I found these pics over on another forum. I can't decide how I feel about the PVC supporting the weight long term. What do you'all think? It would work really well on my trailer, tho.

I like the overall idea but like you I don't know about the PVC supporting weight like that for a long term.

With all the bouncing going on I would tend to think it would crack.

I would prefer to go ahead and build it right and be done with it.

BigDozer66

I would worry about the PVC cracking as well. It gets especially brittle in colder weather.

I wouldnt want my investment bouncing down the road on pvc. PVC dosnt take the weather to well.

Im out, PVC gonna fail. That trailer would be fine for short distances IMO(like 1/4 mile). Lets say PVC breaks now kayaks get destroyed or damaged. That cost of a that happening way exceeds doing it right the first time. just my 2 cents.

I would think my insurance agent would laugh in my face if I lost my pro angler due to hauling it on a rig like that.

I would be worried in freezing temps and with much weight.

And plus, where' are you going to mount your speakers?

Between the PVC, huge tires, and heavily sprung trailer, that poor soul and his kayaks are headed for disaster.

Pure unadulterated Darwinism at work!

Josh is rite. No room for speakers!

For about the same price you would be a lot more secure with some aluminum fence top rail tubing. Just make you a bender with some scrap wood.

Although it would be heavy... maybe making it outnofnblack pipe would work.

I'll prolly just go with a wooden box with two yak cradles so that I can store stuff in it. This PVC idea is cool, but I just can't believe it'll hold up.

I'll take the other side, if you used something thick walled, 4" or bigger and had your yak tied down tight where it's not bouncing on the rack I think it'd work. I'd be concerned how you attach it to the trailer. I've seen several kayak trailers that use 2 6" sections as bunks with no problems. The only thing I don't like about the one pictured is the 4 peices hanging out on the sides. If its all I had I'd use it, if I had a choice I'd make it out of metal, something very simple, and maybe mount those Yakami sp yak holders to it.

All polymers degrade over time. Cold weather, as many have indicated, will make it degrade faster. UV light will make it degrade faster than cold weather. I rarely kayak in freezing temps anyways, and I question the sanity of those who do.

It looks like it is made from 2" schedule 40 PVC. With all the elements wearing on it, it should still hold up for a few years. Put something over the PVC, like pool noodles, to block the UV light and pad the kayaks. Obviously steel square tubing is better, but this PVC design should work for a few years.

You should travel with as little weight inside and on top of your yak as possible, no matter what.

I am quite sane. I fish in freezing temps because that is when the biggest fishing are easiest to catch. It is just simple logic, not insanity.

And as far as the trailer goes, I still say some aluminum top rail would be the way to go. Strong enough, light enough, and galvanized.