Kayak Bike Trailer (what You Need To Know In 2024)

There are many different types of bike kayak trailers on the market, so finding the perfect one for you and your needs can be a bit overwhelming.

But don’t worry, we’re here to help.

In this article, we’ll go over everything you need to know about the modern Kayak Bike Trailer, from how they work to what you should look for when buying one.

By the end of this post, you’ll be an expert on bike kayak trailers and ready to find the perfect one for your adventures!

What Is A Bike Kayak Trailer?

A bike kayak trailer is a trailer that allows you to carry a kayak or two behind your bicycle.

They’re typically made from lightweight materials such as aluminum and make moving one or two kayaks, canoes, small sailboats, and paddleboards around very easy and convenient.

These trailers is usually attach to the back of your bike with a hitch. They feature two wheels and a frame that can support up to two kayaks.

The trailer is designed to be easily attached and detached, so you can quickly move your kayak from one place to another without having to carry it on your back.

Some models also feature adjustable racks that allow you to adjust the height of the kayaks for easier loading and unloading.

They’ve even been seen hauling around a surfboard from time to time.

They’re a great way to haul your kayak or canoe around without having to use a car or truck.

Many models have a folding trailer component which makes storage and transportation very convenient.

Bike Kayak Trailer

Kayaking is an awesome hobby and Bike Kayak Trailers are the perfect way for today’s adventurer to transport your kayak, canoe, and all your gear around behind your bike.

Many of these trailers have a large storage area that can hold all your gear and supplies as well as your kayak or canoe.

With adjustable straps and buckles, you can ensure that everything is secure while you ride.

Most trailers also feature an adjustable wheel base so you can adjust the trailer’s center of gravity to make it easier to pull with your bike.

Bike Kayak Trailers are great for getting out on the water quickly without having to lug around heavy equipment or worry about finding a place to store it when not in use

When you’re ready to go, you simply load up your kayaks, attach the trailer to your bike, and off you go!

How Do Bike Kayak Trailers Attach To Your Bike?

Most kayak bike trailers attach to your bike’s seat post using the trailer’s hitch. Others attach to the frame or rear axle of the bike.

Bike kayak trailers attach to a bike by either a hitch system or by straps.

Hitch systems typically include a trailer arm that attaches to the axle of the rear wheel and a receiver that attaches to the frame of the bike.

Straps are used to secure the trailer to the frame of the bike and can be adjusted for different sized kayaks.

How To Attach The Trailer To Your Bike

If your trailer has a quick-release hitch, you will first need to install the quick hitch adapter to your bike’s seat post.
Support the kayak trailer on a level, firm, and stable surface.
Attach the kayak to the cart frame and secure it down to the trailer rack with tie-down straps.
Attach the kayak bicycle tow bar to your seat post.
Depending on the diameter of your seat post you may need to cut a short piece of rubber, like an automotive heater hose, to wrap around the bike seat post before attaching the trailer hitch. This will take up any slack between the trailer hitch and the seat post and help the seat post hitch to remain firmly in place as you ride.
Place your paddle and any other kit you need into the kayak and you’re ready to roll!

Most models come with a foam bumper pad which is attached to each section of the trailer frame to absorb small shocks as you cycle.

Most bike kayak trailers have two wheels that are either just behind the midpoint of the product or close to the rear of the trailer.

This rear wheel placement provides excellent stability for the trailer and load.

The two-wheel models keep the trailer stable. Due to the kayak trailer’s low center of gravity, these trailers usually track very well behind your bicycle at normal speeds.

Though you should take extra care at higher speeds, on very bumpy trails, and while going down hills as these conditions can decrease stability and cause the trailer to sway or fishtail side-to-side.

Additionally, some DIY models of bike kayak trailer even have an additional front wheel that helps keep the trailer steady when it’s time to roll the kayak into a body of water like a river or lake.

The best DIY bike kayak trailers are often made from lightweight materials like aluminum and PVC, and they can be easily customized with accessories like bike racks, storage compartments, and even solar panels.

These trailers are great for those who want to explore the outdoors without having to lug around a large kayak or canoe. They’re also perfect for those who want to save money on a trailer purchase by building their own.

Kayak Bike Trailer Bike Trailer Hitch

There are 2 different types of seat post hitch available:

Quick Release Seat Post Bike Trailer Hitch

A quick-release seat post hitch is a seat post hitch that can be quickly and easily released from the bicycle frame. This type of connection is much easier over the long run.

With this type of hitch, you will connect the hitch adapter onto your bicycle’s seat post and leave it in place for future use.

The main benefit of this style of bike trailer hitch is that you won’t need to use a tool each time you want to connect the trailer to the rear of your bike.

Manual Connection Seat Post Bike Trailer Hitch

A manual connect & release seat post hitch is a seat post hitch that must be manually connected to and released from the bicycle frame every time you use it. Most Times this will require a tool to secure the trailer to the seat post.

What Features Should I Look For In A Kayak Bike Trailer?

The most important considerations before you purchase are:

Kayak Bike Trailer Wheel Size

I consider wide, inflatable tires to be essential components of trailers for offroad use.

Wide, inflatable tires are important for offroad use because they provide a smoother ride and better traction than narrower, solid tires.

They also absorb shocks from bumps and obstacles in the terrain, making the trailer more stable and comfortable to tow.

Wide inflatable tires can be inflated to different pressures depending on the terrain, which can help improve handling and traction.

Trailer Capacity

Load capacity is an important consideration because you want to make sure the trailer can accommodate the number of kayaks and other gear you need to transport.

