Space Trailers

That's what I'm here for! I got so many ideas for projects but not enough time for any of them!

I know the feeling

Anybody interested in one of these trailers? I am wondering if the shipping would be less if we order a couple or a few.

The 500 lb. weight would be a big drawback to moving it around easily. The  Malone micro sport trailers weigh 230 lbs. and the Yakima Rack and Roller weighs in at 160 lbs. which is a heck of a difference.

As for storing it in the garage on end it will take double the space of a Malone and 4x the space needed for a Yakima with its quickly removable wheels.

They are also too narrow at 67 inches to transport 2 kayaks except on their sides which is another limitation. The Yakima has 78" bars and the Malone micro sport has the 78" cross bars as a $29 option. With the 78" Yakima I can transport two Revo 13's to the water face up which makes it easier to rig them before putting them in the water.

I would sooner go with the Malone trailer which with cross bars and kayak saddles and with a marine grade trailer and wheels and lights with a spare tire sells for $800 less than the least expensive Space Trailer.

It is hard to imagine wanting to put that much stuff for kayak fishing to where the storage compartment was needed. It would be better suited to scuba diving where you wanted to transport lots of air tanks to a location along with a couple of kayaks.

I'm sort of on the other end of the spectrum.  Though my aluminum AI trailer is great to move around because it is SOOO lite, it is a pain to tow empty and still, loaded, tends to be so lite that a little bump in the road starts it bouncing.  I, myself, do like a trailer that is on the heavier side for towing.  The liter trailers are great if your towing with a Prius, Smart car or other small Hybrid/Electric.

I can never have enough storage space!  The temptation to bring those "few extras" for a weekend trip such as extra firewood, extra chairs or PIF prizes to donate more than pays for needing the extra space to haul stuff.  My current (being fabricated at home right now) trailer has a 3/4 Ton capacity and already thinking about taking that to a 1-ton down the road.

With trailers, a few 'truths' to consider.  Larger wheels make for a smoother, easier to tow setup.  Consider something that is a "standard" size in the event that you blow a tire on a trip.  Longer is generally better; easier to tow, easier to back and easier to adjust the weight for optimal distribution for tongue weight.  Go LED lights & spend the time to make sure the wiring is done right.  It will save you LOTS of time later and more than pay for itself in heartache.

I just finished my modified jet ski trailer.  The yak rides on Hully Rollers and Mako Saddles.  The four Plano Sportsman's Trunks are bolted to the floor and are lockable.  There's ample space down the middle of the trailer for fishing rods or any other long items.  The uprights for the yak are welded steel tubing and are reinforced with welded tubing at 45 degrees.  I added the uprights so I could see the yak/trailer in the rear view mirrors of my van but the end result was a lot of good storage/transport space for gear.  I don't weld but fortunately my friend in Powers Oregon did the work when I was up there for the NWKA AOTD tourney last month.

Martin

  This is an excellent thread!

Since we are on the topic & others seem to be getting motivated by this, I will share a pic & a little feedback on a product used on mine.  During the build of a trailer I am working on now, the bed of it had a LOT of surface rust & needed a fresh look.  I spent a few days of time using a 4-1/2" right angle grinder with a knot cup brush to wire-wheel away all the rust, old paint(s) & primers right down to the bare metal.  Washed it down with plenty of rags & Min. Spirits.  I sprayed on a few coats of Rustoleum Self-Etching primer from Home Depot & allowed it to cure for a few days.  Came over it with a scotch brite to break the surface open for the Herculiner top coat.  This was my first experience with Herculiner but I am happy with the finish.  Follow the instructions, WEAR GLOVES (I didn't for the first coat & it took nearly a week to get it off my hands -- even Acetone didn't work!) & "throw away" clothes and work in the shade if possible.  Takes 2-coats to cover but provides, what I hope will be, a long-lasting finish.

Looks professional! Most people dont do enough prep ending up with the coating flaking off.