Trailer Project

Well, I've got a new project to work on over the next couple of months.  I just picked up this old trailer for the cost of moving it.  Since it's a little too light to drag my 4-wheeler I think I'll convert it into a kayak carrier.

It will be a lot lighter then hauling my 2 place sled trailer and a lot easier then putting my kayak on the top of my truck at the end of the day.  It's in pretty rough shape but I think it will work.

The first step will be to strip it all the way down to the frame.  I need to check it for bad weld and whatnot before going any further.  I also need to get some new tires for it.

So, I'd like a little help with on ideas how to set it up.  I know a few of you use trailers so I'd like some info on things you've run into.  Here's a couple shots of the trailer where i found it.  I'll continue to post as I go through the project.

Thanks in advance all.

I have an idea that needs to be fleshed out.  Instead of refurbishing a whole trailer to fit the task. Why not put in a pinable tower system that unfolds to a kayak rack. See crude drawing  below.

 I have also attached an older picture of the trailer that I have now. It has been refurbished since then. I took off the bike racks at the third level and made it so it can be pinned back in place.I then installed a cargo carrier for gear on the third deck.  It can hold Four Outbacks or 5 Revos.

SteveHawk

Here's a link to a similar project trailer to yours that looks pretty good:


http://www.jaxkayakfishing.com/phpBB/topic24667.html#p182235




I'm setting my new (to me) trailer up a bit different though. More like this one:





There's also some good examples on this page:

http://www.castlecraft.com/canoe_trailer_16%20multi.htm



One big improvement to my next trailer is to mount one of these on the tongue wheel.



Turns your trailer into a giant beach cart. Works great for moving around more than one boat at a time by hand.

I'm not sure if I want my trailer to look simular (but smaller) to this one or if I should keep it real simple like the second picture.

I'm not sure if I want my trailer to look simular (but smaller) to this one or if I should keep it real simple like the second picture.

I like the first one, I'm trying to get a similar one. It's nice to have the extra storage space if you go camping. I'm also thinking of building a removable cantilever wrack in the middle to haul 6 kayaks and gear for the upcoming HOW events.

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I like the first one, I'm trying to get a similar one. It's nice to have the extra storage space if you go camping.

A little extra storage would be nice but I'll be pulling with my truck with a canopy so it's not super important.

Also, it looks like most kayak specific trailers have longer necks and the wheels set towards the back.  does this help the trailer pull better?

I like the first one, I'm trying to get a similar one. It's nice to have the extra storage space if you go camping.

A little extra storage would be nice but I'll be pulling with my truck with a canopy so it's not super important.

Also, it looks like most kayak specific trailers have longer necks and the wheels set towards the back.  does this help the trailer pull better?

The longer tongue helps with your turning radius. A sharp turn with the short will take your kayak out.

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I went with a simple trailer kind of like islandson671 bottom picture for a few reasons:
1. it is low enough to the ground that I can load my kayak fully rigged with most of my gear and assoccories so I can get on the water faster.
2. it doesnt take up so much room in my garage.
3. I can tow it with a small car for better gas milage on long trips
4. I can carry two kayaks
5. By carrying them flat, I can also use the kayak to haul extra gear and strap it down so i dont have to put wet stuff in my truck.

It really depends on what you intend to use it for - any trailer is better than no trailer...

 

This it the link to what Insayn built it is one cool trailer.
http://www.northwestkayakanglers.com/index.php/topic,7127.0.html

If I find some time this summer, I may put together a few small kayak trailers to sell and turn a very small profit on, just for the giggles of it.  These will be similar to what Kevbro is towing, put together with available parts and pieces.   
I know there are many folks with smaller vehicles that don't want the hassle of roof racks, or potential damage to their roofs that would prefer a small kayak friendly trailer. 

We'll see how this goes.   

Any updates Justin?

The trailer that I started with I got rid of.  This is the trailer that I'm using now.  YOucan see most of it.

If I find some time this summer, I may put together a few small kayak trailers to sell and turn a very small profit on, just for the giggles of it.  These will be similar to what Kevbro is towing, put together with available parts and pieces.   
I know there are many folks with smaller vehicles that don't want the hassle of roof racks, or potential damage to their roofs that would prefer a small kayak friendly trailer. 

We'll see how this goes.   

Still have any thoughts of doing this? 

I have finished my idea fleshed out above. I took a light weight SnowBear trailer which come up on Craigslist for $400 regularly. I like them because the front and back gates pin into place to create a 12 foot flatbed. Just about the size needed to haul a PA. The tongue also extends 2 feet and the axel can be placed toward the back.

I Welded in 4- 1 1/2 x 1 1/2 receivers and built towers to plug into them. I made the top rack and sides adjustable to accommodate several lengths and sizes.

When not using the towers I loosen four bolts and the towers come off and stack against the wall. The storage below is great for my camping trips and large groups. Last week I had 5 kayaks and all of the equipment associated loaded on the trailer.

Wobbler

That's pretty bada$$ Steve.  I wish I had a welder to do something similar. 

I think that I'd want to go up around the outsides of the trailer instead of the center towers, that way I could still get my 4wheeler loaded if I needed to.