Can The Malone LowBed Kayak Trailer Use The Retractable Tongue Kit # MPG494

Updated 11/17/2025 | Published 12/26/2024

Products Featured in This Question

Malone LowBed MicroSport Trailer for 2 Heavy Kayaks - 7' Bunks - 800 lbs

(38)

$2769.30

Malone MicroSportXT Trailer - 78" Crossbars - Retractable Tongue - 800 lbs

(118)

$2598.30

Retractable Tongue Kit for Malone MicroSport Trailers

(18)

$215.95

Question:

I have sort of a weird question. I am interested in the Malone Low Bed kayak trailer MAL25FR with the 7inch bunks, however Im wondering if I would be able to convert it into kind of a hybrid by purchasing the retractable tongue kit MPG494 for the trailer and then slide the bunks forward enough on crossbars so the trailer can be stored vertically like the Microsport XT MPG460XT? Maybe I could also purchase the rubber pads for the rear frame? Or conversely, could the Microsport XT be converted to a low bed trailer with the bunks? If you have a solution, please include all needed part numbers, Hopefully I didnt stump the band, but I have faith in you all! : Thanks,

asked by: Russ C

Expert Reply:

Hey Russ,

The only difference between the LowBed MicroSport # MAL25FR and MicroSportXT # MPG460XT is the load bar support beams. The beams are longer for the XT giving it a taller height, whereas the low bed has shorter supports. You'd be able to use the Retractable Tongue Kit for Malone MicroSport Trailers # MPG494 on the LowBed # MAL25FR, but we don't currently offer the shorter support tubes to convert the MicroSportXT # MPG460XT to a LowBed model. Since these just clamp on you could reach out to Malone for the supports and swap them out if you'd like to go that route.

If you want to store the LowBed vertically you would likely need to push the bunks forward enough so they wouldn't hit the ground and block you from lifting it further. The mounting brackets for the bunks are screwed into the bunks so it might be more of a hassle for you though to unscrew and the bunks every time.

expert reply by: Kevin C

Jon G.

11/17/2025

Hey Russ, how did things go with the Malone LowBed trailer and the retractable tongue kit? Were you able to adjust the bunks forward enough to store it vertically? Your update could make it easier for others trying to do the same conversion.

Russ C.

11/17/2025

@JonG Yes I did move the bunks forward enough to store the trailer vertically. To aid the situation a bit, I also land the bumpers on two 6" X 6" wooden blocks that lift it a little higher yet and it all works fantastically for me. There is no option here to attach photos or I would have.