Kayak Trailer
So....I've been pondering this question for some time: should I carry our two kayaks on the TC roof or get a small purpose-built kayak trailer? Both solutions have pros and cons. I like the idea ...
Forum Discussion
I went with the trailer and bought a Yakima trailer. In retrospect I should have bought a used jetski trailer and modified it for carrying kayaks.
The problem with the Malone and other kayak trailers is that you can use them to launch the kayaks directly into the water or retrieve them later. Not a big deal with a simple paddle kayak but for a fishing kayak and especially one of the Hobie pedal type kayaks it is a big deal.
The Yakima does not have waterproof lights or wheel bearings so it cannot go into the water. The Malone and some others have the waterproof wheel bearings but the kayaks are mounted too high to be able to have them slide off and into the water.
There are considerable advantages if you use a kayak to fish in being able to put everything in and on the boats in the parking lot and then in 5 minutes or less be able to launch them by backing the trailer down into the water, and similarly to put them back on the trailer from the launch ramp when you are done and drive it all back to the parking lot or your campsite.
There is another alternative with a special kayak rack made for use with RV's. The company makes two types that would work on a truck with a slide in camper. One type would be good for campers with a side door and the other one has a slide away mechanism. Their website is at rvkayakrack.com. Not inexpensive but extremely well built in the USA.
This company makes their racks that will hold two kayaks mounted vertically along with two bicycles. For all practical purposes this limits you to kayaks that are 11 feet long or shorter to avoid overall height problems on the highways.
The problem with the Malone and other kayak trailers is that you can use them to launch the kayaks directly into the water or retrieve them later. Not a big deal with a simple paddle kayak but for a fishing kayak and especially one of the Hobie pedal type kayaks it is a big deal.
The Yakima does not have waterproof lights or wheel bearings so it cannot go into the water. The Malone and some others have the waterproof wheel bearings but the kayaks are mounted too high to be able to have them slide off and into the water.
There are considerable advantages if you use a kayak to fish in being able to put everything in and on the boats in the parking lot and then in 5 minutes or less be able to launch them by backing the trailer down into the water, and similarly to put them back on the trailer from the launch ramp when you are done and drive it all back to the parking lot or your campsite.
There is another alternative with a special kayak rack made for use with RV's. The company makes two types that would work on a truck with a slide in camper. One type would be good for campers with a side door and the other one has a slide away mechanism. Their website is at rvkayakrack.com. Not inexpensive but extremely well built in the USA.
This company makes their racks that will hold two kayaks mounted vertically along with two bicycles. For all practical purposes this limits you to kayaks that are 11 feet long or shorter to avoid overall height problems on the highways.
