EASY!! DIY Kayak Trailer Build!! Simple - Lightweight - Custom 🛶 2022

This week I'm building a DIY Custom kayak trailer! I'll show you how easy it is to build your own kayak trailer that is simple, lightweight and completely custom to your kayak! Using EMT conduit for the runners on the kayak trailer instead of PVC makes for a more secure ride for your kayak! It's so easy to convert an old boat trailer or old jet ski trailer into a one of a kind custom kayak trailer.. If you like the video please remember to hit that like button and subscribe for more videos.. Thanks for watching!
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#kayakfishing #kayaktrailer #kayakdiy

[@acog8484]

Yous ain’t a welder yous a grinder boy! Love the build thanks for the ideas

[@scottbond3960]

That's perfect. The best ideas are usually the least complicated

[@joeborowy5794]

Very well made kayak with some really nice features. A value for what you get. The grandson has already caught some nice fish from it.

[@chuckgilbert2035]

Love the idea to use the 7 pin connector and 2" ball , the ball so every other trailer uses the same hitch / ball and with the 7 pin connector you can hook pin 4 on it to the trucks charging system and charge kayak batteries going down the road with added wiring, I do that on my tilt trailer wench and hydraulic tilt battery

[@MovingToMnPro]

I just try to have both wiring styles on the tow vehicle. That way I can haul whatever trailer as needed.

[@southernlineman]

Grinder and paint makes me the welder I ain't. Excellent build! Now to adapt these idea to a double kayak trailer...🤔🤔

[@timnaessens4316]

Spot on about the grinder, bad welders best friend 👍 been that way for me the last 35 years.

[@duaneteetor2327]

I almost like watching your you tube videos. Gives me so many good idea and great thing to do. I tackled building a 40' motor home from a New Jersey transit bus. It took me 4 years to complete but was well worth it. Keep up the great videos

[@RedSinter]

Another Home Run... The Amber lights are going to be sweet for sure. I'd swap out those over sized FW's on your hook loopes and this is a builder tip its advisable to not use a flat washer between the lock washer and the base material as the FW can rotate making the lock washer ineffective. But I like your idea of the spring loaded hook loops better anyway. And yeah, OF Course we want a Waik Through... lol... TJ

[@joeyneal8246]

Grinder and paint makes me the welder I ain't 😂

[@mattrussell4473]

Yes, I want to see the final walkthrough!

[@BobBohner4851]

I’m 78 and need to load my AP120 loaded with stuff on my trailer alone so i use a winch. I pull the kayak up to the sewer pipe and put a 4” x 4” piece of scrap under the kayak bow to lift it up a bit. Winch a little and go back to lift up the kayak a bit two times then crank away till it’s all the way on. Cake.

[@BobBohner4851]

Wish i could add photos but can’t find a way

[@jackstein5486]

Loving the straps and eyebolts that you installed. I am going to do that. Thanks a bunch!

[@KayakUSA1]

Glad to help!!

[@kurtboese8109]

Its always good to do walk-through after ya finish

[@MightGoFishin-ks1by]

In the process currently. 1970 Tee Nee boat trailer. I too am using emt. Although I'm going to make mine adjustable. A few looks at Tennessee Trailers adjustable rails, and it looks quite simple. BTW, my welder is a Chicago Electric Harbor Freight 170amp. Works fine for this kind of work. Nice build!

[@Johnnyreengo]

A good idea would have been to cross drill the slip over tongue so you can put slick pins in and disassemble for space savings

[@lilbugr1462]

Nice trailer. Two things about the use EMT. When welding EMT be sure to grind off the galvanized coating where you are welding as the heat from welding will vaporize the zinc and can cause health issues, also welding directly on the coating can cause an inferior weld. Another thing, always use the larger wheels. If you compare the rolling circumference of those little wheels to that of your truck, they are probably 1/3. So if your truck is doing 55mph, those little wheels are doing close 165mph. How long do you thing they or the bearings going to last?

[@BassManStrikes]

The 8 inch wheels vs 12 inch is not an issue.

[@acog8484]

You ain’t no welder yous a grinder!

[@kevintrevors3921]

This build is looking good, let’s see the final with the lights added and painted!!!

[@LuisCastro-ix3di]

Yes,I am interested on seeing the finished touches.

[@robcopenhaver2800]

Great Video TJ as always!!!

