Might be even more now but it’s still going strong. If you’re even a little resourceful and have the time it’s a fun project. Check out part 2 where I really dressed it up. Thanks for the feedback.
Three years ago I got this trailer at Harbor Freight. Not sure if they still carry this size. Whatever you do for a trailer you might consider the ladder stabilizer. Holds the kayaks securely and holds them higher off the trailer which helps to see the position of the trailer when backing up.
Looks like they’ve changed the design to a different style bracket. Looks like it will work fine. It’s part of a package under SKU MPG4001 which comes with the bars. If you don’t need the bars call Malone and ask them to purchase just the mounting hardware. It’s under Accessories/spare parts/micro sport
Justin Davis are you referring to the tires? Mine were but I upgraded to larger wheels that I got on etrailer. I have a second video on RUclips. Thanks
Nice trailer , simple and price was right . I have one of those lil trailers , set up for gold mining, self contained . Good info on brackets n ladder bars .
One last question. Did you replace the entire tongue or use a 2x2 box sleeve to insert into the existing tongue to extend it? What is the current length of your tongue? Thanks again!
thong phan-quang I ended up replacing it completely. Not sure right now of the length as I don’t have access to my trailer at the moment. It will really depend on the length of your kayak and how far back into body you go to attach it. Go to a Marina and see what they have laying around for old junk trailers
My biggest concern about buying /building any kayak trailer is that my kayak(s) might not be heavy enough to make the trailer's suspension work ...which will have the negative effects of wheel hop and trailer sway. My heaviest kayak is my WS Tarpon 160 which weighs 76 lbs and that thing can be a bear to load onto the ladder rack of my truck in any kind of wind Does anyone have any ideas on how make the suspensional more flexible under light loads
Nicky L that is an issue with these small trailers. On crappy secondary roads it does bounce around a bit so you have to slow it down. I’ve experimented with adding weight and it does help. I’m thinking about adding shock absorbers, looks fairly easy.
Thanks again, what is the gap that the brackets from Malone trailers needs to bring together the ladder stabilizers with the horizontal Thule bar. I would think that would be the most critical size to know when I go to buy bar stock. I'm guessing the top of the bar is 1-1/4 and height of the bar 7/8ths
Dana Warren yes the Thule bar is wider than it height so I think you’re spot on. I don’t have access to the trailer at the moment so I can’t measure it but I bet you can get that information from Malone
Jdawg Wad my friend who is a welder put it on for me. The tongue was off an older trailer and he welded it to the frame. I could have just as easily bolted it on.
Great set up. I'm in the process of doing my own HF kayak mod. Where did you buy the metal mesh screen for the bottom? What size did you use and how did you attach it? thanks
thong phan-quang actually my friend who is a welder had some leftover and tacked on for me. Check a local Industrial Supply, Hardware or even HD/Lowe’s. Actually I had some 2x2 metal fencing that I was going to use but the diamond mesh looks really nice
@@33elberon thanks for a great, helpful video. I'm using round Yakima cross bars which malone no longer sells the adapter for. They sent me to everythingkayak.com. the part is MPG490 if others are wondering. The 2 pairs cost $50.
Nice video. I think I would have put a basket instead of mesh on the bottom. I would like to make a trailer that can hold 5 kayaks or 4 and a canoe. Any thoughts?
Joe Dietz A basket is a great idea. Right now we have to strap down our cooler. Maybe I’ll check out one of those car top baskets and see if it fits. Could definitely throw in the life jackets too.
Dan K 2 years and no issues. Lots of complements and all around so easy. Also checkout Part 2 where I beefed it up a little. The metal mesh really tied it all together.
Nice work! I looked into making this style of trailer but Hobie among other manufactures actually do not recommend storing or transporting kayaks on their sides. It could damage the kayak.
Jerry Krabe didn’t know that. These are just Thule bars so I’m sure you can just substitute the jhooks for the cradle style. Just make sure your bars are long enough to accommodate them laying flat.
