KentuckyBlueBass Posted March 26, 2019 Posted March 26, 2019 Alright, so I am really looking into getting a tracker Topper 1036. Only problem is that I don't have a truck. All I have is a minivan. I don't really want to get a trailer as that can be quite expensive. Is there anyway to transport this boat on top of a van, or do you guys have any good/cheap trailer options? Or should I go with some sort of kayak? Quote
Super User MN Fisher Posted March 26, 2019 Super User Posted March 26, 2019 Trailer option is this one - this is what I got for my canoe...though I'm getting a replacement for the tongue piece to make it longer. Little over $500 - very reasonable. https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200612542_200612542 1 Quote
LonnieP Posted March 27, 2019 Posted March 27, 2019 I’d check Craigslist for a used trailer. If you don’t already have the boat you can probably find a used Jon with a trailer for what the new Topper cost. 1 Quote
kjfishman Posted March 27, 2019 Posted March 27, 2019 The 1036 weighs about 112 lbs, about the same as many bigger sit on kayaks. You could put on some roof racks. 1 Quote
haggard Posted March 27, 2019 Posted March 27, 2019 3 hours ago, KentuckyBlueBass said: Alright, so I am really looking into getting a tracker Topper 1036. Only problem is that I don't have a truck. All I have is a minivan. I don't really want to get a trailer as that can be quite expensive. Is there anyway to transport this boat on top of a van, or do you guys have any good/cheap trailer options? Or should I go with some sort of kayak? Forget top loading. Van should have plenty space inside for part of the jon or yak. Leave the hatch open, bolt on a trailer hitch ($150-200?) and buy a bed extender T-bar setup ($50 Amazon?). Definitely wide enough for the yak. They're adjustable so it may even accommodate the jon. With this solution you don't even need to buy a trailer. Tracker jon sounds like a great little boat but also don't rule out a yak. 1 Quote
bassguytom Posted March 27, 2019 Posted March 27, 2019 1 hour ago, LonnieP said: I’d check Craigslist for a used trailer. If you don’t already have the boat you can probably find a used Jon with a trailer for what the new Topper cost. This is your best best. If you don’t get a trailer to begin with you will be getting one after a couple of trips. This comes from experience and I had a truck with an 8 foot bed. It’s just so much easier with a trailer. Good luck either way. 1 Quote
Super User MN Fisher Posted March 27, 2019 Super User Posted March 27, 2019 57 minutes ago, Bassguytom said: This is your best best. If you don’t get a trailer to begin with you will be getting one after a couple of trips. This comes from experience and I had a truck with an 8 foot bed. It’s just so much easier with a trailer. Good luck either way. I have to agree with this. Got my canoe last year, 6-1/2' bed for 14' canoe. Used an bed extender and it helped...but carting all my gear in and out of the canoe to load/unload was a pain. That's why I got the trailer this year. Keep all my gear in it as I store it in the garage. No loading/unloading of rods/tackle needed...haul it out of the garage, hook it to my truck and go. Quote
LionHeart Posted March 27, 2019 Posted March 27, 2019 I had a 1036 Topper for years. Took that thing all over the place. At the time I had a Jeep Cherokee. I'd just ratchet strap the sucker to the roof. Looked about as red neck as it gets. I cared not, I am a red neck. One piece of advice if you go that route. Never leave the plug in if it's about to rain. 1 Quote
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