I just got a 10 hp motor for my 14 ft jon boat and I am looking to start catfishing on some lakes/rivers around me. Does anyone have any advice on purchasing a cheap trailer that will get the job done? In the meantime, could I safely transport the boat/motor strapped into the bed of my truck?

Strap it, put a red flag on it. We did that for years without issues. I'm not sure if the law has changed, so you may want to check that

I use this one on my 15 footer and it does well, I have had no issues.

https://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/mcclain-14-17-single-axle-aluminum-jon-boat-trailer

If out of budget you could probably find a similar one used on Craigslist for $300 or so, a 14 footer with 10 horse motor would be a PIA and too much for my old fat butt to haul in/out of a pickup regularly

Thanks for the info!

Stay away from Harbor Freight! Go to Academy and get one of those trailers. They're pretty good: