I am posting here even though it's for my new 944 spec car because this is one of the best and most active forums on Rennlist IMO.

I am debating on enclosed vs. open. Parking constraints are pushing me towards the smaller end of the spectrum. I will be towing with an '00 lx470.

Any advice or experiences to share?

Anyone in So Cal area know of a good deal please let me know.

 

88clbsport,

I was in the same position you were in late in 2002. I wanted a trailer but had space constraints that limited the length of the trailer I could store reasonably and tow vehicle limits. I wanted an enclosed trailer for two reasons. I can hold a lot more stuff than and open trailer and is safer when you are traveling and need to park it. Also, it can double for storage for your equipement and car instead if the stuff living in your garage.

I ended up getting a 20 foot trailer but had the V-noce put on over the front which amounted to 4 more feet within the same foot print of a 20 foot trailer. I was able to almost everything in the V-Nose area while traveling. worked out well. I recommend you get a big a trailer as your tow vehicle and parking spot can handle because stuff just accumulates in a trailer.

I got 110 outlets, extra tie down rings, sub floor winch, sub floor spare tire, fold out ramps for loading, etc. I use all of these things and it make events much nicer. For hot venues I should have got some airconditioning but oh well ;-(

I went with an aluminum trailer because I live along the coast (rust) and it saved about 1000lbs over the comparable steel enclosed trailer. I have a Yukon Denali which easily tows up to 8000lbs but I have a total trailer weight with everything in it at right around 6700lbs.

The 6 liter denali engine works very well under all conditions. Great torque and once you dial in the correct tongue weight for the trailer the handling is great. Make sure you get the prodigy brake controller, works very well!

There are many more things I can mention but e-mail or PM me if you have more questions.

 

Having owned both open and closed for my race car, I would definately go for the closed trailer. Peace of mind, security, no road rash,etc. If I had my choice it would be closed!

 

If at all possible get the enclosed, I towed the car open behind a rental truck during my move from Seattle to LV last august. After going through 2 nasty rain storms the car was trashed. I have never seen a Porsche that dirty.

In September I bought an enclosed trailer, this last weekend we used it at LVMS for the POC event there and it was great having it as a base camp because you can bring coolers and tables and tools and a good jack, etc. When traveling it's really nice because your not worried about the car sitting out over night on an open trailer.

Best of luck,
Pete

 

I found a nice 20' Wells Cargo that has been used by a racing family here in So Cal. Looks like I am going to spend a little more than I planned, but everyone seems to think enclosed is the way to go. Even though the 944 is not an expensive car, it will work well for the day that I finally get a 993 again.

Now I just need a place to keep it.....

 

The other thought I would have is to not place things like Porsche emblems, "Rich Guys Racing" logos etc... on the outside. Some of my favorite race trailer decoration are along the lines of " HIV Mobile Testing Facility", "Nuclear Hazard, Keep Clear", The Biohazard sign is universal and very effective....never heard of one of these stolen....ever....just a thought.

 

Glen



You left out Roy's Rattlesnake Ranch

 

 

If you don't mind my asking, what dollar range are you looking at for a 20' Wells Cargo or similar? I'm looking at the enclosed trailer option for my move, especially after thinking about what Pete had to say.

 

the 20'ft enclosed are in the high 3 to low 4k range depending on how well they are equipped etc. Like a car, the brand is somewhat important from a reliability and long term use standpoint. Wells, Haulmark and Pace are a good higher quality trailer. Featherlite is a little bit of a step up and some of the independents are a step down. I am not calling myself an expert, but I have talked to a lot of people over the past week.

 

Take a look at the Trailex line before you buy. www.trailex.com. i just bought the 7541.

 

Kim,
You want it nice and plain, like this..

 

Kim,
I was just showing you the "after" picture.

No stickers on the outside, just a bunch on the inside.

Pete

 

I would also go with the enclosed if possible. It is SOOO nice compared to an open. Being able to have a rolling garage that locks up and carries a bunch of extra times does not even compare.

An enclosed trailer is a tough haul though for most SUVs. I have a 24' that weighs 3400 lbs. Add a car and spares and it is over 7000 lbs. A 20' trailer also does not save that much weight. The other thing with an enclosed trailer is wind resistance. So even if you have a 7000lb towing capacity on an SUV, it may have a tough time on the highway.

 

I agree, I first was towing it with a 97 ford F250, had a towing capacity of over 8500lbs. Plenty right? It pulled it fine once it got going but had trouble maintaining 65mph and got a whopping 7mpg when I drove to Sonoma and back. I sold it and got the Cummins in a 01 Dodge truck. HUGE difference, I pull most hills at or above the speed limit and get around 14mpg.

Pete