There are several varieties of kayak trailers available today, and each has advantages and disadvantages. We offer the best kayak trailers if that’s what you’re after. One of the most well-liked outdoor activities is kayaking, but the equipment may be challenging to move about since it is hefty.
You will need a kayak trailer that is capable of doing the job if you have a big kayak or are carrying many kayaks. In this post, we’ll provide you with the information you need to decide which trailer is best for you before you make a purchase.
Quick Comparison of the Best Kayak Trailers
| Product image | Product name | Editor's rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
  | Malone Auto Racks MicroSport | 4.6 | See pricing details |
  | Malone EcoLight | 4.7 | See pricing details |
  | Malone MicroSport MegaWing | 4.7 | See pricing details |
  | Rambo Bikes | 4.7 | See pricing details |
  | Multi-Sport Multi-Rack | 4.8 | See pricing details |
  | Ironton Steel Folding Utility | 4.8 | See pricing details |
  | Malone Auto Racks Top Tier | 4.9 | See pricing details |
Top 7 Best Kayak Trailers Review
7. Malone Auto Racks MicroSport Trailer Kayak
Specs:
- Capacity for 350 pounds
- There are four kayaks.
- 800 pound. a weight limit
- 30 inches high, 55 inches broad, and 159 inches long.
- Weighs 197 pounds.
- A five-year restricted warranty
- 12-inch rims
- Includes a spare tire or wheel
- Adjustable kayak racks
Review:
Malone auto racks are made of marine-grade pre-galvanized steel and feature strong, high-quality wheels. The trailer can carry four kayaks up to 19 feet long securely at once. It is 164 inches by 78 inches and weighs a ton with its capacity for transporting a kayak or canoe.
Four sets of J-Pro 2 yak carriers, with a protective foam covering and a corrosion-resistant frame, are included in the bundle. The majority of sit-inside and sit-on-top yaks will fit in the kayak carriers. The 78-inch steel crossbar is coated for enhanced durability.
This trailer comes with a spare tire for those emergency circumstances, as well as straps and other gear to attach the trailer properly. If this is your first kayak trailer, you will have everything you need to get your yaks out on the road. It features simple-to-follow directions for construction, and an easy-to-use app so you don’t have to know how to put it together.
Pros:
- Accommodates four kayaks
- Includes a spare tire
- J cradles are present
- Enormous capacity
- Adjustable setup
- Strong yet lightweight design
- Extended warranty
Cons:
- The assembly process is lengthy
- No holder for a license plate
- Requires some self-assembly
- Perhaps too large for lone kayakers
The Malone MicroSport Trailer is a good-sized trailer that can easily transport multiple full-sized kayaks. Malone is a well-known trailer manufacturer and the name is often linked to excellence. The Malone MicroSport trailer may be exactly what you need if you want to carry not just your own kayak but those of your family and friends as well. However, it’s definitely overkilled for kayakers who paddle alone.
6. Malone EcoLight 2-Boat J-Rack Kayak Trailer
Review:
Finding the best kayak trailer might be challenging, but not all trailers are made equal. Some have more features than others, some are higher quality, and others are less expensive. It’s difficult to choose which product is the best since there are a ton of alternatives.
Malone EcoLight 2-Boat J-Rack Kayak Trailer Package is fantastic for moving kayaks and equipment. The 400-pound weight capacity of the kayak trailer is sufficient for the majority of kayaks. 58′′ crossbars also provide plenty of room for two kayaks in this trailer.
You get a marine-grade galvanized steel frame with this kayak trailer, which will provide years of reliable service. Two J-style racks are also included for mounting your kayak to the trailer. There is so plenty of space left over for you to bring along additional equipment. You may transport two medium-sized touring or recreational kayaks with this set-up.
Pros:
- 400-pound weight limit
- Low to the ground for easy loading
- The lightweight trailer that’s simple to control manually
- Stores two kayaks
- Includes kayak carriers (J-cradles)
Cons:
- To construct it by yourself takes about 5 hours.
- You might consider different choices if your kayaks are longer than 14 feet.
