Are you a newbie paddler looking for a cheap and easy way to transport your kayak or an experienced one looking for the best aluminum kayak trailer to fit your specific needs? You are in the right place!
A kayak trailer, although not something you use for a float, greatly influences how your trip will turn out.
If you spend half of the day struggling with your kayak that is not your perfect match, then your trip will be a waste. So instead of setting yourself up for a struggle-with-your-trailer-day, get a trailer that works for you and make you piffling trips an enjoyable experience.
The question is, which one should you get?
There are numerous kayak trailers out there, and you can easily get confused. Follow this guide to figure out what trailer will fit your needs best.
Your requirements will determine the ideal kayak trailer.
Here’s a list of some of the best aluminum kayak trailers.
But before that, how do you choose the perfect trailer for you?
Here’s a list of things you should know before buying a trailer.
What to look for in a trailer:
1. Trailer’s maximum capacity:
When picking an appropriate kayak trailer for your needs, the maximum capacity of the trailer is perhaps the most important element to consider:
It determines if the trailer can hold all of your equipment, both in terms of weight and size.
Measure the size and weight of your kayaks, as well as the number of kayaks you’ll be hauling regularly. In terms of trailer capacity, that should be the absolute minimum.
2. Intended use of the trailer:
But if you want to haul more than just your kayaks, you might want to check out the multi-sport trailers.
These are made to be extremely adaptable, allowing you to transport a wide range of objects and gear, including bicycles, storage boxes, and, of course, kayaks. As a result, they’re ideal for busy holidays and camping trips.
3. Tire & Wheel Dimensions
Smaller tires are often fine for kayak trailers carrying lighter loads, as the somewhat lower platform makes loading and unloading your boats much easier.
On the other hand, kayak trailers with smaller wheels don’t last as long and can even limit your ability to go off-road.
While choosing your trailer, keep in mind which of these two matters more to you. Whether going off-road is your primary requirement or you would rather have an easier loading or offloading depends entirely on how you intend to use your trailer and where you would usually take it.
4. Storage
Another aspect of a kayak trailer that is sometimes overlooked is storage. You might find the ideal trailer that checks all of your must-have boxes, but if you can’t find a storage space for it, you will not have a good time with it.
Consider where you’ll store the trailer when it’s not in use before you buy. Measure the storage space you have available, such as in your garage. Then measure the trailer you want to buy to check whether it will fit in the specified space.
If you do not have a lot of storage space available, don’t worry!
There are a lot of trailers on the market that is designed to solve this issue.
Folding trailers will be your best option if you’re working with little storage and need something space-efficient. There are ones on the market and a couple on this list too.
The Best Aluminum kayak Trailers:
1. YAKIMA Rack and Roll Trailer:
YAKIMA rack and Roll trailer at a glance:
- Aluminum body
- Dimensions: 10.25 x 161.19 x 3 inches
- 78-Inch crossbars
- Can hold Kayaks of up to 17 feet in length.
- Can hold multiple kayaks
- Has a capacity of 300 pounds
- Weights 161.2 pounds
- Comes with dual-spring shock absorbers
- Has theft prevention features such as locks on wheels
- It can be used as a hand cart with an attached carrying handle
Built with lightweight and sturdy aluminum, The Yakima Rack and roll is one of the best kayak trailers out there. This elegant yet durable trailer has a lightweight design, unmatched versatility, and is particularly easy to use, making it one of the best multi-kayak carrying aluminum trailers out there.
The trailer’s weight comes around 161.2 pounds. It can haul a weight of 300 pounds. Its crossbars come at 78-inches, making it a sturdy and secure trailer.
Will this trailer suit you?
If you are a regular paddler and like to go on kayak trips with family or with a group of friends, look no further; because this will be your perfect match!
Here’s why:
- The Yakima Rack and Roll can hold up to four Kayaks or canoes, making it ideal for when you need to haul multiple kayaks for a big group.
- It is extremely versatile. Add-ons such as storage compartments, bike racks and specific racks for many sports gears make it easy to customize for your particular needs. This trailer can evolve with your family’s ever-changing needs.
- It comes with shock-absorbing dual spring suspensions, suitable for bumpy off-road rides. As a regular paddler, we know you tend to get bored of going for a float on the same old popular spots. And sometimes, to find new, not-so-popular spots to float, you have to go off-road. This trailer is built to withstand off-road diversions. It will be your reliable friend during your quest for less-traveled-to hidden gems.
Pros you should know:
Apart from this, Yakima Rack and Roll have some unique features that make it a no-brainer!
- The trailer comes with built-in locking levers on the tongue and the wheels, eliminating the risk of theft. You can have a relaxed float knowing your belongings are secure.
- The built-in carrying handle means the trailer can be easily be converted to a carrying cart pulled by hand. The trailer can go with you to places even your vehicle can not access.
Cons to consider:
Although there are many pros of this product, there are still some cons that you might want to consider:
- Firstly, the price point! Aluminum trailers are generally expensive, but this one comes at a huge price, not something everyone can afford.
- The weight capacity is relatively low for a multi-kayak trailer of this category.
- The wheels, although durable, are thinner than what you can usually get on something in this price range. They might get stuck in potholes.
The Yakima Rack and Roll makes it to the list of best aluminum kayak trailers, and rightfully so. Its pros easily overshadow its cons.
2. Attwood Single Kayak trailer
Attwood Single Kayak trailer at a glance:
- Aluminum body
- Dimensions: 28.5 x 13.2 x 6.5 inches
- Can haul only one kayak
- Has a weight capacity of 100 lbs.
- Has 9.5-inch broad wheels
- Weighs only 9.2 lbs.
- Wheels cannot deflate
- It’s perfect for navigating rocky terrain.
- Easy to Disassemble
- Easy to store
Build to haul a single kayak at a time, and this Attwood trailer is one of the best single-kayak aluminum trailers. The aluminum body and its compact design make it one of the lightest kayak trailers that you can find. However, don’t let its weightlessness make you think any less of this trailer!
It may be light, but it can easily haul 10 times its weight.
With a hauling capacity of 100 pounds and non-deflateable wheels, this trailer packs functionality and sturdiness into an extremely compact footprint.
Will this trailer suit you?
If you like to go on solo kayaking trips or are just looking to haul your kayak yourself, this will be your perfect match.
This Attwood single kayak trailer was built keeping in mind a solo kayaker and fulfilled all the needs of such a paddler.
Here’s why:
- This Attwood single-kayak trailer is built to be used by a single person. You will not need anyone’s help to load or unload your kayak onto the trailer, which is crucial for someone who goes on solo kayak trips and might not always have people around to help their gear onto their trailers.
- Carrying your kayak from the parking lot to the riverside is probably the only thing we hate about paddling. It can be even more of a problem if you are on a trip alone with a heavy kayak to carry down to the river’s edge. With the Attwood kayak trailer, you will not face this problem, as it is submersible in water. Allowing you to lower your kayak directly into the riverside and unload your kayak onto the water.
- It comes with 9.5 inches broad wheels that are non-deflateable, which means you do not have to worry about your trailer ditching you on the road. You can rely on this trailer to get you through the roughest of terrains with ease.
- This Attwood trailer is extremely compact, making it easy to store. It can even fit into your car trunk. You can easily put the trailer away and go for a float without worrying about it.
Pros you should know:
- This Attwood trailer is a breeze to assemble. It will not take you more than 15 minutes to put this thing up and running.
- The compact size allows easy storage in the offseason. Unlike other kayak trailers, this one will take barely any space in your storage.
The huge weight carrying capacity allows you to haul heavier fishing kayaks.
Cons to consider:
Since it is a single-kayak trailer, buying this trailer means you are committing to haul only one kayak at a time. It does not have room for customization.
If you are searching for a single kayak trailer that combines functionality and ease of use, then The Attwood Single-Kayak Trailer is your best bet!
