Over-engineered and overbuilt Hobie Pro Angler trailer

It may not look like it, but the trailer in the video is actually a $229 Harbor Freight trailer with a custom frame and a couple additional accessories. 

I purchased the trailer kit, a winch, and a trailer jack from Harbor Freight.  I set the metal frame aside that came in the trailer kit so it could be recycled.  I went to Airport Steel in Salem and purchased some steel for the custom frame.  I cut the steel using an old harbor freight chop saw.  I then welded the frame together with my 115 volt Lincoln welder (MIG with tri-mix gas).  I drilled holes for all of the wiring, lights, and other items.  Painted the trailer and assembled.

I am pleased with how it turned out.  My favorite part is that I only need one strap in the back to hold the kayak down.  As you can see in the video, I made a custom fixture for holding the front of the kayak in place.  Two hitch pins go down through the middle of the front handle, locking it in place.  The winch is way overkill, but it may come in handy when I am on a steep boat ramp.  Especially when my kayak is filled with huge heavy fish (Laughing at myself now).  Anyway, I like to make things and this was a fun project.

Del

Here are a few pictures of the trailer.

Nice build del I like it. One thing I would do thoug is either a red flag or a clip on led on the back handle its hanging off a little. Can't wait to fish with ya so I can get a first eye look at it.

Looks like it will work great!  Just need to slap some kayak fishing stickers on the frame to go with the glossy painted frame.

I've looked at the price of individual parts to scratch build a small lightweight kayak trailer and the HF trailers come with 90% of the gear minus the "real" steel for the frame.   It's a great option for DIY trailers.

The only thing I would change, and mind you this is just my own experience, would be to use two individual cam style motorcycle tie down straps attached to the handrails and go back to about where you have the ratchet strap attach to the trailer. I realize the ratchet strap is just to keep the rear of the kayak pinned down to the trailer and not just bouncing around back there.  I've seen too many ratchet straps too tight or two loose that give way over stiff bumps.  Two cam style motorcycle straps pulled tight and back cinched won't give.

You also have a great bow lock system that would even be a reasonable theft deterrent when you use a hitch lock (or two) for your drop in hitch pins.   

My favorite part is that I only need one strap in the back to hold the kayak down.  As you can see in the video, I made a custom fixture for holding the front of the kayak in place.

I've seen way too many kayaks go flying off the top of vehicles.  My conclusion is, the more straps and ropes you use to attach your kayak to a vehicle, the better.  I'd put another strap over that Pro Angler.

Awesome job, that turned out great!

Great job done on the trailer...

Thanks guys!  Hopefully sharing on here will give people some different ideas.