LadiMopar

Okay, so figured a few pics might help with all these DIY creative juices flowing here... If you look close at the profile of the truck you'll see the bed cover rolled up, and then the close up behind the cab...this is why the tailgate down idea doesn't fly very well for me. It obscures the view either way, but sure keeps the gear safe! Then there is the itty bitty Lure 10 yak sitting on the trailer. Usually have the crate behind the seat, but the seat is taller than the crate, so although all those ideas about using old fishing rods etc. are great ones I really think marking out the corners will be the best and safest way to go. They don't call the drivers here "Mass-holes" for nothing! If I could put a flashing neon sign on the back of the trailer inevitably there'd be at least one person texting or something that wouldn't see me. But I digress.... and finally the trailer on the truck so you can see how its constructed at the back for attaching hardware. Still sort of leaning towards the threaded rod concept, but PVC has a lot of potential too...I don't care about winning any beauty contests, just need function and safety.

Yup, that is exactly the issue...trailer is so narrow can't hardly see it behind me even on a turn. Not even sure at this point if slapping a pair of those clamp on towing mirrors would do the job. I really want to thank all of you for the input. Its great to be able to reach out and get some honest and useful answers. I'm really intrigued by @Rahlow suggestion of threaded rod. It's something I can get readily (for free), and have still got a few former colleagues from my wrench turning days who could help me out with attaching it. I'm still open to any other suggestions any one might have, but think I have a pretty good idea of how to build exactly what I need. Tight lines everyone! ?????

Perfectly logical solution, which someone else also suggested to me, but with one small hitch (no pun intended) I have a pretty hefty bed cover on the truck so I'd have to climb up on the tailgate and roll about 60lbs of aluminium up to the cab and secure it. Then do it all again in reverse before I could head out on the water. All the gear lives under the cover. Was sort of hoping to avoid that extra maneuver. Truck also has a backup camera, but it's pretty much pointless for this operation...aside from the fact that I never use it anyway. Kind of an old fashioned girl... This has potential, any idea how the threaded rod was attached? Clamps, welded, gorilla tape? Okay, kidding about the gorilla tape. But seriously would be interested to know their method of attaching.

Wow, you can say that again! The two big RAM trucks in my yard cost about the same combined, but I figure I'll get more use from the trucks.

Just bought a 14' jon boat trailer to haul my kayak on, (cheaper than one of those specialized kayak/canoe type) and all I can see over the truck bed when backing up is the very top of the seat on the yak. So, rather than pay close to $100 for a set of 36" uprights thought I would ask what all you DIY folks have done to make seeing those corners a little easier. Many thanks in advance!

Congrats on the new wheels. ? (See even we Mopar folks can be civilized.... once in a while)

I've gone all of my angling years (abt 50) without any electronics, until last year when I bought my kayak. Nothing super fancy, just the basic Deeper Sonar, which is used almost exclusively for mapping the smaller waters that have no topo/bathymetry available. Currently have a newbie that I've taken under my wing and he really thinks he wants a similar device for a whole host of reasons. Counseling him against it for the simple reason that it's better to learn the basic W's (what,when,where and WHY) the old fashioned way; skills that will serve you any time, any place for a lifetime. Obviously I'm not saying electronics don't have their advantages, but in my humble opinion they're not terribly useful without a good solid foundation...for example; if you don't know why bass stack up in downed trees, or that they use trees/stumps/rocks etc. to begin with, what good is seeing it on your screen?

I'm now on the downhill slide towards 60. Just figure anything your father told you about your 40's increase the difficulty/irritation by 5-15% for your 50's.

It can’t be that bad. I have two 11.5’s on my Tundra’s ladder rack right now. I can get them up there no problem, even after a long day.  Remove the seat, accessories, and empty the hatch and they only weigh 70 - 75 pounds. @DogBone_384 70-75 lbs is still pretty significant weight and depending on persons height, age, and physical ability it can certainly be a daunting task to manhandle such a thing. As I mentioned in another thread, I recently bought a trailer for my Lure 10 (70 lbs without gear) because it was just too much for me to heft into the truck by myself... I can remember a day when 70lbs was a breeze, but these days the moto is; my mind is willing but my body has other ideas.

Harbor freight is not currently selling any trailers due to an issue with DOT regulations regarding the safety of the tires they were using. Consumer reports article: November 2017- https://www.consumeraffairs.com/news/harbor-freight-recalls-utility-trailer-tires-103117.html For additional info do a web search for Harbor freight trailer recall, tire recall or trailer lights recall. Also, Northern tool/Ironton is no longer selling its small PWC (jet ski) trailer which was about $500 so your best option if money is an issue would be a used trailer. Just be sure to really look it over before purchasing. I was recently in the market for a small trailer for my 10' kayak and was horrified by the condition of many used trailers, serious rust, worn components, brittle/broken wiring etc., and although the prices were "reasonable" the work involved to make them road worthy wasn't worth the time or effort for me. Also, many had the questionable tires on them that caused HF to stop selling their trailers. I ended up buying a new 14' jon boat trailer at BP, and the price was good but still paid quite a bit more than originally planned. Best of luck to you.

