: Charles -

: Nice looking kayak trailer. As my fleet grows I'm going to need something
: similar, and plan to weld it together myself. To that end, can you provide
: any details as to the dimensions of the steel used in your trailer?

: Thanks - Dave

Before you get too wrapped up in designing your own trailer, look at some of the kits being sold. You get all the parts at one time, ready to fit together, and already painted. The weight limits are calculated (usually around 900 pounds or more) and it is a DOT approved design. They even come with proper paperwork so you can get it titled easily. Your costs will be comparable-- maybe a little more than buying bare-metal stock, but you'll save time over shopping, painting, and cutting pieces.

Harbor Freight has one kit for a 4x8 trailer on sale now for $199. (regularly $229 - $269). (pictured below if the link works right)

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=42709

I got mine at Menards three years ago for about $250. It is a similar design, but the tongue is a single piece. They are about that price still. I think mine has 12 inch wheels, too.

Northern Tools has one for $180 which is more like mine.

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=6970&langId=-1&catalogId=4006970&PHOTOS=on&TEST=Y&productId=465468&categoryId=274279

With an axle, hubs, wheels and tires going for about $120 from Northern tools,(just for reference) by the time you add the lights and springs you would be at nearly the price of a kit-- and then you would need to add the price of metal for the frame.

The kits will give you a starting point if you want something different, too. If you want a longer tongue, for example, then you would just need to make that one modification. Usually you can order these kits with 12 inch wheels as an upgrade.

You can also find kits for boat trailers which come with longer tongues. These are usually designed to hold rowboats or powerboats, but adding a simple wood or metal rack setup will make them suitable for kayaks.

Remember to figure in the cost of adding a ball, or an entire hitch to your vehicle, too.

Just some thoughts.

PGJ