Trailer Questions
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,353
Likes: 72
From: Graceland in a Not Correctly Restored Stingray
Several good bits of advice already, but here are a few additional BTDT tips from my many thousands of miles towing vehicles around the country...
Ramp length, deck height and fenderwell height should also be taken into consideration along with deck length and width. Any combination of these dimensions which presents problems to the cars you'll be towing will grow old in a big hurry.
Whatever your laws may let you get away with (not that you'd cut corners regarding safety), you should hook up a proper trailer brake system when towing with vehicles which weigh anything less than ~5x the gross trailer weight. The lower is your tow vehicle to gross trailer weight ratio, the easier for the tail to wag the dog.
Safety chains/cables should not attach to the same member as do hitches, else they won't do a thing should that member fail.
Definitely go with a full deck (metal, not wood), and with flush tie-down points.
Opting for a permanently mounted, weather-proof winch will greatly augment your trailer's utility.
Try not to tow on an open trailer in bad weather, as you'll just about have to restore the car in question to ever get it completely clean again. And, don't count on a cover to be much help against the elements (except perhaps when parked), as it could actually scratch up your paint while in transit.
Lastly, never become complacent when towing. On long hauls, stop after the first few minutes to inspect everything, then about once an hour or so, no matter how many times all appears good.
Happy trails.
Ramp length, deck height and fenderwell height should also be taken into consideration along with deck length and width. Any combination of these dimensions which presents problems to the cars you'll be towing will grow old in a big hurry.
Whatever your laws may let you get away with (not that you'd cut corners regarding safety), you should hook up a proper trailer brake system when towing with vehicles which weigh anything less than ~5x the gross trailer weight. The lower is your tow vehicle to gross trailer weight ratio, the easier for the tail to wag the dog.
Safety chains/cables should not attach to the same member as do hitches, else they won't do a thing should that member fail.
Definitely go with a full deck (metal, not wood), and with flush tie-down points.
Opting for a permanently mounted, weather-proof winch will greatly augment your trailer's utility.
Try not to tow on an open trailer in bad weather, as you'll just about have to restore the car in question to ever get it completely clean again. And, don't count on a cover to be much help against the elements (except perhaps when parked), as it could actually scratch up your paint while in transit.
Lastly, never become complacent when towing. On long hauls, stop after the first few minutes to inspect everything, then about once an hour or so, no matter how many times all appears good.
Happy trails.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 4,809
Likes: 237
From: Utah
I bought an enclosed trailer, and would never go back. Definitely worth the extra money. I don't worry about weather or my car being damaged from road debris. I bought a 24 foot and the extra space is great.
