7 Best Kayak Trailers of 2021
Photo: fishingtackleretailer.com
If you own a kayak, a kayak trailer is the next best thing you can purchase.
Indeed, the trailer is a specialist kayak transportation vehicle that makes it easy to carry the kayak on almost any terrain. You simply have to hook it to the back of your car then tow it.
However, not all trailers are equal. Some are more versatile because they can accommodate more than 1 kayak.
Therefore, if you are fresh on the market for a kayak trailer, we have hand-picked some of the best kayak trailers so that you can have an easier time selecting the most ideal one. Without any further ado, let's get started!
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7 Best Kayak Trailers – Review
- 1. Right-On Trailer Multi-Rack Trailer – Best Overall
- 2. Malone Microsport Seawing Trailer – Kayak Trailer with a Spare Tire
- 3. Malone Xtralight Base Trailer – High-Speed Kayak Trailer
- 4. Malone Xtralight V-Rack Trailer – Kayak Trailer with V-Racks
- 5. Malone Auto Racks MicroSport Trailer – Best Trailer for Long Kayaks
- 6. Right-On Trailer Ruff-Sport Trailer – Best Budget Kayak Trailer
- 7. Yakima Rack and Roll Trailer – Kayak Trailer with Independent Suspension
- How to Buy the Best Kayak Trailers
- Conclusion
7 Best Kayak Trailers – Review
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1. Right-On Trailer Multi-Rack Trailer (Best Overall) |
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2. Malone Microsport Seawing Trailer (with a Spare Tire) |
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3. Malone Xtralight Base Trailer (High Speed) |
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4. Malone Xtralight V-Rack Trailer (with V-Racks) |
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5. Malone Auto Racks MicroSport Trailer (Best for Long Kayaks) |
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6. Right-On Trailer Ruff-Sport Trailer (Best Budget) |
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7. Yakima Rack and Roll Trailer ( Independent Suspension) |
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PRODUCT |
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1. Right-On Trailer Multi-Rack Trailer (Best Overall) |
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2. Malone Microsport Seawing Trailer (with a Spare Tire) |
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3. Malone Xtralight Base Trailer (High Speed) |
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4. Malone Xtralight V-Rack Trailer (with V-Racks) |
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5. Malone Auto Racks MicroSport Trailer (Best for Long Kayaks) |
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6. Right-On Trailer Ruff-Sport Trailer (Best Budget) |
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7. Yakima Rack and Roll Trailer (with Independent Suspension) |
1. Right-On Trailer Multi-Rack Trailer – Best Overall
Photo: Right-On Trailer
- Number of Kayak: 4
This multi-rack trailer stands out as the overall best due to a number of reasons. For starters, it can carry up to 4 kayaks and has 2 decks for placing 2 boats at the bottom and 2 at the top, which makes it a bit slim. Hence, it can fit easily in tight spaces.
The unit also has soft springs that do a good job in absorbing road shock so as to provide smoother transportation for your kayaks.
Moreover, this trailer is very versatile because it can be used to carry more than just kayaks. For instance, it has provisions that allow you to carry your bicycles alongside your kayaks.
Other features include sturdy crossbars, a durable steel frame and a handy tongue stand that provides support to the tongue when not attached to a car and also acts as a brake system for the trailer.
However, you don't get V-style carriers to hold your kayaks firmly in place.
Pros:
Cons:
2. Malone Microsport Seawing Trailer – Kayak Trailer with a Spare Tire
Photo: Malone
- Number of Kayak: 2
- Weight capacity: 355 lbs
The Malone Seawing is very practical because it comes with a spare tire. This tire is placed at the front for easy accessibility and is tied securely to the frame via a locking attachment.
That said, this spare tire and the two fitted in the trailer are made using galvanized steel, which is very durable because it is rust resistant.
Far from that, the trailer can carry up to 2 large size kayaks and has 2 sets of Seawing kayak carriers with load straps that firmly secure your boat to the trailer.
You also get a galvanized steel frame with 60-inch aluminum cross rails. This sturdy frame can carry up to 355 lbs., which means you can confidently tie on 2 heavy kayaks.
Other features include large 12-inch wheels that come in very handy when driving through fairly rough terrain and the ability to carry long 18-ft kayaks as the maximum length.
