Aluminum trailer questions
04-27-2003, 10:07 PM
#1
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Aluminum trailer questions
I have been looking at open aluminum trailers to tow my car to the track but am not sure what brands to consider. I know Trailex and Featherlite get good press here but what about Aluminum Trailer Company? Any other brands I should consider? Search of archives did not answer my questions.
I have a quote from Aluminum Trailer Company for a 16 footer with 4 way brakes, full floor design, gravel guard, tire rack, and 84" ramps for $5,022, not including freight. Is this a good price?
Also, I plan on towing, hopefully, with my V6 4Runner and the 5 speed tranny. The tow rating is 5,000 lbs. If the trailer weighs 1,000 lbs and the car weighs 3,000, am I being too optimistic in expecting the truck to handle the load? Bear in mind that I will most likely be driving with one other passenger at the most.
My 4Runner is my daily driver and it has a manual gearbox that I just love to stir. I hate the idea of getting something bigger and with an automatic. I have never owned a slushbox and I'm trying hard to abide by that credo.
Finally, if a manufacturer offers a floor design that does not offer full coverage, I may choose this type to reduce weight. Any downsides to consider other than reduced storage space?
As always, thanks in advance!
I have a quote from Aluminum Trailer Company for a 16 footer with 4 way brakes, full floor design, gravel guard, tire rack, and 84" ramps for $5,022, not including freight. Is this a good price?
Also, I plan on towing, hopefully, with my V6 4Runner and the 5 speed tranny. The tow rating is 5,000 lbs. If the trailer weighs 1,000 lbs and the car weighs 3,000, am I being too optimistic in expecting the truck to handle the load? Bear in mind that I will most likely be driving with one other passenger at the most.
My 4Runner is my daily driver and it has a manual gearbox that I just love to stir. I hate the idea of getting something bigger and with an automatic. I have never owned a slushbox and I'm trying hard to abide by that credo.
Finally, if a manufacturer offers a floor design that does not offer full coverage, I may choose this type to reduce weight. Any downsides to consider other than reduced storage space?
As always, thanks in advance!
04-27-2003, 10:20 PM
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Mark,
I like the Trailex trailer, with weight being a major issue for you they are one of the lightest. Price around $5K or so depending on options.
I had (until it was stolen a month ago) an aluminum trailer from <a href="http://www.trailerworld.com" target="_blank">www.trailerworld.com</a> They are comparably priced and weighed about 1200lbs. They are a much more substanial trailer than a Trailex, but I don't think they towed any easier.
If you went with a Trailex I would pass on the tirerack. It adds a lot of drag. I towed my friend's with my ML430 and I was constantly in the "passing gear". I got around 10mpg. The weekend I went to Mid Ohio I borrowed another friends steel trailer (no tire rack). It weighed close to 2K lbs (guess). The weight was noticeable when pulling up to speed, but once I was at speed I could maintain 75-80mph with no problems whatsoever. Very little downshifting and I got about 13mph. I think most of this was due to the decreased drag.
My next trailer may be a nice steel trailer from Trailer World. It is only about 500-600lbs more than a comparable aluminum and costs a bit less than half.
<a href="http://www.trailerworld.com" target="_blank">www.trailerworld.com</a> No affliation, just relatively local.
I like the Trailex trailer, with weight being a major issue for you they are one of the lightest. Price around $5K or so depending on options.
I had (until it was stolen a month ago) an aluminum trailer from <a href="http://www.trailerworld.com" target="_blank">www.trailerworld.com</a> They are comparably priced and weighed about 1200lbs. They are a much more substanial trailer than a Trailex, but I don't think they towed any easier.
If you went with a Trailex I would pass on the tirerack. It adds a lot of drag. I towed my friend's with my ML430 and I was constantly in the "passing gear". I got around 10mpg. The weekend I went to Mid Ohio I borrowed another friends steel trailer (no tire rack). It weighed close to 2K lbs (guess). The weight was noticeable when pulling up to speed, but once I was at speed I could maintain 75-80mph with no problems whatsoever. Very little downshifting and I got about 13mph. I think most of this was due to the decreased drag.