[@subsailor1445]

Nice build and good info. The only advice I have is where you slipped the 2.5" tube over the 2" tube, you should have drilled 4 holes in the 2.5" tube. Then slipped it back over the 2" tube and plug welded the holes.

[@MovingToMnPro]

Great idea

[@indysaab]

Absolutely on the final walkthrough! Looks great now, would love to see the finished product

[@dustinhumbert5280]

Another great video. I would enjoy seeing the walkthrough but also ok with seeing it in another video. Merry Christmas

[@russhood6747]

When I installed my Livescope I used a Seelite adapter to be able to a Dewalt 20v 6 aH lithium. The 20v battery gives me one of the brightest screens on my 93SV and at 20 v it pulls less current so I have my black and 93SV running of the same 22:46 battery . Last about 4-5 hours. Bright Panoptics screen.

[@td6496]

Nice build , just a suggestion swap out the rachet strap hooks for some big carbineer clips , makes life simpler not wondering if the hook fell out on the other side , and keeps you from having to walk back and forth to check.

[@chuckgilbert2035]

Love the idea of the muffler shop pipe bend, the stick from the muffler shop is cheaper , as for paint I would slide pvc over it and secure it with a few screws. or just wrap them with carpet and use snaps to secure them on the bottom , guess zip tie would work too

[@dc5038]

Let's see the final product 👍👍

[@TNRangerXP]

As usual, your projects are top notch. Great job on the trailer. I used an old boat trailer and made a double side by side kayak trailer.

[@jamestrevino1481]

Great video, so many good ideas. Keep them coming. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Kayak USA family!!! 👊😎👍

[@jeraldsingletary5020]

Merry Christmas

[@williamkost733]

The longer your trailer is from your vehicle, the better for backing.

[@kloroutdoors9037]

Look Awesome Man! Great Work!

[@pondboyss]

new subscriber!!! love the content man very excited to see the finished build.

[@Daybreaker3101]

I'm new to your channel. I just bought a Hobie Pro Angle 12. I am a retired Industrial Electrician. EMT (Electrical Metallic Tubing) Will rust! Even if you don't subject it to salt water. Use Galvanizing paint to seal the areas where you drilled , welded or cut it. That is a good build you did. But, The coupler that you installed is new to me. If I were you I would change out those cross bolts you have installed for some longer ones. Yours don't even make it through the nut. You should have at least enough bolt to make it through the nut. Then use a fiber lock nut. Just my 2 cents. Keep up the good videos.

[@CrucesNomad1]

Flat straps tend to hum going down the road, so I twist mine. If you use straps you may want to use a pool noodle or some foam for give so your not putting stress on the hull.

[@KayakUSA1]

Great idea, thanks bud 👍🏼

[@alastairsellars2611]

Not to mention, bottom of the hull with no padding directly onto galv rails is asking for stress cracking in the plastic of the kayak.

[@dirkwhite9008]

Thanks TJ for showing what an awesome build.

[@markhayes4730]

Have you considered putting Teflon/nylon strips on top of your rails? Save you having to repaint.

[@BobBohner4851]

Where do u get them

[@markhayes4730]

@@BobBohner4851 trailer supply/jet sky trailers

[@robertchadwick1552]

That's a sweet trailer setup. I have the same kayak & have been thinking about doing what you did because it's not very easy using my current setup with a dolly, etc. Please do a follow up video. Thanks.

[@larrytrudell8507]

yes .. do a walk thru.. merry chrismas

[@silvaart560]

Nice. I’m building one myself.

[@SlimmSmith]

Let’s see the final walk thru! I’m stealing the strap idea, merry Christmas and happy new year!

[@BobBohner4851]

I don’t think the straps will work up north with road salt. Also always told to use cam straps

[@derekhanson5115]

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

[@crazy8acres651]

Great video. That's going to be my early spring project.

[@christophergilbert8365]

Outstanding!

[@Ben-311]

That is awesome! Looks like you bought from a store that way.

[@alanburdick9784]

Thanks assume trailer. You given me ideas for my trailer

[@russhood6747]

I run my 93SV and my black box on a Dewalt 20v 6 aH battery and it runs around 5 hours. The important issue when you 12v power your is not as bright as a 18v power to the Garmin graph. 1. You have very bright Panoptics Screen 2. The current draw is half of a 12v system. 3. The Dewalt battery is adapted with a Seelite adapter this adapter will a use either the 6 or 9 aH battery.

