I don’t know why I didn’t do this before. I shifted over the crossbars that are parallel to the axle and mounted the rod box.

 

There’s enough space to fully open the rod box and it still doesn’t bump into the kayak when it’s on the trailer.

 

The kayak and bunks are still centered on trailer.

 

Yesterday was my first launch with this setup and there were no issues. Perhaps more important, when I got back to the ramp the wind was blowing 15-20 mph and the added Yakima box didn’t cause any issues.

 

I do need to put some reflective tape on it for safety. With it off the roof of my Bronco, fuel mileage is where it should be for pulling the trailer. When the rod box was on the roof it killed my gas mileage.

Excellent. Easier access and better gas mileage. 

Much better access. Does the end of the box go in the water when launching? No water intrusion?

@Kayak Koz - how do you like that little trailer? 

4 hours ago, Motoboss said:

Much better access. Does the end of the box go in the water when launching? No water intrusion?

 

I was on a steep ramp this weekend and it didn't touch the water. Even if it did, the Yakima rod box is designed with drain holes to remove any water that gets in there.

 

While there is plenty of clearance to load the kayak from the water, I imagine I'll have to make sure I don't get careless and slam the kayak into the box When I have the kayak connected to my winch strap and line it up on the bunks.

2 hours ago, Smirak said:

@Kayak Koz - how do you like that little trailer? 

 

While I would prefer something like the Fish TX or the On The Water Innovations trailers, I don't want to spend $4k - $8k for a trailer. With that, my modified Malone trailer works well.

 

Aside from moving the crossbars to accommodate the rod box, I added a winch and changed over to wide 10" tires rather than the skinny 8" tires it came with.

 

The carpeted bunks it came with are kind of flimsy and have warped, but they work. I prefer the carpeted bunks to the PVC because they hold the kayak to the trailer better. The downside is you have to push a bit harder to get the kayak into the water.

 

Because the trailer is so short, I also added a tongue extender. That makes it easier to back up.

 

I will say that although the rod box sticks out 2-3 inches from the side of my vehicle, I like the height of the box. When it was on the roof, I had to travel with a step ladder. Even if it was mounted above the height of the kayak, it would be a pain to access. I will probably move it an inch or so closer to the kayak.

 

I just made a 430 mile round trip through winding, country roads this weekend and the box did not move at all. My Sniper Pole FFS mounting plate was another story. I met @FryDog62 at Hartwell this weekend, and sadly found that out when I went to mount my Sniper Pole. I hope they will sell me that plate separately, but I have a feeling that it's going to cost me.

Very nice. I bet you can see to back up better too. Do you get your feet wet when you launch?

 

Does the fishfinder size and height get in the way of your casting or standing up flipping?

13 hours ago, Sethshaun said:

Very nice. I bet you can see to back up better too. Do you get your feet wet when you launch?

 

Does the fishfinder size and height get in the way of your casting or standing up flipping?

I cheat when backing up - I open the hatch and then look over my shoulder old school. The backup camera messes me up with the trailer.

 

With the extended tongue my Bronco doesn’t enter the water. I do climb on my trailer to launch it, but that’s because I don’t want a big splash. I push it off gently. My feet get wet, but in cold weather or cold water I wear Muck boots.

 

My fishfinders are 9” and 7” plus the hoods. Much to my surprise, they don’t get in the way sitting or standing. In fact, they were in my way when I had them on the rail. Part of that is that on an AP120 the gear track is far forward. On my old kayak, the track ran all the way up to the seat so they were fine on the rail.

Can explain what you mean about shifting the cross bars? I'm having trouble visualizing it.

5 hours ago, Crow Horse said:

Can explain what you mean about shifting the cross bars? I'm having trouble visualizing it.

See the picture below. I circled the crossbars in red.

 

I loosened the brackets (blue oval) and slid the crossbar until the right end of it was nearly flush with the bracket. This left it sticking out further on the left side of the trailer so I could use those crossbars to mount the Yakima rod box.

 

I then had to re-center the bunks down the midline of my trailer to align it with my winch.

 

 

How is it towing being that the rod case extends out farther? 

10 minutes ago, Crow Horse said:

How is it towing being that the rod case extends out farther? 

 

My kayak extends a little over a foot further than the rod box. I could easily move the rod box up further with no issues, but it looks better centered on the trailer.

 

Because the rod box is black, I am going to add some reflective tape to the side and back of it so it's easier to see. I should probably also add a safety flag to the back of my kayak.

 

Overall, since changing from the stock 8" tires to the much wider 10" tires the trailer rides a lot smoother.

I wasn't clear with my question. Because the case extends out farther on the driver's side, is that a concern while driving?

 

I just ordered the 10" tires for my Malone trailer. I also got new fenders that are a little wider than the originals. I have everything except warm weather to do the changeover.  I have GoPro mounts to mount a camera on the trailer itself to video 8" tires, then 10" tires, and finally 10" tires with balance beads. It'll be interesting to see if the balance beads make a difference visually.

 

 

 

4 minutes ago, Crow Horse said:

I wasn't clear with my question. Because the case extends out farther on the driver's side, is that a concern while driving?

 

I just ordered the 10" tires for my Malone trailer. I also got new fenders that are a little wider than the originals. I have everything except warm weather to do the changeover.  I have GoPro mounts to mount a camera on the trailer itself to video 8" tires, then 10" tires, and finally 10" tires with balance beads. It'll be interesting to see if the balance beads make a difference visually.

 

 

 

 

The angle on my photos is a bit misleading and in the Bronco and trailer are not in a straight line. In actuality, it sticks out maybe a few inches and that wasn't a problem at all. 

 

There's actually room to bring it an inch or two closer to my kayak and still fully open the box and I will probably do just that. But with it being the first time I tried that setup, I wanted to give myself a little more clearance when loading the kayak back on the trailer at the dock.

 

You're going to like the 10" tires, although I will say that it took a trip or two for me to get used to the new feel.

 

In my opinion, my Malone Ecolight is a slightly step above a basic trailer, but with the mods I did to it I am more than happy with it and what I spent is a lot cheaper than those more expensive, purpose built trailers. Granted, it's not as beefy as those, but it suits my needs at the moment.