Car haulers
#1
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Car haulers
How has one, what do you have? Im looking to get an open trailer but have no idea where to start.
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#3
Renting is good for occasional use, but gets tiresome if one needs trailer more than few times a year.
Storing will be an issue, it takes good bit of space.
Single axle works well for smaller loads like Miata, but many want to have dual axles anyway. My single axle is 4000 lbs and tires are 3500 lbs. Single is lighter to pull and easily manouvered by hand to and from storage.
Electric brakes are good, you'll need tow vehicle wired up to 7 point socket.
Size both tow vehicle and trailer appropriately, bigger and heavier means it will be less affected by load it is carrying, but towing Miata can be done safely without having to get overboard with dualies and 5th wheels.
Open trailers are substancially easier to tow than closed ones because of overall weight and area subjected to the crosswinds and frontal area too. Start with good used open trailer and you should be able to recoupe the cost in case you decide to upgrade later, if you take care of it. Tires, wheelbearings, lights and braking system is pretty much all which needs care apart from occasional mishap with accessories like front wheel, toolboxes, tire racks or anything else which can be misplaced and run into.
Load leveling systems are great and inexpensive enough that every combination should have one, if you rent you wont ususally get this benefit.
hrk
Storing will be an issue, it takes good bit of space.
Single axle works well for smaller loads like Miata, but many want to have dual axles anyway. My single axle is 4000 lbs and tires are 3500 lbs. Single is lighter to pull and easily manouvered by hand to and from storage.
Electric brakes are good, you'll need tow vehicle wired up to 7 point socket.
Size both tow vehicle and trailer appropriately, bigger and heavier means it will be less affected by load it is carrying, but towing Miata can be done safely without having to get overboard with dualies and 5th wheels.
Open trailers are substancially easier to tow than closed ones because of overall weight and area subjected to the crosswinds and frontal area too. Start with good used open trailer and you should be able to recoupe the cost in case you decide to upgrade later, if you take care of it. Tires, wheelbearings, lights and braking system is pretty much all which needs care apart from occasional mishap with accessories like front wheel, toolboxes, tire racks or anything else which can be misplaced and run into.
Load leveling systems are great and inexpensive enough that every combination should have one, if you rent you wont ususally get this benefit.
hrk
#4
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Storage isnt an issue, I can keep it at our warehouse when not in use.
How long a trailer do you recommend for the Miata as it is the only vehicle that will ever be on it?
My tow vehicle wont have any issues towing it (04 Expedition 5.2L). I will however need to get it wired for the breaks.
I was deffinately thinking an open trailer and making removable sides for it so I can carry other things.
Can you explain more about the load leveling system.
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How long a trailer do you recommend for the Miata as it is the only vehicle that will ever be on it?
My tow vehicle wont have any issues towing it (04 Expedition 5.2L). I will however need to get it wired for the breaks.
I was deffinately thinking an open trailer and making removable sides for it so I can carry other things.
Can you explain more about the load leveling system.
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#6
Weight distributing hitch is the main part.
Here is good information, just size yours to match the need, for Miata trailer expect to get one below $300.
http://mrtruck.net/wdh.htm
Other parts for load leveling systems consist of self leveling shocks, air springs etc. More complicated and less effective IMHO.
My trailer is 16', pretty much the minimum needed.
hrk
Here is good information, just size yours to match the need, for Miata trailer expect to get one below $300.
http://mrtruck.net/wdh.htm
Other parts for load leveling systems consist of self leveling shocks, air springs etc. More complicated and less effective IMHO.
My trailer is 16', pretty much the minimum needed.
hrk
#8
This is the trailer that several of us use and have been happy with price and features. The 18' seems to be perfect. I have trailered a 350z and also a miata w/o issues.
The center is open but wouldn't be hard to put something over it when you want to use it as a hauler for something else.
http://www.econotrailer.com/
The center is open but wouldn't be hard to put something over it when you want to use it as a hauler for something else.
http://www.econotrailer.com/
#10
I have an old trailer which has sticker "Speedwagon" on the sides.
Photo
http://www.russmarshall.com/v/cars/c...geViewsIndex=1
Tow car as it came from factory, loaded with boxes of spares and tools. Towed well as shown, but better once I added the weight distributing hitch.
hrk
Photo
http://www.russmarshall.com/v/cars/c...geViewsIndex=1
Tow car as it came from factory, loaded with boxes of spares and tools. Towed well as shown, but better once I added the weight distributing hitch.
hrk
#11
If you're looking at buying a trailer get a dual axle aluminum trailer. I wish I had one when I towed my wifes Miata to NC in May. I rented one from U-Haul which would be good for local use, but that thing was so heavy I got terrible gas mileage on the way up. There are those auto-trader type magazines that have them for sale all the time.
#12
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I have an old trailer which has sticker "Speedwagon" on the sides.
Photo
http://www.russmarshall.com/v/cars/c...geViewsIndex=1
Tow car as it came from factory, loaded with boxes of spares and tools. Towed well as shown, but better once I added the weight distributing hitch.
hrk
Photo
http://www.russmarshall.com/v/cars/c...geViewsIndex=1
Tow car as it came from factory, loaded with boxes of spares and tools. Towed well as shown, but better once I added the weight distributing hitch.
hrk
#13
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Great info guys, thanks. I wont be getting anything until my 00 F-150 sells. Once it does I'll update with what i get.
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#14
I'll back up HRK on this one. Only get the trailer you need- if you're sure you won't need bigger. And IMO single axle trailers are fine for Miatas when the load is set right. Once you figure out the best spot for the car on the trailer, make a line on the trailer to get the car positioned the same every time and there's no worries. I've towed with an Rx300 a bunch of times with a trailer similar to HRK's with no concern. Smaller trailer makes everything easier - driving and on equipment. Also- only use trailer tires on your trailer, not car tires. And I've found some stellar trailer deals on CL.
#17
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Why, if it works fine?
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