The J-Cradles are designed to lift kayaks out of the water when they are low to the ground and into place on a trailer. It resembles having a car’s roof rack at street level, rather than sitting on top of it. The trailer’s 8′′ wheels are smaller than those on previous variants. The drawback is that despite the trailer’s 70 MPH rating, you may not want to travel at highway speeds with it.
For individuals who prefer to travel as lightly as possible and worry-free, the EcoLight is a fantastic option. A secure and inexpensive method to carry your kayaks to and from your preferred paddling location is with the Malone EcoLight kayak trailer.
5. Malone MicroSport 2-Boat MegaWing Kayak
Specs:
- Capacity for weight: 355 pounds
- There are two kayaks.
Review:
With a load capacity of 355 pounds, this kayak trailer is specifically designed to accommodate two kayaks up to 20 feet in length. It has rectangular crossbars measuring 65 inches by 65 inches, and its dimensions make it suitable for numerous car rack attachments. But unlike some other kayak trailers, it is not inexpensive – and its price may put some people off buying one.
The SeaWing kayak trailer has 12-inch galvanized wheels and a useful spare tire that has a locking connector to ensure that your boat is securely fastened. Its galvanized steel frame is another characteristic that makes it durable in a variety of environments and provides consistent service for saltwater usage. Note that it is not pre-assembled and does not have an extended tongue. It also includes straps and mounting hardware to help you load your kayaks safely.
The Malone MicroSport SeaWing Kayak Carrier can support 800 pounds of weight. The galvanized steel structure can be used to load and unload boats in a variety of ways. The marine-grade sealed bearings on the 12′′ galvanized wheels allow you to reverse the trailer directly into the water to unload your boats.
Pros:
- SeaWing kayak carriers are included.
- Sturdy structure made of galvanized steel
- Include a spare tire
- Simple assembly
- Includes cradles
- Outstanding for longer kayak
- Included are tie-down straps.
Cons:
- More costly than other models
- Cannot be used with more than two kayaks.
The SeaWing (V-style) carriers are excellent for transporting your kayaks. Kayaks sit bottom up on the V-style carries, which helps to lessen wind resistance. Your kayaks may be safely fastened down using the easy-to-use V-shaped tie-downs. The lack of space for additional trailers or accessories on this kayak trailer is a drawback.
4. Rambo Bikes Kayak Trailer
Specs:
- Size: 96 x 36 x 120 in.
- 28 lbs. in weight
- Weight Limit: 70 lbs
Review:
The Rambo Bikes Canoe Trailer and Kayak Trailer can pull a single kayak behind your bike using the cushioned kayak carrier and ratchet straps that are supplied. The trailer’s 70 kg load capacity allows you to carry not only your kayak but also your paddling equipment. Despite having a tough steel frame, it only weighs 28 lbs when empty, making it manageable to move by hand or bicycle.
This Rambo Bikes model is unquestionably one of the most distinctive kayak trailers on the market. It’s a great attachment for anybody who can ride a bike to their local lake or river, even if its utility can be restricted for kayakers who must move their kayak on roads. If you are planning on using this kayak trailer with a Rambo e-bike, you will need to purchase a special attachment kit from Amazon to attach it to your bike.
Rambo Bikes Canoe Trailer and Kayak Trailer is the best option if you want to move your boat easily. With the help of adjustable straps, you can safely fasten it to the frame of your bicycle. In order to prevent scratching your boat during loading or unloading, it also has cushioned contact places.
Pros:
- Lightweight and portable
- Up to 300 pounds are supported.
- Includes cushioned kayak carriers to guard against boat damage.
- Includes all required kayak ratchet straps.
- Makes riding a bike to carry a kayak simple
- Design is lightweight and portable by bicycle or hand.
- It may be connected to a bicycle.
- Able can maneuver were other trailers can’t
- Sturdy steel structure for longevity
Cons:
- The put-limited in’s capability for longer travels
- Not as robust or adaptable as other models
- It might be challenging to load a single axle structure.
