Have you ever experienced carrying a kayak? It is heavy and bulky, right? Even with the help of two or more people, this task is still cumbersome.
Of course, you can agree on the fact that transporting a kayak can be a tedious thing. If the kayak is too heavy to be lifted on the floor of your vehicle, then your best option is to drag it behind. Well, without the help of a trailer, hitching a kayak behind your vehicle is quite difficult.
More...
This is where the best kayak trailer comes in. This particular trailer is not the same as the standard trailers that are being used in RVs and motorhomes. Although they have limited use, trailers of kayaks are capable of transporting your boat wherever you want.
But of course, it is already given that not all trailers out there can secure your kayak properly. That's the very reason why it is important to choose the appropriate ones right from the start. In this blog, I am going to show you some of the top-rated kayak trailers that the market offers today. Let's start!
Click to View Post Navigation
Best Kayak Trailer On The 2022 Market
Product Name | Image | Quality | Our Rating | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. Malone XTRALIGHT Trailer Package - Editor's Pick | A+ | ||||||
2. Malone Auto Racks MicroSport Trailer Package - Runner-Up | A | ||||||
3. Ruff-Sport Trailer - Budget-Friendly Option | A | ||||||
4. Yakima Rack and Roll Trailer - Premium Option | A | ||||||
A |
#1. Malone XTRALIGHT Trailer Package - Editor's Pick
I am impressed with the quality of the Malone XTRALIGHT Trailer Package. It is among the most ergonomic trailers for kayaks that I have ever used. Investing in this item was never really a regrettable choice. This trailer has been downsized compared to its predecessors. However, the number of features that it contains have been pumped as well.
The XTRALIGHT Trailer is designed to handle various kayaks and recreational boats. It comes with V-style racks that secure a steady platform for a kayak to lodge in. The bottom down construction of the racks enables the trailer to handle your boat properly even on tough courses. Furthermore, you can guarantee that it can prevent scratches and other damages because of the presence of thick paddings on each of the rack.
Don't worry about the overall durability of the XTRALIGHT Trailer. After all, its body is made from a marine-grade galvanized steel frame that resists impact, shock, and damages caused by the elements.
Pros
Cons
#2. Malone Auto Racks MicroSport Trailer Package - Runner-Up
Another kayak trailer of Malone that can give your boat a safe and comfortable ride is the MicroSport. With its minimal design and setup, it is quite hard to believe that it is capable of holding up to two kayaks. Aside from that, you can also use it to load your bikes here. That's something that you don't see every day, right?
The marine-grade galvanized steel that has been used on the frame of this trailer doesn't disappoint at all. It doesn't rust and corrode. Even if you expose it to extreme heat and weather, the quality of the frame doesn't deteriorate at all. It has a high weight capacity, too. It can lift over 350 pounds, which is more than enough to handle two kayaks at once.
Meanwhile, the loading bars of this trailer have a standard design. They have paddings to prevent scratches from taking place. The installation and assembly of this trailer are not a problem either.
Pros
Cons
#3. Ruff-Sport Trailer - Budget-Friendly Option
If you are looking for a cost-efficient trailer for your kayak, then this next option is the right one for you. The Ruff-Sport Trailer promises quality without the need for you to break your beloved piggy bank. It has unquestionable durability since it is made from galvanized steel. It can survive various conditions and is capable of carrying heavy loads.
Noticeably, this trailer is not as heavy as other options that I have featured here. This one only weighs 200 pounds, which is already light, considering its construction. But even with its lightweight specification, it is rated to be able to carry multiple kayaks and bicycles at the same time.
The setup of this trailer is pretty easy. The crossbars that come with it are compatible with both Thule and Yakima accessories. Whether you want to bring a kayak, canoe, or bicycle, this trailer is proven to be capable.
Pros
Cons
#4. Yakima Rack and Roll Trailer - Premium Option
The Yakima Rack and Roll Trailer is something that you cannot just ignore. In fact, I would not have been able to complete this list without this particular trailer being included here. The Yakima Rack and Roll Trailer imbued functions to its design. It is not a flimsy trailer either, as it features a sturdy aluminum frame. It can resist corrosion, rusting, and other hints of physical damages.
I can say that this trailer has a lightweight construction. Despite being a large trailer, it doesn't tax you with enormous weight to handle. There are shock absorbers installed on the system of this trailer. Together with the wheels, it can mitigate the impact while you are running in tough courses. There are small wheels on the rear so that you can roll it easily in an upright position.
This trailer can effectively secure your kayaks while you are traveling. The platform is stable enough to carry up to three kayaks at the same time. You can also expect that it can prevent your kayak from getting scratches while you are on the road.
Pros
Cons
Another option that I want to introduce you is the Malone MicroSport XT Trailer. This one is a notable upgrade of the previous Base Trailer of Malone. It is downright impressive because of the given ergonomics that it possesses. It has a retractable tongue kit that enables you to store it easily. Specifically, the kit allows the kayak to be stored in an upright position, which is an excellent thing for those that have limited storage space.
