Covered Trailer
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 621
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From: Stillwater Minnesota
Covered Trailer
I'm considering purchasing a covered trailer for my vette. I'd like to race but there's not much of anyplace close enough that I could feel comfortable driving my car to.
What does a person look for when purchasing these? My father has a nice newer F150 truck which should pull it w/o too much difficulty.
What does a person look for when purchasing these? My father has a nice newer F150 truck which should pull it w/o too much difficulty.
Banned Scam/Spammer
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,911
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From: Simi Valley CA
I'm considering purchasing a covered trailer for my vette. I'd like to race but there's not much of anyplace close enough that I could feel comfortable driving my car to.
What does a person look for when purchasing these? My father has a nice newer F150 truck which should pull it w/o too much difficulty.
What does a person look for when purchasing these? My father has a nice newer F150 truck which should pull it w/o too much difficulty.
The F150 is a very good truck however down on power next to the Dodge Hemi or Toyota Tundra. They both have more towing capabilities too. I don't care for the interior of the Toyota but to each his own.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 2,159
Likes: 0
From: Calgary Alberta
Cruise-In I Veteran
Depends on how much you want to spend. I bought a basic Hallmark Thrifty Hauler that did the job but there are a few things that would be nice.
For one thing I would definitely get a man door on the drivers side so you do not have to crawl out the window of the car every time. Also I would look for a trailer with adjustable latching system on the floor.
I towed mine with a GMC 2500 with the a 6.0L gas engine that had no problems but the gas mileage was btutal. One problem with the less expensive trailers is the weight of the trailer. If I buy another one I would definitely spend the extra money to get an aluminum trailer like a FeatherLite.
Depending on the trailer you buy I would think that a F-150 might struggle pulling an all steel trailer with the car and all your gear.
For one thing I would definitely get a man door on the drivers side so you do not have to crawl out the window of the car every time. Also I would look for a trailer with adjustable latching system on the floor.
I towed mine with a GMC 2500 with the a 6.0L gas engine that had no problems but the gas mileage was btutal. One problem with the less expensive trailers is the weight of the trailer. If I buy another one I would definitely spend the extra money to get an aluminum trailer like a FeatherLite.
Depending on the trailer you buy I would think that a F-150 might struggle pulling an all steel trailer with the car and all your gear.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 447
Likes: 0
From: Jonesborough TN
I have a 20' enclosed steel trailer that I pull with my 2002 Tundra. Even empty, the v8 struggles and using overdrive is possible only on downhill runs. Having said that, the new Tundras will handle it without any problem. The F250 Fords will also handle the trailer too. I'm sure Chevy/GMCs will do OK. Be sure whatever truck/hitch you use is rated for capacity of trailer/car/contents weight totals.
As to the trailer, I've had "D" rings for tie down and (in my last trailer) "E" track. I really liked the "E" track because of the flexibility of anchoring in different locations. Access doors on the side of the trailer are good and ventilation is a must. Dual axles and electric brakes are pretty standard. If the truck doesn't have a brake controller system you'll need one installed.
I would recommend a weight distribution hitch like the one here:
It really helps control the trailer.
Joe Johnson
www.MAGDANA.com
As to the trailer, I've had "D" rings for tie down and (in my last trailer) "E" track. I really liked the "E" track because of the flexibility of anchoring in different locations. Access doors on the side of the trailer are good and ventilation is a must. Dual axles and electric brakes are pretty standard. If the truck doesn't have a brake controller system you'll need one installed.
I would recommend a weight distribution hitch like the one here:
It really helps control the trailer.
Joe Johnson
www.MAGDANA.com
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 43,084
Likes: 33
From: Raleigh / Rolesville NC
What your looking for
First_ What is the tow capsity of your truck"
2nd. trailer axle wt - bear minium is 3500 per axle 5000 per axle is better
3: electric brakes on both axles
4:anti sway or load leveling hitch
5: Look for race car packages - they have the 4 tie down hooks on the floor, beaver tail ramp and several other things. White interior is great - easy to see things.
In most cases a 24 foot will be the shortest for trailer wt, your cars wt and all the junk you take. It does add up fast. So your looking at 7500 to 8500 lbs trailer and junk wt
with 8500 lbs to be towed, your tow vehicle should be 9000 or more. ie 3/4 ton truck
i run a 1/2 ton Heavy duty with a 24' Pace Pursuit on 3500 axles. I am OVER my trailer limit and 1/2 ton is just enough to tow.