[@ericgraalfs1064]

Nice!! Let's see the final walk through. Also, can you do a video on prepping the trailer for paint & what paint to use?

[@paddlepedalproductions5452]

Those holes may be to mount a spare tire rack. That's where the spare is on my dad's trailer. Great looking set up man.

[@cityfeetB3]

Maaaaaannnnnn you're always doing something awesome! Merry Christmas to you and yours!

[@rubenakacoolerlid2314]

Sweet looking trailer I'm currently in the market to upgrade my Harbor freight trailer for my kayak, might have to copy this thanks buddy

[@Kayakfishingontario]

Dandy setup.

[@rbljackson]

IN the intro to this video, you have a utility trailer with a set of expandable poles with a roof top tent on top. Can you provide the link to that series please. That gave me a GREAT Idea for my 5x10 utility trailer. I want to be able to haul my atv still......BUT with that rack set up, it would make it possible to also have a roof top tent!! Any info, links or tips appreciated!! Thanx

[@dustinhumbert5280]

Another great video. I would like to see a walk around, but also ok with seeing it in another video also. Merry Christmas

[@theupstateangler]

I may switch my PVC to the conduit, looks killer..!!! Happy New Year buddy..!!! (Merry Christmas again also), HAHAHA...!

[@randywalkersr.9380]

If you have the welder and knowledge to do this, why didn't you just build your own kayak trailer? They even have blue prints online. I wish I had the knowledge and equipment I would build my own for my specific kayak. I like others who are looking for ways we don't have to build one from scratch which is what you are doing.

[@55azguy]

Please do the walk thru. Also I got my trailer tires on line from tractor supply. Rim and tire and all aired up , were about $50.00 each pre-pandemic . You and your family have a save and prosperous New Year. Thxs for the video.

[@johnbratcher2516]

Would love to see a walk through and maybe how you wired the trailer up. Great job.

[@Kanddande]

Having used those cheaper ratchets a few times and having them fail, I always try to recommend the cargobuckles. The extra cost is well worth it in the long run

[@keithpowell2786]

Yes sir please do a full walk though

[@TKodiak]

Great looking trailer. Excellent mods. Thanks for all the ideas

[@jeannefanning3045]

Great video

[@ct026]

Happy New Year TJ. Kindest regards and best wishes from South Wales, (UK). I have lots of trailer parts kicking around waiting to be fabricated into a Kayak Trailer so thanks for the inspiration Brother. Best wishes to the family too. 👍🏻👊🏻

[@vtxdaryl]

Great job, hate to say it but I bought a trailer today made for a jet ski. Similar but I’m paying someone else to do what you’ve done. Great project that came out perfect.

[@derekblanchard4]

Your trailer is looking great man, you have some awesome mods on it. I need to send you pictures of mine that is done now. Hope you and your family had a great Christmas and enjoy the new year. Thanks again TJ

[@KayakUSA1]

Definitely send me pics! Thanks man, hope y’all have a great new year!!

[@BobBohner4851]

@@KayakUSA1 how do i send pics?

[@LuisHernandez-qf7fc]

Merry Christmas!

[@rodcar2166]

Your trailer looks super awesome. Cheap put together yourself trailer ( right on trailers ) $599. If I could send a picture of mine I would. That said, your walk through's are so helpful to many out here.

[@BassManStrikes]

Did you mod your right on trailer? I have one also and was thinking about doing some upgrades to it.

[@rodcar2166]

@@BassManStrikes I sure did. Got the rack put a luggage box on it. Put 12" brake lights, pod lights ran off their own batteries, under box lights, both on toggle switches. On off voltage meter. Few more things.

[@gregmelius3733]

I have those same tie downs on my roof rack I built for my Prescador and they are awesome. My roof rack actually followed this build except it goes on top of my Ranger and I built it this passed summer. You'll love them. Great choice. And yeah, I would like to see a final walk around.

[@jeannefanning3045]

Great idea with the pin on the ball mount. Could you drill behind the ball and install your own pin?

[@adamdyal2031]

I enjoyed watching your video on your trailer builds. I am starting to rebuild a 16’ trailer in the next couple weeks. I am looking forward to what you do to your golf cart. Hope you had a great Christmas and have a great new year.