However, the trailer requires assembly before use, which takes about 2-3 hours. On the bright side, detailed instructions are included to help you set it up.
Pros:
Cons:
3. Malone Xtralight Base Trailer – High-Speed Kayak Trailer
Photo: Malone
- Number of Kayak: 1
- Weight capacity: 275 lbs
As compared to the Seawing , this Xtralight has smaller 8-inch wheels but these are designed for high speeds. Additionally, since the trailer has a lower weight capacity of 275 lbs., it can be towed faster and the wheels are built for that.
Other than that, the vehicle has a sturdy galvanized steel frame that is highly durable, and is fitted with two 58-inch steel-coated load bars. These bars can hold only 1 kayak, which should not exceed 14-ft in length.
You also get 2 stop lights and turn indicators at the rear, lightweight composite fenders for holding mud and other debris that is hurled by the spinning wheels and a lightweight design that only weighs 164 lbs.
On the downside, you don't get a spare tire or a kayak carrier with load straps to hold the boat in place.
Pros:
Cons:
4. Malone Xtralight V-Rack Trailer – Kayak Trailer with V-Racks
Photo: Malone
- Number of Kayak: 2
- Weight capacity: 275 lbs
Malone's Xtralight trailer is very similar to the Seawing in terms of design because it features V-style rack carriers with load straps that firmly secure your kayak to the trailer.
The unit can also comfortable accommodate 2 boats and has the same galvanized frame steel but with 58-inch steel-coated load bars to support the V-racks.
You also get rear stop and indicator for road safety, a weight capacity of 275-lbs., 8-inch high-speed wheels and lightweight composite fenders to hold mud and dirt. However, no spare tire is included.
Pros:
Cons:
5. Malone Auto Racks MicroSport Trailer – Best Trailer for Long Kayaks
Photo: Malone
- Number of Kayak: 4
- Weight capacity: 350 lbs
With a carrying capacity of up to 4 kayaks, this trailer is designed to carry long kayaks that are up to 19-ft in length. This makes it very practical because you can fit various types of kayaks , including very long tandem kayaks with room to spare.
The trailer also has a very durable build quality because it is made using marine-grade pre-galvanized steel. This frame that can withstand long hours of transport and is resistant to corrosion from saltwater.
More features include long 78-inch coated steel cross rails that fit most attachments, a relatively high 350-lb weight capacity, a set of 8 padded carriers for holding the kayaks and a spare tire.
The only problem is that this unit requires assembly before use, which should take about 2-3 hours
Pros:
Cons:
6. Right-On Trailer Ruff-Sport Trailer – Best Budget Kayak Trailer
Photo: Right-On Trailer
- Number of Kayak: 2
If you are a bit short on cash, this Ruff-Sport is an affordable kayak trailer to consider buying. was built to be a good general purpose kayak trailer.That said, it still keeps up with the tradition of having a galvanized steel frame for maximum durability.
This is topped off by 68-inch wide crossbars, which are padded so as not to scratch your kayak as you load or unload it. The crossbar can also be used to carry bicycles and are compatible with various accessories like roof racks for sunlight protection.
Other features include soft springs for comfortable riding, a fold-up locking tongue stand and 12-inch wheels, which are large enough to carry the trailer off-road.
On the downside, you don't get a spare tire and no kayak carriers are attached to the crossbars.
Pros:
Cons:
7. Yakima Rack and Roll Trailer – Kayak Trailer with Independent Suspension
Photo: Yakima
- Number of Kayak: 2
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs
The simplicity of this Yakima trailer is deceiving. This model has one of the best suspension systems, which are independent dual-spring, motorcycle-style shock absorbers. These provide up to 4 inches of wheel travel for maximum stability and gear protection.
That said, the Yakima can accommodate up to 2 kayaks and has two 78-inch crossbars at the front and rear to attach your kayaks or bicycles. This crossbar is also compatible with all Yakima accessories.
You also get a 300-lb weight capacity that is ideal for heavy kayaks, a carry handle that converts the trailer into a hand cart and locking levers with keys that prevent theft of the wheels and tongue.
However, this trailer is very expensive.