The Malone MicroSport XT Trailer has been pre-assembled already. Once it arrived in your doorsteps, only minimal work is already needed. There are aluminum spoke wheels and fenders that are used on this trailer. Aside from adding stability to the trailer, these amenities also improve the aesthetics of the item.
Furthermore, the trailer is made from galvanized steel so you can always ensure that it can render years of service. Meanwhile, the load bars extend up to 78 inches and features D-ring tie downs. It efficiently secures your kayaks wherever you want to travel.
Pros
Cons
Why Do You Need The Best Kayak Trailer?
There are multiple options on how you can transport a kayak.
The first one, and probably the most common, is by lodging the kayak on the top of your vehicle. This is commonly done with the use of vehicle racks installed on the roof of your truck. Many opt for this option because it is cost-efficient. Sometimes, a roof rack may not come necessary.
However, the real challenge for this carrying option is the reality that the roof of your truck has a limited capacity. It is not capable of handling heavy loads. It might break sooner or later, especially if you have installed it the wrong way.
A trailer, on the other hand, may come expensive at first. But if you are indeed a kayak enthusiast, you should already know that this is the safest route that you have. Kayak trailers have been designed specifically for carrying kayaks and other boats. In some instances, these trailers are also capable of transporting bikes.
They are great because they are designed not to burden your vehicle while dragging them. They are responsive enough to follow wherever your truck is going. Moreover, they also have a reliable suspension system that keeps your kayaks steady and secured while threading rough courses.
The most important benefit of a kayak trailer is its ability to transport your kayak conveniently. It removes the stress and ordeal of lifting your kayak from time to time whenever you want to change destinations. It eliminates the worry of where you are going to place your boat. Simply attach it at the back of your vehicle, and you are good to go!
How To Choose The Best Kayak Trailer?
Now, let me be honest with you. Not all trailers will suit your needs and preferences. After all, these kayaking amenities are not designed to have a one-size-fits-all setup. One way or another, you have to seek the appropriate trailer that is compatible with both of your kayak and vehicle.
Here are some of the things that you want to consider whenever you are buying a kayak.
The Number Of Kayaks You Want To Haul
There are trailers out there that are capable of carrying up to four kayaks simultaneously. These trailers are considerably heavy-duty because they are constructed heavy loads without breaking. You can expect that they are heavier, too.
However, it is entirely understandable that some of you don't need trailers that can handle multiple boats at the same time. Some solo paddlers would only need to bring one or two kayaks. Therefore, they should go with those trailers that have such kind of specification.
The bigger the trailer, the heavier it becomes. Before you purchase trailers with extensive capacities, make sure that your vehicle has enough strength to carry them.
Suspension Of The Trailer
Don't ever dare to ignore the suspension system of the trailer. This particular component is one of the defining features that dictate if a trailer is good for your needs or not. Just like on standard vehicles, suspension does play an important role.
Your trailer requires an excellent suspension system. You have to take into account that not all your routes will have a smooth, paved path. In fact, it is already given that you will encounter bumps and rocks while on the road. If the trailer has a poor suspension, it will never have a smooth ride. The impact will always affect the stability of the trailer. Of course, it will eventually cause your kayaks to be dislodged.
Tongue Length
The tongue length is another consideration that you have to keep in mind. Specifically, the longer the tongue, the more convenient it is for a trailer to back up. Short tongues have difficulties when it comes to backing up straight.
Furthermore, the tongue length is an indicator if a trailer can carry long kayaks or not. Of course, long tongues are designed to carry lengthy kayaks. But of course, if you have short kayaks, then a trailer with a shorter tongue is quite acceptable.
You see, some manufacturers cut down the length of the tongue because of economic cost. But given the drawbacks that these short tongues have, I do recommend that you settle with trailers with longer tongues.
Wheel Size
Kayak trailers come in different wheel sizes. Keep in mind that trailers with small wheels are cheaper. However, when it comes to replacements, they are quite difficult to deal with. Wheels will eventually wear out. By that time, you have to make sure that finding replacements comes as an easy process.
Larger wheels have better stability and ruggedness. While others believe that small wheels have lesser bearing problems than large wheels, I don't find this true. In fact, throughout the years I have been using trailers, such a problem didn't occur to me.
Here’s a guide from “ETrailer.com” which you can use as a reference of selecting wheel sizes for your trailer.
Meanwhile, here is a video which teaches you how to replace trailer wheel bearings:
Bottom Line
The best kayak trailer is an essential amenity that allows you to transport your boat with ease. It is a safer and more convenient approach than lodging your kayaks on the roof of your vehicle.
When choosing for a trailer, I do recommend that you keep in mind all the considerations that I have listed here. In that way, you will be able to get the ideal trailer specifications for you. If you don't want to deal with the time-consuming process of searching a trailer, just choose on the top-rated kayak trailers that I have included in this guide.
That's it for now. For your questions and suggestions, feel free to drop them in the comment section below!