I picked it up on sale/clearance for something like $140. This was the 401/2" x 48" trailer with the 8" tires, which I dont think HF offers any more. Probably why I got it so cheap.
Dana Warren mine are 7/8 x 1 1/4 and they were Thule bars I had already. I’m sure you could use some square stock from the hardware store. Also I’ve seen less expensive crossbars in places like Dicks sporting goods. For the most part I think the J hooks are designed to accommodate different crossbars
Can you tell me what diameter the bars are..Thule bars are 109 bucks but I can get knockoff ones for less but I don't know the size so I can be sure they will fit in the brackets from Malone...Thanks
Thanks for sharing this!! I was ready to plop down $300 for their trailer conv. kit.. Would you happen to have the part# for the 4 cross bar brackets from Malone?
I hear you but honestly the thought of wrestling the kayaks up on top of the suv often discourage me from going out. If we go somewhere that has a ramp I can back the trailer right into the water and almost float the kayaks off the trailer. My wife, after a little practice backing up, can go out with her friends. That never would have happened with the roof top carrier.
Looks like they’ve changed the design to a different style bracket. Looks like it will work fine. It’s part of a package under SKU MPG4001 which comes with the bars. If you don’t need the bars call Malone and ask them to purchase just the mounting hardware. It’s under Accessories/spare parts/micro sport
There was a recall on the tires which didn’t affect mine. When I upgraded to 12” I bought them from etrailer. My local HF said they pulled all the trailers until they can get enough tires to replace them.
I found a pair of Thule crossbars on Craigslist for $25 bucks . Only problem is that they are 50 in. long . I bought them but I'm not sure they will fit the ladder stabilizers which I couldn't get because HD was all out of them. Looking at yours which you said are 54 in. , these might just be long enuf. Thanks for the Great idea you had BTW..
Beautiful!! Course 6 years later, the trailer is $399, but still WAAAAY better than $2000! Great Build and Video!!
Might be even more now but it’s still going strong. If you’re even a little resourceful and have the time it’s a fun project. Check out part 2 where I really dressed it up. Thanks for the feedback.
Excellent match of parts. probably the best setup for the price.
I wish I had seen this before I bought my Malone trailer. Even used I spent a lot more than this... Great video!
nice! Ilike the use of the ladder stabilizers
Thanks. No issues with trailer, works great. Check out part 2. Get a lot of compliments at the boat ramps.
what is the the part number on brackets from Malone
maloneautoracks.com/Trailer-Cross-Bar-Conversion-Kit.html
Bracket looks different now. Malone might want you to buy the entire kit but I'm betting they would send you just the bracket if you call them.
Where did you buy trailer for $130?
Three years ago I got this trailer at Harbor Freight. Not sure if they still carry this size. Whatever you do for a trailer you might consider the ladder stabilizer. Holds the kayaks securely and holds them higher off the trailer which helps to see the position of the trailer when backing up.
Please provide bracket part number etc. link . to order the Malone bracket to attach the ladder stabilizer. I have a hard time finding it. Thanks
maloneautoracks.com/78-Galvanized-Cross-Bars-with-Mounting-Hardware.html
Looks like they’ve changed the design to a different style bracket. Looks like it will work fine. It’s part of a package under SKU MPG4001 which comes with the bars. If you don’t need the bars call Malone and ask them to purchase just the mounting hardware. It’s under Accessories/spare parts/micro sport
This is the best DIY trailer I've seen. Perfect size. Wish I could find a little trailer like this that's in my price range. Thanks for the video.
Dustin Stanford harbor freight since has these smaller trailers, $300. I lucked out and got mine for half price
@@33elberon so you got this trailer at harbor freight?
Dustin Stanford yes
www.harborfreight.com/1090-lbs-capacity-40-12-in-x-48-in-utility-trailer-62645.html
It’s now $400 🤦🏾♂️🙊😤
Nice
Your setup is the closest I've seen to what I want to do. Great job.
