be the best trailer for you.
Manufactured in the USA, it features a marine-grade galvanized steel frame that has been powder coated, galvanized axles, and a leaf spring suspension system that helps reduce road vibration’s effects. The powder coating acts as a protective measure against corrosion.
Buy here the Malone XTRALIGHT Trailer Package
Right-On Trailer Multi-Sport (best stacked trailer)
This Right-On Multi-Sport kayak trailer can be an excellent option if you need a way to transport many kayaks simultaneously. Unless the total load weight does not exceed 300 pounds, it is equipped with a two-tiered rack system that allows you to transport several kayaks on both the top cross rails and the bottom. However, because this kayak trailer does not have to cushion, you may want to consider purchasing some on your own.
Its multi-sport design allows you to carry other equipment besides mountain bikes, stand-up paddleboards, or canoes. As a result, it would be a great option for families on camping trips because it can also hold cargo boxes, providing additional space for your belongings.
Buy here the Right-On Trailer Multi-Sport
Ultra-Tow 4ft x 8ft Aluminum Utility Trailer Kit (best folding trailer)
Because it is not designed specifically for transporting kayaks, the Ultra-Tow 4×8 foot Aluminum trailer might be an excellent option if you are searching for a trailer that can be tailored to your exact requirements. Because it has a high weight capacity of 1170 pounds and a frame that is resistant to rust (instead of being made of galvanized steel), it gives you the chance to carry multiple kayaks of different weights or kayaks that are particularly heavy.
You can transport three kayaks if you position one of them in the middle of the trailer’s cross rails.
This flexible trailer may be excellent for towing kayaks, canoes, and whatever else you could desire. If you add some bed boards or marine-grade carpet, you can even use it to haul ATVs.
Much like previous models, this trailer has a great function that allows it to be folded up for simple storage, which means that it will not take up a lot of space in your garage when it is not being used. It features tires that are 12 inches wide and comes with an LED light kit for added visibility and safety if you need to transport a hefty cargo at night.
Buy here the Ultra-Tow 4ft x 8ft Aluminum Utility Trailer Kit
Malone Auto Racks TopTier Utility Trailer (best budget mod option)
When you have a limited budget but still want to carry up to two kayaks on top of your trailer, the galvanized steel Malone Top Tier Cross Bar System is a trailer top carrier that may be the appropriate solution for you. This option will not break your bank and allow you to keep more goods within your trailer, giving you the same amount of additional cargo room as if you had two trailers.
It is intended to be mounted on an existing trailer with elevated side rails; however, the trailer itself is not included in the package. The capacity of your trailer, in addition to the weight capacity of the rack, will determine how much weight you can transport.
The rack is manufactured of galvanized steel and features four vertical bars measuring 53 inches and two cross bars measuring 65 inches. It comes with all the necessary gear to attach to your trailer, so you will not have to worry about that.
Buy here the Malone Auto Racks TopTier Utility Trailer
Yakima Rack and Roll Trailer
Unless the total load does not weigh more than 250 pounds, the Yakima Rack and Roll trailer can transport up to six lightweight kayaks if you use J-type cradle-style racks (three if you use V-shaped cradles), provided that the maximum weight is not exceeded.
It may work better with lighter loads. However, an additional purchase of heavy-duty shocks is required for the trailer to support up to 350 pounds.
This trailer is equipped to transport canoes, mountain bikes, and big crates, thanks to its crossbars that measure 78 inches and are compatible with Yakima attachments.
Rather than being made of heavy galvanized steel, this trailer is lightweight aluminum and is 132 inches long. It also has LED lights for improved visibility when traveling on the highway. While looking to park your vehicle and go scuba diving for a few hours, you must have a winch stand with locked levers to protect it from theft. In addition, it comes with a carrying handle that allows you to pull it by hand, which makes it much simpler to transport kayaks.
The little wheels at the back of this rapid assembly trailer are useful since they make it possible to roll the trailer up for more convenient vertical storage. It is also possible to remove the tongue skid plate and the wheels, allowing for the most efficient use of storage space.
The Rack and Roll are equipped with locking levers and keys for additional safety.
Buy here the Yakima Rack and Roll Trailer
Malone EcoLight 2-Boat J-Rack Kayak Trailer
The Malone EcoLight 2-Boat J-Rack trailer is constructed out of marine-grade galvanized steel to ensure its durability and lifespan. Because of the leaf-spring suspension and the heavy-duty axle that has been galvanized, the vehicle can go smoothly across rugged terrain and uneven roads. In addition to that, it features fenders that are injection molded.
Because of its large load capacity of 400 pounds, it has the potential to be a great choice for easily transporting very heavy fishing kayaks. It has two sets of J-hook carriers, each of which contributes to the provision of a stable basis for the hull of your boat, and it can transport kayaks with a length of up to 14 feet.
It is easy to load heavier kayaks by having a load bar just 24 inches from the ground and cushioned with protective fenders. The J-hooks are also padded to protect your hull from damage. The assembly process is swift and not overly difficult, but the instructions should be improved.
Conclusion
Whatever type or however many kayaks you’ve got, there is a kayak trailer that will get your equipment from your home to the water smoothly and easily. Because trailers, even budget models, are quite an investment, you must consider your options before committing to purchase.
Use the information in this article to guide you and avoid buying the wrong type of kayak trailer. And remember, driving with a trailer is a skill, and you should practice it on a quiet road before loading up and heading for the highway. Think also to cover your kayak with a cockpit cover to maintain its cleanliness and aridity 😉
Stay safe and always have fun!
