The 7 Best Kayak Trailers In 2022 [Makes Transporting A Breeze]

Regardless of your expertise level in kayaking – newbie or professional, carrying your kayaks from one point to the other can be challenging, especially if there is a long distance between the two locations.

If it’s just a single kayak, then you might fit it into your truck bed or on your car top. You can carry two kayaks on a customized roof rack. However, if you are dealing with multiple kayaks, you need to consider a kayak trailer. Even if you are a solo kayaker, at some point, you might want to share your kayaking experience with your family, children or friends, and you’ll need one to transport the kayaks.

We have reviewed the seven best kayaks on the market in this post. A buying guide is also included to help you know what to locate and how to choose the most suitable best kayak trailers. However, for those who wants to jump straight to our final verdict, here are our top picks.

Why Do You Need One?

Your kayak can only be useful to you when you can move it from a location, then into the water and back. This is why the importance of a kayak trailer cannot be overemphasized. Roof racks, car tops, and cam straps can't work for multiple kayaks.

Table of Comparison

We have designed a comparison table below for your easy reference. However, it is important to note that the positions are in no particular order of importance. 

7 Best Kayak Trailers Reviewed

1. Malone Xtralight Trailer

Malone is an exceptional brand which offers top-notch trailers. The brand makes use of only top-quality materials in the construction of their products, and their designs are thorough with painstaking attention paid to the minutest detail. Their belief in this kayak trailer is so strong that they include a five-year manufacturer’s warranty.

This model is heavy duty, and its galvanized military-grade steel frame is trustworthy. This unit features double sets of comfy and padded V racks which enable you to effortlessly transport your kayaks without recording a scratch on any of them.

Designed with a capacity for two kayaks, it is obvious why the Xtralight is our top pick best 2 kayak trailer. It includes everything needed to ensure smooth transportation with mounting hardware and a dozen foot-load straps.

2. Malone Auto Racks MicroSport Trailer Package - Best Multiple Kayak Trailer

Malone made this Auto Racks model in such a way that it can carry and transport up to four kayaks weighing an average of 350 lbss as well as 19 ft. length. This length allows it to carry SUP boards, further adding to the appeal of this kayak.

This Auto Racks model can be classified as one of the best on the market as it has an impressive capacity for hauling the longest kayaks. Constructed with a pre-galvanized marine-grade and rust-resistant frame, this Auto Racks MicroSport Trailer is perfect for those who constantly go into the ocean as they won’t have to worry about corrosion. 

It even has galvanized wheels, so users can drive the kayak trailer directly into the water before offloading. Malone fastens kayak saddles (J-style) to enhance secure attachment of kayaks

3. Yakima Rack and Roll 78 Trailer  

The Yakima Rack and Roll Trailer is another top of the line trailer. With this 4 kayak trailer, you can transport your kayaking gear in style and comfort without the fear of ever hurting your car with a heavy load. The lightweight but extremely sturdy aluminum construction of this Yakima makes storing and moving your kayaks easy.

More importantly, this Rock and Roll trailer has exceptional looks when placed behind any truck, car, or SUV. Thus, this model guarantee the perfect union of function and form.

4. Right-On trailer Ruff-Sport Trailer

If you’re seriously on the hunt for one of the best kayak car trailers, then this is an excellent choice. Made from galvanized yet lightweight steel frame, the Ruff-Sport is placed on 12-inch wheels. It can adequately carry everything you need for summer kayaking – kayaks, bicycles, and stand-up paddle boards. 

Moreover, it has super long crossbars with compatibility for every style of the roof rack. Further interesting is the LED lights on this unit which inform people on when you break or turn. It also has springs that provide an exceptionally smooth ride.

5. Sylvansport Go-Easy Essential Boating Package

The Go-Easy trailer indeed makes carriage, transportation, and storage of your kayaks an easy task, and it is one of the coolest boat trailers available on the market.

Constructed with a powder-coated and durable steel frame, this trailer is resistant to rust and elements such as wind or rain. With adequate kayak space, this trailer can carry a maximum of four kayaks. Its 36” loading height ensures that you can effortlessly be on the Go after loading all your kayaks.

The light weight allows easy maneuverability and usage. Moreover, the craftsmanship, features, and quality of the materials used in construction make this Sylvansport trailer a good buy.

6. Right-On trailer Multi-Sport Trailer

7. Malone MicroSport Base Trailer  

Just like most top-notch Malone trailers, the MicroSport Base is a premium, lightweight model with the capacity for kayaks, canoes, small boats, and even bikes. It is designed to reduce the rigors of loading and unloading your kayak vessel.

This Malone trailer is one of the best trailers on the market for fishing kayaks, traditional kayaks or canoes. Purchasing this model is money spent wisely because it comes with a pre-galvanized marine-grade construction frame that ensures years of durability and excellent performance.

