Whether you’re a seasoned paddler or a brand new kayaker, finding a way to transport your kayaks can be difficult, especially if you’re driving long distances.
With only 1 kayak, it may match on the roof or in the truck bed. Two kayaks might fit in a distinctive roof rack. For numerous kayaks or vehicles that can’t fit ships in the roof, you may have to think about a kayak trailer.
We are going to help you know what to search for to pick the ideal kayak trailer to suit your needs. From the end of the article, you’ll know the good bad and ugly of choosing a kayak trailer.
We will also offer you a couple of suggestions so that you can get started choosing a high rated kayak trailer somewhat quicker with our comparison table and buyers guide. Let’s get into it!
Kayak Trailer Reviews
If you want to begin your study or purchase online, this list is comprised of some great options for kayak trailers. We went with nicely adored kayak trailers you can depend on!
1. Malone Auto Racks MicroSport Trailer Kayak
Malone makes tons of kayak and canoe accessories from the trailer, roof racks, and mounts. That’s why this trailer is a fantastic deal.
Not only do you receive a solid kayak trailer, but you’re also saving tons of cash since they bundle in 4 of their J-Pro2 Kayak carriers on the trailer.
There is enough space for as many as 4 kayaks with this trailer. I really like that they mount using the J-Pro2 carriers that are dependable and simple to use.
On our whole list that is the sole 4 kayak capacity trailer, we will review. If you need space for more than two kayaks on trailer, then this is your final stop!
Spare tire, security chains, kayak carriers, and straps are all included. This makes this aluminum frame trailer simple to use and easy to operate.
The toughest part will be assembly after birth but we’re confident that you can manage that.
I enjoy the sturdy box channel frame that is a little more powerful than a few kayak trailers in this class. In my opinion that the Malone Mocrosport is the best kayak trailer.
Best For: Paddlers who need space for a whole family worth of kayaks on one trailer!
Key Features:
- Kayak Capacity: 4 Kayaks
- Trailer Weight: 197 Pounds
- Weight Capacity: 350 Pounds
- Length: 159″
- Crossbar Width: 78″
2. Ruff-Sport Kayak Trailer
This worldwide trailer is a little more open to creativity. Basically what you get out of the box is a lightweight aluminum trailer which can be used for virtually anything with two flat aluminum cross bars.
There aren’t any kayak carriers or mounting cradles included using the trailer. For some, this sounds odd. Others will understand the value of flexibility.
With a few ratchet straps and a little creativity you’ll have the ability to mount everything from kayaks to SUPs, canoes, bikes, and anything else you can consider.
I enjoy that the trailer leaves room for users to change it to match nearly any adventure gear.
In reality you could even accommodate it to carry additional equipment for a weekend camping excursion. It’s just a matter of your imagination.
I wouldn’t attempt to match more than two kayaks onto this trailer as you are going to have trouble finding the distance or securing the load.
Best For: Paddlers that want to have the ability to use their kayak trailer for bicycles, SUPs or alternative equipment with some quick adjustments!
Key Features:
- Kayak Capacity: 4 Kayaks
- Trailer Weight: 168 Pounds
- Weight Capacity: 400 Pounds
- Length: 149″
- Crossbar Width: 64″
3. Malone Xtralight Trailer Package w/ 2 V-Kayak Racks
You won’t be able to carry other gear on it, but in case you’re looking for a dedicated dual kayak trailer it probably will not get much better.
Two vertical deep V-shaped kayak holders come with ratchet straps developed in. All you have to do is tuck the kayak into its cradle and then strap it down nice and secure.
There are few trailers with this sort of built-in security for holding a kayak load.
I like that it is designed to do something very well. The sturdy box channel frame ought to be more than sufficient to hold up to anything you will need to carry through the kayaks.
Just be cautious on certain rough streets as it’s a lightweight trailer and may bounce or jostle if you are not aware of how you are driving it.
The kayak cradles are adjustable side to side so you can earn space and alterations for any loads you’ll want to carry. You can even fix each arm separately so you might be able to get away with carrying loads such as the occasional kayak.
Best For: Committed trailer space that’s the best two kayak trailer with lots of reliability and load security.
Key Features:
- Kayak Capacity: 2 Kayaks
- Trailer Weight: 164 Pounds
- Weight Capacity: 275 Pounds
- Length: 134″
- Crossbar Width: 58″
4. Malone MicroSport Kayak Trailer
Similar to this Ruff-Sport, this bare-bones trailer leaves much up to the whims of the user. You’ll be able to tailor this kayak trailer precisely how you need it with only a few touches.