This trailer can handle 300 lbs when used as a hand cart and 70 pounds when linked to a bike. The cushioned contact areas will shield your boat from dings while in transit. It may also be connected to a golf cart or ATV. This is a bit outside the box, but if it matches your style, it’s a good alternative.
3. Multi-Sport Multi-Rack Kayak Trailer
Specs:
- Maximum weight: 300 pounds
- There are four kayaks.
Review:
The Right-On Multi-Sport kayak trailer can be a fantastic option if you need to transport many kayaks at once. As long as the weight is under 300 pounds, it has a two-tiered rack system that allows you to move kayaks on both the top and bottom rails. The trailer doesn’t have any cushioning, so you may wish to add some of your own.
Pros:
- Kayak trailer for several sports
- Two levels
- Circular crossbars
Cons:
- Zero padding
With adequate room for mountain bikes, SUPs, or canoes thanks to its multi-sport design, it might be a wonderful option for family camping excursions. The 64-inch crossbars are circular and made to work with a variety of accessories from various manufacturers, such as Yakima and Thule. The kayak trailer also incorporates rear lights for safety on the road.
2. Ironton Steel Folding Utility Trailer
Specs:
- Size: 135 by 62 by 19 in.
- Size: 253 lbs.
- 1,170 lbs. of load capacity
Review:
The Ironton Steel Folding Utility Trailer Kit is intended to fold up compactly when not in use, as suggested by its name. This kayak trailer can be folded upright and then moved about on its integrated caster wheels, where it is slightly over 7 feet tall and 2 feet wide. It is designed especially for those with little storage space, making it simple to move kayaks over short distances.
This trailer can fit one or two kayaks onto its durable steel frame, which can support up to 1,170 pounds of weight. Everything you need to transport your kayaks is also included with the Ironton Steel Folding Utility Trailer Kit. The whole light set with wiring, a 1 7/8 in the coupler, safety chains with S-hooks, and a leaf spring suspension are included.
Pros:
- While not in use, folds up into a small space
- Includes wheels for rolling the trailer around while it is being stored.
- Construction made of sturdy steel, with a staggering 1,170 lbs capacity
- Fit one or two kayaks together with storage containers or other stuff
Cons:
- Unsuitable for usage on highways
- Driving is difficult when the tongue is somewhat short.
The Ironton Steel Folding Utility Trailer Kit is a great kayak trailer that’s simple to use and easy to transport. However, due to its 45 mph top road speed, this trailer is not suitable for use on lengthy or busy highway drives. It also has a tongue length that is rather small, which makes driving a little bit more difficult.
1. Malone Auto Racks Top Tier Utility Trailer
Specs:
- Capacity for 250 pounds
- There are two kayaks.
Review:
The Malone Top Tier Cross Bar System is a kayak trailer top carrier made of galvanized steel. This cost-effective option might allow you to store more equipment within your trailer. It does not contain the trailer; rather, it is intended to be mounted on an existing trailer. The capacity of your trailer and the rack will determine how much weight you can haul.
Pros:
- Versatile rack for a kayak trailer
- Hardware was used
- Tough kayak rack
Cons:
- No trailer is provided.
This rack system is ideal for transporting stand-up paddleboards, canoes, other boats, or even construction materials. Four vertical bars measuring 53 inches each and two cross bars measuring 65 inches make up the galvanized steel rack. The rack does not come with straps or cradles for mounting your kayak on a trailer.
Different Kayak Trailers Types
First of all, it’s important to understand that not all kayak trailers are made equally. In reality, there are several varieties of kayak trailers available, such as:
Low Bed
Low bed trailers, which are the standard for the great trailers, have a low-profile design and can normally hold one to two kayaks. These vehicles often come in at a lower price than their rivals and get a greater gas economy while driving. The drawback is that they often have insufficient kayak and equipment storage space.
Stacked
Stacked trailers are made to carry many kayaks by piling them all on top of one another. A stacked trailer’s major benefit is that it allows you to move many boats at once. However, these trailers are often large, costly, and difficult to maneuver. These trailers come in two sizes: relatively small with a streamlined frame that can hold no more than four kayaks and enormous trailers which can hold up to twelve.
