Last Updated on June 30, 2023 by Afsar
Are you looking for the best kayak trailers? Kayaking is fun. However, transporting your kayak might not be. If you are not using a kayak trailer, the process of moving a kayak from one point to another can become extremely annoying. Kayak trailers are designed in such a way that they will help you transport your kayak more easily and quickly. Some of the kayak trailers are designed to transport up to four kayaks at the same time. Instead of putting it on the top of the vehicle, you can just load it into the trailer and drive away. In this post, we are going to share some of the best kayak trailers on the market while sharing a how-to guide on choosing the best kayak trailers.
Table of Contents
Best Kayak Trailers 2023
| Image | Model | Number of kayaks | Weight Capacity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
  | Malone Auto Racks MicroSport Trailer | 4 | 350 lbs |  |
  | Malone XtraLight Stacker | 4 | 275 lbs | |
  | Ruff-Sport Trailer | Multiple | 400 lbs | |
  | Malone XTRALIGHT Trailer | 2 | 275 lbs | |
  | Malone MicroSport Trailer | 2 | 800 lbs | |
  | Yakima Rack and Roll | Multiple | 300 lbs | |
Malone Auto Racks MicroSport Trailer Kayak
Malone is a titan in the realm of kayak transportation. Whether you need a cart or a trailer, Malone has got you covered. If you’re planning to move multiple kayaks simultaneously, the Malone MicroSport Kayak Trailer is just what you need. This beast can comfortably transport four kayaks without the necessity of lifting them onto your car’s roof. The kayak trailer is a perfect blend of affordability, durability, quality, and design reliability. Whether you’re transporting kayaks, canoes, cargo boxes, or bikes, this trailer can handle it all.
Malone utilizes a marine-grade pre-galvanized steel frame, measuring 78″ in width and 164″ in length. It features 78″ coated steel cross rails compatible with most attachments. The base trailer weighs 197 lbs and can support over 350 pounds, making it ideal for heavy water vessels. As previously mentioned, the frame is crafted from pre-galvanized steel and is resistant to rust for years. As depicted in the picture, the crossbars come with four pairs of robust Malone J-Pro 2 J-style kayak saddles. The package includes load bars in a standard rectangular shape, making it compatible with rack accessories from most other brands. Additionally, the extended heavy-duty tongue allows you to haul boats up to 19′ in length.
A five-year warranty ensures the trailer’s longevity. The assembly process, which typically takes between 2-3 hours, is quite straightforward, and instructions are included in the package. You’ll also find pre-fitted electrical, mechanical, and hub assemblies. In summary, this is the best kayak trailer on the market.
Pros
- Can carry four kayak, canoes, cargo boxes, and bikes
- Can support over 350 lbs
- Galvanized finish steel frame resists rusts for year
- Equipped with four pairs of Malone J-Pro 2 J-style kayak saddles
- Can haul boats up to 19′ in length
- Spare wheel tire
- Easy to assemble (2-3 hours)
- Assembly instruction provided
- Eliminate the headache of loading kayaks on top of the roof of your vehicle
- Rectangular shaped load bars are compatible with rack accessories from most other brands
Cons
- Expensive
Malone XtraLight 4 Kayak Stacker Trailer Package
If you are looking for a cheap kayak trailer to transport your kayak, you can check this 4 kayak trailer package from Malone. Just like other kayak trailers from Malone, it also comes with marine grade galvanized steel frame. It features one L-style kayak rack with eight stacker blocks. As a result, it can accommodate up to four kayaks at the same time. This kayak trailer has a capacity of 275 pounds.You can carry up to 14 feet long kayaks, canoes, or SUPs.
You will find a two-piece reinforced extended tongue with 2-inch Class II hitch coupler with skid plate. It includes 58-inch coated steel load bars, 1 set of padded carriers with 4 sets of stacker foam blocks, 2 12-foot load straps, and dot approved lighting. On top of that, the high-speed galvanized wheels will ensure a smooth ride. Last but not least, it comes with an easy to assemble T-Box design, making it super easier for even noobs to assemble the parts. I like the straightforward instructions, and highly suggest it for beginners or who don’t want the hassle of the assembly process.