Wonder how much welding costs
Are these small harbor freight/northern tool 40x48 trailers DOT rated for highway speeds? Do mostly highway miles to kayak and camp.
Justin Davis are you referring to the tires? Mine were but I upgraded to larger wheels that I got on etrailer. I have a second video on RUclips. Thanks
Doing this, this weekend! Thank you for a simple yet effective diy
LBReal78 thanks! Check out part 2 as I made some modifications. Great trailer lots of compliments out on the road. Good luck!
That's awesome brother, Great job on the trailer!
MrJoecango thanks Joe. Fun project! Can’t wait to use it this year.
Nice trailer , simple and price was right . I have one of those lil trailers , set up for gold mining, self contained . Good info on brackets n ladder bars .
One last question. Did you replace the entire tongue or use a 2x2 box sleeve to insert into the existing tongue to extend it? What is the current length of your tongue? Thanks again!
thong phan-quang I ended up replacing it completely. Not sure right now of the length as I don’t have access to my trailer at the moment. It will really depend on the length of your kayak and how far back into body you go to attach it. Go to a Marina and see what they have laying around for old junk trailers
Great video. Thanks for posting this information. I'll be putting something similar together soon.
brian25285 saved my back and wasn’t very hard to put together
Thanks
My biggest concern about buying /building any kayak trailer is that my kayak(s) might not be heavy enough to make the trailer's suspension work ...which will have the negative effects of wheel hop and trailer sway.
My heaviest kayak is my WS Tarpon 160 which weighs 76 lbs and that thing can be a bear to load onto the ladder rack of my truck in any kind of wind
Does anyone have any ideas on how make the suspensional more flexible under light loads
Nicky L that is an issue with these small trailers. On crappy secondary roads it does bounce around a bit so you have to slow it down. I’ve experimented with adding weight and it does help. I’m thinking about adding shock absorbers, looks fairly easy.
Drop your tire air pressure down to 15-20 pounds.
Thanks again, what is the gap that the brackets from Malone trailers needs to bring together the ladder stabilizers with the horizontal Thule bar. I would think that would be the most critical size to know when I go to buy bar stock. I'm guessing the top of the bar is 1-1/4 and height of the bar 7/8ths
I just read it on one of the other comments below - thanks again.
Dana Warren yes the Thule bar is wider than it height so I think you’re spot on. I don’t have access to the trailer at the moment so I can’t measure it but I bet you can get that information from Malone
Would love to hear more about your extending the tow bar
Jdawg Wad my friend who is a welder put it on for me. The tongue was off an older trailer and he welded it to the frame. I could have just as easily bolted it on.
Great set up. I'm in the process of doing my own HF kayak mod. Where did you buy the metal mesh screen for the bottom? What size did you use and how did you attach it? thanks
thong phan-quang actually my friend who is a welder had some leftover and tacked on for me. Check a local Industrial Supply, Hardware or even HD/Lowe’s. Actually I had some 2x2 metal fencing that I was going to use but the diamond mesh looks really nice
@@33elberon thanks for a great, helpful video. I'm using round Yakima cross bars which malone no longer sells the adapter for. They sent me to everythingkayak.com. the part is MPG490 if others are wondering. The 2 pairs cost $50.
Is it rated for highway use?
MrSteve280 yes it is.
Good job sir, thank you for sharing
Nice video. I think I would have put a basket instead of mesh on the bottom. I would like to make a trailer that can hold 5 kayaks or 4 and a canoe. Any thoughts?
Joe Dietz A basket is a great idea. Right now we have to strap down our cooler. Maybe I’ll check out one of those car top baskets and see if it fits. Could definitely throw in the life jackets too.
Don't hit the brakes too hard or she may fold up. May want to do a little bracing.
Dan K 2 years and no issues. Lots of complements and all around so easy. Also checkout Part 2 where I beefed it up a little. The metal mesh really tied it all together.
