Converting a Kayak Trailer w/ Bunks to Crossbars
Updated 07/22/2025 | Published 07/10/2025
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
We have a kayak trailer with 2 x 4 carpeted bunks to mount the kayak holders J cradles. We have never liked this set up as the cradles don’t fit well on the bunks, I am thinking of replacing the bunks with standard roof rack cross bars. Do you think it would work to use square 2.5” u bolts 2 per upright so 8 total to attach the cross bars to the upright towers on the trailer that currently support the bunks?
asked by: Tricia
(click to enlarge)
(click to enlarge)
(click to enlarge)
Expert Reply:
Hey Tricia, thanks for the pictures. I definitely think that would work. You're not far off from how the Malone EcoLight Sport Trailer item # MAL43FR is setup with what you're describing.
Are the bolt holes on the uprights spaced 2-1/2" apart? Our 2" Square U-Bolts item # SP01-160 fit bolt holes spaced 2-5/8" apart and require a hole 9/16" in diameter. These are designed for 2" square axles so they'll definitely lock down a set of square bars like the 79" Inno item # IN436L you were looking at.
Who manufactured your trailer?
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Inno Square Crossbars - Steel - Black - 71" Long - Qty 2
- Accessories and Parts
- Roof Rack
- Crossbars
- 71 Inch Bar Space
- Square Bars
- 2 Bars
- Inno
more information >
Continue Researching
- Shop: Roof Rack
- Shop: 2" Square Trailer U-Bolt (Qty 2)
- Q&A: Compatibility of Round Cargo Box U-Bolts with Square Roof Rack Crossbars
- Q&A: Longer U-Bolts to Mount Roof Cargo Box to Tall Crossbars
- Q&A: Can I Put Two Malone SeaWing Kayak Carriers On My Roof?
- Shop: Buyers Products RV Bumper Receiver Hitch
- Shop: Inno Square Crossbars - Steel - Black - 79" Long - Qty 2
- Shop: CE Smith Single Axle Trailer Fenders w/ Top and Side Steps - Black Plastic - 14" Wheels - Qty 2
- Shop: Universal Side Mounting Bracket for Front Runner Pro Water Tank - 5.3 Gallon
- Shop: Replacement QM3 - Quick Mount Hardware - for Adventurer Cargo Box
- Shop: Pioneer Platform Mounting Kit for Rhino-Rack Heavy-Duty Crossbars
- Search Results: malone downloader
- Search Results: kayak lift assist
- Q&A: Could Malone Crossbar kit part # MPG4001 Attach to Side Rails of Utility Trailer
- Q&A: 4" Long U-Bolts That Will Fit The Malone Crossbar Conversion Kit # MPG475
- Q&A: Can Tow Malone SeaWings Be Mounted Side-By-Side To Haul Two Kayaks On A 2018 Toyota 4Runner
- Q&A: Will Malone SeaWing Kayak Carrier Work With Flat-Bottomed Kayak
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Video: Clean Up Your Trailer Wiring
- Search Results: trailer wiring
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Video: Curt Mounting Bracket for 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector Review
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Search Results: trailer leaf springs
- Search Results: trailer lights
- Shop: Brake Controller
on Accessories and Parts
Tricia
7/18/2025
Thank you! This is very helpful. Our kayak was made by “Kayak Kayak” in Holland Michigan. I believe they no longer make trailers and are now focused entirely on their rental business.