How to Carry Kayaks with a Travel Trailer
Taking your kayak with you on a trip is a great way to enjoy outdoor activities on the go. But if you’re driving a travel trailer, it can be difficult to figure out how to transport your kayak safely and securely. Fortunately, there are several ways to carry kayaks with a travel trailer that will ensure your kayak is secure during transit.
Utilizing a Hitch Mounted Rack
One of the easiest and most affordable ways to transport kayaks with a travel trailer is to use a hitch mounted rack. A hitch mounted rack attaches directly to your trailer’s hitch and provides an ideal platform for carrying up to four kayaks at once.
Advantages of Using a Hitch Mounted Rack:
- Easy to install and remove
- Can accommodate up to four kayaks
- Secure and stable
- Keeps kayaks off the ground
Steps to Install a Hitch Mounted Rack:
- Attach the hitch mounted rack to your trailer’s hitch.
- Secure the rack to the hitch with the provided bolts and nuts.
- Place the kayaks on the rack.
- Secure the kayaks to the rack with tie-down straps.
Using the Roof of a Travel Trailer
If you don’t want to invest in a hitch mounted rack, you can also use the roof of your travel trailer to transport your kayaks. This method is relatively inexpensive and easy to do as long as your trailer has crossbars or other mounting points on the roof.
Advantages of Using the Roof of a Travel Trailer:
- Inexpensive
- Easy to install
- Keeps kayaks off the ground
Steps to Secure Kayak To Roof:
- Attach foam blocks or padding to the roof of your trailer.
- Secure the foam blocks or padding to the roof with tie-down straps.
- Place the kayaks on top of the foam blocks or padding.
- Secure the kayaks to the roof with tie-down straps.
Investing in a Kayak Trailer
If you’re looking for a more permanent solution for transporting your kayaks, you may want to consider investing in a kayak trailer. Kayak trailers come in a variety of sizes and styles and are designed to securely hold multiple kayaks while you’re on the road.
Advantages of Using a Kayak Trailer:
- Secure and stable
- Can accommodate multiple kayaks
- Easier to maneuver than a hitch mounted rack
- Less likely to cause damage to your vehicle
Types of Kayak Trailers Available:
- Flatbed trailers – These trailers are designed to hold multiple kayaks and are typically made from galvanized steel. They’re easy to maneuver and provide plenty of storage space for other items.
- Kayak trolleys – These trolleys are designed to easily move one or two kayaks without the need for a trailer. They’re ideal for those who don’t have a lot of space to store a trailer when not in use.
- Folding trailers – These trailers are designed to fold up when not in use, making them ideal for those with limited storage space. They’re easy to maneuver and can accommodate up to four kayaks.
Installing a Cargo Carrier
Cargo carriers are another option for transporting kayaks with a travel trailer. Cargo carriers are designed to attach to the back of your trailer and provide a secure and stable platform for carrying up to four kayaks at once.
Advantages of Using a Cargo Carrier:
- Secure and stable
- Can accommodate up to four kayaks
- Easy to install and remove
- Keeps kayaks off the ground
Steps to Install a Cargo Carrier:
- Attach the cargo carrier to your trailer with the provided hardware.
- Secure the cargo carrier to the trailer with the provided bolts and nuts.
- Place the kayaks on the cargo carrier.
- Secure the kayaks to the cargo carrier with tie-down straps.
Using a Folding Kayak Cart
If you’re looking for an inexpensive and easy way to transport your kayaks, you may want to consider investing in a folding kayak cart. A folding kayak cart is a lightweight and portable way to carry your kayak from your vehicle to the water.
Advantages of Using a Folding Kayak Cart:
- Lightweight and portable
- Easy to assemble and disassemble
- Can accommodate up to two kayaks
- Keeps kayaks off the ground
Steps to Assemble and Use a Folding Kayak Cart:
- Assemble the folding kayak cart according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Place the kayaks on the cart.
- Secure the kayaks to the cart with tie-down straps.
- Push or pull the cart to your desired destination.
Conclusion
Transporting your kayaks with a travel trailer doesn’t have to be a difficult task. There are several options available that will make it easier to get your kayaks to their destination safely and securely. Whether you choose to use a hitch mounted rack, the roof of your trailer, a kayak trailer, a cargo carrier or a folding kayak cart, you can be sure that your kayaks will be secure during transit.
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