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Kayaking is an exhilarating water sport that involves a small boat and the nearest body of water you can find, although maybe try to aim higher than your local pond.
Rivers, lakes, and out on the ocean are all popular places to take your kayak, but how do you get it there?
Some people opt for a kayak rack as the answer to their portability problems, but this can cause damage to your car and your kayak, and they can be tricky to mount and secure.
A kayak trailer is arguably the better choice, and it has many advantages besides not ruining the tranquility you’ve experienced on the open water as you attempt to reload your kayak.
Want to know more? This article will walk you through all the information you need to help you make the best decision if you’re looking to buy a new kayak trailer.
We’ve reviewed five of the best options for you to consider and put together a handy buyer’s guide that explores some of the most important factors.
In a hurry to get out on the open water? Check out our top pick so you can pack up and leave in no time.
- Easily assembled
- Generous 165 lbs capacity
- Highly portable due to compact size and folding when not in use
- Generous 200 lbs weight capacity
- Large, wide tires
- Bumper pads help to prevent surface damage
- Soft springs and sturdy frame
- Can carry multiple kayaks and other sporting equipment
- Durable powder coat finish
1. Bonnlo Universal Kayak Carrier
We chose the Bonnlo Kayak trailer as our top pick choice because of its solid performance. It’s easy to assemble and you can load your kayak without the need for tools or an extra pair of hands.
It comes with two 7.75 ft. ratchet straps so you can ensure your kayak is firmly and securely attached.
With a capacity of up to 165 lbs of weight, this universal trailer can carry several types of kayaks and other sporting equipment.
It’s easy and convenient to transport itself because of its small, compact size and it can be folded for easy storage.
One feature that we love is the spring-loaded stand, which allows you to prop your trailer onshore so you have better access for loading and unloading your kayak.
The 12-inch H spring-loaded kickstand prevents fumbling as you try to get your kayak out of the water and onto the trailer.
The large, solid PU tires go smoothly over sandy surfaces and other relatively flat floorings, but some customers do report that it handles noticeably bumpy ground less well.
However, they can still withstand heavy loads and shouldn’t go flat easily, meaning they’ll provide you with long-lasting use.
Constructed using a solid aluminum frame, the design features bumpers on both sides of the trailer to reduce the chances of scratching or damaging the hull of your kayak.
- Easily assembled
- Generous 165 lbs capacity
- Highly portable due to compact size and folding when not in use
- Large PU tires for smoother traveling
- Not the best option for uneven terrain or rocky roads
2. ABN Universal Kayak Carrier
Next, we considered this kayak trailer from ABN. It has a larger 200 lbs weight limit yet it’s more durable as it was manufactured using high-strength anodized steel.
Using this material also reduces the weight of the trailer which is less of a drain on your fuel when you’re driving.
The 9.5-inch knobby tires inflate easily and can handle rougher surfaces including sand, gravel, wooded areas, and on any ground that is generally a bit uneven.
This also makes it easier to transport your kayaks from place to place as they’re less likely to come loose in transit.
Plus, these days, most trailers will have a 12-foot strap to fasten everything in place.
It features oversized bumper pads which drastically reduces the chance of scratching the paint of your vehicle or damaging your kayak.
To keep it steady when you’re stopped, a spring-loaded kickstand helps you to load more quickly and easily.
Another useful feature of this kayak trolley it that the anodized steel frame folds away neatly after use, simply take out the lynch pin and your trailer is ready to be stored.
When it’s folded down, the entire trailer can fit in a large backpack or it can even be stored with you on the water in your kayak.
- Generous 200 lbs weight capacity
- Large, wide tires
- Bumper pads help to prevent surface damage
- Folds away for convenient storage
- Anodized steel frame
- Some customers report that the tires have a funny smell to them
- The tie-down it comes with is not as high quality as other tie cords
3. Multi-Sport Multi-Rack Kayak Trailer
The next option we looked at was the Rightt-On trailer which is great for families or groups with more than one kayak to transport.
It has a second tier for even more gear, and you can also load other sporting equipment such as bicycles, so it’s perfect for the active family.
