Kayak Trailer

Advice
#41

Trailex SUT200
Has anyone modified a Trailex SUT200 for two kayaks? The SUT specs limit the weight to two hundred pounds. But two sea kayaks would be substantially less than 200lbs. I’m thinking about modifying mine to carry two boats.



Thanks

#42

Wiggles

– Last Updated: May-04-06 1:02 PM EST –

The weight isn't so much the problem, but the flexy aluminum trailer construction still requires some consideration. I hauled a 70-lb Folbot double on mine for a couple years and got a good bit of whiggling around that could be felt from the car (granted I'm towing with a rather small car). Partly from road irregularities, partly from air buffeting. It wasn't unsafe, just a bit annoying.

By wiggling I don't mean trailer tracking problems, rather I mean the boat oscilating up and down and sideways and rotating about the trailer's long axis. That main trailer tube is quite flexible, and minimally damped.

There's still some with my current 50-lb hardshell single, though not nearly as much. But with two on there it could become more of an issue.

If you take a look at the Trailex 2-boat model you can see supporting framework out towards the wheels on either side, making leaf springs probably a necessity. Attaching framework to the SUT-200 out to the sides like that would provide an extremely rough-riding platform.

Mike

#43

SUT-250M for two yaks
Just found this to answer your question:



http://www.castlecraft.com/kayak_dual.htm



Thanks so very much to everyone who contributed to this message thread. I have learned alot, and plan on getting the SUT 200 model. If I do end up carrying more than one yak (rare) then I always have a spare set of Malone Gullwings to attach to my OEM Escape rack.



Thanks again!!



Scott

#44

Perfect Answer
I have been corresponding with mrtp.net and they sent me a drawing on how they could create extended lights from the back of the trailer to be used when carrying longer loads. The extensions will be designed to be of variable length. Seems they may now be able to produce a fully legal kayak trailer for those who are sensitive to that. I am sure if it works well for me they will consider it as an option for others. Will let you know more after I call them to be sure.

#45

Little trailers for little cars
Trailers come in all sizes.


#46

Getting trailer
I am ordering the trailer with the custom work to extend the lights if I exceed the legal limit of 4 feet behind the trailer. Next…what kayak am I going to buy. Really leaning towards the NC 17.

#47

Take a look at this site.
http://www.mrtp.net/

These guys are located in Raymond NH. The trailers I saw at their facility looked sturdy, the price seems reasonable and they are purpose built. I don’t own one but will be buying one when I have to start carrying multiple boats on a regular basis. Hope this helps.



Ed

#48

That is the company
I placed my order with… I am hopeful that I will pick it up at the end of the month.

#49

Kayak trailer pic
http://www.flickr.com/photos/30865209@N04/5541308383/



http://flic.kr/p/9rHBVy

http://flic.kr/p/9rHPV5

http://flic.kr/p/9rERGM



The links are posted to a couple of photos.

I used a 4x6 utility trailer as the base, used 4 uprights(channel tubing-square) bolted to the trailer and ENT 1" tubing secured w/ u-bolts as the crossbars. I got the metal for $10. Boxes are bolted to the trailer using metal brackets underneath the metal grating and inside the box as a brace.



Trailer $450

Scrap Metal $10

ENT tubing $12

$2 foam tubing(Noodles)