3. Malone MicroSport Sports Trailer
Malone MicroSport Sports Trailer at a glance:
- Build with a mix of Aluminum and Galvanized steel
- Weights 132 pounds
- Has a huge weight capacity of 800 pounds
- Has 12- inch wide wheels, suitable for all terrains
- Has an 8-foot long tongue
- Has a retractable tongue
- Can haul up to four kayaks
- Can carry kayaks as long as 20 feet with ease
- Rust free body
- Easy assembly
Built with a mix of aluminum and galvanized steel, the Malone MicroSport Sports Trailer gives you the best of both worlds, i.e., Aluminum and Galvanized steel.
The steel gives the trailer the sturdiness it requires to haul 800 pounds, and the lightweight aluminum outsets the weight. The result is a lightweight yet sturdy trailer that can haul up to 4 kayaks with ease, even on dough terrain.
Will this trailer suit you?
This Malone MicroSport kayak trailer is ideal for you if you frequently go kayaking with the family or with a large group of paddlers and usually haul around four kayaks.
Here’s why:
- If you visit the riversides or beaches often and for different sports such as kayak fishing, canoeing, or tandem kayaking, this trailer will help you transport all kinds of gear. It offers amazing versatility. You can easily customize it to fit your needs with add-ons such as J racks.
- This trailer comes with an 8-foot long tongue, which means you can safely carry larger kayaks without any overhang.
- Its rust-free body ensures that this trailer will last you many years.
Pros you should know:
- Rust-resistant, maintenance-free build
- Suitable for multiple kayaks up to 20 feet in length
- Huge 800-pound weight capacity to accommodate heavier gear
- Pre-assembled electrical and mechanical components make assembly simple.
Cons to consider:
- The price is a little on the higher side.
- The attached tail light kit appears somewhat low quality.
In terms of kayak trailers and installation, it’s a breeze to put together, even for those who aren’t technically savvy, thanks to simple instructions and pre-installed electrical and mechanical parts.
The Malone MicroSport Sports trailer is definitely an ideal trailer if you are looking for a sturdy, customizable four kayak trailer.
4. Ultra-Tow Foldable Aluminum Utility Trailer
Ultra-Tow Utility Trailer at a glance:
- Build with lightweight aluminum frame
- Weights 195 pounds
- Has a large 4 feet by 8 feet bed
- Can carry a whopping 1400 pounds with ease
- Folds down into 72 5/8 inches long for easy storage
- Has a tough axel system
- Comes with 12-inch tires, fit for all terrains
- Has aluminum wheel fenders to prevent cargo from damage
- Heavily customizable
- Comes with pre-installed rear lights
The Ultra-Tow Foldable Aluminum Utility Trailer is a great multiple kayak trailer. It boasts a 4 feet wide and 8 feet long trailer bed, which is versatile enough to accommodate all sorts of water sports gear.
The wide, versatile trailer bed means the trailer is not just limited to kayaks and canoes; you can haul anything you might need on the road, such as cycles or camping gear. This trailer will transport all of your trip gear.
You can fold this trailer down to save room, making it easy to keep at home when not in use.
Will this trailer suit you?
As a regular paddler, you need a reliable trailer that solves as many transport issues for you as it can. This trailer will serve you best in terms of functionality and versatility.
Here’s why:
- As a regular paddler, you might already be struggling to keep all your gear stored properly. A trailer, although crucial equipment, can take up a lot of space, making it hard to adjust all your other gear. With this trailer, you will not have this issue. It folds down to just 72 5/8 inches long for easy and compact storage.
- The trailer can haul 1400 pounds with ease, which means it can carry all sorts of heavy gears, from fishing kayaks to tandems.
- You can add custom-made decking to fit your needs perfectly.
Pros you should know:
- If you need a trailer but are already short on space to store it, this trailer will be perfect for you. When folded, the trailer glides on casters for simple storage and movement.
- The customizability of this trailer is unmatched.
- It is a comparatively low cost.
- The trailer’s front part, including the front hitch and coupler, are hinged to fold back between the wheels.
Cons you should know:
- The 12 inch tires might not be the best option on the market. Other trailers offers better tire dimensions.
- The assembly instructions are not the best
Adding custom decking will allow you to use it in any manner you want.
For the money, this Foldable Aluminum Utility Trailer from Ultra-Tow is a terrific buy. The Ultra-Tow is a great option if you’re searching for a trailer that offers both, customizability and ease of storage kayak trailer.