The Best Trailer For Kayaks: Buying Guide in 2024
The thrill of carrying large kayaks on and off your vehicle’s roof has worn off, and you’re looking for a better solution. Good news—buy the best trailer for kayaks.
Top 5 Best Trailer For Kayaks.
When choosing a trailer for kayaks, I evaluated its structure, how many kayaks it could transport, weight and size constraints, and convenience of use.
The Best Trailer For Kayaks: Buying Guide in 2024
The best kayak trailer relies on your budget and what else you want to use it for, since some can transport other sporting equipment. I’ve given multiple options to help you discover one that meets all your needs!
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Finding the best trailer for kayaks is difficult. There are many trailers in the market, but not all are the same.
Some offer superior features, quality, and price. The best is hard to determine. The Malone EcoLight 2-Boat J-Rack Kayak Trailer Package is ideal for kayaking and gear transfer.
This kayak trailer supports 400 pounds, plenty for most kayaks. Additionally, the 58″ crossbars accommodate two kayaks comfortably. It has everything you need to carry kayaks and gear. This kayak trailer has a marine-grade galvanized steel frame that has been used for years.
Two J-style mounts attach kayaks to the trailer. You have plenty of place for extra items. This arrangement holds two medium-sized touring or recreational kayaks.
Due to their low height, this trailer’s J-cradles make loading kayaks easier. Like J-cradles on a vehicle roof, little lifting is needed. Similar to a car’s roof rack at ground level.
The 8″ wheels on this trailer are smaller than those on previous versions of it. Although certified for 70 MPH, this trailer may not be suitable for highway speeds.
Transporting kayaks to and from your favorite paddling area is safe and economical with the Malone EcoLight kayak trailer. For anglers who wish to travel light and worry-free, the EcoLight is ideal.
Pros
- Holds 2 kayaks
- Includes J-cradles for kayaks
- 400-pound capacity
- Easy loading from low-height
- Light, hand-manageable trailer
Cons
- If your kayaks are beyond 14′, consider other options.
- DIY assembly takes 5 hours.
Want a simple, economical twin trailer for kayaks? Try this Portage Pal T-2000 Canoe/Kayak Trailer.
The galvanized steel frame of this basic t-bar trailer is powder-coated to withstand corrosion. The tongue length may be adjusted to accommodate kayaks and canoes up to 12 feet.
The Portage Pal rides smoothly with coil spring suspension. The Portage Pal can carry two or more kayaks, but its size and weight limit me to two. It may scratch the ground on uneven terrain since its license plate holder is low.
However, everyone agrees that this kayak/canoe trailer is simple to install and has prompt customer support.
Pros
- Steel frame, galvanized and powder-coated
- Adjustable tongue
- Coil spring suspension
- Compatible with kayaks and canoes
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- The weight capacity is not stated.
- The license plate holder is too low.
This Right-On Multi-Sport kayak trailer can haul several kayaks. This two-tiered rack system can carry many kayaks on the top cross rails and bottom if the weight is under 300 pounds. Since this trailer for kayaks lacks cushioning, you may wish to add your own.
It can carry mountain bikes, SUPs, and canoes, making it a wonderful alternative for family camping vacations. It can also store cargo boxes for extra storage.
Its 64-inch circular crossbars are compatible with Yakima and Thule accessories. Moreover, with its rear lights, the kayak trailer is ready for all road conditions.
Pros
- Multi-sport kayak trailer
- Two layers
- Round crossbars
Cons
- No padding
The Yakima Rack and Roll Trailer’s stress absorption system is similar to a full-sized motorbike, making your kayaks ride smoother and less likely to be damaged by road trip obstacles. Its cross bars suit any Yakima product, so you may use them for more than kayaks. Secure a luggage carrier or two bikes next to your kayak! But, be cautious with weight.
This trailer locks kayaks to cross beams with levers that use keys to prevent theft, so you can confidently eat on your way to the water.
The kick stand lets you use your muscle to move this trailer after you separate it from your car, which is my favorite feature. I wouldn’t call it a hand trailer, but you don’t need to park it perfectly. Which will relieve trailer-backing discomfort and headaches.