Pros:
Cons:
How to Buy the Best Kayak Trailers
Photo: mdasid.org
1. Weight capacity
Possibly the most important factor to consider is the weight capacity of the kayak trailer. This will dictate the maximum kayak weight it can carry.
Most of the time, a weight capacity of 300 lbs. or more, like in Yakima's Rack and Roll Trailer , is good enough as most kayaks weigh about 32 - 70 lbs. Therefore, it can easily accommodate multiple kayaks, no problem.
However, the higher the better. In this case, Malone's Microsport Seawing Trailer has the highest capacity, with the ability to carry 355 lbs.
2. Size
The size of your kayak trailer will depend on many factors. First and foremost, you need to consider the size of your own vehicle. You do not want a kayak trailer that is wider than the vehicle you are using to carry it. It can cause a safety hazard on the road.
Additionally, the size will also depend on the size of the kayak you will be carrying. The kayak trailer needs to be sufficiently big so as to fully accommodate your kayak.
For instance, Malone's Auto Racks MicroSport Trailer can accomodate up to 19-ft boats, which effectively covers all types of kayaks. Additionally, it can carry up to 4 kayaks, making it very practical.
3. Wheel
The wheel in a kayak trailer is what supports the whole structure. Therefore, it needs to be sufficiently strong and durable. Moreover, the size of the wheel matters as it will dictate how fast and how much effort is required to pull the kayak trailer.
As a general rule, 12-inch wheels such as the ones in Right-On Trailer's Ruff-Sport Trailer are ideal because they offer the right balance between off-road performance and speed.
On the other hand, Malone's Xtralight Base Trailer is fitted with 8-inch wheels, which are designed for speed. If you plan to haul your trailer over tarmacked surfaces most of the time, this is the best option.
4. Storage
Many modern kayak trailers offer a storage box for accommodating various tools and accessories. It is usually found at the front of the kayak trailer.
If you plan to carry some tools down to the lake, we recommend getting a trailer with this box.
5. Tongue Length
The tongue length is essentially the distance between the hitch and the axle. In short, the longer the tongue length, the longer the length of the kayak that you can carry. The contrary is also true.
Another importance of the tongue length is when backing up with your vehicle. The longer the tongue length (or longer the length of your attached kayak), the easier it is to reverse. As a long tongue length gives the trailer an excellent tracking and prevents it from steering side to side.
6. Additional feature
Stop lights : Depending on where you live, it can be illegal to carry the kayak trailer at night without having stop lights on.
Since the kayak trailer is at the rear end of your vehicle, it needs to have a way of indicating to other drivers when you are applying brakes or are indicating to make a turn.
Most modern kayak trailers like Malone's Xtralight V-Rack Trailer make provision for this and have included stop lights as well as turn indicator lights.
Frame : The frame in a kayak trailer is dictates the solidity of the whole thing. It will eventually dictate the durability and longevity of the kayak trailer.
For best effect, we recommend that you go with a kayak trailer frame that is made out of galvanized steel for maximum durability.
Moreover, the cross rail or the crossbar is where your various kayak accessories and attachments will fit. It needs to be strong and durable as well.
Ease of assembly : When you purchase a kayak trailer, most of the time it will come as disassembled parts. It will require assembly, although it isn't very difficult as most models come with an instruction manual to show you how.
However, ensure that the manufacturer states the assembly time as it will give you a quick figure of how difficult or easy it is to assemble the trailer. Most of the time, the assembly time should be less than 3 hours.
Spare tire : Some kayak trailers such as Malone's Auto Racks MicroSport Trailer come with a spare tire and this is highly recommended.
Since the wheels used in these trailers are usually specialized, with sizes varying from 8 -15 inches, it can be difficult to find such a wheel elsewhere.
Conclu s ion
In conclusion, the trailers reviewed above are ideal for the job. However, Right-On Trailer's Multi-Rack Trailer stands out as the overall best due to its slim multi-rack design that can carry up to 4 kayaks, soft springs for smooth transportation and built-in tongue stand for support.
If you own long tandem kayaks, Malone's Auto Racks MicroSport Trailer is the best alternative because it can carry up to 19-ft boats. If you are on a tight budget though, be sure to check out Right-On Trailer's Ruff-Sport Trailer .