The 8 Best Kayak Trailer Selections You Need To Try

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Malone MicroSport Kayak Carriers are a versatile and robust option for carrying multiple kayaks. This medium-duty beauty sits low on the ground, ensuring easy loading and unloading. It sports marine-grade galvanized steel and aluminum construction and has wheels with sealed bearings, along with an extra-long reinforced tongue for higher speeds and loads. 

The v-style Malone MicroSport Trailer is designed to secure your kayaks in a deck-down position, reduce wind resistance while driving, and improve your car's gas mileage. It also comes with tie-downs and easy assembly, which is a major plus. With a carrying capacity of 800 lbs, these trailers are compatible with many vehicles. You can also use them to haul accessories. 

This MicroSport™ 2 Kayak Trailer Package is very similar to the one above. With this package, you can carry two kayaks and still have additional storage space for gear and equipment.

What is the difference between the two packages? One of the major differences is the carrier style. MicroSport™ 2 Kayak Trailer Package features a foldaway J rack kayak carrier, while the one above features a V-style carrier. V-style carriers are designed to transport kayaks in a bottom-top manner. Allowing your kayak to lay flat on its belly will improve gas mileage through lower wind resistance. The j-style rack is popular as it allows side loading. However, they are less wind resistant with a higher profile.

This Malone EcoLight 2-Boat J-Rack Kayak Trailer Package offers the best value when it comes to a kayak trailer. The package includes the EcoLight™ Sport Trailer and a Malone carrier system, and it provides an excellent choice for safe and affordable kayak transport at a great value.

Designed to carry two medium-sized touring or recreational kayaks. Each kayak trailer comes with two sets of J-style kayak carriers that work best with traditional V-style hulls. Each unit is DOT-approved and Transport Canada-certified. It provides safe travel up to a maximum of 65 mph while transporting loads up to 400 lbs. Crafted from a marine-grade galvanized frame, leaf spring suspension, and galvanized heavy-duty axle, this kayak trailer can be assembled with common shop tools.

If the water is only a short distance away or you are looking for something to help transport the kayak from your car to the water, then you must check out this Wilderness Systems Heavy Duty Kayak Cart. It is engineered to carry 450 lbs of weight, making it one of the best choices for transporting fishing kayaks and angler gear.

The cart has a bunker bar frame design that keeps the kayak from slipping off the frame or twisting sideways. It is incredibly easy to load or unload the kayak when required. In addition, it comes with two height options, so you can select one according to the kayak you own for a customized approach. Crafted from marine-grade, high-strength, heat-treated aluminum alloy, this heavy-duty cart offers superior strength. With a collapsible design, this Wildnerness cart also offers easy storage and portability.

If you are seeking a versatile kayak trailer, then this double-deck RightOn Multi-Sport Rack Trailer may be what you need. The multi-rack kayak trailer can be used to haul two kayaks or four. It can also accommodate bikes, canoes, or paddleboards for an all-round outdoor adventure — as long as they're in the 300 lbs figure, you'll be covered. The trailer includes specific attachments for each piece of equipment, so you can easily mix and match your requirements for the day.

The rack trailer is easy to assemble with your classic toolbox items, resulting in a sturdy and structurally sound masterpiece that's easy to use on the road.

The Rambo Bikes Canoe and Kayak Trailer Cart is suitable for transporting your boat from the campsite to the water — with a bike! 

The trailer has padded contact points, which protect your boat from scratches when loading or unloading it. And it has 300 lbs capacity when used as a hand cart. It also features adjustable tie-down straps that help attach and secure your bike frame with ease, and it can hold 70 lbs of cargo, so you can also use it to transport your paddling gear. 

The only downside is that it has only one axle, which means it won't stay upright when loading your kayak onto it. But as long as you don't plan on hauling kayaks for long distances, it will be a fantastic option for transporting your kayak.

The Yakima 78-Inch Rack and Roll Trailer can hold up to 300 lbs and has unique features that can elevate your watercraft carrying experience. You can haul kayaks, equipment, canoes, and more with a long crossbar.

Crafted from lightweight aluminum, it offers a stable, secure ride for your water sports gear. The trailer features a shock-absorption system that gives you a smooth ride even on bumpy roads to minimize the risk of damage. It also has an anti-theft precaution in the form of locking levers embedded with keys to keep your load secure.

