Suggestions for Enclosed Trailer

Discussion in 'The Choo-Choo shop' started by Aerobatix, Dec 25, 2006.

  1. Aerobatix

    Aerobatix Well-Known Member

    Hello,

    I am thinking about buying an enclosed trailer to haul a 70 GSX. What brands and features would you recommend and what kind of budget should I plan for? Also, what about torsion suspension vs leaf springs. I've never had a trailer so I know absolutely nothing about them. Please help a newbie make an educated decision.

    Safety and reliability are most important.

    Thanks!!

    Merry Christmas,

    Rob
     
  2. CJay

    CJay Supercar owner Staff Member

    If you do a search, youll find plenty of info regarding trailer recommendations.

    First and foremost, make sure you have a large enough vehicle to haul the trailer with. A 3/4 or 1 ton truck is a must :Smarty: . Bigger the better!

    Whats your price range?

    Get the best trailer you can afford. The all aluminum trailers are the best. They dont rust. You dont want your trailer to look like a rusted mess in 5 years. ATC and Featherlite come to mind. Exiss makes a beautiful trailer called the "Mach 10". The Cadillac of trailers. You need a 10,000 gvw trailer. 5200 lb axles with brakes on all 4 wheels. The 3500 lb axles arent going to cut it. I like the extruded aluminum floors. Finished interiors with a workbench are a plus.

    No frills trailers start at around 6k, the top of the line aluminum ones are 17-20k

    As far as size, dont cheat yourself. To go from a 20' to a 24' isnt that much more. Its nice to be able to fit extra parts in front of the car. Never know what your going to find at the Nats!

    oh and get a set of good tie downs and axle straps from Mike Garrison too! (shamless plug for Mike) :TU:


    That ought to point you in the right direction. Im sure others will chime in with more suggestions.
     
  3. RACEBUICKS

    RACEBUICKS Midwest Buick Mafia

    If you order a trailer get the road side door so you can drive in the trailer and get out. I also say get load lights installed at purchase. That makes the car easier to tie down with in the dark.(using my tie downs of course) Thanks Jason!!!! . Get the bigger axles definatly!! Floor coverings are good too. roof vents are good. I wouldnt buy one shorter than 22 feet myself that way you have a place to store extra stuff. Add footage if you have a golf cart too.

    Now lets talk truck... I prefer the 1 ton dually but not everyone agrees.... 3/4 ton minimum suspension to tow with!!! I would also very highly recommend Load control/ sway bars 1000 lb rated. Do NOT scrimp on this as it makes you towing as safe as it will be. look here to see what could happen!!! http://mrbuick.com/towing.htm
     
  4. Brad Conley

    Brad Conley RIP Staff Member

  5. CJay

    CJay Supercar owner Staff Member

    Mike- What brand trailer do you have currently? I remember you had a red Haulmark a while back. How did you like the quality of it?

    Im in the market myself. Im leaning toward a 24' Edge
     
  6. RACEBUICKS

    RACEBUICKS Midwest Buick Mafia

    I had a 26 foot Dominator last but now Im pulling the 48 footer J&N brand from Indiana. I like the dominator brand that I had but I needed a longer trailer to pull the pair of GS's in.
     
  7. Eric Schmelzer

    Eric Schmelzer Well-Known Member

    If money is not a issue and you want a totally custom from the ground up trailer chaeck out these guys in Nashville. Ask for Matt Block and tell him I sent you. Matt is a good freind of mine that I've known for 15+ years.
    http://www.wildsidellc.com/default.html
     
  8. BUICK528

    BUICK528 Big Red

    I see your pretty local....

    I deal with Mike Lago at All American Trailers, in Lantana, Fla. He knows his stuff.... come see mine and you'll understand why.

    Jim
     
  9. 1972 Stage 1

    1972 Stage 1 Well-Known Member

    Hi Rob,

    You may try to contact John Chamberlain (he goes by collector on this board). He had a black one for sale in July, and he may still have it due to a deadbeat bidder on ebay. Here is the thread that gives a little more information.

    I guess you found a car? Post here or send me an email with more information. Good luck!
     
  10. racenu

    racenu Well-Known Member

    i haul my gsx in a 24' (inside) Haulmark. rectangular tube steel frame (HSS), aluminum skin, dual torsion 3500lb axles with built in beavertail. The steel frame adds some weight but you need a good tow vehicle anyways so the weight of the trailer shouldn't be a prob and its much cheaper than aluminum. Mine tows fine (behind the duramax) I originally didn't buy it to haul a car, just bikes, sleds etc. but on the Canadian (rough) roads prob should have heavier axles to haul a car? I've been told the only thing rougher than a trailer with dual torsion axles is a triple torsion axle trailer? Our Buicks have suspension so I don't know how good the trailers suspension need to be. You have to decide how often, far, or rough the roads are you'll be travelling on and adjust your budget accordingly. The one option I would look for is a side exit door so once you get your car in the trailer you can open the car door to get out of your car, unless you are very skinny this can be a problem. Whatever trailer you get ensure you have good tie down points and cross tie the car and possibly screw 2X4's lenght ways to the wood floor beside the tires so the car doesn't move or slide sideways. Any new(r) car hauler should be good for your first trailer, just don't buy a rusty Canadian one.....
     
  11. Aerobatix

    Aerobatix Well-Known Member

    Thanks!

    Thanks everyone for your feedback and suggestions.

    One thing I am gathering from all the comments is the importance of a quality tow vehicle. I think I'll need to reconsider and budget for a serious tow vehicle before I invest in a nice trailer setup.

    For now I'll try to keep to more local events within a few hours drive.

    Thanks again and Happy New Year!

    Rob
     

Share This Page