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Here is what I am using in Oz - over there I think its called an "Explorer"? There was one engine option that was a hidden gem, the 2.0 ecoboost turbo out of the ST focus, so it has around 235hp.
I wanted to ask about winching. I have just installed a hand winch so I can load the car myself, what sorts of dangers do I need to be aware of? I have visions of cables snapping and decapitating me on the side of the road.
And even further, has anyone got an electric remote winch so they can just sit in the car, hit the button, and drive it on themselves?
that looks more like an escape than an explorer. And no worries hand cracking up a free rolling miata. pulling a broken one might be a bit different. I use a manual come-along winch because i'm cheap and i've pulled shells, crashed cars, logs, whatever. Never snapped anything. Nice ramps.
And even further, has anyone got an electric remote winch so they can just sit in the car, hit the button, and drive it on themselves?
Electric winch:
I've never pulled it onto the trailer while sitting inside it, though. If I was gonna do that, I'd just drive it up with the motor. The winch is good with an enclosed trailer because it means you don't need to crawl out the window when there isn't room to open the door.
I wanted to ask about winching. I have just installed a hand winch so I can load the car myself, what sorts of dangers do I need to be aware of? I have visions of cables snapping and decapitating me on the side of the road.
Hand winch? For sure. A spare handle, trust me no matter how much dayglo paint you put on them, they just go walkabout, and you don't notice until you need it again.
Watch the ratchet, use it all the time no matter how annoying the noise - because you will fail to notice the handle is about to come off its socket, and if the ratchet is not engaged, oops there goes the car down the ramps ...
Mine is wire rope, a set of gloves is a must.
They don't like to be used as a hold-down, upsets the bearings I am told.
Having some chocks and moving them up behind the car occasionally as you ratchet one up can be a good precaution in case there's a problem with the ratchet. I use a boat winch and a woven wire cable on my tow dolly so I can recover the car if there's ever Driveline failure. But once when using a borrowed trailer and a come along the come-along exploded and a set of wheel chocks would have been a really clever thing to have a minute or two before that moment.
Wheel chocks and capturing progress as you go is definitely a good idea. I've had chocks save my *** on a few occasions when I was using a come-along before installing a powered winch. It's also always a good idea to have spare length chain or tow rope and a pulley or two (if using a steel cable or synthetic rope winch, obviously won't help with chain). If trying to pull up a dead car you might not always be able to get it lined up perfectly with the trailer before you start winching. And always wear gloves!
I ran a similar setup (a VW transporter with airbags and long ramps, total weight loaded 2.8 ton) for some years.
It's fine for hauling the Miata for shorter trips but it was a hassle to bring all the gear for a race weekend.
So it might look nice initially, but it's a special vehicle that needs it's maintenance.
I still run the miniature van (Berlingo) with a covered trailer I changed to.
P,lan is to go a little bigger to be able to fit a bed (Jumpy) but still small enough to be a DD.
For me it's less of a hassle than renting a trailer every time and finding someone who has a car heavy enough to pull it.
There's a ton of space on the side for toolboxes and storage and whatnot if you want to customise it a bit.
I just think it's a fun project/classic car that's also useful when you really need it :P.
What would be the lightest tandem aluminum open trailer - Aluma , featherlight - anything else?
I can't keep the trailer in front of the house and need to roll it into the yard. The aluminum is appealing as it does not rust and sitting outside in the winter with a tarp over it would be ideal.
Have not bought a tow vehicle yet but looking for a trailer first.
Since my truck isn't a Z71 package, the front end sits about where I think a 2wd truck would sit, with the rear end way up in the air, a solid 3-4" higher than my old truck (measured from tailgate/hitch). Even with 5500lb of trailer on the back and <5psi in the air bags it doesn't sit anywhere near level. I didn't want to raise the front at all, so I lowered the rear with drop shackles.
Before. This isn't exaggerated, it really did look like this IRL. More than just the aesthetics, loading things like engines and gear into the back was substantially harder than my old truck.
After. The shackle was supposed to be either a 1" or 2" drop depending on which hole you used. I wanted the 2" but didn't have the clearance under my particular truck. The 1" ended up perfect anyway, I suspect the 2" drop would have looked strange.
Also pictured is the new camper shell. Last must-have item is the rear backup camera. I will do the Titan 60gal tank eventually, but for now the 36gal tank is a big enough upgrade over my old 26gal LLY tank that I don't feel a pressing need to spend that cash ASAP.
What would be the lightest tandem aluminum open trailer - Aluma , featherlight - anything else?
I can't keep the trailer in front of the house and need to roll it into the yard. The aluminum is appealing as it does not rust and sitting outside in the winter with a tarp over it would be ideal.
Have not bought a tow vehicle yet but looking for a trailer first.
Tandem as in tandem axle? If so, Trailex CT-7031. Mine is ~950lbs with 4-wheel electric brakes and a full deck.
Winching - what do I need to be aware of?
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The winch is good with an enclosed trailer because it means you don't need to crawl out the window when there isn't room to open the door.