Pros
- Compatible with Yakima accessories
- Hand-pullable
- Lightweight trailer
Cons
- Expensive
- Did not include kayak carriers.
Also suitable for single kayak carrying is the Attwood 11930-4 Kayak and Canoe Cart. The trailer fits most lightweight canoes and kayaks with its basic design. My recommendation is to not load this trailer with anything beyond 100 lbs. However, kayak length is variable.
The wheels are thick, which helps on rough terrain. They also grip most surfaces and tread well. Nothing can deflate them since they’re airless.
Its padded metal frame protects your craft’s hull. The trailer should not be pulled behind a vehicle. Its only purpose should be manually dragging your kayak from the vehicle or truck to the water.
It also has straps for transporting your kayak. The frame folds down, and the wheels may be removed to simplify travel.
Pros
- Racks are easy to assemble and dismantle.
- Wheels stay inflated.
- It fits most kayak hitches
Cons
- Low weight capacity
- Little parts are easy to lose.
Buying Guide For Best Trailer For Kayaks
Materials
Non-corroding aluminum kayak trailers are lightweight. Towing and saltwater situations may benefit from corrosion-resistant solid steel. The MicroSport trailer is heavily corrosion-protected.
Easy To Move By Hand
Kayak trailer sides must be simple to move. A good one you can handle when full. Base trailers are easy to drive.
Suspension
Trailer suspension is necessary. Some have motorcycle-style shocks, although they’re less robust than leaf spring suspension. Yakima Rack and Roll is an example. Buy stronger shocks to bear bigger weights.
Tongue Length
The trailer tongue is the distance between the axle and the hitching mechanism. Your kayak range depends on this. The shorter the tongue, the less equipment you can transport.
Wheel Size
Smaller wheels may appear better, but chunkier tires last longer, improving trailer suspension and road grip. Large wheels make trailer loading and unloading tougher.
Multi Kayak and Multi-purpose
Twin kayak trailers are better than single kayak trailers for towing several kayaks. This makes it family-friendly. A multi-purpose trailer that can haul kayaks, bikes, and windsurfing gear is best.
Right-On Trailer Multi-Sport Trailer has too many features, limiting versatility. Since everything is fitted, carrying small kayaks may be difficult.
Ease of Assembly
The majority of trailers arrive in many cartons. Trailer kits should take a few hours and a few tools for assembly.
Load Capacity
Buying a small kayak trailer with a low load capacity is pointless. You may get too heavy to carry that final kayak or bike.
Additionally, you may choose a flexible trailer without racks. It can carry more. All you need are ratchet strap attachment points. This gives your kayaks greater versatility and safety.
Trailer For Kayaks: FAQs
1. Do kayak trailers have speed limits?
Answer: Each kayak trailer has a speed limit to avoid speeding. The road speed restriction while pulling your trailer is unaffected. It is a manufacturer restriction, not a road limit.
2. Should I Register My Kayak Trailer?
Answer: Yes. Registration and a license plate on the rear are required for each trailer that travels on the road. They’re easy to register at your local DMV or BMV.
3. Does a kayak trailer beat a roof rack?
Answer: Roof racks are cheaper, simpler to store, and less road-space-consuming than kayak trailers. However, kayak trailers simplify loading/unloading. Trailers make kayak safety simpler than roof racks. No roof clearance issues whether parking inside or going through a drive-through.
4. Can a boat trailer tow a kayak?
Answer: Absolutely! Find a trailer for smaller boats/PWC, yet the cradle will transport your kayak. Note that boat trailers may cost more than kayak trailers. If you have a boat trailer, it can also carry your kayak.
Trailer For Kayaks: Conclusion
Kayak trailers simplify kayak transporting. Using a trailer is simpler than assembling kayaks on a small vehicle or utilizing numerous cars to transport more kayaks. They’re safer than conventional kayak trailers and can carry many kayaks at once.
Finding the right kayak for your needs might be tricky, but perhaps this guide has helped you on your camping experiences. If you found this article helpful, please share it with your friends and leave a comment with any further recommendations.