Great Outdoor Blog

Yakima Rack and Roll Recreational Utility Trailer

Rack and Roll Trailers were recently purchased by Yakima and this is great news!

Sometimes a roof rack just isn’t practical. The Yakima Rack and Roll Recreational Utility Trailer rolls smoothly with smaller loads. The smooth ride comes from the motorcycle shocks and the larger 16″ alloy wheels. This is definitely not your standard, galvanized steel utility trailer with Yakima racks. This trailer has been specifically designed for outdoor recreational equipment. Compatible with both square and Yakima attachments, your kayak stackers and bike mounts are ready for use. Check out some of the advantages of using this trailer:

  • Lightweight, Telescoping Frame with Foldable Wheels can be easily stored when not in use
  • Independent Suspension with 4” of travel offers Smooth Ride, especially for lighter loads such as Canoes and Kayaks
  • More Aerodynamic than a utility trailer
  • Tongue handle and large 16″ alloy wheels allows the trailer to be easily pushed or pulled when fully loaded
  • A trailer is much easier to load than cartopping on a roof rack
  • Locking Levers with Keys for theft deterrence

The Construction of the Yakima Rack and Roll Trailer is top notch:

  • Anodized Aluminum 6063 Frame
  • Stainless Steel Tongue and Wheel Pins
  • Zinc Plated Steel Tongue Coupler and Fasteners
  • Oil Filled Shocks
  • Cast Aluminum Wheels, highly polished

Trailers are only sold at one of our Certified Trailer Shops:
RaleighCharlotteGreenvilleWilmington

The above shops have showroom space for trailers and are experienced with trailer assembly and registration with the DMV.

The following Yakima Rack and Roll Trailers and Accessories are available as an in-stock item or as a special order at one of our Certified Trailer Shops: (price is Item MSRP)

  • Rack and Roll 66” Trailer – $2149
  • Rack and Roll 78” Trailer – $2299
  • Tongue Extension Kit – $179
  • Heavy-Duty Shocks – $119
  • 78” Cross Member Kit – $390
  • Safety Pole and Clip – $29
  • Kickstand – $49
  • Spare Tire – $189

Please contact one of our Certified Trailer Shops for current MULEteam package pricing and availability on any of the above items.

rackandroll_parts.jpg

Rack and Roll Trailer Frequently Asked Questions

What is the weight of the empty trailer and what is the load capacity?
The 66” Trailer weighs 150 lbs and has a 250 lbs load capacity. The 78” Trailer weighs 160 lbs and also has a 250 lbs capacity; however, the 78” trailer can be upgraded to a 300 lbs with the addition of the Heavy-Duty Shocks.

What is the width and length of the trailer?
The Crossbars of the 66” Trailer are 66” wide. The 66″ Trailer itself is 64” wide from fender to fender outside. The Crossbars of the 78” Trailer are 78” wide. The 78 Trailer itself is 77” wide from fender to fender outside. We do not recommend installing 78” wide Crossbars on the 66″ Model for safety and performance reasons. However, the 66” Trailer can be converted to a 78” Trailer with the optional 78” Crossmember Kit. Both trailers are eleven feet long. The tongue extension kit adds 3 feet to the length. Note: The tongue can be easily removed for storing the six feet long trailer chassis in an upright position.

What is the optimal tongue height when towing properly (ball and hitch need to be this height for a level tow)?
Ideally, the top of the ball should be installed 22” above the ground for a perfectly level tongue and trailer.

Will I need to purchase the optional Tongue Extension Kit?
The standard tongue typically allows proper clearance for a single 17 ft. boat carried at the center or two 16 ft. boats carried side by side. The tongue extension kit makes the standard tongue longer and will allow you to carry up to a single 22 ft. boat at the center or two 21 ft. boats side by side, depending on the vehicle hitch and boat positions.

What size ball do I need for towing? 1 7/8”

What type of electrical connection is required?
Standard, Flat-4 type black rubber connection. The tow vehicle’s Flat-4 should have 1 male pin (the exposed ground connection), and 3 covered female connections (live circuits for stop, turn, and running lights). The Trailer’s Flat-4 has 3 male pins and one female – to match the vehicle’s live Flat-4. The electrical load on your vehicle will be approximately 9 amps at 12V DC.

How does the trailer perform on the highway?
Beautifully and smoothly. Yakima RACKandROLL Trailers are DOT-certified for interstate speeds and are regulated by the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) and the FMVSSA (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards Act). The RACKandROLL Trailer features fully independent adjustable suspension with 4” of wheel travel – about twice that of standard trailers. More wheel travel means a greater ability to cushion your precious cargo. The motorcycle shocks are designed for up to 250 pounds of gear (or up to 300 lbs with the 78” Trailer and optional Heavy-Duty Shocks), reducing the chance of “going airborne” over bumps, a notorious problem with normal trailers.

With a properly balanced and secured load that does not exceed stated load capacity, you will experience outstanding stability and lack of vibration at highway speeds. As with all towing, drivers should allow for the trailer’s extra length and weight and maintain adequate clearance when changing lanes and be prepared to reduce speed to suit weather and road conditions.

Will I need to purchase the Heavy-Duty Shocks?
Only if you plan to carry loads on the 78” Trailer that regularly exceed 200 lbs and approach 300 lbs. Heavy-Duty shocks should never be used on the 66” Trailer. Heavy-Duty Shocks are also not recommended for light loads as the trailer suspension will feel more “stiff” at highway speeds.

Will I need to purchase the optional Spare Tire?
We highly recommend the Spare Tire. You would not want to drive a car without a spare tire so why tow a trailer without a spare? This is especially true considering your odds of finding a suitable spare tire for the trailer is going to be pretty low when you really need it. Besides, the Spare Tire mounts discreetly under the frame and takes up no usable storage space.

Will I need to purchase the optional Kickstand?
The Kickstand is not necessary as a properly loaded trailer is balanced enough to make moving the trailer around by hand fairly easy. However, the Kickstand will make life easier if you want to leave the trailer unhitched from your vehicle for any length of time (otherwise, you will have to improvise a stable, sturdy surface to rest the tongue). You should avoid resting the tongue coupler directly on the pavement.

Are the loadbars compatible with Thule, Yakima, and Malone products?
The load bars are compatible with the above products. The Rack and Roll Trailer load bars are standard 1 1/8” Yakima round bars.

How do I become a Great Outdoor Provision Co. MULEteam member?
Joining is free and you are entitled to some great benefits. Visit this link to learn more

Can the Rack and Roll trailer package ship via UPS or FedEx? How many boxes should I expect?
Yes. The package will include 5 boxes (1 box for the frame, 1 box for the bars, 1 box for the wheels/tires, 1 box for the Spare Tire, and 1 box for the Kickstand). Call or email one of our Certified Trailer Shops for exact shipping fees and availability. Visit our store locator for contact info (only one of our Certified Trailer Shops can assist with trailer purchases).

What paperwork will I need to register my new trailer for highway use?
This varies from state to state; however, in NC you will need a Bill of Sale (receipt of purchase) and a Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin (this needs to be signed by the dealer or manufacturer and in most cases also notarized). You should visit you state’s DMV website for more details. Let us know what you discover and experience at your local DMV.

© 2010 Great Outdoor Provision Co. All Rights Reserved. Contact Us
Member of the Grassroots Outdoor Alliance. Site best viewed with Firefox
EXPLORE GLOBAL. SHOP LOCAL. Charlotte - Winston-Salem - Greensboro - Chapel Hill - Raleigh - Greenville - Wilmington