Malone MicroSport LowBed System

14 Jun 23:

We received the parts to convert our Malone MicroSport trailer to the LowBed system, this dropps the cross bar height from 30 inches down to 18, making it even easier to load our 140 pound Sunfish. The kit includes low profile support bars, attachment hardware and tie down rings. We also purchased the wider 78 inch cross bars.

First order of business was to remove the racks, taller support bars and original load bars. For some folks the taller bars allow storage of items underneath boats, or use of Malone's wire basket or locking drawer. 

Here's the basic MicroSport trailer, with retractable tongue and spare tire options.

I forgot to order the hardware kit when I ordered the LowBed support tubes and load bars, but I was able to adapt the original hardware to attach the load bar (top) to the support bar (attached to trailer frame.)

The Malone pads come in several lengths and fit round, square and oval crossbars. 

Skipper of course took the new setup off-roading, and everything seemed to ride secure. We'll spend the next few trips refining strap placement, and order a few straps that have the best length for this configuration. 

We also added the tongue cross bar, which is handy for longer boats. It can be ordered for the regular 30 inch crossbar height or with a LowBed support bar for the 18 inch crossbar height. For our setup with the Sunfish we thought the 30 inch height would be a good height to fit under the bow of the boat. 

Good support and pads are on order for the crossbar.

MegaWing rack has a great fit, solid keel support and a small bit of flex in the outer wing that conforms to the V hull. We have the daggerboard trunk over the wing, that is a very strong part of the hull and having that a bit forward of the axle also gives us a nice tongue weight. From the side view the deck is not level to the ground, instead the  boat rides just a bit bow up, which also helps send any rainwater that gets into the cockpit towards the bailer plug.

MegaWing rack under the keel and aft end of the cockpit, another good support area. Under the mast step is our other favorite spot to support a Sunfish.

The J Racks for kayaks are very stable with plenty of tie down options.

This is the fixed J Rack, and there is also a version that folds for those who like to keep the rack attached but be able to fold it down for garage door clearance.

In between the boats is the area we are eyeing for spar and sail storage, coming soon.