R&R Open Aluminum Trailers Vs . Trailex
10-30-2012, 11:08 AM
#1
Racer
Thread Starter
R&R Open Aluminum Trailers Vs . Trailex
Anyone have experience with both or know enough about both to chime in. I'm wondering why the Trailex is 50% more for a similar open trailer. Any input would be appreciated.
10-30-2012, 12:15 PM
#2
Drifting
I haven't had any experience with R&R, but Trailex seems to take light weight design to an extreme while still being good quality. I looked at them when I was buying a trailer and it seems like a good option if you are limited to a lighter tow vehicle (SUV, small pickup) or were looking to minimize the weight of your tow rig for the last bit of fuel economy. They are down on payload compared to similarly sized others because of their light weight. That's all I was able to figure out when I was shopping for a trailer. Hope it helps.
10-30-2012, 01:10 PM
#3
I have seen many Trailex trailers at PCA events. It seems that they are the trailer of choice for the Porsche guys. My feeling is that the Trailex is not my first choice due to the fact that they are bolted together. The entire trailer is a collection of extruded aluminum pieces that are bolted together with proprietary connection fittings. Over time, the fasteners and fittings will loosen up and the trailer will lose rigidity. I have also seen these trailers that have some years on them with rusty bolts and stains on the aluminum. For those reasons, I would not have a Trailex bolted trailer. On the other hand, I am told that Trailex also has welded versions. That may be an option.
My favorite light weight open aluminum trailer is a Featherlite 3110, 17' 6" long model. That's the trailer my wife and I bought when we needed a second trailer to haul her car. They are very well constructed and hold their resale value better than any other brand. They're a little pricey, but one of the best open trailers on the market. I don't know where you live, but on the east coast the best place to buy a new one is Burdette Brothers in Clarksburg, MD. Talk to Chris Lill. He'll beat any price from other Featherlite dealers. I checked many and it was worth the few hours drive to go to Burdette.
Let me know if I can answer any particular questions about the Featherlite.
Steve Landstra
My favorite light weight open aluminum trailer is a Featherlite 3110, 17' 6" long model. That's the trailer my wife and I bought when we needed a second trailer to haul her car. They are very well constructed and hold their resale value better than any other brand. They're a little pricey, but one of the best open trailers on the market. I don't know where you live, but on the east coast the best place to buy a new one is Burdette Brothers in Clarksburg, MD. Talk to Chris Lill. He'll beat any price from other Featherlite dealers. I checked many and it was worth the few hours drive to go to Burdette.
Let me know if I can answer any particular questions about the Featherlite.
Steve Landstra
Last edited by SLandstra_Z06; 10-30-2012 at 03:20 PM.
10-30-2012, 01:32 PM
#4
Drifting
10-30-2012, 02:47 PM
#5
Drifting
I've got a RnR open trailer. 20' (720CHA model number, I believe). I got mine in the spring of 2004 and still have it and use it. I've got about 40k miles on mine and haven't had any issues.
A few of the features that I like:
1) The ramps mount on the front of the trailer and double as a stone guard. There is the inconvenience of having to carry the ramps to/from the rear of the trailer to load or unload your car, but this feature meant that I didn't have to buy a separate stone guard.
2) The older RnR trailers used 14" wheels and the fenders were low enough so that the user didn't have to remove the fender to get into or out of the car. I think that a few years ago RnR switched to 15" wheels and you may have to check if you can open the doors without fender removal. I've used my trailer to haul a lowered C5 Z and a lowered C6 Z (each were lowered about 1/2" to 3/4" on stock bolts).
3) The "neck" of the trailer is long enough so that it tows nice and straight without sway control.
The 20' trailer was long enough so that I could strap tires down on the front part of the deck (mounted another pair of rings to the deck), thus not having to put on a tire rack.
Price on the RnR back when I bought it was about $800 cheaper than the Featherlite 3110. Add in the savings from the stone guard and it started to become considerable. The Featherlite and Trailex both look like nice trailers, and I know people who are highly satisfied, but I wanted to share my RnR experience (as they are not nearly as well known as Featherlite or Trailex).
A few of the features that I like:
1) The ramps mount on the front of the trailer and double as a stone guard. There is the inconvenience of having to carry the ramps to/from the rear of the trailer to load or unload your car, but this feature meant that I didn't have to buy a separate stone guard.
2) The older RnR trailers used 14" wheels and the fenders were low enough so that the user didn't have to remove the fender to get into or out of the car. I think that a few years ago RnR switched to 15" wheels and you may have to check if you can open the doors without fender removal. I've used my trailer to haul a lowered C5 Z and a lowered C6 Z (each were lowered about 1/2" to 3/4" on stock bolts).
