There are a variety of different options for tying down kayaks on a utility trailer. Some options include Stacker bars, Kee Klamp fittings, and Integrated cradles. You can also tie down kayaks with rope if your kayaks do not have cam straps. Make sure to use a non-stretch rope that will not stretch while driving. Lastly, it is important to check the straps every 15 minutes or so. They may have become looser during that time.
Stacker bars
Stacker bars for tying down kayaks are available for sale. If you’re strapping your kayak to the trailer, be sure to position it under the crossbars. The straps should go about eight to twelve inches up from the bottom of the kayak. Then, tighten the straps by pulling them down. Make sure to keep the straps close to the kayak’s edges, as they can stretch out while the trailer is in motion.
Using a rack for tying down kayaks to a utility trailer is easy, but there are also specialized racks that can be purchased. The Yakima Boat Loader, for example, is a telescoping bar that can be attached to the end of a crossbar. This allows you to easily place and slide the kayak on the rack.
If you have several kayaks, a rack with multiple stacker bars will work well. Stacker bars are especially useful for lightweight whitewater kayaks. However, they can be used for touring boats as well. Once you’ve mounted a rack, you’ll need to align the kayaks on the crossbars. If they’re too close to each other, you can always use a piece of cardboard to place the kayaks on.
If you have a narrow utility trailer, you can attach a kayak cradle to the roof. However, these cradles add a lot of height to the vehicle, making them difficult to fit in a garage or a vehicle with low overhangs. Alternatively, you can buy a folding Hull-A-Port Pro that is more compact and convenient to use.
You can also buy a rack that is designed to be removable. A removable Soft Rack System is made of two foam tubes with two straps that run through the center. To install it, you must open the vehicle doors and set one tube toward the rear window or windshield. Then, run the other strap through the tube. Now, you’re ready to tie down the kayaks.
Kee Klamp fittings
You can easily tie down your kayaks to a utility trailer with Kee Klamp fittings. These are easy to install and do not require cutting or welding. The fittings are made of iron to meet BS EN 1562 and BS EN 1563 specifications. They are also TUV certified.
The cost of purchasing a custom-built kayak trailer can cost over $1000, so many people choose to build their own trailer to save money. However, if you don’t have much experience in construction, you may be unable to successfully complete the project. Furthermore, you may not have the skill or equipment to cut and weld metal. Fortunately, Kee Klamp offers instructions and examples of trailers made from Kee Klamp fittings.
If you don’t own a utility trailer, you can use an existing trailer to haul your kayaks. It may not be the best choice for smaller kayaks, but it will keep them dry and protected from the elements. Additionally, a kayak storage box does not take up much space in your garage, and it is easy to install. Another option is a truck bed hitch extender, which can add up to four feet to your bed. These will also provide additional support for your tailgate.
You can also use a t-post to secure your kayaks to the trailer. These t-posts feature a set of straps that hook into the bar closest to the front of your trailer. Make sure to place the bow of your kayak on rollers, as this will ensure it will stay secure during transport.
Another option is to tie down your kayaks with ratchet straps. This type of strap is easy to use and comes in a variety of colors. They are made of polyester webbing, which is UV and water resistant. They will also hold up well against pressure without damaging your kayak.
Integrated cradles
Using integrated cradles to tie down kayaks can make loading and unloading kayaks a breeze. These cradles have four self-adjusting saddles that hold the kayak securely in place. They also include two rear saddle covers that make loading the kayak easy.
The first step is to find a kayak carrier with integrated cradles. Ideally, the cradle will have enough space for several kayaks. Then, you should make sure it has tie down points. Some people use ratchet straps to tie down their kayaks. Although they are secure and fool-proof, they can also be dangerous if used incorrectly. Therefore, before buying a kayak carrier, you should test its tie-down points and straps to make sure that they won’t cause any damage to your kayak.
Another option is to convert a lawn trailer into a kayak trailer. There are also lightweight utility trailers with integrated cradles. These are more expensive than generic trailers but they can be pulled by a small car. They have a lockable core for added security.
A kayak trailer needs a longer tongue than a utility trailer. This is necessary so that the kayak will not hit the back of the vehicle when the trailer makes a turn. Some DIY kayak trailers use a small boat trailer as a base, while others extend a utility trailer’s tongue. If you are skilled at welding and fabrication, you can modify a utility trailer to fit your kayaks.
Ultra-Tow Folding Utility Trailer
If you have a small car and you want to haul your kayaks to a lake, you should invest in an Ultra-Tow Folding Utility Trailer. Its bed is four feet by eight feet and supports up to four kayaks. It also features a payload capacity of 1,170 pounds. In addition, this trailer is easy to assemble, taking two to three hours.
If you are not comfortable doing this, you can get a professional to do it for you. The receiver hitch and ball need to be mounted to your vehicle. You must also purchase the right size ball to fit your trailer. Most conventional trailers use a two-inch ball while many ultralight trailers have a one-and-a-half-inch ball.
You will need at least two wrenches. These tools will make the assembly process faster and easier. The Ultra-Tow folds up to 72 5/8 inches, which means it will be easier for you to store the trailer when you are not using it.
Make sure the tongue of the trailer is long enough to accommodate the kayaks. This will keep them from hitting the rear of your vehicle when you make a turn. The tongue length is crucial because it gives you more ground clearance and makes it possible to haul larger kayaks.
If you have a hybrid trailer, you can customize it by adding roof rack crossbars to fit a variety of equipment, including kayaks. Some hybrid trailers even allow you to install a fold-out tent. The ultralight trailers are extremely versatile, which is why they are a popular choice among paddling enthusiasts.
Wilderness Systems heavy-duty kayak cart
Wilderness Systems has designed a heavy-duty kayak cart that is easy to maneuver, but is still durable enough to hold the weight of a full kayak. This kayak cart features two levels of storage: a main compartment with an open lid and a secondary lid storage space. It also features four rod holders and is water-resistant.
The Heavy Duty kayak cart is a durable piece of kayak equipment, and has Flat-Free wheels to roll over all terrains. The cart is easy to load and unload and will greatly reduce the work involved when transporting a kayak. It also features a lockable handle for safety. While it is fairly high, it’s a useful feature for transporting a kayak. If you have a wide fishing kayak, this cart is perfect for you. Its wheels are set high to prevent rubbing on the kayak.
If you are looking for a sturdy kayak cart, the Wilderness Systems Heavy Kayak Cart is one of the best options. It is capable of transporting 450 pounds of weight, and its no-flat wheels make for easy maneuverability. Its adjustable height allows you to store your kayak in a convenient location without having to worry about slipping. You can even upgrade to the balloon style beach wheels for additional flexibility.
Another great feature of the heavy-duty kayak cart is the tankwell storage. It allows you to store larger gear and tackle boxes, and provides additional storage space in the secondary lid. This kayak cart also features four rod holders, which makes it more convenient than ever to keep fishing equipment in place.