I get 11.5 mpg which is not bad. The hard part is 55-60 mph on the flats, 45 in the mountains and when 18 wheeler pass me, hang on. I have to move to the right, one foot on the gas and the other foot on the brake just to keep from doing the wiggle dance
truck one way the trailer the other
look at racingjunk.com under towing for trailer deals
I have cheap cabinets up front for stuff, a work bench, shelf above the work bench for light things, like chairs the car cover and a tire rack for spare tires.
Cooler on the floor, fuel jugs, air compressor, jack, bicycle, garbage box and other things on the floor
On the door I have a thermometer, clock and bulletin board for event info
First_ What is the tow capsity of your truck"
2nd. trailer axle wt - bear minium is 3500 per axle 5000 per axle is better
3: electric brakes on both axles
4:anti sway or load leveling hitch
5: Look for race car packages - they have the 4 tie down hooks on the floor, beaver tail ramp and several other things. White interior is great - easy to see things.
In most cases a 24 foot will be the shortest for trailer wt, your cars wt and all the junk you take. It does add up fast. So your looking at 7500 to 8500 lbs trailer and junk wt
with 8500 lbs to be towed, your tow vehicle should be 9000 or more. ie 3/4 ton truck
i run a 1/2 ton Heavy duty with a 24' Pace Pursuit on 3500 axles. I am OVER my trailer limit and 1/2 ton is just enough to tow.
I get 11.5 mpg which is not bad. The hard part is 55-60 mph on the flats, 45 in the mountains and when 18 wheeler pass me, hang on. I have to move to the right, one foot on the gas and the other foot on the brake just to keep from doing the wiggle dance
truck one way the trailer the other
look at racingjunk.com under towing for trailer deals
I have cheap cabinets up front for stuff, a work bench, shelf above the work bench for light things, like chairs the car cover and a tire rack for spare tires.
Cooler on the floor, fuel jugs, air compressor, jack, bicycle, garbage box and other things on the floor
On the door I have a thermometer, clock and bulletin board for event info
Last edited by AU N EGL; Jan 10, 2009 at 12:26 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 187
Likes: 0
From: TRAILER RENTALS - Florence Twp. NJ
I have a 20' enclosed steel trailer that I pull with my 2002 Tundra. Even empty, the v8 struggles and using overdrive is possible only on downhill runs. Having said that, the new Tundras will handle it without any problem. The F250 Fords will also handle the trailer too. I'm sure Chevy/GMCs will do OK. Be sure whatever truck/hitch you use is rated for capacity of trailer/car/contents weight totals.
As to the trailer, I've had "D" rings for tie down and (in my last trailer) "E" track. I really liked the "E" track because of the flexibility of anchoring in different locations. Access doors on the side of the trailer are good and ventilation is a must. Dual axles and electric brakes are pretty standard. If the truck doesn't have a brake controller system you'll need one installed.
I would recommend a weight distribution hitch like the one here:
It really helps control the trailer.
Joe Johnson
www.MAGDANA.com
As to the trailer, I've had "D" rings for tie down and (in my last trailer) "E" track. I really liked the "E" track because of the flexibility of anchoring in different locations. Access doors on the side of the trailer are good and ventilation is a must. Dual axles and electric brakes are pretty standard. If the truck doesn't have a brake controller system you'll need one installed.
I would recommend a weight distribution hitch like the one here:
It really helps control the trailer.
Joe Johnson
www.MAGDANA.com
Racer
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 447
Likes: 0
From: Jonesborough TN
The technique I have used for the "wiggle dance" was to hit the gas hard and clamp down on the trailer brake controller. That would straighten out the rig.
With my Tundra it is always like the tail wagging the dog. With my motor coach, it was as if there was nothing back there.
Joe Johnson
www.MAGDANA.com
With my Tundra it is always like the tail wagging the dog. With my motor coach, it was as if there was nothing back there.
