Trailer Questions

[JoshStratton]

Hi guys.

I have never had a car hauler but have a brand new truck and need something to pull

I have a lead on a 16 foot single axle for $100 bucks. I imagine I could probably add another axle and clean it up to make it worth my while.

What do you think? Does the frame look to thin for a car hauler?

[harshman]

run
fast
frame is too thin (a guess per picture)
adding an axle and additional structural support, decking, lights, brakes, paint and all the labor will cost more than to go buy one new.

[Tucks69]

I am with harshman, run!! I learned the hardway, don't skimp on the car trailer. The fenders need to be low enough to open the car doors I had one that you had to take the fender off the trailer to get the door open. battery caught fire in the trunk with the windows rolled up, and the only set of keys inside the car. By the time I got the fender off and got the fire extingusher out of the car the thing almost burnt up. Learned alot about safety and having the right trailer!

P.S. Make sure the trailer has good trailer brakes and a controller that works for those folks that like to pull out and stop in front of you!!


Mike

[JoshStratton]

Thanks for the responses. I will keep looking.

[Bill Howell]

What was that, an old travel trailer? 16 ft is too short unless you are hauling MGs.
Like the other posts say, run from this, no way I would put a car on it.

[JoshStratton]

I figured the steel would be to thin, but was hoping maybe I could reinforce.

Anyone have any suggestions on a good trailer manufacturer under $2k (preferably less than $1500 but am open to more if need be)? I have just started looking at them, but would like to be able to put cargo on it as well...things that can be tied down (wood, drywall, etc...). Basically a utility trailer that can tow a car.

[Bill Howell]

Other than Featherlite and a couple others, most trailers are going to be region brands. You should be able to pick up a good used trailer for around $1500. Just be sure to pull it and check to be sure the lights,brakes are working properly. If you are serious about a trailer, go ahead and have your truck wired and a brake controller installed. That way you can test any trailer you look at.

[BRIAN]

Look at it this way, is your car worth more than a $100?? If not load it up.


Seriously, a good open trailer on the old Ebay run from $2000 and up. I have a open aluminum Featherlite that I got at end of year brand new for $4600. It pulls straight as an arrow and the suspension is incredible compared to the regular buggy spring deal. Problem is it is still an open trailer and whenever I pull a done car I find a chip or whatever somewhere after the haul.

[dropit69]

i just picked up a 18 foot open center car trailer with tool box to boot for 1200 but only thing i found like tucks69 said is we had to do the dukes of hazard thing to get outa car -wheel wells are to tall..other than that pulls great has trailer breaks too....

[JoshStratton]

i just picked up a 18 foot open center car trailer with tool box to boot for 1200 but only thing i found like tucks69 said is we had to do the dukes of hazard thing to get outa car -wheel wells are to tall..other than that pulls great has trailer breaks too....

I just found this one for 1000 bucks. Any thoughts other than it isnt very pretty and the loading ramps look like wood?

http://akroncanton.craigslist.org/car/244617831.html

[mpozzi]

Hey Josh,

Check on www.racingjunk.com (I think that's the site). It's got all the "for sale" and "wanted" ads for anything car. There's lots of trailers to choose from, both from private parties and from dealers. You shouldn't have too much trouble finding something suitable in your price range.

Make sure the hitch, brakes, and tires, plus underside welds, are in good order. If it has a good battery, so much the better. I'm just singing harmony with all the others that the trailer is the heart of towing your car. Get a good, strong one and you won't be disappointed.

Cheers,
Mary Pozzi

[JoshStratton]

Thanks Mary! I will check that site out.

[Bill Howell]

I just found this one for 1000 bucks. Any thoughts other than it isnt very pretty and the loading ramps look like wood?

http://akroncanton.craigslist.org/car/244617831.html

Gravity brakes, or better known as surge brakes are no longer legal in some states Josh.

While I own a trailer with them and like them personally, I never tow my car with that particular trailer. You can use it with any truck since no wiring is needed for the brake system, but a good electric brake trailer is best.
Be sure and check the rules/laws in your state before you buy a surge brake trailer.

[JoshStratton]

Thanks Bill. In researching these things, it seems the old adage 'You get what you pay for' really applies.

The committee (wife) isnt too happy with the idea of another pile of metal taking up space so this may take some convincing. I mean, how many times can you pay 50-100 bucks to rent one before it becomes too rediculous. I could have bought one by now...

[Bill Howell]

I have 5 trailers at the moment, 28' enclosed, 12' enclosed, 10 open, 18 open and 15 open equipment trailer. They all have their purpose and while I don't use acouple of them much, as long as I got the space, I will probably never sell any of them. Space is an issue though, so keep that in mind. Like anything else, tires, brakes, wheel bearings....on and on....lol

[mpozzi]

Josh,

Bill's right about surge brakes and they suck!! I've towed trailers with surge and electric brakes, and electric brakes win hands-down.

There's some great brake controllers on the market now. And yes, renting at $50/pop isn't economical if you plan to tow a lot. Schmooze your "committee" and get your own.

That "racingjunk" site is really misnamed as there's lots of great stuff on it. Unfortunately for me, almost all of it was on the east side of the country. That's good for you, though.

Cheers,
Mary Pozzi

[larknut]

Here's one on ebay in your home state. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/19-ca...QQcmdZViewItem