Re: [Paddlewise] kayak trailer

At 07:37 AM 9/26/2003 -0500, Gordon Snapp wrote:
>If you get some pictures together, I'd be interested in seeing them too.
>I'm wondering how custom trailer builders' rates compare with what's
>available retail.  I'm also interested in the basic kit models from Harbor
>Freight, etc., which I could adapt for kayak use.  They seem suitable,
>except that the tongue isn't long enough for 17' kayaks.
>
>Thanks.
>
>Gordon Snapp


Gordon,

I bought one of the Harbor Freight folding trailers.  It folds up like a 
ping pong table.  Kinda like having a pick-up without the truck.  The one I 
have has the 12 inch wheels.

These trailers have brackets on the sides and ends to accept a standard 2x4 
that you would use to make stake sides (fences for the sides).  I took 
short lengths of 2x4 and attached a piece of aluminum angle to each to 
simulate a auto rain gutter.  I then can attach my old Yakima roof rack 
quite easily to the trailer.

I have used the trailer for a short trip with a WS Sealution (about 17 ft 
long) near the center of the trailer and a shorter boat on edge next to 
it.  This is do-able but I was a little uncomfortable with the length of 
the tongue.

It's on my list of things to do to get material for a longer tongue.  I 
don't want to make a permanent change, however, since that would effect the 
"foldability" of the trailer.

I have pictures of the trailer construction and I could take a couple of 
the kayak mounting if you're interested.

In the long run, I don't know how the 12" wheels will hold up to long 
trips.  If I was going to get a trailer for heavy use, I'd consider larger 
wheels.  I would certainly stay away from the 8" wheels.

Bill Leonhardt


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