waddisme

Ready to get an open trailer to haul car to track days. After 12 yrs and 215k mi, I am selling my Dodge conversion van for $2500, so hopefully I can find a nice used trailer for that. I searched for the thread I read a while back on the specs for one, but I couldn't find it. Dual axles, electric brakes, removable fender. Anything else? Anyone have any leads on one or want to upgrade and sell me theirs? I'm listening. Thanks.

jwt1603

Besides what you mentioned, a 16' trailer will work (barely, I had one) but 18 is better. Tire rack and trailer box(es) are nice to have. Be sure to get extra long ramps. Most stock ramps aren't long enough and you'll scrape the spoiler.

For 2,500 you should have no trouble finding a good used one. I sold mine about two months ago with 4 ratchet tie downs, two new spares, load leveling hitch, 8 foot aluminum ramps, tire rack and two trailer boxes for 1,500 and it was only two and a half years old. It worked just fine for us and we traveled a lot with it.

95jersey

I use a 16' trailer for a C6Z and it works fine, but you have not much additional room. I prefer the smaller trailer because it is lighter and therefore saves gas and pulls easier. After 2 years of towing, I found I really like the following:

Open deck to get underneath the car (and is lighter)
Removeable fender (a must)
Dual brakes and 3500lb axles
break away kit
Spare tire
Dove tail for clearence

There are other things, but these are high on my list. Not sure what your towing with, but the lighter the trailer the better all around. If I could do it over, I would still pick the same 16', open deck trailer. The shorter wheelbase also makes it easier to drive around town.

waddisme

I will be pulling w/ Dodge Dakota 4WD w/4.7(w/tow pkg) at first and the a Tundra 4WD w/V8 in a couple of months.

18ft seems like a good choice, with open deck. Is load leveling hitch a requirement?

Last C5

Featherlite Model #3110 17'

BrianCunningham

A fold down fender is a must

Unless your fond of climbing out the window, and leaving your car open for water to get into.

Ditto on the dual electric brakes

95jersey

With either of the vehicles you mention, light is going to be critical, just keep that in mind.

Load leveling is going to depend on your vehicle. My 08 Aspen is pretty big (Tahoe size) and with the trailer loaded with car, the drop on the rear is indistinguishable.

MungoZ06

When I was shopping last year I was checking RacingJunk dot com
lotsa trailers ... but those that were "right" were distant
I ended up with a new Bri Mar 18' open center.

95jersey

Do you like your Bri Mar? I really like mine. I found mine used on e-bay (2 years old at the time) for $1900. Much better than the econo-trailer I was going to buy.

MungoZ06

It's got everything I need ... I have two spares. I would have bought a good used one if I could have found one within 100 miles. Removable fender a MUST.

c4cruiser

Got my flame suit on here , but don't bother with trying the Dakota. It's a small truck with a short wheelbase. Maybe around town it would work or only on flat roads. At best it will have a max towing capacity of somewhere south of 5000lbs. The Tundra will be a much better deal if it has the tow package.

A weight distribution hitch shouldn't be needed as long as the total towed weight doesn't go too far beyond the rating of the hitch. Most 1/2 ton pickups get a Class III hitch from the factory and those are good to 6000lbs and a tongue weight of 600lbs. Check the rated towing capacity of the truck you use and it's a good idea to not exceed 80% of that capacity.

I have a steel frame and wood deck trailer that weighs 2000lbs and my 87 weighs about 3400. I add 200 lbs for mounted race tires and the tongue weight is right around 520lbs. My old '99 Silverado with the 5.3L motor and 41.0 gears would pull it with no problems. My new truck is a 08 Silverado with the 6.0L motor and 3.73 gears This one is rated to tow 8700 lbs and the 6 liter motor with 367HP and 390 ft-lbs of torque will let the truck easily accelerate up a 4% grade with the car and trailer in tow.

If anything, you might consider air bags or an overload spring set to keep the truck level when towing. Both the truck and trailer should be level when loaded properly.

CHJ In Virginia

Make sure that you have a spare wheel and tire for the trailer. Too many folks have been stranded on the side of the road. Tool box - go to Home Depot or Loews and get one of the light weignt aluminum square ones and finally a tire rack for the spare set of race tires or streets if it rains.

gonzalezfj

Forget the Dodge and the Tundra. Thye don't have the ***** needed for this job. Get yourself a Chevy or GMC pickup and you won't regret it. 6.0 liter engine. If you get a crew cab with the longer wheelbase it will tow better.

Frank Gonzalez

tcmc5

Check with Kraftsman Trailers in Ramseur NC. You can buy a new 18' for less than $2500 with everything you need.

dvandentop

any reccomendations for 2 car trailer enclosed units??

whart is the minimum in feet? i am guessing 40 to fit 2 cars + some tires etc...

Pylons

I don't see any reason why a Tundra can't pull a 'vette on an open trailer just fine

Gary04Z06

I added two boards the lenth of the trailer about 10" wide and about an inch high since my trailer didn't have removable fenders. Now I can open the door just fine.

waddisme

I am getting too good a deal on the Tundra to pass up. It will have to do. Hoping to have to use Dakota once maybe twice til then. Someone here pulls their setup with a Dakota so I know it can be done. Nothing really big between here and Vir or RA or Lowes. Thanks for all the tips. Just got to find a good deal on one. All I can find on fleabay is Sweet River Farms trailers. It is couple of hours from me. Anyone familiar with these?

MungoZ06

Cobra4B bought a trailer from Sweet River, I think ... had good things to say ... PM him.

thehammer69

I have one, works fine...