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From: Gordon Snapp <grsnapp_at_charter.net>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] kayak trailer
Date: Fri, 26 Sep 2003 07:37:42 -0500
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

From: "Alder Creek Kayak & Canoe" <aldercreek_at_qwest.net>
Subject: Re: [Paddlewise] kayak trailer


> Between our 2 paddlesport stores we own 8 kayak trailers.  They have all
> been built by different custom trailer builders from around here,
Portland,
> and one in Boise. I built two of them.  Most of them carry 8 canoes or 24
> sea kayaks.  They are all single axle units and some carry gear below.  I
> could shoot you off some digital pics if you are interested.
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From: Leonhardt, William J <wjleonhardt_at_bnl.gov>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] kayak trailer
Date: Fri, 26 Sep 2003 13:29:27 -0400
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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