Pros
- Marine grade galvanized steel frame
- Can transport up to four kayaks
- Easy to assemble T-box design
- Reasonable pricing
- 58-inch coated steel load bars
- 8-inches diameter high-speed wheels
- factory-sealed 5-lug hubs
- 2 12-feet load straps included
- 58-inch coated steel load bars
- Eight stacker blocks
- Smooth ride
Cons
- Expensive
Ruff-Sport Trailer – Galvanized Finish for Kayak, Bicycle, and SUP
Right-On-Trailer’s Ruff-Sport Trailer is an excellent option for transporting, kayaks, canoes, bicycle, SUP, and more. It comes with 64″ wide crossbars which can support most roof accessories from reputed companies like Yakima and Thule. It uses a galvanized steel frame with large wheels (4.80×12″). The galvanized finish ensures that it resists corrosion if you are using close to saltwater.
It has a fold up locking tongue stand with two LED light attached. The manufacturer claims it to be a high-speed trailer. So you might be thinking about the road vibrations/ However, the soft spring and the sturdy frame absorb much road vibration. You can use this fantastic kayak trailer to carry fishing kayaks, SUPs, bicycles, cargo boxes and more. If you have a small car, I would suggest you check this lightweight kayak trailer.
Pros
- Galvanized steel frame
- 4.80 x 12″ wheels
- Corrosion resistance for saltwater use
- 64″ wide crossbars
- Can carry kayaks, SUPs, bicycles, cargo boxes, and more
- Fold up locking tongue stand with LED lights
- High-speed trailer
- Great for small vehicles
- Versatile use
Cons
- No in-built saddle. Black rack pads are not included (sold separately)
Malone XTRALIGHT Trailer Package w/ 2 V-Kayak Racks
Not all of us are going to transport four kayaks at the same time. For people like us, Malone Xtralight Trailer package is a perfect fit. This lightweight kayak trailer can transport up to two kayaks at the same time. The model is MPG526G. It is designed to carry kayaks up to 14′. Just like other kayak trailers from Malone, this one also has a galvanized steel frame. It comes with 58″ steel-coated load bars.
It includes two sets of V-style hull-down kayak carriers. Also, the 8″ high-speed wheel are galvanized too. The wheels are designed in such a way that it ensures a smooth ride. So, if you are thinking of going kayaking with your partner or buddy, you now know the kayak trailer to get. This is one of the best lightweight kayak trailers out there in the market and offers durability, efficiency, safety, and reliability. On top of that, it comes at a very reasonable price.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Reasonable pricing
- Two V-style hull-down kayak carriers
- Galvanized steel frame 58″ steel coated load bars
- Weight capacity: 275 lbs
- 5 years manufacturer’s warranty
- Made in the USA
- For up to 14′ kayaks
- 8″ high-speed galvanized wheels
- Ensures smooth rides
- Sturdy design
Cons
- Assembly takes time
Malone MicroSport Trailer Two Kayak
If you are a fan touring on a kayak, you might be wondering how to transport those big a$$ long kayaks. Fear no more, because this MicroSport Trailer from Malone can carry two kayaks of up to 18′ length. To do so, Malone included two-sets of SeaWing kayak carriers in the trailer. It comes with a galvanized steel frame which has 60″ aluminum cross rails. The galvanized spare tire is with locking attachment for security.
It is fairly easy to assemble the Malone MicroSport Trailer, but it takes around 2-3 hour. However, Malone includes amazing instructions in the package to make it easier for newbies. This is a great option for kayakers who loves recreational kayaking or sea kayaking. Just like most other Malone trailers, this one also comes with a 5-year limited warranty, and it is made in the USA.