It features smaller tires than most of the trailers we’ve included in this list, but the soft springs and sturdy frame help to absorb some of the shock impact or vibration from the road when you’re traveling to keep your equipment safe.
Coated with a powder finish, the durable frame has a 64-inch long crossbar which is compatible with all accessories including Yakama and Thule.
Plus, the tongue stand folds up for easier storage and can be locked into place for added security. However, some customers do complain that the coating can be scratched in places which leads to rusting.
Although it’s a more expensive option, customers were seriously impressed by the quality and the ability to transport so much more than you can with other kayak trailers designed for single or double carrying.
It’s also easy to assemble with two sets of comprehensive instructions for you to refer to.
- Soft springs and sturdy frame
- Can carry multiple kayaks and other sporting equipment
- Durable powder coat finish
- Easy to assemble thanks to detailed instructions
- The stackable loading system is less aerodynamic than other trailers meaning you’ll consume more fuel
- Smaller tires don’t handle rough terrain as well
4. Mind and Action Universal Kayak Trolley
If you’re looking for a trailer with a large capacity and a versatile range of what it can carry, then look no further than the Mind and Action universal kayak trailer.
It has a huge capacity of 200 lbs so you can transport even the heaviest of equipment.
You’ll be using this trailer for years to come as it’s extremely rust-resistant, which is thanks to the anti-corrosion aluminum that the frame was constructed with.
To further protect your kayak from damage, this trailer features rubber pads on the bars on either side which prevents the risk of scratches or dings that make a dent.
The 10-inch all-terrain pneumatic tires ensure smooth transit even when you’re traveling across rougher surfaces.
These are the best tires of any trailer we’ve included in this list, and they’ll make traveling with your kayaks a lot easier when you come across a bump in the road.
There’s also a spring-loaded double-leg kickstand that supports the kayak and provides extra stability when you’re guiding it into the water or when you’re reloading it onto the trailer.
Combined with the 12 ft. tie-down strap that’s included, your kayak will be fully secured so there’ll be no need to worry about it falling from the trailer.
It’s really easy to assemble the trailer and it shouldn’t take you more than 5 or 10 minutes as there are no tools required to put it together.
Once assembled, you can fold the trailer flat so it’s easier to transport when not in use and you can comfortably store it in your vehicle.
- Easily assembles without the need for tools
- Constructed with durable materials
- Folds away for convenient storage and transportation
- The best tires for traveling over uneven terrain
- 1-year limited warranty
- Not suitable for carrying multiple kayaks
5. Wistar Canoe Cart Boat Kayak Trolley
Finally, the trailer we looked at to round off our list was the Wistar kayak trolley which can carry up to 150 lbs.
It’s a slightly lower capacity than the other models we’ve looked at thus far, but there are foam protective bumpers on each arm to keep what you can carry safe.
Made from aluminum piping and stainless anodized steel, the durable construction is perfect for transporting your kayak.
When you’re back at home after a long day out on the water, you can fold down the trailer for easy storage.
The large, 9.5-inch tires are 3.25 inches wide so they can withstand traveling over bumpy roads and uneven surfaces and will provide extra support so your kayak doesn’t end up slipping or falling from the trailer.
This is especially useful in sandy locations, so it’s a great option if you think you’ll be taking your kayak to the beach frequently.
When it comes to loading your kayak back onto the trailer, the spring-loaded stand will prop up the trailer to make it a much easier task.
- Durable construction feature aluminum and galvanized steel
- Large tires that are wide enough to handle sandy roads
- Support stand features
- Foam protective padding
- Fasteners aren’t as durable as it’s made from stainless steel
- Slightly lower capacity compared to what we’ve already looked at
Best Kayak Trailers Buyer’s Guide
Trying to find the right kayak trailer can be a nightmare if you don’t know what you’re looking for, so keep reading to find out what really matters when choosing a trailer.
Before we go any further, first you should familiarize yourself with the different types of kayak trailer loading options available.
Loading Options
A standard kayak trailer will have a metal frame and small brackets. They’re suitable for carrying the majority of kayaks which are tightly strapped into place to secure them while you’re driving.
Beyond that, there are a number of different types of kayak trailers.
