Kayaks provide an affordable and simple way to enjoy the water. More and more people are choosing to invest in kayaks, which means that there is a greater demand for trailers that are suitable for hauling kayaks.
You don't need to have a truck or SUV to haul your kayak to various bodies of water. Modern manufacturers have designed numerous trailers that can be towed using a motorcycle.
Be sure that you are looking for the following must-have features if you are planning to invest in a kayak bike trailer in the near future.
1. Galvanized Frame and Wheels
Any trailer that is designed to haul a kayak will come into contact with the water at some point. Having a trailer that can be submerged in water without sustaining any serious damage is beneficial when you are hauling your kayak with a bike trailer.
In order to ensure that your trailer will be able to withstand corrosion and structural damage caused by exposure to a marine environment, you want to invest in a trailer with a galvanized frame and wheels. Galvanized steel features a protective outer layer that is capable of resisting corrosion when wet.
In addition to verifying that the frame and wheels are made from galvanized steel, you will also want to ensure that the bearings and axle are galvanized as well.
2. Platform or Gearbox
Another feature that your kayak bike trailer should have is a platform or gearbox. Anyone who is an avid kayaker knows that a lot of equipment is required for any successful trip on the water. In addition to the kayak itself, you will need your paddle, a helmet, a lifejacket, and a removable padded seat.
The trailer that you purchase for your kayak should be large enough to accommodate all of this gear. A bike trailer equipped with a gearbox or a platform where a gearbox can be installed allows you to safely stow all your kayaking gear while you are traveling down the road.
Since a motorcycle provides very little in the way of storage space, a platform or gearbox is an essential part of any quality kayak bike trailer.
3. Adjustable Tongue Length
Because kayak bike trailers are so lightweight, they can be towed by a wide range of motorcycles. Each motorcycle has a unique design, so the trailer that you buy to pull with your motorcycle must be able to adapt to these varying designs.
A trailer with an adjustable tongue length can prove to be valuable when you are riding your motorcycle with your kayak in tow. The adjustable tongue can be customized to accommodate the length and turning radius of your motorcycle.
Having an adjustable tongue also makes a kayak bike trailer easier to store. You can simply shorten the tongue as much as possible to reduce the overall length of the trailer prior to placing it in storage. The smaller the trailer is, the less room you will need to dedicate to storing it when you aren't actively towing your kayak.
4. Multiple Tie-Down Anchors
Anchoring your kayak and equipment to the bike trailer is essential when you are towing with your motorcycle. You don't want any of your equipment to fly off the trailer and create a safety hazard for the drivers around you.
Multiple tie-down anchor points give you the ability to safely secure your kayak. You can also rely on multiple tie-down anchors to accommodate your existing kayak, as well as any additional kayaks that you may purchase in the future.
You won't be locked into a specific configuration when loading a trailer that is equipped with multiple tie-down anchor points. Contact a company like Salamander Paddle Gear to learn more about kayak bike trailers.