Pros
- Can transport up to two kayaks
- 18′ long kayaks are supported
- Two sets of SeaWing kayak carriers
- Sturdy design
- Easy to assemble plus instruction provided
- Galvanized steel frame
- 60″ aluminum cross rails
- Optional spare kit with locking attachment
Cons
- takes 2-3 hours to assemble
Yakima Rack and Roll Trailer
Yakima has proven time and time again that they know exactly what they’re doing when it comes to transporting gears. Yakima’s Rack and Roll is a trailer which can be used to carry kayaks, canoes, SUPs, cargo boxes, bicycles, and more. This trailer comes with 78 inches long crossbars, and it is compatible with all Yakima accessories. Unlike most other trailers, Yakima Rack and Roll trailer come with a premium feature: locking levers. The locking levers come with a key to prevent theft of the wheel and tongue.
It is adjustable, has a dual spring progressive rate, and the motorcycle-style shock absorber offers four inches of wheel travel. What’s more, the independent suspension makes it even better. The maximum weight capacity of this trailer is 300 lbs. Rack and Roll trailer can be stored very easily, and it is compatible with most popular roof rack products from famous manufacturers. You can use the carrying handle to turn it into a hand cart. Also, Yakima includes well-printed assembly instruction. To conclude, this is a stylish kayak trailer which is built with high-quality material to deliver superb performance. It is expensive, comes with
Pros
- Stylish design
- Easy to assemble (Well-documented instruction)
- 78-inches crossbars
- Compatible with all Yakima accessories
- Maximum weight capacity: 300 lbs
- Locking lever with keys: protect wheels and tongue
- Carrying handle to turn it into a hand cart
- Adjustable, Dual Spring progressive rate, motorcycle-style
- shock absorbers provide four inches of wheel travel
- Easy to store
Cons
- The wiring may need some tweaking depending on your style
- Packaging could be better
- May make a little sound when empty (the ball mount and inserts can be changed to fix it)
How to buy the best kayak trailer?
Unless you are living right beside the edge of a lake or a river, you have to transport your kayak or water vessel near to the water. Sure, you can carry your kayak on the roof of your car, and then load it into your cart to bring it the shore, but it is not a viable option in many cases. For example, maybe you are not physically healthy to put it on top of your car or maybe you are thinking of carrying four kayaks at the same time. Some times, loading a kayak in the trailer is far more comfortable than other available options.
However, there are many things to check before buying a kayak trailer. Let’s admit it; kayak trailers are expensive. If we are spending a good amount of money, we want the best kayak trailers at the available price. This is why I am going to walk you through some of the most important factors to check before purchasing a kayak trailer. Not all of the kayak trailers will suit your requirements and budget, and that is why we have to be smart about the options available to us.
The number of kayaks to carry
Before we start, it is important to know the number of kayaks you are going to carry in your kayak trailers. Most of the kayak trailers are capable of carrying two kayaks at the same time. However, if you are willing to carry more than two kayaks, there are some kayak trailers which can carry four kayaks at the same time. Sometimes, the kayak is not the only thing that you will want to move, but some other stuff like a bicycle too. You will have to consider if you’re going to carry extra stuff in the future and plan according to that.
Size of the kayak
Yes, the size of the kayak, canoe, or SUP board play a significant role in choosing a kayak trailer. If you are into sea kayaking, you most probably have a very long kayak. In that case, some of the kayak trailers won’t be able to accommodate it. This is why you need to check the length of your kayak and match it with the kayak trailer you want to buy. In that way, you will rest assured that the kayak trailer can fit your kayak or other water vessels.
Weight
All the kayak trailers will come with a weight limit. Most of the time a regular kayak will weigh near 40 lbs. On the other hand, a regular kayak trailer has a weight capacity of 200 lbs. Sure, some of them got more carrying power, but if you are using large kayaks or tandem kayaks, it becomes tricky. You need to know the weight of the kayak and make a purchasing decision based on that. If you carry more than the weight limit, you may risk breaking or damaging the kayak trailer.
All-in-one Kayak Trailer
These are types of kayak trailer which comes with kayak carriers built-in. If you are not looking for the hassle of installing the kayak trailers by yourself, I highly recommend these type of trailers. Depending on the size and the amount of kayak carrying ability, the price may increase. However, you will be saving a lot of time looking for suitable kayak carriers by yourself.
