Small Trailer Versus Roof Rack?

[JT58Bronc]

Wondering if anyone is using a small trailer versus the roof racks to haul kayaks and paddle boards. I was initially going to go with the roof rack set up but the Bronco (Sas) clears my garage door by only one inch. It is already adjusted to open the maximum amount. It's a tiny garage and I'm glad it fits period. With the roof rack raising it another 1-2" it won't clear. Rather than take the rack system on and off, I thought it would be easier to get a small fold up trailer- they are like $550 or so and just load the kayaks and paddle boards on that. It turns out that the small trailer is cheaper than the side racks, which are like 900. Then you have to get the cross rails too on top of that. The boats and paddleboards might be easier to load and strap on the trailer as well, it being low to the ground. The fold up trailer still needs to be stored though although being a fold up and thankfully the Bronco is short (I have the 2 door) it will fit in front of the Bronco in the garage.

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[hozer]

Have the same issue.

Still went with racks because my 12.6ft kayak on trailer was like 16+ft of follow behind the bronco.

 

[Nateandapril]

Curious to see responses here as I recently got into kayaking but the soft top Bronco is a no go for transportation of the kayak so far

 

[MayhemMike]

At 5’ 10” , once I got my 2D BL home I realized I need a “ Bronco Foldable step stool” in order to get things on and off the roof rack. I am trying to avoid step boards, but they would be the remedy. Lol

 

[BroncoRick]

Yes. If you can deal with the added length of a trailer when you are traveling, and you have a place to store it, it is the way to go especially if you have to carry multiple items.

I carried 2 kayaks on my Jeep TJ soft top roof rack for many years. But as soon as I started adding to that I went to the trailer. Got what is essentially a replica m416 trailer as I wanted something that would also double as a truck bed, and because I also carry camping gear in it when wheeling. But if I didn't need the utility aspect or offroad aspect, I would have probably gotten a Malone Microsport trailer. There is a similar Yakima product.

When I had my trailer built, I had them use a front tongue receiver, and the tongue coupler bar is cut long so that I can slide it in and out of the receiver depending on how much spacing I need between the trailer and the tailgate. This takes care of loads where I don't need a long trailer (like just carrying the bikes or nothing on the trailer rack at all), but also when I need to carry the 14'+ kayaks or the 17'+ canoe.

The rack is just Yakima stuff that I bolted up to the trailer.

Some various configurations:

 

[NC_Pinz]

Yes. If you can deal with the added length of a trailer when you are traveling, and you have a place to store it, it is the way to go especially if you have to carry multiple items.

I carried 2 kayaks on my Jeep TJ soft top roof rack for many years. But as soon as I started adding to that I went to the trailer. Got what is essentially a replica m416 trailer as I wanted something that would also double as a truck bed, and because I also carry camping gear in it when wheeling. But if I didn't need the utility aspect or offroad aspect, I would have probably gotten a Malone Microsport trailer. There is a similar Yakima product.

When I had my trailer built, I had them use a front tongue receiver, and the tongue coupler bar is cut long so that I can slide it in and out of the receiver depending on how much spacing I need between the trailer and the tailgate. This takes care of loads where I don't need a long trailer (like just carrying the bikes or nothing on the trailer rack at all), but also when I need to carry the 14'+ kayaks or the 17'+ canoe.

The rack is just Yakima stuff that I bolted up to the trailer.

Some various configurations:

Are you using a hitch extension?

 

[carrellslake]

At 5’ 10” , once I got my 2D BL home I realized I need a “ Bronco Foldable step stool” in order to get things on and off the roof rack. I am trying to avoid step boards, but they would be the remedy. Lol

How about something temporary like this?

Amazon.com: Heininger Hitchmate 4040 Black TireStep, 1 Pack : Automotive

 

[BroncoRick]

Are you using a hitch extension?

Nope, it's just the standard ball hitch. It's the tongue coupler on the trailer that extends in or out from the tongue receiver on the trailer.

