trailer advice wanted

I never thought I would say this, but I am considering getting a trailer. I recently got an outback and its too big and bulky to maneuver onto J racks on my car roof when it is just my wife and me. After looking through the archives a bit I think the most economical and flexible option is to buy a utility trailer from Harbor Freight and build a box for storage and load the kayaks on bars above that. My question is which trailer. I am considering either their version rated for 1,195 pounds
https://www.harborfreight.com/1195-lbs-capacity-48-in-x-96-in-heavy-duty-folding-trailer-62648.html?_br_psugg_q=trailer
or the one rated for 1,720 pounds
https://www.harborfreight.com/1720-lbs-capacity-48-in-x-96-in-super-duty-folding-trailer-62647.html
I plan to carry my gear in addition to two kayaks and sometimes camping stuff, but the total weight would be nowhere near even the lower capacity. I am considering the higher capacity trailer because, lets face it, these are cheap trailers and maybe the heavier duty one will last longer. However, I wonder if the stiffer springs would make it too bouncy when it has a very light load. They both have 12 inch diameter wheels, but the higher capacity one has slightly wider tires. The lower capacity one is about 100 pounds lighter which would be an advantage when moving it into storage. It is also $100 less. I would appreciate any insight about which trailer to get or suggestions for other trailers or options.
Thanks
John
 

NowhereMan trailers his yak
Pretty sweet setup

I’m sure you have or will do a bunch of research but Malone has a ton of kayak trailers for a pretty penny but ya I’ve tried/have the harbor freight trailer also. Honestly you get what you pay for... lol

Best advice isJust check the bearings often especially if you actually put it in the water. Grease goes a long way.

Good luck

-Justin


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Not a Harbor freight hater, but start here
http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=88264.0

Didn’t check your location as to north or not but I have been persuaded into putting together light, super tough trailers fir fellow kayakers. ( I’m in northern Oregon on the coast)

As stated you get what you pay for. Also very important,  if you go used have a mechanic or trailer guy check it out if your not mechanical inclined. 

Harbor freight coupon:

Keep checking to make sure all the bolts stay tight. I know someone that had a failure probably caused by something shaking loose. It wasn’t pretty.

NowhereMan trailers his yak
Pretty sweet setup

This is what I use:

https://www.austinkayak.com/Trailex-Ultra-Light-Duty-Boat-Trailer-with-Leaf-Springs-SUT220S/ACK14833P.html

It's mostly aluminum, very lightweight, and I can easily wheel it around, almost like having the kayak on a dolly. Of course, it ain't cheap, but if you can afford it, definitely something worth considering. Btw, my (brief) review is there under "Mark S."...

NowhereMan trailers his yak
Pretty sweet setup

This is what I use:

https://www.austinkayak.com/Trailex-Ultra-Light-Duty-Boat-Trailer-with-Leaf-Springs-SUT220S/ACK14833P.html

It's mostly aluminum, very lightweight, and I can easily wheel it around, almost like having the kayak on a dolly. Of course, it ain't cheap, but if you can afford it, definitely something to considering. Btw, my (brief) review is there under "Mark S."...

I ended up spending at least that much on my HF trailer after extending the tongue, reinforcing the front, alimony diamond plate deck, rails, tie down points, all stainless hardware, etc.

Difference is the Malone and trailerx excel at hauling kayaks and that’s about it. I have a versatile utility trailer that can haul most everything I need it to haul and I can even sleep in it.

Either Harbor Freight option specs out as overkill for kayaks, but it's Harbor Freight; maybe take it one step higher.

never forget:

https://imgur.com/gallery/JcG3B

This is what I turned my harbor freight trailer into...
And yes keep the wheel bearings packed !!!

