The Redfish Wagon

[revredfish]

Here are some picts of the new trailer in progress. Soon to be completed!

[revredfish]

here are some more shots

Still need to add lights, some side boards to keep mud splash off from tires, considering whether to install any kind of a floor

[GreenWave]

What type of trailer did you start with? Harbor Freight?

[revredfish]

Home built circa 1960's. A member of my church gave it to me and is doing the work. He has visions of rod boxes and everything - I'm working towards simplicity. Wish I had pictures of the original the difference is pretty dramatic.

[GreenWave]

Looks great so far.

[Branch_Office]

Rev, looking real good. Keep us posted on additional progress. Thanks again.

[theoldcaster]

Do I need to store that thing for you while you are in India?

[derrelt]

Looking good, Rev. I'm guessing the lower rails are for your Big Game.

[revredfish]

Looking good, Rev. I'm guessing the lower rails are for your Big Game.
Exactly - we had all kinds of fancy dreams until we remembered that half the time or more I'd be fishing one kayak.

Oldcaster - that's assuming it is finished by then. but in theory - of course.

Still have to attach more boards, tie downs hooks, lights, get it road legal, get the statetroopers to certifiy it (homemade trailer), register that puppy.

[Hobie1Kenobie]

Nice job. The red is a good touch. 100% better than when I first saw it. Dramatic difference indeed. Where are you going to put the rod boxes? Outboard of the "cradles"?

[revredfish]

I"m still not sold on the rod boxes but if we do them - outside over the fenders. I just can't bring myself to load my rods sticking straight up in the air - so he may talk me back into them.

Yeah this model is much more functional and has room to grow as I get used to it.

[revredfish]

Getting very close to completion. Had to raise the running boards, add a board down the middle for dragging, new lights are on, tie downs are all going in place.

This thing is looking sweet

[Hobie1Kenobie]

At that rate it should be finished before your trip. No more lifting the yak to put it on top of the Xterra. Sweeeet.

[revredfish]

You are my inspiration! Actually getting the free trailer was my inspiration. I think the idea of working on yours was the inspiration for the gift though.

so Thank you!

[Hobie1Kenobie]

It's all good brother. Just sorry I am not home to help work on it. Free usually has a positive effect on motivation. The term kickstart comes to mind.

[Psycho Joe]

Getting very close to completion. Had to raise the running boards, add a board down the middle for dragging, new lights are on, tie downs are all going in place.

This thing is looking sweet

I edited your photo. Is it possible to hang your rods running the length of your trailer in the areas indicated by the green arrows?

[revredfish]

That is one of the ideas we are toying with. Either there or on the exterior.

I was also thinking about running a board down that stretch for additional storage space, I could just strap things down real tight and get them out of the Xterra which gets a little "gamey" after I do a 3 day retreat.

[Hobie1Kenobie]

I'm sure you have thought of this but what are you going to do for anchor points? I am sure you will ratchet strap the kayak's.

[Where Y'ak?]

I have been tying down my kayaks on my trailer with two simple cam straps from Malone. They come in various lengths and can be ordered from Amazon. I have stainless eye bolts on the trailer and simply double pass the cam straps through the eye bolts and over the yaks. With one forward and one aft, the yaks can't move forward or back because they get wider in each direction.

I've used these now at up to 80 mph on the interstate with no problems. I used to be a freak about tying stuff down and had ropes and straps all over. However, these simple and secure straps have proven that they hold tight and are quick and easy to use.

[yak-aholic]

I also find these to be really effective and easy to use. They can sometimes be found at Wally World on the same aisle as ratchet straps and cambuckle tie-downs. I originally found out about them when they were included in the roof-top tie down kit that came with my dad's OK Prowler Trident for fore and aft tie downs to the bumpers.

***EDIT***

forgot to add the link

http://www.roperatchet.com/

[revredfish]

I have been tying down my kayaks on my trailer with two simple cam straps from Malone. They come in various lengths and can be ordered from Amazon. I have stainless eye bolts on the trailer and simply double pass the cam straps through the eye bolts and over the yaks. With one forward and one aft, the yaks can't move forward or back because they get wider in each direction.

I've used these now at up to 80 mph on the interstate with no problems. I used to be a freak about tying stuff down and had ropes and straps all over. However, these simple and secure straps have proven that they hold tight and are quick and easy to use.

Similar planning here.

I'll put pictures next time but I've in essences put tie down loops on the four corners of the trailer and one on each side of the trailer in the middles.

Cam straps will go around the yaks (through the handles) around the boards and through the strap loops. very firm.

then each yak will have a bungee going from the front and rear to one of the four corners of the trailer. In fact the prowler will have four bungees and a cam strap (wrapped around a frame cross bar). I may cut down the cam straps for a custom fit for the ends of the yaks - but that would be over kill. It is going to be a nice firm ride without being too much trouble.

I also still have to put carpet on all the contact points but that is not a high priority right now.

[Psycho Joe]

I don't trust bungees!

[bigredbobber]

That is one nice rig, Rev. Could you show what it looked like when you started? I'd like to see the modifications you made by welding or relocating/removing the iron. That thing looks like it was pro painted, too. Definitely, good inspiration.:)

[revredfish]

I don't trust bungees! then don't. :biggrin:

In this case the bungees are there for secondary support and that's about it. Just my personal experience: I've never had a bungee fail on me but I've had straps slip (the kayak was nearly a total loss).:spin:

[revredfish]

That is one nice rig, Rev. Could you show what it looked like when you started? I'd like to see the modifications you made by welding or relocating/removing the iron. That thing looks like it was pro painted, too. Definitely, good inspiration.:)

sorry didn't get the early shots. It was originally panelled and enclosed with plywood. The only alterations were to remeove all the plywood and cut off one piece of metal where the prowler sticks through the front end. Those were the major deletions.

Yes we chiped, sanded, scraped and then it was painted with a paint gun - primer, and rustoleum safety red. Paint job was actually done by a teenager!

Thanks for the possitive feedback - I couldn't have done much of this on my own.

Also we will be adding galvinized rims soon.

[Where Y'ak?]

Here's a couple pics of mine with the straps in place. Only missing one extra Hobie!

[revredfish]

show off!:kiss:

That may be the only trailer I've seen that has made me a little jealous. Course mine is about half the size. And the price is really hard to beat. :yes:

so there:lol:

[Where Y'ak?]

No showing off, just hoping others can get ideas. I like your's too, it's just that I needed a trailer for multiple purposes like carrying my yaks, a 4-wheeler, trash, furniture, etc. With two power boats and an enclosed utility trailer already, it was pretty hard to convince the wife that I needed an open utility trailer too. However, somehow I did it and she actually likes the new trailer. Your's is half the size and I'm sure a lot less than half the cost! Good job.

[revredfish]

Just teasing man. I love yours too. And it is great to have them in the same place so people can see the range of options out there.

There is a caveat to the cost on mine - you would be surprised how quickly you can drop $150 on simple parts like wood, bolts, paint, masks, sandpaper, etc. Add in LED lights, some carpet, tie downs, and some other "luxury items" that cost iwll sail upward fast. So if you are shooting for really cheap keep it really simple.