Even though it just has two flat bars, you can still connect dedicated kayak carriers on it if you want. Or just leave it open and just strap your kayak down with a couple of webbing buckles.
This way you’ll be able to swap it out when needed.
With radically different price tags between the MicroSport and the Ruff-Sport, it’s hard to generate a good call. Both trailers are made from lightweight aluminum.
Both have running lights. Both have horizontal rails. So which is better?
It is difficult to say really. I would suggest that you choose the one that satisfies your kayaks best by dimensions and be sure to leave space for future growth in case you trade your kayaks for longer or bigger ones.
This trailer is most effective for people who might favor the more dependable Malone title and construction.
Key Features:
- Kayak Capacity: 4 Kayaks
- Trailer Weight: 120 Pounds
- Weight Capacity: 800 Pounds
- Length: 159″
- Crossbar Width: 60″
5. Yakima Rack and Roll Kayak Trailer
Last but not least on this particular list is the Yakima trailer. Most will recognize Yakima as a pioneer in kayak carrier and trailer accessories for the aftermarket. Yakima is a dominant name in kayak carrying gear.
That is quite a bit more distance compared to MicroSport or even Ruff-Sport. Additionally, it’s designed especially to be compatible with Yakima carriers.
This means that you can easily put on the carrier of your choice out of J carriers to flat bars.
The tongue and wheels are lockabale so that nobody can lift your fine trailer while you’re out paddling the lake.
This is a wonderful feature, but other trailers could be locked with a simple padlock and who actually deletes trailer brakes? It is a negligibly useful addition to this trailer overall, I think.
Two big drawbacks are that you are going to need to obtain additional kayak carriers from Yakima to get the maximum out of this expensive trailer. This makes for a multi-thousand dollar investment before you’re ready to rock and roll with the trailer.
In addition, I don’t like the thin wheels which look likely to getting stuck or ruined by big potholes or ruts in muddy woods roads.
Best For: Yakima lovers that want something compatible with Yakima accessories.
Key Features:
- Kayak Capacity: 3-4 Kayaks
- Trailer Weight: 150 Pounds
- Weight Capacity: 300 Pounds
- Length: 161″
- Crossbar Width: 78″
6. Bonnlo Kayak Cart Canoe Carrier Trolley
Best Budget Kayak Pick
The Bonnlo Kayak Cart Canoe Carrier Trolley has a spring-loaded support stand that will keep your trailer stable while loading and unloading on the lender. And that will make just rolling it from point A to point B a smoother procedure, too. It breaks down and shops flat so that you may take it without it taking up too much room.
This kayak hand trailer includes your choice of either a U-shape kickstand or an inverted U (more like an”n”) shaped kickstand. The U-shape will likely work best to steady in sand or gravel along with the n-shape will dig right into the more solid floor.
There aren’t many customer reviews on Amazon, under 100, but they’ve given this trailer a general score of 4.4 stars and if you check other sites (and we have!) , the reviews are consistent with this score no matter where you look. And if you want a fantastic deal, this is exactly what you’re searching for; it is only $45!
Key Features:
- Includes two 5 ft bungee cords and 12 ft spare tie-down strap
- 10″ solid tires
7. TMS CART-CANOE Deluxe Boat Kayak Canoe Carrier
Our Runner Kayak Up Pick
The TMS CART-CANOE Deluxe Kayak Carrier is made out of aluminum pipes and fortified with anodized stainless steel so that your trailer is really a lightweight one with added durability. The tires are a durable solid 9.5″ in diameter and also handle grass, gravel, and sand well, so carrying this to the beach is really a breeze. Along with the no-air feature means you won’t have to refill tires between uses.
This hand trailer acts as a dolly to your kayak and also folds flat to get additional compact storage or transportation. The portability is really convenient you might find you just keep it in the back of your automobile; and should you kayak regularly, this is most likely especially attractive for you.
With over 400 customer reviews on Amazon and a general rating of 4.3 celebrities, there is no shock that it’s Amazon’s Choice for kayak trolley cart.
Key Features:
- Max load capacity 120 lbs
- 2-sided kickstand
- Includes 12 Ft long tie-down strap with buckle
8. C-tug Kayak or Canoe Trolley Cart
Best Hand Kayak Trailer
The C-tug Kayak or Canoe Trolley Cart has a flexible”seat” for your kayak that will allow you to secure the boat bottom-down and a padded cushion that folds up in a V-shape. The straps are built-in and allow you to buckle at the kayak into the trailer, also.
The building of the hand trailer is an additional durable but lightweight; it is produced from a non-eroding plastic and fortified with stainless steel axles. The no-flat tires are solid and will prevent you from having to refill with air constantly. It assembles without the use of tools and also within a matter of moments, which makes it an easy-transport.