[@brianrychetsky2377]

Merry Christmas! Nice build

[@steffenerfurth1431]

Let’s see a walk through brother!!!

[@SOLYB.]

Well done!

[@rudycorrea7926]

You always leave your kayak on top of the trailer, even if it is sitting for long periods, as the guarantee says not to store it on top of tubes

[@KayakUSA1]

Sure do, I’ve stored all my kayaks the same way and never had a single issue 👍🏼

[@tezzaskayakfishing]

Happy New Year TJ. Looking forward to more excellent content.

[@aidencameron1701]

Looks good, Merry Christmas

[@BobBohner4851]

Love your content. I’d like more info on the welder if ucan

[@LowellFrancisco]

I want to see the final walk through.

[@kkfromthe2056]

Merry Christmas Why not spray glue some carpet on the runners and not worry about scraping the kayak or the paint on the runners

[@danielandrews9767]

Awesome build and I appreciate all the ideas you are sharing. Looking to build one myself. I'll definitely be using some of your ideas. Well done!

[@MRashidichem]

Metal pipes do not flex enough to absorb the kayak load. You need to use pvc. Be careful peaple!

[@shaunacosta7793]

Merry Christmas TJ!!

[@dustinmcelreath5667]

Awesome video TJ. I have a custom built trailer to haul my pro angler and outback and I've been looking into those boat buckles for a while. I'll definitely look into those!

[@richardbrooks3229]

Great job and video. Do yo float your yak on and off. I was wondering about your ratchet straps get submerged. If so will they begin to fail.

[@KayakUSA1]

I do, but I think they will be just fine to get wet. They are made to be weathered. 👍🏼

[@EssentialOutdoors]

Great build, question what does the clearance between the PA 14 and the trailer frame need to be?

[@KayakUSA1]

My EMT runners are 6” off the trailer. 👍🏼

[@brenthobson4814]

Trailer looks great. One question though…. That coupler, does it set tight on the ball or does it move around and rattle? Thanks!

[@KayakUSA1]

Thanks, it sets tight just like a regular hitch. So far it’s been great! 🤙🏼

[@brianmcastocker4172]

Yes do the walk through

[@calsmith7476]

Did you mention the length of the trailer, from hitch coupler to back of trailer?

[@Swimbait_addiction]

Awesome tips. I have an old tilt boat trailer I plan on modifying but I want to put 2 yaks on it. Not sure why it wouldn't work. I will definitely be using some of your ideas. One is an Old Town Sportsman 136 and the new one is an Acsend 133 So they will need different measurements but looks pretty easy. Awesome video.

[@jackstein5486]

Is that 11” of space in between the EMT pipes or a total of 11” including the thickness of the pipe?

[@KayakUSA1]

11” on center 👍🏼

[@philborchelt5396]

Defintely a nice job, but a Harbor Freight trailer, 2 pieces of PVC, and an extended tongue and I'm done for about $200. One afternoon.

[@russhood6747]

I have a Bonified SS107 and when I contacted Bonified they stated. That a round pvc conduit would damage the scupper holes so, I was wondering about your EMT launch rails. Have had any damage to your kayak? I went sealed 2x4 so I hope this works ok.

[@donaldferris1638]

Thanks love DIY stuff and the gear info and where you got it from

[@jeffhawkins900]

Curious what total length is ?

[@ArbitraryLifestyle]

The reason for using PVC for bunks is that it bends to the shape of the kayak. People started buying 3" and even 3.5" PVC, but that shit doesn't bend. Ideally you want both ends of the PVC to have a spacer (washers typically work well) so that the middle can sag with the weight of the kayak therefore supporting more of the kayak. With stiff bunks you are strapping down your kayak down to a straight/flat surface.

[@billebobeatup5262]

It's a nice trailer, what's the fastest you can go with the trailer tires though?

[@tazstorm8374]

Please show the walk through of the finished small trailer.

[@ROgletree]

As usual that looks good. I know it’s not a lot of weight but do you worry about those small tires at highway speed? Even 12” seems kinda small.

[@bobcrispycritterrv2706]

Could have done a couple of "plug welds" on the outer end and grounded them smooth. IMO, that area not welded can offer stress to the rear area where you "welded the crap" out of it. Just saying.

[@figueroa2191]

If your on a hill using that bolt instead of the latch would it be the same situation if pressure is on it?

[@joeortiz2992]

Will the metal pipe damage the kayak while in transit?