Canoe Trailers: Where to Buy and DIY
3-minute read
Do you have two or more canoes you need to transport? You can either buy a canoe trailer or build one yourself. Here are some ideas…
Even with just two canoes, loading them onto a trailer may be a better option for you than putting them up on your vehicle’s roof. It’s easier to get them on and tie them down when your feet can stay on the ground!
If you have more than two canoes, you definitely need a trailer. We don’t advise this method (found on Pinterest):
What to Look For in a Canoe Trailer
You want a canoe trailer that’s solidly built and has enough “slots” for the number of canoes you have or want to transport.
The most basic type is one like this Genesis 4-place trailer that simply has the frame to tie on four canoes:
4-place canoe trailer by Genesis
It’s super handy to have the canoe racks built over a box with walls, though. Then you can store your PFDs, paddles and other gear in the trailer rather than in your vehicle when you travel. Here’s an example:
4-place canoe trailer with storage box by Remackel Trailers
Here’s a manufacturer that has optional secured steel boxes on their canoe trailers:
A 4-place canoe trailer with secure steel storage boxes by North Woods Sport Trailers
You’ll find trailers like these two examples capable of holding up to eight canoes.
Where to Buy a Canoe Trailer
These days it’s easier than ever to find a canoe trailer that fits your budget and needs. Do an online search to find a manufacturer and/or retailer in your area.
There’s always the chance you can find a used one that’s in good shape through online sources like Facebook Marketplace and Ebay. Or if there are outfitters in your area, see if they’re upgrading their fleet and selling off their older models.
Here’s a pretty thorough list of US manufacturers of multi-canoe trailers along with reviews from our friends at Paddling.com.
Want to Build one Yourself?
Maybe you already have a trailer and can adapt it for canoes. Or you love projects. Or your budget is tight and you want to go the economic route. Building your own canoe trailer is an option.
This page on YouTube offers a handful of videos that show how individuals built or adapted their own trailer to haul canoes.
And here are a few online articles about DIY canoe trailers:
- Sky Above Us: “Home-Built Canoe or Kayak Trailer”
- Rapids Riders Sports: “How to Build Your Own Canoe Trailer”
- SailingSmartly: “How to Build a Canoe Trailer All by Yourself” (the author even lists materials in this article)
If you already own a trailer and want an easy solution to adapt it to haul two or more canoes, there are kits available for that, too:
- Oak Orchard Canoe Kayak Experts offers an 18-piece trailer conversion kit.
- Com-Fab Trailers offers a canoe/kayak trailer kit that adds the crossbeams (up to 6 canoes) to an existing trailer.
- Castle Craft also offers various ways to adapt your existing trailer to carry multiples canoes.
A canoe trailer is a wonderful investment for active canoeists who regularly haul two or more boats. When it’s built well and treated well, a trailer can safely and easily transport your canoes for decades.
(Photo courtesy of Forged from the Wild)
Do you have paddle questions our friendly Customer Service Team can help you with today? Contact them: 715-755-3405 • [email protected]
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