Trailer Question

[flyfisher]

So I am a kayak guy and am about to pull the trigger on a new wrangler and am debating on going with a trailer or a roof rack.

I have virtually no experience towing a trailer so I am wondering how hard it is to learn and if there are any pointers you guys and gals would be willing to share.

I a still on the fence if I want a trailer and the cost is a factor but not a huge one as I know a trailer can be used for other things as well even though I am looking st one of the malone sport trailers.

Thanks in advance.

[Mr_Scrogg]

Im a novice FF. And I backed my boat up a incline at a angle to not scrape, and still made it to the spot with 2 tries. Not bad for a newbie.

Hand at the bottom of the steering wheel helps backing up. Turn it which way you want the trailer to go

[Jim Mac]

I've never used a roof rack for my kayak, but I imagine it would get old quick. You should look at the "Post your trailer" thread at Texaskayakfisherman.com. There are some great DIY builds there. A lot of guys modify a boat trailer, and a lot buy a trailer from Harbor Freight and modify it. This would save you big bucks over the Malone kayak trailers. I'm thinking about buying the Harbor Freight 4' X 8' trailer to modify for kayaks.

Towing a trailer is all about practice and common sense really. The biggest difference when towing is turning corners. You have to allow more room so the trailer tires don't hit the curb.

[flyfisher]

I looked at the harbor freight trailers and was debating on those too. Guess I need to do a little more research and determine what I want to do.

The idea of getting a trailer that is already set up and ready to go is pretty appealing though.

[Mr_Scrogg]

FF, I was looking at single jet ski trailers. Just seems more solid to me.

[Jim Mac]

I mentioned the HF trailers because you said cost was a factor. Definitely check out that thread though.

[Team_Dougherty]

I would never try to put my 70lb kayak on the roof rack of my SUV. I used a trailer for it since day one. I went to the store with the trailer when I bought it. Towing a trailer is easy after you have practiced. Go to an empty lot and practice, practice and practice some more. The only issue I have is when I back down a ramp I lose sight if the trailer, so I rarely do it.

 

Those malone trailers are costly.  You can find a cheap trailers on craigs list or Harbor Freight. They are easy to modify if want to carry more than one.

[BryanM]

I put my 70lb Kayak on the roof rack the first time I took it out.  Later that night I returned the roof rack and purchased a utility trailer.  

 

I love the utility trailer.  I can fit 4 kayaks easily.  I pickup my own mulch, stones, etc.  Saved me a lot on delivery cost.

 

 

I purchased this except mine is 6x10.

http://www.tptrailersinc.com/store/OPEN-LANDSCAPE-TRAILER--UTILITY-TRAILER-PREMIER-MODEL-LE-5-X-8-w-24-MESH-SIDES--GVW-2995-OSCARItem_2=TP1805.aspx

 

 

Bryan

[Nitrofreak]

Towing a small trailer is nothing, but backing one is a different story, it's not that it's difficult to learn, the difficult part is not being able to see the thing until it's too late and you have to pull forward again and again, small trailers are a pain because they get around on you so quick.

 

Good news is all you need to do is put a marker on each side that you can visably see in your mirrors, these let you know exactly where the trailer is without even seeing the trailer at all, you can find them almost anywhere or you can make them yourself.

[derekxec]

i agree with nitrofreak towing a small trailer is nothing just backing them up is a pain till you get used to it because they really do get around so quick....if you get the trailer hook it to your truck without your boat then drive around with it where ever you go normally and that will get you used to it pretty quick

 

and the markers is a good idea too i really need to make them for my 8ft trailer cause half the time i cant see it when im backing it up

[flyfisher]

I used to back up my dad's empty boat trailer when i was 16 and he always told me back it up and realize when you can't see it is right behind you and adjust accordingly when it comes into view and keep your hand on the bottom of the wheel and turn towards the direction you want the trailer to go.  Seemed to work but that was 20 years ago and my skills have since deteriorated 

[Jim Mac]

Flyfisher, I forgot to mention that when you go to Texaskayakfisherman.com, first click on "Kayak Rigging", then click on "Post your trailer". You will see some great and cheap trailer mods for kayaks.

[Nitrofreak]

I used to back up my dad's empty boat trailer when i was 16 and he always told me back it up and realize when you can't see it is right behind you and adjust accordingly when it comes into view and keep your hand on the bottom of the wheel and turn towards the direction you want the trailer to go.  Seemed to work but that was 20 years ago and my skills have since deteriorted 

 

They are still there, trust me, maybe a little rusty but still there, you will do just fine I am sure.

[flyfisher]

Well I picked up the jeep this evening and after much debating I decided to go with a rack for now and possibly get a trailer later on down the road.

Rack is on order and hopefully here before next weekend as this non fishing stuff is killing me.....