Mult-kayak trailers
Multi-kayak trailers are the trailers which can carry more than one kayak at the same time. Sometimes, these types of kayak trailers can do more than carrying a kayak. They can carry multiple kayaks, SUP board, and Bi-cycle and more. These types of kayak trailers are best for people who are going on a family picnic or bringing their partner and kids to the kayaking party. These multi-purpose kayak trailers are expensive but very convenient to right users.
Materials
As mentioned several times, kayak trailers are not cheap. It is important to be able to use a kayak trailer for a long time to make the most out of money we are going to spend. Usually, kayak trailers are made of high-quality materials to offer service for several years without any problem.
Most of the top kayak trailers will use a specialized type of steel: galvanized steel. Simply put, steel is galvanized to prevent the rust. Your kayak trailer will go through rain, saltwater, snow, and dust. If the manufacturer does not use galvanized steel to make the kayak trailer, it will inevitably corrode within a couple of months of use. This is why galvanized steel frames are very important, and you should not compromise in this issue even if it requires you to shell out a good amount of money. This is important, and it can not be compromised.Some of the kayak trailers will come with racks that can be used independently on your car roof. For example, Malone Auto Racks MicroSport trailer comes with 4 Malone J-Pro2 kayak carriers.
Assembly
Most of the kayak trailers manufacturers will include an instruction book on how to assemble the kayak trailer. They are fairly easy to understand, and the parts are labeled by the manufacturer to make it easier to assemble it. That being said, if you are not those type of person to do it by yourself, you can always look for a technician. However, I suggest you learn it by doing it yourself to save money in the future. If you are in need of any help, you can always reach out to the manufacturer, and ask for help. Sometimes, Youtube videos can be found to assemble a specific kayak trailer, and those are detailed to make life easier for a fellow user of the same kayak trailer.Assembly time is also a vital factor to consider. Most of the Malone autoracks mentioned in the list takes around 2-3 hours to assemble. This might seem like a lot of time, but trust me, this is standard. If you are not familiar with assembling stuff before, you may have some trouble with it. In such cases, I would suggest you hire a technician who can do it for you. Also, you can check if the manufacturer can pre-assemble it, and send it to your door like that.
Trailer Suspension
The suspension system is not a mandatory thing, but good to have if you are driving through unpaved road. If you are driving on a paved road, it is not something to worry about. However, if you are driving through an unpaved, bumpy road, it might cause trouble to your kayak. If the road is rough, it may even cause damage to the kayak. In such cases, I suggest you think about the suspension system of the kayak trailer. This is also important if you are driving off the road.
Tongue Length
The tongue length of the kayak trailer will determine the size of kayak you can transport with your trailer. Tongue length is the distance between the axle and the hitch. Besides determining the length of the kayak, it also plays a role in determining how easy it will be to tow a kayak. Simply put, if the tongue length is big, it will be easy to accommodate a bigger kayak and tow it. Also, turning becomes more manageable when the length is higher.
Tire and Wheel Size
If you look closely, you will notice that most of the kayak trailers come with small wheel size. Trust me, the size of the tire plays a good role when it comes to transport your kayak. Let’s assume you are carrying a lightweight kayak and most of the road you are covering is paved. In such a scenario, a kayak trailer with small tires is better. It will save gas and provide better gas mileage.
Storage
When not in use, you will want to store your kayak trailer with ease. Some of the smart manufacturers use parts that can be folded. In that way, when folded, it will take less space, and make it easier for you to store. Besides that, I would recommend you think about the storage option before making a purchase decision. Take a measurement tape, measure the place, and buy a kayak trailer which will fit the space.
Price
As mentioned several times, kayak trailers are expensive. Sure, you can find some cheap kayak trailers on the market, but they won’t be able to offer you the features you are looking for. Even if they do, the durability might not be good. You will be carrying your expensive kayak in the trailer, and you don’t want to damage it. This is why it is recommended not to put too much pressure on the pricing factor. A cheap kayak trailer might be good to transport the kayak for a short distance. However, if you are transporting your kayak to a long distance, a kayak trailer with quality will come very handy. Premium kayak trailers are tested vigorously to ensure that the trailer provides the best performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the kayak trailers street legal?