 

[Kramku1]

No rack no extra wind noise no added wind resistant for your lacking fuel consumption, easily detached upon arrival. Trailer for me no brainer.

 

[NurseDan]

Yes. If you can deal with the added length of a trailer when you are traveling, and you have a place to store it, it is the way to go especially if you have to carry multiple items.

I carried 2 kayaks on my Jeep TJ soft top roof rack for many years. But as soon as I started adding to that I went to the trailer. Got what is essentially a replica m416 trailer as I wanted something that would also double as a truck bed, and because I also carry camping gear in it when wheeling. But if I didn't need the utility aspect or offroad aspect, I would have probably gotten a Malone Microsport trailer. There is a similar Yakima product.

When I had my trailer built, I had them use a front tongue receiver, and the tongue coupler bar is cut long so that I can slide it in and out of the receiver depending on how much spacing I need between the trailer and the tailgate. This takes care of loads where I don't need a long trailer (like just carrying the bikes or nothing on the trailer rack at all), but also when I need to carry the 14'+ kayaks or the 17'+ canoe.

The rack is just Yakima stuff that I bolted up to the trailer.

Some various configurations:

I've had your trailer walk around video saved to my YouTube account for a long time! Being up in Alberta, none of the manufacturers (that I've found) of the cool trailers like yours, are willing to ship to Canada. I've been emailing around to Alberta Fab shops to build me something like yours and will be showing your video for reference. Hope you don't mind me blatantly ripping you off!

 

[BroncoRick]

I've had your trailer walk around video saved to my YouTube account for a long time! Being up in Alberta, none of the manufacturers (that I've found) of the cool trailers like yours, are willing to ship to Canada. I've been emailing around to Alberta Fab shops to build me something like yours and will be showing your video for reference. Hope you don't mind me blatantly ripping you off!

Haha! Wow! One of my oldest vids. I should probably do an update to that one and actually describe everything, lol.

I am surprised no one will ship to Canada. Have you looked at CVT's trailer or Ruger's trailer?

Maybe see if you can find a surplus Canadian M101? That would be similar.

 

[MayhemMike]

How about something temporary like this?

Amazon.com: Heininger Hitchmate 4040 Black TireStep, 1 Pack : Automotive

My prayers have been answered! Thanks lol

 

[NurseDan]

CVT is a good option and I'll have to look into them. Maybe they'll do without the hard lid since my thinking is a soft tonneau would work better for my needs. Want the trailer to be more 50/50 utility and camping. I've been drooling over Rugers for awhile as well. I'll have to look into them more. Was hoping possibly going local might save me some money but I suppose a one-off from a fab shop might end up more $$ than going with Ruger, that has a little more scale, even after exchange and duty. My Bronco is stuck on Ice Mountain so might end up with a trailer built before I even have a vehicle to tow it with
I know I'd love an updated walk around of your trailer.

 

[BroncoRick]

CVT is a good option and I'll have to look into them. Maybe they'll do without the hard lid since my thinking is a soft tonneau would work better for my needs. Want the trailer to be more 50/50 utility and camping. I've been drooling over Rugers for awhile as well. I'll have to look into them more. Was hoping possibly going local might save me some money but I suppose a one-off from a fab shop might end up more $$ than going with Ruger, that has a little more scale, even after exchange and duty. My Bronco is stuck on Ice Mountain so might end up with a trailer built before I even have a vehicle to tow it with
I know I'd love an updated walk around of your trailer.

Will do. IMO if you want a trailer like this definitely make sure it can handle utility duty, unless you have money burning a hole in your pocket. While I use mine for paddling and camping a fair amount, the ability to strip all that stuff off and use it as a basic utility trailer for hauling stuff has made the trailer more than pay for itself over the past decade. It is worth its weight in gold just for that.

 

[1970AMCAMX]

I know it's nice and all but $8500 for an open cargo trailer?

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