How To Tow A Kayak With A Car
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When towing a kayak with a car, there are a few things that you need to take into account. Other than needing a bit more turning space, you need to know how to hitch the trailer and load your kayaks onto it.
When you know how to do these things, you can easily drive your car and trailer safely without worrying about damaging you kayaks or other vehicles on the road.
Why Choose A Kayak Trailer?
You have quite a few options when it comes to moving your kayak from one location to another, but if you have decided that you do not want to be placing your kayak on a roof rack, or you do not want to install a roof rack in the first place, the best option may be a kayak trailer.
Kayak trailers allow you to haul your kayak to competitions, recreational events, vacations, and boating activities. You can easily carry one kayak (or a few) on your kayak trailer without having to worry about lifting the weighty boat onto the roof of your vehicle, which normally requires two tall people and some elbow grease.
Many people who own kayaks feel that a kayak trailer is unnecessary and that it is simpler, faster, and easier to just strap your kayak to the roof of your vehicle or to store it in the base of your truck or van. While these methods are commonly used and effective, they do come with their own issues, from impairing your vision to having to properly tie down the kayak so it does not fall off or slide, to taking up the majority of space in your car.
Thankfully, using a kayak trailer makes the whole process much less of a headache. They are lightweight, small, and can be towed using any vehicle.
How To Tow A Kayak With A Car
Trailers are the most useful tool when it comes to transporting boats and kayaks, especially if you need to haul more than one. In order to tow a kayak with a car, you will need to install a hitch on your car as well as an electric hookup that is used for the lights. Most kayak trailers use a 2” hitch, but this can vary from one manufacturer to another, so first check the technical specifications before making a purchase.
Before you drive with the kayaks, ensure that they have been properly secured down to the trailer using ratchet straps – at least two over the hull of the kayaks and at both the front and the back of the kayak using the handles. This will prevent the kayak from moving side-to-side as well as backwards or forwards.
If you are driving to a location that is more than an hour away, be sure to stop every 45 minutes or so to check that the straps are still secure and tight. When driving, the cold air from the higher speeds can cause the straps to loosen, which can be very dangerous, especially for other vehicles around you.
It is also important to note that driving when you are towing a kayak requires some experience and patience, especially when you are driving in closer quarters or backing up. When driving, you also need to keep in mind that your “vehicle” length is not much longer than normal, so when passing other vehicles and pulling in front of them, you need a lot more space.
Once you have hitched your trailer and loaded your kayaks, it is as simple as remembering general safety rules and spacial awareness, as well as driving slowly and cautiously. When arriving at your destination, park your trailer in a flat spot and place leveling blocks or bricks behind the tires so it does not roll away if you are not leaving it attached to your vehicle.
Using a kayak trailer is one of the simplest and easiest ways to tow a kayak with a car. Depending on the trailer you purchase, you can tow multiple kayaks. Plus, you do not need to worry that you will damage the roof of your vehicle or your back by lifting your heavy kayak onto a roof rack.
Always keep in mind that you need to take into account the additional length of your vehicle based on the trailer and the kayaks being towed behind you. But once you get the hang of towing your kayak with your car, you will never look back.