Open or Enclosed Trailer
05-17-2016, 10:06 PM
#41
Race Director
Member Since: Oct 2000
Location: Deal's Gap 2004 NCM Motorsports track supporter
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I think you are combining two separate things. Power (and potentially fuel efficiency) and handling capacity. The engine certainly affects the Power and fuel efficiency but it shouldn't affect the handling of the vehicle. I would think a 3/4 or 1 ton vehicle would have the same handling (e.g. "Drifting back and forth") regardless of the engine choice. But I am sure the fuel mileage and power would be better in a diesel. In my case the mileage difference for the ~10 times I tow per year didn't offset the price premium for the diesel or the convenience of having a Suburban. Of course everyone's needs are different. But I will say that moving up from a 1500 suburban to the 2500 suburban made a big difference in improving the towing experience.
05-17-2016, 11:17 PM
#42
Safety Car
Around town the 2500 Suburban gets similar mileage to my 1500 Suburban. Towing the 2500 gets about 1 mpg less than the 1500. If they made a 2500 Suburban with a diesel I would have paid the premium (although for how little I drive it would likely be cheaper to just pay the extra cost for the gas than to pay the diesel premium).
05-19-2016, 09:18 PM
#43
Melting Slicks
I've had both types of trailers and definitely prefer my enclosed. It's a 24ft. but with the v-nose. I think loading the car is easier except for having to climb out the window. It actually came with a winch that I've never even tried! Maybe I should play with that thing next time I use it. I just like the security and having a place to hang in the pits out of the sun. My truck is a 3/4 ton GMC Sierra 6.0. (Magnacharged of course) It pulls the trailer with no problem, but you know its back there. As stated, open trailers are fine, but doubt you'd regret an enclosed.. 
05-20-2016, 06:43 AM
#44
Nothing beats the ability to just back the trailer up and leave it as is for a few days when the car has pissed you off..... Where if you go with the open trailer you have to unload the tools ect then find a beer to cool off.... I have had both and the enclosed is the BEST by far.
We are spoiled now with a 48' stacker lift gate tons of tool and part storage, a bath lounge, several sets of tires and 3 cars WAY TOO COOL.
We are spoiled now with a 48' stacker lift gate tons of tool and part storage, a bath lounge, several sets of tires and 3 cars WAY TOO COOL.
05-20-2016, 11:47 AM
#45
Instructor
I started with an open trailer and have migrated/upgraded to a 24' enclosed. The closed trailer provides so many other abilities and options I can't go back to the open trailer now. My car doesn't have windows anymore so transport of any kind would be a PITA in an open. The closed trailer also provides cover from rain/sun and storage for everything you bring to the track. You can store the car in the trailer, etc. As mentioned, they are bigger, heavier, more to tow, etc. I have no problem loading, unloading, getting into and out of my car (C6Z06) while in the trailer by myself. For me, hands down closed.
Ok, so finally considering buying a trailer to go to and from the track. Looking for advice from those who have had both, or maybe not but love what they have.
Open to advice, opinions, and primarily your personal list of pros and cons for each option. Fire away, I'm open to suggestions.
Open to advice, opinions, and primarily your personal list of pros and cons for each option. Fire away, I'm open to suggestions.
05-20-2016, 11:58 PM
#46
Safety Car
I upgraded my 1500 to deal with the weight, and now I just deal with the lack of power. My upgrades were quite comprehensive, so no safety concerns. Since most events are covered with a single tank of gas, fuel economy/range is not much of a concern. Even at $4/gallon, fuel is still far cheaper than a payment on a 2500 diesel. I hate listening to my POS scream all the time, but it still doesnt' work as hard as the car inside the trailer. If I pull back to 3rd gear, I can pick my speed/MPG but if I decide I NEED to hold 4th, I go with the truck's desires. My usual mode of travel is to attempt to hold 4th (4L80 swap FTW!), but a Whipple swap will happen this year so I suspect I will enjoy towing a lot more in the years to come. Shortly after the blower, I'll add a 30ish gallon cell in the bed and just sell my soul to the oil companies.