The capacity of a kayak bike trailer will depend on the size and type of trailer you purchase. Generally, kayak bike trailers can hold up to two to three kayaks at once.

However, some larger models may be able to accommodate more. Additionally, many kayak bike trailers are designed with adjustable widths and can accommodate different sizes of kayaks.

Trailer Stability

Stability is also important, especially if you will be transporting your kayaks on rough terrain.

The stability of a kayak bike trailer depends on several factors, such as the size and weight of the trailer, the type of wheels used, and the amount of cargo being carried.

To ensure stability, make sure to use a trailer with wide wheels and sturdy construction.

If possible, choose a trailer that is designed specifically for carrying kayaks.

Be sure to evenly distribute the weight of your cargo across all four corners of the trailer to ensure maximum stability.

Ease of use

Attaching and detaching the trailer as well as loading and unloading your boat should be easy.

Look for trailers that have quick-release mechanisms for attaching and detaching the trailer from your bike, as well as adjustable straps or racks for securing the boat to the trailer.

Some trailers also come with folding frames that make it easier to store and transport when not in use.

Price and Budget

This one pretty much speaks for itself, but you should look for a bike kayak trailer that offers you the best features and benefits without costing too much.

Make sure to read reviews from other customers to get an idea of how well the trailer works in different conditions.

I would suggest you not spend more than $200.

Trailer Material

For many reasons, High-strength aluminum is the best material for a kayak trailer frame.

High-strength aluminum is an ideal material for kayak bike trailer frames because it is lightweight, corrosion resistant, and strong.

Aluminum is much lighter than steel, making it easier to pull behind a bike. It also won’t rust or corrode like steel can in wet environments, making it a great choice for use near water.

Aluminum has a high strength-to-weight ratio, meaning that it can provide the necessary support for carrying a kayak without adding unnecessary weight to the trailer frame. Copy to editor

Other Kayak Bike Trailer Factors

A user-friendly design is one of the most important factors you should consider when choosing a kayak bicycle trailer! User-friendly design is an important factor to consider when choosing a kayak bicycle trailer because it can make the process of loading and unloading your kayak easier. Look for trailers that are lightweight, have adjustable straps, and feature an ergonomic handlebar for easy maneuverability. Additionally, you should look for trailers that have a low center of gravity to help prevent tipping or instability while in motion. Finally, you should make sure the trailer has an effective braking system to ensure safety while riding.
Most models also double as a handheld kayak cart when not attached to your bike. This is a very handy feature. Handheld kayak carts are incredibly convenient for transporting your kayak to and from the water. They can also be used to carry other items such as camping equipment, beach gear, or fishing tackle. A kayak cart is a great way to make it easier to get your kayak where you need it without having to lug it around. Many models feature adjustable straps that allow you to easily secure your kayak and keep it in place while you transport it.

Questions To Ask Before Buying Your Bike Kayak Trailer

What materials is this trailer made of?
What is the maximum capacity of this trailer?
Is this trailer known for safety and stability?
Is any assembly needed?
Check owner reviews to see if they recommend the trailer.
What is the manufacturer warranty on this trailer in case you have issues with build quality?
What wheel size comes standard with this trailer?
The larger the wheel size, the better and smoother the ride will be.
Is this trailer compatible with my bike?
Is this trailer compatible with my kayak / canoe / paddleboard?
How many inches wide is this bike trailer?
Will this trailer be suitable for narrower paths you may encounter on your ride?
Will this trailer be durable enough to carry heavier boats, in case I need to haul a different model boat, or need to haul heavy items?

Check each manufacturer’s website to avoid extra legwork as you compare and contrast each option.

What’s The Best Material For Kayak Bike Trailers?

Aluminum kayak trailers are the way to go! They are lightweight and strong and are not affected by exposure to the elements. There is some potential for aluminum to crack under heavy loads or if used on very rough trail conditions.
Steel trailers are more heavy-duty, but they also have a much heavier weight profile; making it more difficult to haul behind your bicycle. Another drawback of steel as a trailer material is that it’s prone to rust when used in the elements and since you’ll be using your trailer near, and sometimes in the water,

How To Secure Your Kayak To The Bike Trailer?

To secure your kayak to the bike trailer, you will need either tie-down straps (I recommend the type that rachets down) or a nylon climber’s rope.

If you use nylon rope, make sure your knots are secure enough that they won’t slip while you’re out on the trail.

A bowline knot is a good example of a secure knot that won’t slip.

Steps to Secure Your Kayak to Your Bike Trailer

Place the straps or rope around the bow (front) and stern (back) of the boat.
Next, run the straps or rope down through the bike trailer frame. Make sure these are positioned where they can’t slip or slide out of place.
Finally, tightly secure the straps or rope so that the kayak is securely attached to the bike trailer.

How To Take Care Of A Kayak Bike Trailer?

To keep your kayak bike trailer in good condition, you should follow these steps:

Inspect the frame for cracks or damage.
Carefully check each tire for cuts or tears.
Regularly clean and inspect your trailer.
Clean the trailer frame, wheels, and axles with soap and water.
Inspect the wheels for wear or loss of air pressure.
Lubricate the wheel axles and bearings as needed.

Can you tow a kayak with a bicycle?

Yes, you can tow a kayak with a bicycle. There are special tow bars that can be attached to the back of a bicycle, which allow you to tow a kayak behind you.

There are also trailers that can tow multiple kayaks at the same time. These are awesome if you have two kayaks that need to be towed to the same location.

This is a great way to get to your kayaks to your favorite kayaking spot without having to buy a kayak trailer for your car.