Best For Two Kayaks: Malone EcoLight 2-Boat J-Rack Kayak Trailer

Let’s talk kayak trailers.

As the resident family kayak enthusiast, my father-in-law Max (pictured above), loved to take our kids out kayaking here in Colorado. While being out on the water was the best, getting the kayaks to the local reservoir was less fun. 

When it comes to kayak trailers, you have two basic choices: j-rack and v-rack trailers. J-rack means the kayaks lie on their side; V-racks have the kayaks lie flat.

Let’s go over the pros and cons to each.

J-racks are popular since two kayaks can be loaded side by side. On the downside, j-racks can be less wind resistant, since the kayaks sit up higher. They also can be difficult to load, especially for heavier/wider kayaks that are popular for fishing.

V-racks are easier to load, especially for heavier kayaks. And they have less wind resistance.

After looking at several J-rack kayak trailers recommended by our readers, we think this model by Malone is the best bet. It has the best combination of quality, durability and ease of use. Note the galvanized steel frame . . . other kayak trailers we considered had plastic or composite frames that aren’t as durable, in our opinion.

What We Liked

• Sturdy.

• Easy to load.

• Easy to use.

• Quality construction touches like galvanized steel frame.

What Needs Work

• Electric harness (to tie in rear lights) may be too short for some vehicles.

• Straps not included to tie down kayaks.

Best For Multiple Sports: Multi-Sport Multi-Rack Kayak Trailer

When we asked our parent readers for their recommendations on how to move kayaks, a large number said they preferred multi-sport trailers—that’s because folks found themselves not only moving kayaks, but also bikes and other sports equipment.

In the multi-sport category, we liked this model by Right-On Trailers best. It not only was affordable (at least compared to other more pricey options) but also easy to assemble. Here’s more:

What We Liked

• Sturdy.

• Easy to assemble.

• Light weight yet can carry up to 300 lbs.

• Lots of room for kayaks and bikes.

What Needs Work

• Reports of paint chipping and rust after  use. If you can store this trailer out of the weather, that might be best way to go.

Best For Heavier Kayaks: Malone EcoLight 2-Boat V-Rack Kayak Trailer

As we discussed at the top of this article, V-shaped racks are better for heavier kayaks (often used for fishing). After looking at several options, we think this model by Malone is the best bet for most folks—quality is excellent and kayaks are easy to load.

What We Liked

• Sturdy.

• Easy to customize.

• Quality touches like galvanized steel frame.

What Needs Work

• Tail lights could be brighter.

Best for Bikes: WIKE Kayak & Surf + Sailboard Trailer

If you just need to move a single kayak via bike, this is an affordable solution. We liked the light weight (11 lbs). and the large air-filled wheels are great for paved paths, dirt and even gravel. 

What We Liked

• Towing bar easily fastens to bike.

• Easy to assemble.

• Holds up to 70 lbs.

• Perfect for one kayak or surf board.

What Needs Work

• No kickstand.

About the Authors

Denise & Alan Fields are consumer advocates and best-selling authors. The Fields have authored 12 books with three million copies in print, including the best-selling guide to baby gear, Baby Bargains.

The Fields have been featured and quoted in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and Los Angeles Times.

As consumer products experts, the Fields have been guests on the NBC Today Show, Good Morning America and ABC’s 20/20.

How We Pick Products To Recommend

We often turn to our readers (3 million strong!) to find products to recommend. We ask our parent readers for their favorites and consider their real-world experiences in our recommendations.

When we test a product, we always purchase it with our own monies. We do not take free samples, as we believe that compromises our independence.

We also fact check manufacturer information with our own measurements. If a maker claims a product weighs X pounds, we will weigh it to make sure. If the battery life is supposed to be six hours, we will see how it stands up in the real world.

In some cases, we will do interviews with experts in the field to get additional feedback on products.

To get hands-on time with products, we regularly meet one-on-one with gear companies and even tour manufacturing facilities. (When we do this, we pay our own travel expenses).

Why Trust Us

We’ve been rating and reviewing products for the home and families since 1994. We do extensive research, evaluating products with an eye toward quality, ease of use and affordability.

We make our living from affiliate commissions, but we always recommend what we think are the best bets for our readers (not the ones that are the most expensive). We are always looking for products that offer the best bang for the buck.

Our independence is a key reason why we have been doing this so long. As we mentioned above, when we purchase a product for hands-on testing, we do so with our own money.

Here’s another key point: we don’t take money from the brands we review. No free samples, no sponsors, no “partnerships.” Our work is 100% reader-supported!