Nice work! I looked into making this style of trailer but Hobie among other manufactures actually do not recommend storing or transporting kayaks on their sides. It could damage the kayak.
Jerry Krabe didn’t know that. These are just Thule bars so I’m sure you can just substitute the jhooks for the cradle style. Just make sure your bars are long enough to accommodate them laying flat.
How much did you say the trailer cost you?
I picked it up on sale/clearance for something like $140. This was the 401/2" x 48" trailer with the 8" tires, which I dont think HF offers any more. Probably why I got it so cheap.
@@33elberon yeah, I can never find deals like that.
Nice job, just bought my trailer, what size is the cross bar that the J hooks mount to? Is that something I can pick up at a hardware store
Dana Warren mine are 7/8 x 1 1/4 and they were Thule bars I had already. I’m sure you could use some square stock from the hardware store. Also I’ve seen less expensive crossbars in places like Dicks sporting goods. For the most part I think the J hooks are designed to accommodate different crossbars
Where can I get cross bars that fit the malone brackets? Great setup by the way
Keith Moore they’re just standard Thule crossbars. There are also plenty of knockoff brands for s lot less money.
Can you tell me what diameter the bars are..Thule bars are 109 bucks but I can get knockoff ones for less but I don't know the size so I can be sure they will fit in the brackets from Malone...Thanks
According to the Thule site 11/4” x 7/8”
Awesome idea just subbed
sorry but there is no 250 dollar solution for this anymore. Stuff is so expensive now!
Yeah I got my HF trailer on sale. I checked and the 40”x48” is priced at $299. A couple ladder stabilizers for $60 and you’re in business
Thanks for sharing this!! I was ready to plop down $300 for their trailer conv. kit.. Would you happen to have the part# for the 4 cross bar brackets from Malone?
Called a square cross bar bracket, MPG491 right under spare parts section
@@33elberon It looks like they no longer carry that part (they probably don't want people following your design!) Any ideas on other substitutes?
@@jamesbowers2972 www.etrailer.com/Accessories-and-Parts/Malone/MAL54VR.html
@@33elberon Thanks!
Look great i am going to make one for my self.
Really a pretty easy project. Saves my back
That nice bro
Good idea I just hate to pay annual registration and state tags.
I hear you but honestly the thought of wrestling the kayaks up on top of the suv often discourage me from going out. If we go somewhere that has a ramp I can back the trailer right into the water and almost float the kayaks off the trailer. My wife, after a little practice backing up, can go out with her friends. That never would have happened with the roof top carrier.
1 More Kast For some reason I can't reply to your notification. The Malone SKU is MPG 491. maloneautoracks.com/Square-Cross-Bar-Brackets.html
Looks like they’ve changed the design to a different style bracket. Looks like it will work fine. It’s part of a package under SKU MPG4001 which comes with the bars. If you don’t need the bars call Malone and ask them to purchase just the mounting hardware. It’s under Accessories/spare parts/micro sport
maloneautoracks.com/78-Galvanized-Cross-Bars-with-Mounting-Hardware.html
I called the local harbor freight and the guy told me the trailers are now on recall; I can't find the online either. Not 100% sure if this is true.
There was a recall on the tires which didn’t affect mine. When I upgraded to 12” I bought them from etrailer. My local HF said they pulled all the trailers until they can get enough tires to replace them.
damn shame, have a Hobie coming next month and I'm running out of options locally.
Didn’t sound like this is going to take very long to fix.
I bought mine recently from Northern Tool
That nice pro
You da man!
check out part2 as I did upgrade to 12" tires
I found a pair of Thule crossbars on Craigslist for $25 bucks . Only problem is that they are 50 in. long . I bought them but I'm not sure they will fit the ladder stabilizers which I couldn't get because HD was all out of them. Looking at yours which you said are 54 in. , these might just be long enuf. Thanks for the Great idea you had BTW..
Yeah, mine were 54” and a bit on the short side. Guess it all depends on the width of the stabilizer