Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
I am looking for a solution to this problem. We want to take our 12’ & 14’ kayaks to points wet using our new (to us) Motorhome. Our Motorhome has a back slide out so a lot of non-trailer, trailer hitch solutions are not workable. Almost every Motorhome owner I have talked to says, if you don’t get an enclosed trailer for our non-kayak needs you are crazy. (Because of wear & tear plus security concerns.)
After deliberating, we have decided a 15 foot enclosed trailer(To accommodate the 14 foot kayak) is out of the question price wise (and some other -wises)
My question is: How do I, *securely*, attach two kayaks to the top of a 4X6 or 6X8 foot enclosed trailer?
I am even open to hiring a welder but don’t see that many places 1” square steel tubing can be attached to a typical enclosed trailer.
Is there something like this for enclosed trailers out there?
Location: East of Seattle since 1992, 615' Elevation, Zone 8b - originally from SF Bay Area
44,585 posts, read 81,243,006 times
Reputation: 57825
You can only extend the front of the kayaks to where the hitch ball is, or less, to make sure it doesn't hit the motorhome on a sharp turn. So even on the longer 6'x8' trailer you will likely have about 3' stik out behind the trailer. That's going to make it tough to drive, unless you mount a rearview camera on the back of the trailer. When we had the kids and did camping trips, I had a 4'x6' trailer, but mounted my 15' canoe on the roof of the minivan. If you are buying the trailer, just screw some tie-downs onto the sides, front and back. Then use rope or ratchet ties to attach the kayaks. You can buy rubber bumpers to go between the boats and the roof, such as these:
You can get these for about $3000, maybe a bit more with a few add-ons. The photos for the longer trailer show room for 2 canoes or kayaks (or bikes) on top. I'm sure something could be rigged to lock them down. This trailer will even give you more storage in the main part of the trailer.
Just a thought. I came across these looking into extra space for camping gear when I go off grid in the future after I retire. (I plan ahead!).
A decent 6x8 trailer with mounts for kayaks would be fine. With tongue length and rear overhang, it will be okay. Be careful with turns. Also, have a spotter if you are going to do any backing. It sounds like you have a good solid plan.
Just use cachet straps. Two should be plenty, but it might be a good idea to tie the back (and maybe front to keep the kayaks from sliding forward or back (probably not necessary).
If you are worried about things getting scratched, set the kayaks on pool noodles before ratcheting them down. Also twist the straps so they do nto hum in the wind. The kayaks may amplify the sound and it can be disturbing.
No need to spend a bunch of money. Rachet straps from Harbor freight are good enough and you can get pool noodles almost anywhere.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