That deserves some sort of award.... ? Gee, and I'm usually happy if I catch gear bigger than a bobber! Guess I need to start throwing a ned rig more often! ?

You may also want to look at Weld-Craft bass boats. They look pretty similar to the Tracker but there may be price and equipment options to consider. They also supply the first prize (,boat,motor,trailer) for the BBWC/ Big Bass World Championship. https://weld-craft.com/BassBoats.htm https://www.bassresource.com/big-bass-championship

First, thanks to all who have commented on this pet peeve topic. Makes me feel a whole lot better knowing there are folks out there who actually take the time to think about us in the "blue wheels" (color of most handicapped placards/signs) division of life. Choporoz- I tip my well worn RAM hat to you for your honesty about the attitude so many folks have about those of us who may look able bodied, but in fact have an "invisible disability". Sorry that your dad was unwell, but I thank him for the lesson he taught you, and that you have shared here for others to consider. With respect... LM

How on earth did you get that on top of your car? And aren't you concerned that it might come off while driving? I have a Lure 10, which weighs in at 70 lbs, that 11.5 just be pushing close to 100 lbs. Inquiring minds want to know! ?

Welcome from N Central Massachusetts! So glad you found your way here, and back to our great sport!

Folks here in MA are starting to get the painful hint that this is not something they should be doing. The fines if caught are pretty steep.

Welcome from N. Central Mass. Nice little intro...you are definitely in the right place.?

Amen!!!!! Had the "ramp monster" thing happen to me just this weekend, that was after they tried to mow me over in my little bitty 10' kayak...and oh yah I was on the ramp first to boot! As for the latter, I take pics of their plates/vehicle and send them to the cops...especially when I need one of those spaces and there are none to be had.

Hey JBM! I can't help but smile (a really big smile) ...in my day (and especially if you just happened to be female) that type of academic talent went mostly unnurtured and under appreciated. So glad social attitudes have changed and these young people have a chance to blossom. Has she decided on a course of study yet? I wish her great academic success, and wide open doors to endless possibilities. LM

Just bought a 2" drop Reese for my new trailer at Tractor Supply and they sell the adjustable Reese on their website.

Finally an outboard that can keep up with my Hemi on the water!!!!

Feelfree Lure 10, incredibly stable, moderate price; got mine at reduced fishing show price of $899. Weight 70 lbs. Weight capacity 375 Width 36" Best feature the gravity seat! Can fish for 6+ hours without feeling stiff or sore which is critical for me. Have physical limitations due in large part to a serious car accident so good back support is crucial. Plenty of leg room for me (5'11") and my gear. Good storage inside the hull for extra rods or gear. Foot pegs are solid, well designed and easily adjustable. Did I mention the amazing gravity seat? Easy to move with their ingenious "wheel in the keel", no need for a cart. This is my second season with this yak and the only small draw back is the tracking can be a tad skewed in a stiff breeze.

Hey Dogbone- Now that I have a trailer I might consider a bigger Feelfree model, if I can manage the L10 on and off without too much trouble. I have been living for many years with some physical limitations thanks in large part to a serious car accident back in '84. I bought the Lure 10 for several reasons, one of which is it's not designed to have any "stock" adaptations like the rudder. Aside from being able to get off the shore and closer to the places where bigger fish hangout, it also serves as "physical therapy" . I didn't want to be tempted by the lure ( pardon the pun) of convenience. Like you mentioned though it can be a bit of a struggle to paddle, especially in a good stiff breeze and a rudder system would help it track a bit better, but I'm not in any hurry to cover large amounts of water and I don't figure the fish care if I'm zig zagging a bit The seat is absolutely amazing!!!! I can certainly understand why your wife can sleep in it. Imho, who ever designed it put a lot of thought into it because it sure is easy to put 6+ hours in with little or no issue. So, congrats on the upgrade! Time for me to hop in the RAM and christen the new trailer.

Hope it was wonderful, but my Lure 10 is jealous...although it shouldn't be. It gets to ride in comfort tomorrow on nice soft comfy bunks on a brandy new Load Rite trailer. Maiden voyage at O'dark thirty!!!!!! Woohoo! The yak and I can now go on a date without the hubby (kayak sherpa) as a chaperone! ??????

A truer statement has never been spoken...and you most certainly never want to do the reverse either! Goodness knows what would happen to the stability of the universe! ?