loading kayaks on the De Anza trailer

The trailer is 22' long (including the tongue) by 108 inches wide.

The trailer will fit all ten tandem kayaks and a canoe as well. On the trip pictured below we had some no-shows so we only unloaded and used nine of the kayaks, and there was one on top as we started the reloading.

The trailer has a built-in metal padlocked box big enough for the paddles and at least some of the lifejackets. Start by putting the paddles and not-too-wet lifejackets in the bin first. (Or on some trips we pack the lifejackets in the ends of the kayaks.)

Load from the top down so you can stand below the top ones more easily as you put them on.

A strong man might think he can lift one on by himself, but it's just not safe. We prefer to have three or four people under each as they are lifted up on the trailer.

And when they are all on, they are lashed and locked on.

The kayak strapping needs to be double-checked after they are put on. If one were to come loose on the road it could do a great deal of damage to another vehicle or even cause an accident resulting in death.

Descriptions of trips we take these kayaks on are at:

Grand Tetons kayaking

Tahoe trip

Tuolumne trip

BIG HINTS FOR KAYAK TRAILER TOW VEHICLES AND DRIVERS are at: Kayaks (and trailer) use

Road trip advice and etiquette

You might also want to read How to not collide with a deer, Safe driving in rain and fog, Prepare for winter driving and/or Snow chain rentals.

Prepare for winter driving has a link to bad weather driving tips, tips for using tire chains, tricks for dealing with frozen car locks, how to prepare your vehicle for winter driving, a winter survival kit for your car and what to do if you get stranded.

see also: wildlife jams