Generally, most of the kayak trailers are legal, but I would suggest you check the details of the local law. You should check the manufacturer’s site to see if they mention anything about the state or country you are living in. If they are not referring to any information, I would suggest you do some research online if these kayak trailers are legal in your area. That being said, you will need a new license plate and registration for your trailer. Often overlooked, but this is a crucial thing to consider right before you buy your first kayak trailer.
Is it hard to assemble the kayak trailers?
It depends. If you are buying a top-notch kayak trailer, the manufacturer will provide you a good instruction book to assemble it by yourself. Most of the time, manufacturers will label the parts to make it easy for the buyer to assemble it by themselves. These are mostly easy to assemble, and sometimes you can find youtube videos of assembly by random people.
How to tie down a kayak on a trailer?
Once you purchase a kayak trailer, it becomes important that you know how to tie it down in a proper way. If you are not tying it correctly, the kayak might fell off the trailer when transporting it to a place. Most of the manufacturers will include a strap along with the kayak trailer package. However, if they are not providing any, buy a set of ratchet straps. If used properly, these straps will allow you to be very precise when it comes tightness.Both the kayak and the trailer will influence how the strap is used to tie the kayak/s. Most of the kayak trailers available on the market will have a specially designed way of tying down a kayak. Depending on the trailer you got, you may have to install your own racking system, or it may come pre-installed with the package. If you have a kayak which is bigger than the trailer, put a red flag on the hanging side of the kayak to ensure that the other drivers notice it and doesn’t hit it.
Steel or Aluminum, which material to choose?
We all know that steel is heavier than the Aluminum but cheaper. Most of the kayak trailers are small, and that is why the weight should not be a problem for many. Usually, steel might not work well as it may corrode. However, manufacturers are using galvanized steel to prevent corrosion. On the other hand, Aluminum is lighter but expensive. If you buy a kayak trailer made with aluminum material, it will be costly for sure.
How far can I travel with a kayak trailer?
It totally depends on the quality of the trailer, your skill, ability, and willingness. I am not a big fan of driving for a long time, but there is no limit when it comes to bringing your favorite kayak to the remote lake you always wanted to paddle to. If you have a good kayak trailer and the kayak is tied down properly, you can transport your kayak to any place you want. However, if you are going for long distance, please check the condition of the trailer and tie the kayaks properly.
How many people does it take to load a kayak on a trailer?
Simply put, a healthy person should be able to load the kayak on a trailer without any help. The weight and length of the kayak also play a role in loading the kayak on the trailer. If you are loading a heavy kayak, you may want to have someone else helping you with the chore. Same goes with the long-sized kayaks as they can cause problems when loading into the trailer.
How Much Weight Can A Kayak Trailer Hold?
It depends on the quality of the trailer. Most manufacturers will mention the limit of the kayak trailers. Malone Autoracks Microsports trailer can carry up to 350 lbs. On the other hand, Malone Xtralight trailer can carry up to 275 lbs. Before you make any purchasing decision, try to guess the amount of load you are going to put over on it to make sure it is within the limit of the trailer.
Final Verdict
There is not one single kayak trailer which fits for all types of needs from the kayakers. You will be the only person who can make the best decision for yourself. Try to write down all the things you want to carry, measure the weight and space that they will occupy, and then you can be able to find a suitable kayak trailer. If you are not willing to spend a lot of money, you can buy a base kayak trailer, and add according to your need. After a couple of trips, you can add more items to the trailer to enhance your experience.
Afsar is an avid kayak blogger born near the coast. He has a passion for kayaking and started as a child. He has paddled in various conditions and locations and promotes responsible kayaking. Afsar’s blog is widely read, and they are a respected voice in the kayaking community, offering valuable content on kayaking trips, gear, tips, and tricks. Afsar collaborates with other bloggers and brands and continues to inspire others through their writing and social media.