Restorod '79

I'm looking for an open trailer for track days. I need the basic tandem axle, dove-tail design. I would prefer slide away ramps and stake pockets on the side. If anyone in the New England area wants to get rid of theirs PM me. Looking to spend 12-19 hundred.

WNeal

Same here, but in Cincy

fmrfast

For the past 5 years I have been using an open deck econo trailer. Very basic trailer. It gets the job done. If you want all the bells & whistles look elseware. For $1,500.00 new it's a good deal.
Mine has 2 5/16 ball, 4 wheel brakes, Beaver tail, it is a must for loading Corvette's
Their web is so so, it is http://www.econotrailer.com
You will most likely need to give them a call with questions.
They have distributors, they found one for me in NJ

c4cruiser

Might try Econo-Trailer near Pittsburgh http://www.econotrailer.com/ I think a few forum members have them and they say they are great for the price. IIRC, the basic open trailer is under $2000 new.

The nice thing about a new trailer is that everything works, the brakes are new, the bearing are greased, the tires are new and you don't have to worry about license and/or title issues. Then get your tie-downs and go racing!

Make sure you get a trailer with 3500lb axles with brakes on both axles. Also be sure that you can either open the driver's door with the car on the trailer or that the left fender can be removed. Otherwise you will be entering and exiting the car NASCAR-style.

16Again

Just bought this BRAND NEW this past Thursday $2,000.00

Website for the manufacturer, maybe there is a distributer local for you.
http://www.andersontrailers.com/carhauler_trailers.php

Restorod '79

Thanks for the replies. I was fishing for someone who might be ready to try another hobby. There are some great dealers in the area who have similar lines of trailers as above, and I agree that new is better. I'll be buying a new one if need be. BUT, if I could pick up a used one, service the brakes and bearings myself, I could maybe spend a grand less on trailer and a grand more on SPEED! It's a disease.

c4cruiser

I looked at a number of used trailers before buying a new one. Most were garbage or at least not as advertised. Most of them only had brakes on one axle and that is just not good enough. My C4 weighs 3400 lbs and with steel trailers weighing in at close to 200lbs, you have to have brakes on both axles.

By the time you do brakes, check and repack or have to replace bearings, and get new tires, you could easily spend $500 to $600.

There are other costs that you will incur with towing a trailer. Is your tow vehicle in good shape? Does it have the correct capacity receiver hitch on it? A Class III at the very minimum is needed and a Class IV will be better if you do not use a weight distributing hitch. You will need a ttrailer brake controller too; I bought a Tekonsha "Prodigy" electronic controller for $130.

If your tow vehicle doesn't have a towing package, expect to add a tranny cooler, wiring for the brake controller, light hook-up, and then inspect the truck brakes and shocks. Good HD Shocks and new brakes can cost more money. Even the receiver bar and a good ball can run $50.

Restorod '79

I certainly see the points you have made. I've sifted through what's available used, and I'm going for a new trailer today. My truck is good-
Chevy Silverado-4x4- 5.3 w/intake,exhaust,chipped,new HD shocks, tow package stock, w/electric brake controler installed. Iput brand new Kumho ECSTA stx 275/70/16s on. The truck is ready.

c4cruiser

Sounds like my truck!! I tow with my 99 Silverado Z71 also a 5.3 motor with 4.10 gears.

The only thing I really want to do to it is to upgrade the factory tranny cooler. While it's a stacked plate design, I think it's just too small in size. My car and trailer weighs about 5400 pounds and I will usually carry a good 100-150 pounds in equipment.

Carquest has a stacked plate cooler (made by Hayden) that is almost twice the size and will fit. The part number is 77423 for the coler and the install kit is 77018

Wicked Weasel

I am selling my trailer and moving to an enclosed. All steel and taken care of by a trailer place which is right next to ECS were I store the trailer. It has been painted top and bottom gray. I loaded my vette on it all year without any problems. If you remove 2 bolts the side fender comes off for easy in and out of your car.

All the brakes are new, has new battery for activating the brakes if break away happens and has a new spare tire. It is a basic trailer with a pocket in the front center to store stuff and running lights around the entire outside (yellow sides lights and red rear lights). The ramps slide into the back.

If you dont find something new today let me know.

Bob

16Again

By the way FACTORY frame rail tie down hooks are available from....
http://www.truckntow.com/pc-11281-147196-r-hook.aspx
They are IN STOCK Another company was recommended to me but they are on back order for 3 weeks and double the price.

Restorod '79

C4C- My only concern about towing is the tranny-- I'm on my second tranny now, 1st lasted 36K, Replaced by warranty with ??? type of tranny. This week will be a good test-- short tow--cool weather--should give me an indication of what's next. I'm going to install the towing program on the Superchips programmer.

I have not bought a trailer yet--PMed Weasel
(Borrowing the late model team trailer this week)

I'm going over to the Chevy truck forum and chat up some tranny info. There has to be a strong one available.

('03 Silverado Ext. Cab,5.3l, Z-71, Draw-tite electric controller)

c4cruiser

You might want to consider using a synthetic ATF like Mobil-1 or even Amsoil. IMHO, the bigger the tranny cooler, the better. You should not tow in OD; use "3" for towing and hit the tow/haul switch. That keeps the revs up and the tranny won't be going in and out of OD constantly when you encounter hills. That results in heat build-up and may cost you another tranny.

What does the Superchips tranny program do? The tow/haul mode raises the shift points and IIRC, actually firms up the shift with an increase in line pressure. You may not need to install that program with what the factory already has available.

The only down side to the tow/haul switch is that it has to be selected every time you shut the motor off and then re-start.

LG Motorsports

I have a trailer for sale. 48' hightech 3 car hauler. Lista cabinets, work counters, microwave, Lounge, 20k Generator, Air compressor and trailer is fully plummed.
48' X 24" awning included. With or without Kenworth T2000 tractor.

Thanks
Lou G

provette67

Lou,

that is a lot of trailer for $2K

Wicked Weasel

Let me check - yeah my lottery numbers didn't come in last night

LG Motorsports

That was 20K for the generator as you know.

The price for the trailer with out the tractor is only $89k which is a bargin. Just look at it this way; You can team up with 2 of your friends and take all 3 cars to the track.

And it has a 24x48' awning to keep the sun off your heads.

At any rate, I already have some lookers.

We have our other 53' featherlite but we need (2) 53' trailers to take the show on the road.

Thanks guys,

Lou G

Falcon

Holy Moly! And to think I gripe and complain when I have to load my EZ UP canopy and bicycle on my 18' open trailer!

Restorod '79

Thanks for the offer Lou. It may be awhile before I need that.

C4- I haven't done any real towing with this truck other than a small utility trailer @ 1200 lbs. total weight. I was wondering if maybe the tow mode setting on the shifter would be all I need. I may just try that this weekend. The superchips programmer has a few different modes that I haven't used. I put in performance and run 93 at all times. I have, on occasion, put the stock tow mode on, dropped to 3 and WOW! What a hot rod mode! Like you said, higher revs, firm shifts, but maybe not so good without a load.
Anyway, after days of research and calls, I know exactly what I want and need for a trailer, and what it should cost, so I'll be patient and get the good deal.