The numbers on this kayak hand trailer suggest you will probably be happy with this and we concur! With over 150 customer testimonials and a general score of 4.1 stars, you can make this purchase with confidence.
Key Features:
- Easy assembly and disasembly
- Lightweight – only 10 lbs
- 300 lb max load capacity
Who Should Buy a Kayak Trailer
The more kayaks you possess and the more often you use them will ascertain how much you would benefit from a kayak trailer. It’s true that for one (or maybe 2) you can toss it in the back (and front) of your SUV or strap it to a roof rack but that is unquestionably a struggle you won’t need to perform regularly.
Even if you’ve got a smooth and uncomplicated method of transporting your kayak, then that does not mean you have a fantastic way of hauling it out of the truck to shore or dock. A hand trailer to pull your kayak from the car to your tent and then to the water will go a long way in maintaining your trip stress-free.
You may also need to pick up a kayak trailer if you’re considering long-term. If you have a lifestyle that leads to adventure, then its reasonable to assume you’ll make friends or construct a family which will join your kayaking. It is not a bad idea to select a trailer before you construct that family because you’ll probably better be able to afford it.
And, in other words, a way that will appeal to your self-interest: if you’re the person with the kayak trailer, you are pretty much-ensured invites for excursions.
How to Choose the Best Kayak Trailers for You
Kayak trailers are famous for big groups and institutional preferences like scout camps, summer camps, and expeditions. They help get multiple people, boats, and gear to the put in place with ease.
Selecting a kayak trailer can look to be a nightmare, especially if you’re not knowledgeable about trailers. Let us figure out what really matters when selecting a trailer.
How Many Kayaks Will You Carry?
If you are thinking about conducting a Girl Scout camp you might have to carry a couple of dozen kayaks. Most of us do not require this many kayaks on a single trailer.
However, they do create them with abilities of 16+ only kayaks on a single trailer. You might choose to contact a local trailer manufacturer if you have special needs like this.
Many kayak trailers are big enough for 2 four and kayaks is common enough. Whenever your needs exceed this ballpark you might want to consider a custom trailer.
What Size are Your Kayaks?
Virtually all kayak trailers are made to take care of single or tandem kayaks. That is not to say that you shouldn’t double check.
The period of the trailer tongue will determine how easy it is to fit bigger kayaks. If you’ve got an especially tiny trailer it might be difficult or impossible to match longer tandem or sea kayaks.
Before ordering your kayak trailer, then get in touch with the manufacturer if you have any doubt your kayaks will fit. Returning a whole trailer can be a real hassle, particularly if you order online.
If you want to know the dimensions of the trailer you are ordering, check the company’s website. If this does not explain then you can frequently find the answer in Amazon customer reviews.
Chances are good that someone else has already asked about what dimensions boats can fit in your specific trailer. It might require some measuring and reading but you will find it out! If everything else fails, ask some questions.
Are You Mechanically Inclined?
Buying a kayak trailer online will result in a huge pile of significant boxes being unloaded at your door. Then you have the distinct pleasure of yanking them unboxing a bunch of metal parts, and trying to put it together.
There are in fact two things to think about here. To begin with, are you mechanical enough to put it together correctly? Otherwise, you might get frustrated or don’t assemble the trailer properly.
This can be downright dangerous in the event the trailer flies apart on the highway as you forgot a bolt.
Second, you are going to need a few tools. Some of the tools for trailer assembly could be uncommon sizes or shapes. You may end up spending quite a bit on special tools only for this particular job. Again, frustrating and annoying.
If you’re not mechanically inclined and don’t have a fantastic set of tools you might want to just purchase the trailer. Even if it’s a hundred bucks more expensive, it may be worth it in the end.
Tire and Wheel Size
Most kayak trailers use wheels that are similar. But, where differences exist, larger and wider wheels are better for more demanding terrain.
Smaller tires are good for the lightweight heaps of carrying kayaks but they may suffer in off-road or unkempt dirt road areas. If you are heading into rough terrain, look at going with larger and wider trailer tires when available.
Conclusion
There are lots of choices for your next kayak trailer. For people who prefer flexibility, the Ruff-Sport trailer with flat bars is likely best.
And for people who need a kayak trailer that is ready to go for minimal hassle, consider the Malone Xtralight.
1 question often asked: Malone vs Yakima kayak trailers, which is better. Yakima products are far more expensive but you do get what you pay for: quality! Malone trailers are a fantastic choice also. They tend to be simple to put together as well as versatile. Either could be a fantastic choice for transporting your kayak!
