How would I do this?

Mark W

Well-known member
I have a kayak cart that has worked fairly well over the years. With the changing landscape of where I hunt, I plan to haul either of my kayaks quite a bit more this season. The areas where I'll be dragging the kayak are not even ground which makes my current carrier tippy.

The one I have is solid but I want to make the wheelbase wider. The axel is 1/2" in diameter and I do not own a welder. My plan is to extend the wheelbase another 8"'s or so on each side. I figure I could do it with a collar and some structural adhesive and possible screws.

Looking for a better alternative that doesn't involve welding.
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Real cheap and easy, longer axle, hose clamp or cable clamp it to the existing axle at least 3 locations. I would do it at 4, on either side of the center weld, and then at the ends of the existing axle. If you find the weight is too great, and you need to add a truss support outboard to the current frame, then take it to a welder and get it done right. Though, even then I bet I could use some box tubing and cut it, notch it and screw it to the frame and do it without welds if push comes to shove. Just would not be as clean finished.
 
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As Dave mentioned just piggyback your existing axle on top of a new axle of desired length. Couple u bolts should secure the 2. If you find it works great and want to make it pettier simply have original axle removed and use the ad on axle in its place Welded of course.
 
If it is aluminum, might be able to use the 735-brazing sticks. Lets you "weld" aluminum with just a hand torch. Search Youtube for aluminum welding/brazing/
 
I'd hose clamp a metal rod or a thick piece of rebar to the existnig axle rod that gets you the additional reach for your wheelbase. and see how that does. Maybe attach a couple of extra hose clamps in case one gives up the ghost when you are a ways from the truck.
 
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