Profile

The Kayak Kaboose is a galvanized, welded, tubular steel trailer intended for transporting up to four kayaks. It appears to be a modified version of the Genesis model KC1000 canoe/kayak trailer built to the specifications of seller/dealer Kayak-Kayak LLC. Unlike the KC1000 which uses 2 or 3 (depending on version) crossarms supported on 2 vertical masts to hold the boats, the Kayak Kaboose uses 2 transverse wooden bunks to support up to 4 pairs of J-cradles to hold the kayaks. The bunks are held above the trailer frame by short vertical masts.

Although the frame is welded, the bunk masts, J-cradles, and other accessories (more on these below) are attached by brackets that are bolted around the tubular frame. This construction allows the components to be adjusted or repositioned to suit the load being carried. The bolts are quite substantial and the nuts have integrated plastic retainers, so stability and loss shouldn't be an issue. Other nice touches that suggest longevity and/or attention to detail include galvanized fenders, grease fittings on the bearings, and 12-inch wheels.

Optional accessories include a spare tire with tongue bracket, pivot-away tongue jack, a third bunk for longer kayaks, and steel baskets for holding tote boxes or similar on-trailer storage.

Where this trailer really excels is the aspect of value. I purchased a trailer with 2 pairs of J-cradles, spare tire, jack, third bunk, extended tongue, and a clever bicycle rack mounted on the tongue (yes, carry up to 4 kayaks plus up to 4 bikes) for less than $1700, including MI sales tax.

The manufacturer's statement indicates the trailer weighs 215 pounds, with a gross weight rating of 900 pounds. I suspect the stated weight is for the frame only, without accessories, but I don't know whether the weight of the first two bunks is included because these are integral to the trailer's function. Nonetheless, the available weight capacity (boats and other cargo) should still be well over 500 pounds.

In use, the trailer has worked well. With the third bunk, sea kayaks around 17 feet long are quite secure, far more so than on a rooftop carrier system. The aft bunk is positioned within a few inches of the end of the trailer, so the kayaks do extend a few feet beyond the end of the trailer (we flag both boats). Towing with a Subaru Forester at 70mph has been uneventful--no swaying, pitching, or bucking--even with strong head and cross winds.

Manufacturing of the Kayak Kaboose is done on an as-needed basis after payment is received by Kayak-Kayak. I picked up mine from Kayak-Kayak's retail location in Holland, Michigan, in under two weeks after I placed my order.

Overall, I'm very pleased with the kayak and recommend it at this time.