Joe Johnson
www.MAGDANA.com
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Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 621
Likes: 2
From: Stillwater Minnesota
Thanks for the help. I didn't realize the weight added up so fast. Had pushed my dad to get a 3/4 ton but he didn't want to fork over the few extra bucks for it. I should have just spotted him the extra... oh well.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 6,209
Likes: 33
From: Texas-out west
I had (made a mistake and sold it few years back) a 20' Wells Cargo which I consider the best out there. Pulled with 93 extended cab, short box 1/2 ton chevy, pulled straight and true, not any problems with wiggle. Trailer weight was approx 3200lbs and my midyear was around 3100lbs.
I pulled it once loaded with junk when moving from denver to texas and total weight was 9000lbs....
no problems but never loaded so much again. I cruised at 70mph with no problems but on hills like I-25 at Raton (new mexico/colorado line) were like a semi going up the hill and speeds with gas on floor was down to 25mph
I pulled it once loaded with junk when moving from denver to texas and total weight was 9000lbs....
no problems but never loaded so much again. I cruised at 70mph with no problems but on hills like I-25 at Raton (new mexico/colorado line) were like a semi going up the hill and speeds with gas on floor was down to 25mph
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 43,084
Likes: 33
From: Raleigh / Rolesville NC
mountains of NC i just downshifted to 2nd for UP and Down and took it easy 40-45 mph up or down. So not soo bad. Those rolling hills where the truck cant quite get the right gear 2nd too low, Drive to high is the killer.
The bigger the tow vehicular the better. But we use what we have.
Good Luck
Uber Waxer
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 8,651
Likes: 5
From: Hanover MD
Cruise-In 8-9-10-11 Veteran
CI 9, 10 & 11 Car Show Winner
St. Jude Donor '08-'10
I used to pull my 24 foot with my escalade which was a 1/2 ton chassis. even with the 6.0 motor, the trans couldnt handle the weight very well.
now I have a duramax silverado and it pulls like a dream.
now I have a duramax silverado and it pulls like a dream.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 621
Likes: 2
From: Stillwater Minnesota
I'd like to get one of the earlier model ones though like an early 2000 something 3/4 ton silverado with duramax motor and use if for a daily driver as well as toe vehicle.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 447
Likes: 0
From: Jonesborough TN
An update from my experience.
I just got back from a trip for a friend (yes, he paid for the gas). About 370 miles with the trailer empty and the return trip with a '68 Mustang that he had bought on eBay. Trailer empty bounced all over and the brake controller had to be set on the lightest setting to keep the wheels from locking up.
Loaded, the trailer rode solid and the brake controller did its job at a higher setting. Pulling with my Tundra was OK as long as I ran with the OD shut off. Into the mountains of western North Caroling and east Tennessee the truck pulled OK but struggled whether loaded or not. Mileage dropped from a normal 18+ (without the trailer) to 6-10 mpg.
I would certainly recommend a pickup with big cubes/torque. I know diesels aren't too popular now with the price of fuel but they provide excellent torque. Having said all that, as much as I need to pull my trailer, I'll stick with the '02 Tundra that I have. If I start pulling a trailer more, I would consider a newer truck with a bigger engine.
Joe Johnson
www.MAGDANA.com
I just got back from a trip for a friend (yes, he paid for the gas). About 370 miles with the trailer empty and the return trip with a '68 Mustang that he had bought on eBay. Trailer empty bounced all over and the brake controller had to be set on the lightest setting to keep the wheels from locking up.
Loaded, the trailer rode solid and the brake controller did its job at a higher setting. Pulling with my Tundra was OK as long as I ran with the OD shut off. Into the mountains of western North Caroling and east Tennessee the truck pulled OK but struggled whether loaded or not. Mileage dropped from a normal 18+ (without the trailer) to 6-10 mpg.
I would certainly recommend a pickup with big cubes/torque. I know diesels aren't too popular now with the price of fuel but they provide excellent torque. Having said all that, as much as I need to pull my trailer, I'll stick with the '02 Tundra that I have. If I start pulling a trailer more, I would consider a newer truck with a bigger engine.
Joe Johnson
www.MAGDANA.com
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 24,310
Likes: 0
From: Canon City Co
St. Jude Donor '11,'13
"I voluntarily took 60 days off from OT"
An update from my experience.
I just got back from a trip for a friend (yes, he paid for the gas). About 370 miles with the trailer empty and the return trip with a '68 Mustang that he had bought on eBay. Trailer empty bounced all over and the brake controller had to be set on the lightest setting to keep the wheels from locking up.