The Malone MicroSport offers users an ideal combination of quality, affordability, and construction reliability. This high-quality, innovative small kayak trailer provides the best possible value in a sports trailer.

Things to Consider Before Purchasing a Kayak Trailer

Getting the best kayak trailer saves you and your car much stress and makes kayaking a pleasant experience. But with the many trailers on the market, locating the most suitable option can be a challenging task. There are a few main factors that you need to consider before purchasing one.

Firstly, there are some basic questions you need to ask yourself. The answers to these questions will significantly narrow your search to only the best and most ideal trailers.

How Many Kayaks Will You Be Taking?

It is most often the case that kayak consumers want to purchase a trailer because they have more than a single kayak. Our reviewed best kayak trailers all carry between 2 and four kayaks. However, there are still other different types of kayak trailers, and they include:

Though not present in this review, some kayak trailers can support and transport as much as 6 kayaks. An instance of this is the Right On Trailer MultiSport Multi-Rack.

What Dimensions of Kayaks Do You Intend Transporting?

Another factor to consider is the type of kayak you’ll be carrying on the trailer. Are you carrying solo kayaks or tandem kayaks?

Tandem kayaks are the more extended versions of solo kayaks as they are meant to carry two paddlers simultaneously. Here, the length can be a problem if you do not crosscheck the length capacity of a kayak trailer you want to purchase. The reviewed Malone Auto Racks MicroSport Trailer Package has an impressive 19 ft. length capacity, so it is ideal for hauling tandem kayaks. 

Considering the length of your kayaks and crosschecking it against the length of the kayak trailer is vital so as to avoid overhand issues. If your kayaks overhang on the trailer, it can jeopardize the safety of your kayak and can lead to an accident.

Apart from tandem kayaks, ocean kayaks are also longer in length than the average. So, you have to put it into consideration when purchasing one.

Additional Factors

a) Mechanics

Once you order a kayak trailer, it will be delivered to you in packages, and it will be left to you to assemble the pieces. There are two factors you need to consider.

First, do you have the mechanical inclination and the patience to muster the trailer? If not, there is a high chance you’ll fail during assembling it. Secondly, do you have the right set of tools for the job? If not, you might need to spend extra purchasing specific tools. 

The solution to this is that you purchase a trailer that comes with impeccable assembly instructions. Otherwise, you can just buy a pre-assembled trailer, though this costs more.

b) Wheels and Tire Sizes

A vast majority of kayak trailers sports similar tire sizes. However, broader and larger tires are more suited for rough terrains. Smaller tires are okay for the sole purpose of carrying your kayaks, but it can be challenging to use small tires on bumpy and unkempt roads.

c) Moving the Kayak Trailer

Most consumers tend to overlook this aspect, but it is equally important. It is essential that you’re able to move the trailer around even with all the gear loaded on it. You should be able to tow the trailer effortlessly.

For instance, the reviewed Yakima Rack and Roll 78” Trailer is very easy to move from one point to another because of its kickstand. Also look out for the trailer spring suspension.

d) Price

Though they are more expensive than roof racks, the best kayak trailer offer more storage space for your kayaks. So, they are particularly ideal for kayakers who need to carry more than two kayaks or those who are tired of holes in their car roof caused by roof racks.

Despite the importance of getting one, it is still a purchase, and you need to factor in the cost. You do not want to go beyond your set price limits as a budget change can make you displeased with the trailer purchase. 

As purchasing a pre-assembled kayak is more expensive, kayakers on a tighter budget might need to assemble the trailer by themselves. Also, if the price is a critical concern, then you might have to consider purchasing a pre-used trailer. These are more affordable, but they are hard to find. Make sure you are always notified of any kayak trailer for sale during holiday seasons to get the best deal.

e) Construction Materials

The kayak trailer you purchase needs to be made of durable yet lightweight material as this will make your towing experience better. The construction material is what determines this factor.

One of the best construction materials is galvanized steel. Galvanized steel is durable, light and also resistant to rust and other elements. You can pull a kayak trailer manufactured with galvanized steel to the water and even lead it straight into the water before launching your kayak. 

Moreover, the awareness that you can maximize your trailer in whatever way you want will significantly increase your desire to always use it, saving you stress. Endeavour not to sacrifice quality in your trailer materials. Your trailer is constantly exposed to the elements, so getting one made with high-quality materials is the only option.

It is an added benefit if the wheel hubs and tires of the kayak trailer are made from galvanized steel. Most of the models featured in this review are constructed with this high-end steel.

f) Brake Lights

Brake lights on a kayak trailer are a crucial safety factor. In fact, in some states, the lights are more than a safety or convenience factor; they are part of the law.