Build Your Own Kayak Trailer: Utility Trailer Conversion
If you're a kayak owner, you know what a hassle it can be to transport your boat from one place to another. So much so, that it can even keep you from going out on the water. The struggle to get your kayak up on your car roof and strap it down can be too much. Especially, if you have a larger kayak or don't have anyone around to help you. Or maybe your car roof isn't even an option, if you have a small car or multiple kayaks for your family. That's why many kayak owners invest in a kayak trailer to make transporting their boats easier and less of a hassle.
However, pre-built kayak trailers can be rather expensive (typically going for $1000 and up). So, many resort to building their own solution. But if you don't have any building experience, don't know how to weld, or don't have the ability to cut metal or wood, then you may be out of luck. Even if you do have all those skills, it can be rather time-consuming to fabricate your own kayak trailer. That's why we created this post to show examples of kayak trailers that were built using Kee Klamp fittings and pipe.
Converting Your Utility Trailer to a Kayak Trailer
The above kayak trailer was built by John to hold his two Ocean Kayaks. The design utilizes a small trailer with Kee Klamp fittings, as well as traditional threaded fittings, to create the kayak rack. John used the Single Socket Tee fitting in order to create the horizontal supports for the kayaks to rest on. John then used a traditional threaded flange fitting to attach the racks to the base of the trailer and an elbow fitting at the top of the rack to cap off the rack and add an additional horizontal support.
However, John could have also used Kee Klamp's 90 Degree Solid Elbow and Flange fittings to accomplish the same task rather than using the threaded fittings.
A rack like this includes 8 Single Socket Tee fittings, 4 90 Degree Solid Elbows, 4 Flanges, and pipe. A much more cost-effective solution as compared to buying a prefabricated multi kayak trailer that typically goes for $1000 and up.
This old trailer was converted by Mark into a kayak and canoe hauler. Mark didn't have enough room on top of his SUV to haul all of the boats but, with his new trailer, now he and the rest of his family can go out on the water with ease. Mark's favorite part of using Kee Klamp fittings to build the rack was that it required no welding to put together. He also appreciated that the fittings were easy to use and the entire solution was fairly inexpensive as compared to other options out there.
The design is similar to the kayak trailer that John built in the earlier example. It utilizes the Single Socket Tee to create the horizontal supports that run across the trailer and that the kayaks can rest on.
Large DIY Kayak Trailer to Hold Four Kayaks
Before building the above trailer, Ron found it to be a real hassle to transport all of his family's kayaks to go out on the water. So much so, that it kept them from going out in the evening because it was too difficult and time-consuming to get there. However, after some searching on the internet, Ron came across a similar idea on the Simplified Building blog that used Kee Klamp fittings to create a kayak rack on top of a trailer.
Pipe and Fittings for Large Kayak Trailer
Specs:
- Height: 3' 2"
- Width: 6' 10"
- Depth: 4'
Assembly:
- 1 Afternoon
- Allen Key, Drill (For mounting to the garage/shed), Mounting Hardware
What's included:
What's not:
"I was working overseas and had plenty of time to think about my build before I got home to start it. I had originally planned on building a welded square tube frame. But after seeing Simplified Building products in online pics, my building plan ideas changed. The thought of not having to weld, grind, build jigs, getting assistance and then sending it out to get galvanized pleased me. Although there were many minor changes mid-build, I completed my project in one day, by myself. I am glad that I decided to use Simplified Building products. The kayak trailer is extremely strong, durable and it looks great...My favorite part of using Simplified Building products was the ease of installation and the ability to make changes to my design without grinding welds and starting over."
If you need a better way to transport your kayaks and are looking to avoid the hassle of loading them on top of your car, then a trailer with a kayak rack is your best bet. Kee Klamp fittings make it simple and easy to create your own kayak rack that you can add to an existing trailer. There's no need for any welding or cutting and you don't need to have any prior building experience. All you need are a few basic tools and you're good to go. Below is a list of fittings typically used for assembling a kayak trailer.
Need help designing your own kayak trailer? Reach out to our projects team for free design assistance, they will help you find a solution that will work for you.