Not ready for a kayak trailer? Check out this Malone Auto Racks Malone SeaWing Stinger Combo w/Bow & Stern Lines. A roof rack option can be much more budget-friendlier than a kayak trailer, easier to store away when it's not needed, and also makes parking a breeze.

Malone Auto Racks Malone SeaWing Stinger Combo w/Bow & Stern Lines offers a simple way to transport the kayak with a modular loader that extends up to 25" back from the center of the rear crossbar to protect your vehicle and safely load the kayak. With an integrated V-block to align the kayak, retractable loading frame, and a simple "no tools" installation, this system is worth considering.

How to Choose the Best Kayak Trailer For You

What's the right kayak trailer for you? Consider the following features before committing to purchasing a trailer.

Storage

Knowing how much space you need to store the trailer will ensure easy access to the kayak, making loading and unloading your kayak a breeze. If you don't have room in your garage, invest in a foldable kayak trailer. Lightweight kayaks with removable or retractable tongues are also practical options, as you can easily store them in small spaces.

Assembly

Kayak trailers come in a box and require tools like wrenches, screwdrivers, and rubber mallets and at least half a day to assemble properly. And some are easier to assemble than others. So, if you're not a DIYer, do your research to find one that's easy to assemble. 

Tongue Length 

The tongue length of the trailer is the distance between the coupler and the axle. The longer the tongue, the larger the kayak you can transport on it. If you use recreational kayaks, the tongue size won't matter. However, if you are seeking trailers for larger kayaks like sea kayaks, you will need a trailer with a longer tongue length. 

Weight and Capacity

How many kayaks will you be transporting at a time? Will you be carrying inventory along with it? If you use heavy boats or kayaks with the family, you want to look for a trailer with sufficient capacity. It's ideal to invest in a strong trailer that won't dislodge under pressure. This is especially important if you plan on using the carrier to transport outdoor equipment like paddle boards and bikes on your trips.

Material 

Kayak trailers can be made of different materials, with aluminum and high-quality galvanized steel being your top two options. What you select, however, will depend on how often you use the kayak. If you go kayaking occasionally, a lightweight option like aluminum will do the job. However, aluminum kayaks can be expensive, so do your research before investing in one. 

And if you spend a lot of time kayaking and/or need to transport your kayak over long distances, consider heavy-duty galvanized steel. It's more durable than regular steel and comes with rust-resistance benefits — even after being constantly exposed to saltwater — to give you more bang for your buck. 

Suspension

The suspension affects the trailer's ability to carry loads, which is more useful if you're hauling multiple kayaks. It absorbs bumps and shocks from hitting potholes and uneven surfaces on the road, ensuring the kayak trailer's stability. 

Hence, choosing one that has a sound suspension system is important for safety. Keep in mind that there are extra parts in trailers with suspensions, so they will be heavier and harder to maintain than those with no suspension. 

Wheel Size

Smaller wheels put the trailer a little lower to the ground for loading purposes and are suitable for lightweight kayaks. They also give you better gas mileage, but they can puncture on rough roads and wear down over time.

So, if you're looking for durability, look for larger wheels. They're suitable for hefty kayaks and can also be used to lug around accessories. In addition, they can handle rough terrains and give you more ground clearance, making them more suitable for driving on the highway. 

Versatility

You need to check out multi-sport trailers if you are looking for a trailer that allows you to haul an assortment of different items and gears. Whether you are seeking a canoe trailer or kayak trailer, with a multi-sport trailer, you can carry both.

Types of Kayak Trailers

Here's a brief introduction to different types of kayak trailers, so you can make an informed buying decision depending on the kayak you own. 

• Single kayak trailer: They're designed to haul a single kayak. 

• Multiple-kayak trailer: They carry more than one kayak and have additional space to carry accessories and fishing equipment. 

• Stacked trailer: This family-friendly option can handle up to four kayaks without adding to the width of your vehicle. They have a low-bed frame and can typically carry kayaks in a 2-row by 2-high design.

• Trailer top kayak carrier: In this type of carrier, the kayak sits on top of the rack, and you can easily integrate this function into simple standard box trailers. You can then use the space below for gear and accessories. 

• Side-by-side kayak trailer: They have a wide design and are used to eliminate overhead lifting by allowing you to load the kayaks next to each other. 

• Multipurpose sports trailer: It holds kayaks but can also haul bikes, canoes, paddleboards, and camping gear. 

Budget

Kayak trailers' price varies, and they can get quite expensive. Before looking for one, decide on your budget and stick to it.