I'm thinking of purchasing a enclosed trailer for my trailer queen I realize that most of you prefer to drive everywhere but a few of the events that I plan on going to are far from home. First what size, length, width and height? All aluminim or steel framed? Who is the best manufacturor? I've heard that these companies don't stay around very long. Weight capacity 7000 or 10,000? I did haul my car home about 900 miles in a 28 footer, seemed to big.
It's a 71 coupe going in the trailer, and being pulled by a F250 Superduty with a Triton V10 w/ trailer package. Of course what should I expect to spend? Thanks

 

a lot

 

http://www.fthr.com/trailers/cat_template.cfm?cat=car

they arent cheap but they are pretty much the industry standard for car haulers.

 

Thanks I'll try to check this one out there is a dealer 22 miles from me!

 

You will need to change your avatar saying if you plan on doing this.

 

Very observant!!!!!!!!

 

I've got a 24' enclosed Timber Wolf trailer. My father puchased it used for about 1/2 cost of a new one (I inherited it a few years back). So you may want to look at used if $$ are a concern. My brother and I use his crew cab / long box 1 ton Chevy to tow it. The 24' is a decent size, My 68 Vette fits decent & we have plenty of room even with the cabinets at the front of the trailer. Any longer & I would really consider a gooseneck style. My only "hang up" is the width. Vette sits low so opening the doors between wheelwells in the trailer is tight - I have to shimmy out carefully to avoid door damage. There are wider ones out there & if I were looking to buy, that's something I would definately get. My trailer is rated for 7500lb load, I've never got close to loading that heavy. One other thing, some trailers have the spare tire well (in floor) at the back. If you get a flat with a car in the trailer, you may have to move the car to access the spare. I like the ones at the front - just go in through side door & open access panel. The one I have is a steel frame with an aluminum body. The body uses an aluminum frame with aluminum panels riveted on outside; wood inside. It's held up well over the years. Get some nice flush mounted "D" rings in the floor & axle / tow straps; easier than dealing with chains. All I can think of right now, hope it helps.

Todd

 

i was going to get one also for hauling back and forth to vette fest but the problem is storing it. so i am waiting until we move, were looking at getting 30 acres so i can get my pole barn w a couple lifts and have someware to keep the trailer. i know guys that have there own enclosed trailers and when there not useing them to haul there trailer queens,there hauling cars for side money. for a typical say 90 mile drlivery of a car you looking at 375.00..i want one bigger than i actually need so i can put cabinets inside toolboxes.. workbench ect ect..you can find a nice 26 footer for 10 g's

 

Thanks Todd68, I have been watching Ebay it seems when I see one I like its from TX or AR to far to go! Good info on the spare location! I was thinking about 20' would do, and why aren't all trailers built with a door in line with the car door? Thanks for your help

 

I have had a lot of towing exper. from when I raced. A few thoughts; don't go smaller than 24, if you can afford alum. that is the way to go, leaf springs can be a pain due to their shackels and pivots, metal decking on the drop down ramp will turn to a ice rink when it gets wet. You can save a lot of money going with a used unit, but be real careful. Many peopke tend to neglect their trailers and this can turn them into a nightmare. Make sure to check wheel bearings, axles and wiring. These are good indications of how the trailer was mantained. The nice thing about ordering a new one is you can get just what you want. We have always figured out where the car would be located in the trailer and had an additional door installed on the left side of the trailer so that it lined up with the drivers door of the car, makes getting in and out of the car a dream. 102" wide trailers are real nice, but some states do have some restrictions, we have never had a problem but it is something to be aware off. Stay with a known brand, Featherlite, Goldrush, Interstate, Haulmark, Chapperal, Renegade, etc. and they won't disapear on you. Man this went longer than I planned.

 

Thanks, Carl A never thought about making side $$$. It could have insurance issues no? That's why I couldn't find one to rent and why Uhaul doesn't rent them anymore.

Vetfor4 Other than leafs what type of springs are available? Good info on the slippery door! I do prefer new, but allways looking to save $$$
I hear you on the 24' min. just in case I try to haul something longer than the Vette. Side left hand door for sure! Thanks

 

http://www.trailex.com/buycat.cfm?cat_id=93

 

Dealer 15 mins from me I check there tomorrow

 

My opinion, but 20' is too short for an enclosed trailer. Trying to secure the car at the front of the trailer would be tight quarters & hard to get at the side opposite the service door. I also like the extra space with work area in front; I installed extra tie-downs & can carry spare parts, cooler & chairs, etc. in that area. As far as a door in line with the car door goes - when the car is secured the (car) door usually is in line with the trailer wheelhouse area, so a side door on the trailer wouldn't be of much use. If you plan to go racing, or stay over at a show, having a generator is nice. You can get built in generator compartments too. My brother & I installed 12V lighting for when it's connected to the tow vehicle and also put in flourescents to use with the generator or extension plug in. One other thing I plan to install is an electric winch to load non-running cars. We seem to always find projects to drag home & pushing / winching by hand is getting old fast!

Todd

 

Corvettes were meant to be driven, all others to be driven in!

 

Gordonm made me eat those words once allready!!
It's nice to see my avatar is being read! :lol

Todd68 It looks like 24', non metal rear inside door,leveling bars,anti sway bar, generator(have one),winch, all aluminum, spare towards front.......so far. Haven't figured out weight yet 7000 or 10000 cap?

 

I just took a walk outside & double checked; mine is rated 7000lb, if that helps.

 

My guess is that the all aluminum one's will be lighter than the steel, so more weight for the cargo. My car is @ 3200lbs. I'll have check on the trailers weight. I'm sure I'll haul other cars that may be heavier!

 

My 20 ft trailer is 3500lbs empty.

 

All aluminum or steel?