Low Bed
Suitable for carrying one or two kayaks, low bed kayak trailers have a low profile for easy loading.
They’re compatible with most vehicles for towing and they don’t increase your fuel consumption by too much.
Multi-Sport
These are a more flexible type of trailer and you can load other things like bike racks and other equipment in addition to kayaks.
They’re a great choice for any family who enjoys a variety of outdoor activities.
Stacked
Just like the name suggests, this type of trailer allows you to stack multiple kayaks on top of one another, with the bigger models stacking up to 3 or 4 of them.
Due to the upwards stacking direction, they will increase the amount of drag of your vehicle.
Extra Wide Side-by-Side
With one of these trailers, you can load 2 or 3 kayaks next to each other keeping the weight low and reducing the amount of air resistance so it doesn’t slow you down as much while you’re traveling.
Trailer Top Carrier
If you already have a trailer, one of these will mount on top of it so you can utilize all the space below where you load your kayaks.
They’re really useful if you’re planning on transporting a lot of equipment,
Number of Kayaks
Next, you need to think about how many kayaks you’re going to be transporting. If you’re going away for a weekend of family fun, for example, you’ll need a trailer with a larger capacity to carry all your equipment.
There are plenty of trailers that are suitable for one, two, or even up to three or four kayaks, although any more than this and you may need to think about getting a custom one made.
Size and Weight Capacity
Kayaks are available in a huge range of shapes and sizes, As well as checking how many kayaks your trailer can transport, you also need to make sure their size and weight are compatible with it. Otherwise, it may end up breaking when you’re in transit.
If you’re using more than one kayak, double check that the collective weight doesn’t exceed the recommended amount for your trailer.
Most kayak trailers have a capacity of between 250 and 350 lbs, and kayaks will typically weigh around 40 lbs, although this varies depending on the brand.
Durability
When thinking about durability and how long something is likely to last, you should consider what it’s made from and whether or not they’re high-quality materials.
This is especially true for kayak trailers, as they have to be able to handle repeated reloading of heavy kayaks.
The three most common materials that kayak trailers are manufactured with are as follows:
- Aluminum: One of the most popular materials for kayak trailers is aluminum as it’s lightweight and doesn’t rust or corrode easily. It’s more expensive than other options but it’s worth it for the quality.
- Steel: Typically, steel is the cheapest choice and requires more maintenance to prevent the trailer from rusting as it corrodes easily.
- Galvanized steel: Zinc coated steel is much more resistant to rust and corrosion compared to regular steel, but it’s more affordable than aluminum, so it’s a great balance between the two.
Tire and Wheel Size
Although there’s not a huge difference between each model of kayak, there are some small details that you can look out for.
For example, if the road to your local beach is full of dips and bumps in the road, opting for larger, wider tires will make it easier to travel on rough terrain.
You might be thinking that smaller wheels at least make it easier to load your kayaks onto as there’s less height to contend with, but this would be wrong!
Whilst a lower platform may be slightly easier initially, it won’t pay off in the long run. Smaller wheels don’t handle uneven surfaces as well and wear out much quicker.
This will lead to you needing to replace them more frequently which results in higher costs for you.
Tongue Length
If you’re not sure what the tongue is, it’s the part of your trailer that connects the hitch spanning from this point until the axle. This will determine the length of kayak your trailer is capable of carrying.
A longer tongue will allow you to transport larger kayaks and will provide more support during transit. This is hugely beneficial when you’re trying to reverse as you can keep the lines straighter.
Trailers with a shorter tongue are designed for smaller kayaks, but they do increase the risk of dinging your car, especially if you’re making a sharp turn.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a kayak and a canoe?
There are lots of similarities between kayaking and canoeing, but where they differ is in their vessel design. Kayaks have a closed top with a hole in the center when you would sit, usually with your legs extended inside the kayak.
Contrastingly, canoes have an open top and sometimes have a small bench area for you to sit on or space for you to kneel.
Do you need suspension on a kayak trailer?
Most kayak trailers don’t have a suspension as they’re not really essential. The only time you may need to think about having suspension is if you’re going to be driving over particularly uneven terrain or bumpy roads.
In this case, it can help prevent any damage to your kayaks while you transport them.