3) The "neck" of the trailer is long enough so that it tows nice and straight without sway control.
The 20' trailer was long enough so that I could strap tires down on the front part of the deck (mounted another pair of rings to the deck), thus not having to put on a tire rack.
Price on the RnR back when I bought it was about $800 cheaper than the Featherlite 3110. Add in the savings from the stone guard and it started to become considerable. The Featherlite and Trailex both look like nice trailers, and I know people who are highly satisfied, but I wanted to share my RnR experience (as they are not nearly as well known as Featherlite or Trailex).
Last edited by acrace; 10-30-2012 at 02:50 PM.
10-30-2012, 03:12 PM
#6
Racer
Thread Starter
Acrace thanks for your input. I'm aware that Trailex and Featherlite are fantastic trailers. I'd rather not spend $7k plus on a trailer and that's when RnR comes into the picture. I want to make sure there are no glaring issues with them. For $3700 I can get a 16' RnR that'll satisfy the needs. The smallest Trailex that can fit a C5/C6 Vette due to width limitations, is the CT-8045 $7k+
10-30-2012, 06:12 PM
#9
Pro
I was able to get about 1k off on my trailex 8045 through one of their dealers. Still not a cheap proposition though.
I needed super light because I need to push it up on the grass on the side of my house, and I am towing with an SUV.
Good luck with your decision, they are all good trailers
I needed super light because I need to push it up on the grass on the side of my house, and I am towing with an SUV.
Good luck with your decision, they are all good trailers
10-30-2012, 09:09 PM
#10
Drifting
RnR Trailer
I have an R&R and it is a good trailer. The empty weight is 1240# so not too bad for hauling. i think it was $4400 or so picked up at their factory. It was a little over a 12 hour drive to get it, so adding $300 or so for the trip, It was under $5k to the door. I got the removeable left fender, but never use it. The door of my C5 clears the fender.
10-31-2012, 05:19 PM
#12
Drifting
RnR Trailer
It is the 18 ft and I think that is the right length. The extra length is good to have so you can get the tongue weight just right by car position.
I'll be at VIR in two weeks at TRACKDAZE. I've chenged trucks, look for a cobalt blue Silverado towing if you attend.
I'll be at VIR in two weeks at TRACKDAZE. I've chenged trucks, look for a cobalt blue Silverado towing if you attend.
11-01-2012, 10:17 AM
#15
The R&R looks like a very nice trailer. I still think you will be well served by a Featherlite, if just for resale value when/if you ever need to sell the trailer. They hold their value very well. I also would not like the ramps up front like that. But, it looks like a very nice set up.
Steve
Steve
Last edited by SLandstra_Z06; 11-01-2012 at 04:22 PM.
11-01-2012, 10:36 AM
#16
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I have an R&R and it is a good trailer. The empty weight is 1240# so not too bad for hauling. i think it was $4400 or so picked up at their factory. It was a little over a 12 hour drive to get it, so adding $300 or so for the trip, It was under $5k to the door. I got the removeable left fender, but never use it. The door of my C5 clears the fender.
11-01-2012, 05:47 PM
#17
Drifting
trailer
I tried the featherlite, but the car doors hit the fender. Also, you have to have an additional set of ramps to reduce the approach angle so the car bottom won't drag on the trailer as you drive up. Also the Featherlite I looked at had a lip all around that seemed like it would be a pain to tie the car down.
The folks that I know that own Featherlites like them very much and they are pretty much considered top of the line. So is the Trailex,
There is one other I looked at, an Aluma (or maybe a Triton), I think it was, and it had a neat structure, the tie-down was a long structure that ran the length of the trailer on both sides, you could connect a tie-down anywhere. I would have gotten it, but they wanted $8k for it and it was 20ft long.
As far as the ramps in the front, I like it. they act as a rock guard and they are so close to the towing vehicle that they do not catch the wind. With the dovetail angle and those ramps a Corvette goes up without rubbing. That part of the design is good for Corvettes.
The folks that I know that own Featherlites like them very much and they are pretty much considered top of the line. So is the Trailex,
There is one other I looked at, an Aluma (or maybe a Triton), I think it was, and it had a neat structure, the tie-down was a long structure that ran the length of the trailer on both sides, you could connect a tie-down anywhere. I would have gotten it, but they wanted $8k for it and it was 20ft long.
As far as the ramps in the front, I like it. they act as a rock guard and they are so close to the towing vehicle that they do not catch the wind. With the dovetail angle and those ramps a Corvette goes up without rubbing. That part of the design is good for Corvettes.