Loaded, the trailer rode solid and the brake controller did its job at a higher setting. Pulling with my Tundra was OK as long as I ran with the OD shut off. Into the mountains of western North Caroling and east Tennessee the truck pulled OK but struggled whether loaded or not. Mileage dropped from a normal 18+ (without the trailer) to 6-10 mpg.
I would certainly recommend a pickup with big cubes/torque. I know diesels aren't too popular now with the price of fuel but they provide excellent torque. Having said all that, as much as I need to pull my trailer, I'll stick with the '02 Tundra that I have. If I start pulling a trailer more, I would consider a newer truck with a bigger engine.
Joe Johnson
www.MAGDANA.com
I just got back from a trip for a friend (yes, he paid for the gas). About 370 miles with the trailer empty and the return trip with a '68 Mustang that he had bought on eBay. Trailer empty bounced all over and the brake controller had to be set on the lightest setting to keep the wheels from locking up.
Loaded, the trailer rode solid and the brake controller did its job at a higher setting. Pulling with my Tundra was OK as long as I ran with the OD shut off. Into the mountains of western North Caroling and east Tennessee the truck pulled OK but struggled whether loaded or not. Mileage dropped from a normal 18+ (without the trailer) to 6-10 mpg.
I would certainly recommend a pickup with big cubes/torque. I know diesels aren't too popular now with the price of fuel but they provide excellent torque. Having said all that, as much as I need to pull my trailer, I'll stick with the '02 Tundra that I have. If I start pulling a trailer more, I would consider a newer truck with a bigger engine.
Joe Johnson
www.MAGDANA.com
I dunno....I towed this rig with my 350 CID 4x4 GMC without problems...(this pic was taken atop 12000 ft Monarch Pass in Colorado)...A lot depends on the gear ratio....This truck was a Z-71 and had a HD tow package with 3.73 gears....
I sold the GMC in 2004 and bought this truck...2004 Silverado 4x4...It too has a HD tow package (4.10 gears) but only a 5.3 (327 CID) V8....I have no problems towing with it either...I have a premium tow bar and trailer brakes...
True, both are gas engines that like gas when towing...but when you consider the cost of a diesel truck, added to the price of diesel fuel...you can buy a LOT of gas for that $$$...Plus, I dont need diesel towing power 90% of the time
Last edited by The NNIAL8R; Jan 18, 2009 at 09:40 PM.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 447
Likes: 0
From: Jonesborough TN
Like I said, more cubes/torque. My Toyota has the 4.7L "I-Force" v8 engine. Compared to the 5.3L or 5.7L Chevy it is certainly weaker in both areas. Nice lookin' truck and trailer.
BTY - how did you get away with towing a boat with a camper behind a truck? I understood that you could do that with a 5th wheel camper but not with a trailer camper.
Joe Johnson
www.MAGDANA.com
BTY - how did you get away with towing a boat with a camper behind a truck? I understood that you could do that with a 5th wheel camper but not with a trailer camper.
Joe Johnson
www.MAGDANA.com
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 24,310
Likes: 0
From: Canon City Co
St. Jude Donor '11,'13
"I voluntarily took 60 days off from OT"
Like I said, more cubes/torque. My Toyota has the 4.7L "I-Force" v8 engine. Compared to the 5.3L or 5.7L Chevy it is certainly weaker in both areas. Nice lookin' truck and trailer.
BTY - how did you get away with towing a boat with a camper behind a truck? I understood that you could do that with a 5th wheel camper but not with a trailer camper.
Joe Johnson
www.MAGDANA.com
BTY - how did you get away with towing a boat with a camper behind a truck? I understood that you could do that with a 5th wheel camper but not with a trailer camper.
Joe Johnson
www.MAGDANA.com
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
From: Cullman Alabama
Some of you guys are INSANE! I have an 02 Silverado crew cab Duramax dually that I pull a 24' pace enclosed with. My 71 Nova weighs in @ 2700 lbs. and I keep the gear to a minimum. Had a hack hack.......ford 3/4 ton v-10 and almost lost all of it in an instant and it wasn't my fault! The little ford was getting around 6 mpg. The healthy Dmax gets 15 mpg and a hill, up or down isn't a problem. It was well worth the extra dollars to keep my drag car, trailer, tow vehicle and my a$$ all together. Also, it's a sin to dragrace a Chevy and pull it with a ford...........LMAO!