Have had 1,2 or 3 yaks on it
I have a bolt on storage bin but Storage is limited🤔
Scotty

Thanks for all the input. A lot to consider. I found higher quality utility trailers that aren't too expensive at Tractor Supply Company. The extra cost is probably worth it so I don't have to worry about checking that the bolts are tight and worrying about the bearings. But, they don't fold so storage might be an issue. I'm on the fence about making a larger trailer that I can haul all sorts of stuff in and a kayak only trailer that would be easier to store. If I had more room it would be a no brainier. I'm going to clean out my garage this weekend and see how much room I can make. That may be the deciding factor. I'll keep cruising Craigslist and will let you all know what I finally decide.

Either Harbor Freight option specs out as overkill for kayaks, but it's Harbor Freight; maybe take it one step higher.

never forget:

https://imgur.com/gallery/JcG3B

Love that. Read the whole thing.

Harbor freight coupon:

Thanks for the coupon Crash. At that price its almost disposable. 

NowhereMan trailers his yak
Pretty sweet setup

This is what I use:

https://www.austinkayak.com/Trailex-Ultra-Light-Duty-Boat-Trailer-with-Leaf-Springs-SUT220S/ACK14833P.html

It's mostly aluminum, very lightweight, and I can easily wheel it around, almost like having the kayak on a dolly. Of course, it ain't cheap, but if you can afford it, definitely something to considering. Btw, my (brief) review is there under "Mark S."...

I ended up spending at least that much on my HF trailer after extending the tongue, reinforcing the front, alimony diamond plate deck, rails, tie down points, all stainless hardware, etc.

Difference is the Malone and trailerx excel at hauling kayaks and that’s about it. I have a versatile utility trailer that can haul most everything I need it to haul and I can even sleep in it.

I hear you about having the utility trailer capability. It would be great to be able to just chuck all my gear in and not have to pack it carefully into the car and use it for camping etc. On the other hand the Malone and Trailex would be easier to store, but I would have to find a used one at those prices.

JP

I am driving a small Subaru from a Ford Excursion and I purchased a Malone trailer but now I am thinking I will need a bigger trailer so if you still searching we can work out a good deal. It is a small trailer so storage would be easier, let me know if you are interested.
Trailer is 4 or 5 years old.

Luis

here are the specs.
https://maloneautoracks.com/XtraLight-TM-Base-Trailer.html

comes with spare tire
https://maloneautoracks.com/8-Galvanized-Spare-Tire-w-Locking-Attachment.html

other things available https://maloneautoracks.com/Trailer-Storage-Trunk.html

I just purchased the HF 48 x 96 trailer last week. Assembled it over the weekend and registered it yesterday. Seemed like my wait at the DMV was a lot longer than actually putting the trailer together...

If you do end up getting the HF trailer, definitely remove the grease in the bearings and replace with something else. From what I've read, the grease from the factory is to prevent any rusting during the shipping process.

As far as the quality of the trailer, I'll get back to you in the next year.

Here was a helpful video I used for the bearings - 

After cleaning my garage I decided that I only had room for a small trailer. I found a used Malone microsport on Craigslist and bought it last week. (Luis, sorry my timing didn't match yours would have been good to get it from a fellow NCKAer.) I used it last weekend and it worked great for my wife and me. No trouble at all loading and unloading. Since it has a retractable tongue I can easily fit it in my garage. I am going to build box for the back so I can store some gear.

SFK, Let us know how your build goes. I hear you about the DMV. After my recent experiences getting my son's drivers licenses I was dreading the wait. Fortunately, I remembered that you can do a lot of DMV stuff at AAA if you are a member. It only took me a couple of minutes to transfer the title of my trailer. Now I need to put it on my Fastrak account. Speaking of which, I can't believe they are going to charge me an extra $10 to cross any bridge with my tiny trailer.

John

Malones and Yakimas are a one trick pony. I can load this one up with all kinds of camping gear or haul stuff to the dump. It is a custom build made with the front axle of some ancient GM car. Thing weighs a bout 500 lbs. but pulls like a dream. Lots of good ideas here. http://texaskayakfisherman.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=53&t=121567&sid=879dba870016f21dac5748a3bdfad799