Multi-Sport
A multi-sport trailer is any trailer that can hold a variety of different sports equipment. For the greatest adaptability, the majority of these trailers can transport 1–2 kayaks, motorcycles, and storage containers. They are often not too pricey and could be a smart choice if you want one trailer to do it all.
How To Choose The Best Kayak Trailers?
An expensive kayak trailer is an important purchase. Since most kayak trailers are somewhat expensive, it’s critical that you get the right kind for your needs. Here are a few of the most crucial considerations while looking for the best kayak trailers.
Storage simplicity
Some kayak trailers can be folded, making it possible to store them in tighter garage spaces. Taking accurate measurements of the storage space you have available will ensure that the trailer you want to buy doesn’t exceed those limits. Making sure you have adequate storage space for your trailer early in the purchasing process will save you from having to find a spot for it once it gets to your house.
In the vast sea of kayak trailers available in the market, pinpointing the right one can be a bewildering task. Your personal requirements and tastes should be the compass guiding your choice. The multitude of designs and specifications each serve particular purposes.
Be it the low-profile elegance of a flatbed trailer, the versatility of a multi-sport model, or the rugged resilience of a heavy-duty option, the following segment offers an insightful guide. With a focus on elements such as suitability to your kayak, the diameter of the wheels, and the construction materials, this guide strives to ensure you discover the trailer that harmonizes with your paddling pursuits.
Kayaks Are Easy To Load And Unload
The ease of movement of a kayak trailer is a crucial component. A good trailer should be manageable by hand, even if the kayak is full. Some trailers may include suspension systems, which may be crucial for comfortable trips. Smaller-tired trailers often sit lower to the ground than larger-wheeled ones.
Potential & Compatibility
Most kayak trailers weigh less than 400 pounds, which is the equivalent of about 100 to 200 pounds worth of boats and supplies. If you have a bigger vehicle, the overall weight of your kayak trailer typically isn’t a big concern. Always keep in mind that you never want to exceed your car’s towing capability since doing so may be very harmful to both you and other drivers.
Wheel Size
It could appear simpler to load and unload your craft from a lower platform, therefore you might be tempted to choose a trailer with smaller wheels. While this may be the case, smaller wheels will result in faster tire wear than bigger wheels. Smaller wheels require more rotations to travel the same distance as larger wheels and may end up costing you more in the long-term maintenance costs.
Trailer weight
Some kayak trailer weights are heavier than others due to the materials used and the weight of the vehicle they are being transported in. Is your car capable of towing the trailer? Although trailer weight is not a major worry, you should still give it some thought, particularly if the gas economy is a factor. Keep in mind that you may need to move your trailer by hand, making weight even more crucial.
Materials and Robustness
Coated steel is a common material used to make kayak trailers, and it is an excellent option with the typically acceptable build quality. Most will likely have a galvanized coating, which will provide them with further defense against rust and corrosion. Because steel trailers are typically heavy, they may not always be the best choice if you want to keep your trailer’s weight as low as possible.
Tongue Length
The tongue length is the distance between the axle and hitch on a trailer, and it will define the length of the kayak you can carry. The less likely you are to jackknife and the simpler it will be to move straight when traveling backward, the longer the tongue length. The likelihood of being able to carry a longer or bigger kayak decreases with decreasing tongue length – backing up straight will become more challenging.
Extra Equipment Storage
Many kayak trailers come equipped with additional gear storage for all of your paddling equipment. Large metal boxes on the bottom of trailers with gear storage are often included. Extra gear storage isn’t always necessary and could make it more difficult to operate a trailer. The more weight you add to a trailer, the more likely it is that it will become unsafe to kayak out at sea.
Spending
The cost of kayak trailers may range from inexpensive to pricey. Set a budget early on, and then adhere to it. Additionally, don’t believe that a more expensive trailer will be superior to a less expensive one. The opposite is not always true.
Trailer dimensions
You will need a location to keep your trailer while not in use. Make sure your garage can accommodate longer, wider trailers before you purchase. Additionally, bigger trailers behave differently while being pulled than smaller ones. Smaller may be preferable if pulling a trailer makes you anxious.
Suspension
A kayak trailer’s suspension is another crucial component that affects its capacity for carrying payload and preserving stability. The suspension works by absorbing part of the shocks from striking potholes or uneven ground. When you only have one kayak with you, the suspension becomes less of a problem. But the suspension becomes more crucial if you plan to fill your trailer with multiple kayaks at once.
Kayak trailer construction
A kayak trailer is made up of separate components that must be assembled. The majority of these trailers will need to be built in about a half day. The proper equipment is required, often a variety of wrenches, rubber mallets, and screwdrivers. Make sure the surface is level and that there is enough space for all the pieces.
Storage Space for kayak
A trailer’s capacity is crucial from the standpoint of road safety, but it also has important practical ramifications for how helpful a trailer may be. Check the total kayak storage capacity of a trailer before you purchase in addition to the towing capability of your car. Having said that, you generally don’t need to worry too much about choosing a trailer that is too tiny for your boats if you simply have small recreational or kid-sized kayaks.
Driving Is Simple
The distance between a trailer’s hitch and the front axle is known as the tongue length. Longer tongue lengths allow you to transport longer kayaks without endangering your car. Shorter tongue length trailers typically weigh more and cost more than those with shorter tongues. Buying a trailer with a short tongue length may not always be a wise decision if you don’t mind adding weight and money to it.
Questions Regarding Kayak Trailers
How many kayaks are you moving, exactly?
Up to four kayaks or a combination of kayaks, canoes, SUPs, etc. can be transported on some of the trailers on the list. One kayak can only be transported by some kayak trailers, such as the Krypt Towers model. The Malone MicroSport SeaWing Kayak Carrier is a great choice for transporting two sturdy kayaks.
Where do you plan to keep your kayak trailer?
You must locate a location with enough space for the size of trailer you plan to buy and that also has easy access. Some trailers are light enough to be moved by hand if you need to squeeze the trailer into a small space. It’s fantastic if you have space in your garage or a storage shed. If not, you may need to keep the trailer outside.
What materials are used in the kayak trailer?
It’s crucial to evaluate your unique demands so that you get the best bang for your dollars. Purchasing a cheap, lightweight kayak will allow you to save some money if you don’t intend to use it much. If you often transport numerous kayaks at once, a cheap light-duty trailer may not be able to support the weight. Kayaks frequently weigh well over 100 pounds, especially fishing kayaks.
How may a kayak be fastened to a kayak trailer?
Always check to make sure your kayaks are properly fastened to the kayak trailer. Don’t just assume that because you checked it last week, everything is fine. Make sure everything is correct before you go on the road. If you are going a long distance and need to stop along the route or overnight, you don’t want someone stealing your fun late at night.
Are you able to raise the kayak on your own?
With a kayak trailer, you generally don’t have to lift the kayaks overhead to load them onto the trailer. It’s great if you have assistance, but it’s not always the case. Unless you want to load kayaks much closer to the ground, that is. But lifting the kayak onto the carrier is still necessary.
As a result
Any serious paddler would do well to invest in a kayak trailer. You can make moving your boats to and from the sea as simple as possible with the correct trailer. The best kayak trailers that can hold up to two boats may be more appropriate for you than a bigger trailer size. Some kayak trailers may also be used to transport other gear and accessories, such as bikes and boards.
For enthusiasts who frequently paddle with a group, kayak trailers offer a robust and practical means to haul multiple vessels and associated equipment. However, the needs of a solo adventurer can be strikingly different. The best kayak carts, designed for mobility and simple handling, emerges as an ideal alternative. Its compact nature, ease of use, and suitability for a lone paddler makes it an appealing option. In the ensuing sections, we will delve into an exploration of leading kayak carts, tailored to satisfy those in pursuit of a more individualized solution.