My next trailer may be a nice steel trailer from Trailer World. It is only about 500-600lbs more than a comparable aluminum and costs a bit less than half.
<a href="http://www.trailerworld.com" target="_blank">www.trailerworld.com</a> No affliation, just relatively local.
04-27-2003, 10:55 PM
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Thanks for your comments, Greg. Bummer about your trailer. Maybe time for an active electrical theft deterrant system?
Your info on the tire rack make sense but where would I put the four extra tires that I currently don't have and currently don't need or want but will most likely buy? Hell, two weeks ago I didn't want a freakin' trailer. <sigh> I'm partially justifying the purchase by thinking I can haul more location equipment for the bigger photo shoots and rent it to my corporation
The Trailer World trailer sounds heavyish at 1200 lbs. If Trailex is the lightest, it looks like I may have to go that route.
Your info on the tire rack make sense but where would I put the four extra tires that I currently don't have and currently don't need or want but will most likely buy? Hell, two weeks ago I didn't want a freakin' trailer. <sigh> I'm partially justifying the purchase by thinking I can haul more location equipment for the bigger photo shoots and rent it to my corporation
The Trailer World trailer sounds heavyish at 1200 lbs. If Trailex is the lightest, it looks like I may have to go that route.
04-27-2003, 11:14 PM
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Mark,
Design the security system and I will be your first customer. Just make sure there is plenty of amps running through the system. I don't want to just maim someone...
Either put the tires in the tow vehicle or maybe even in the p-car. The tire rack is nice but it will cost you something. The front guard on the trailer is also a serious drag on the aero of the set up.
Design the security system and I will be your first customer. Just make sure there is plenty of amps running through the system. I don't want to just maim someone...
Either put the tires in the tow vehicle or maybe even in the p-car. The tire rack is nice but it will cost you something. The front guard on the trailer is also a serious drag on the aero of the set up.
04-27-2003, 11:37 PM
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Greg -
Do you think a tow vehicle kicks up too much crap or are the trailer companies feeding off of our paint paranoia?
I hear ya on the theft thing. Just the thought of some scum bucket gleefully liberating me from something that I worked hard to buy, in effect saying, "I'm too stupid and lazy to earn this on my own so I will steal it from you" makes me...very irritated.
Do you think a tow vehicle kicks up too much crap or are the trailer companies feeding off of our paint paranoia?
I hear ya on the theft thing. Just the thought of some scum bucket gleefully liberating me from something that I worked hard to buy, in effect saying, "I'm too stupid and lazy to earn this on my own so I will steal it from you" makes me...very irritated.
04-27-2003, 11:45 PM
#6
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Mark,
For tires on the trailer, mount 2 pipes tall enough to fit 2 tires laying flat. Take the center caps off your future track wheels, slide the wheels over the pipes, drill a hole in each pipe to lock the wheels up and your set. A plumbing supply shop should sell you a couple pipes threaded on one end and a pipe mounting part (I cant think of the name) it is flat on one side with 4 holes at the base and a threaded nipple that you screw the pipe into. Mount this base on your trailer, screw in the pipe and your good to go. I used this set up on a buddys trailer and it worked great. Next week I am going to do the same to my trailer and will post some pics.
Greg, too bad about your trailer, where did they steal it from??? for future ref. check out <a href="http://www.trailerlock.com." target="_blank">www.trailerlock.com.</a> This product should keep the bastards from getting your next one...
For tires on the trailer, mount 2 pipes tall enough to fit 2 tires laying flat. Take the center caps off your future track wheels, slide the wheels over the pipes, drill a hole in each pipe to lock the wheels up and your set. A plumbing supply shop should sell you a couple pipes threaded on one end and a pipe mounting part (I cant think of the name) it is flat on one side with 4 holes at the base and a threaded nipple that you screw the pipe into. Mount this base on your trailer, screw in the pipe and your good to go. I used this set up on a buddys trailer and it worked great. Next week I am going to do the same to my trailer and will post some pics.
Greg, too bad about your trailer, where did they steal it from??? for future ref. check out <a href="http://www.trailerlock.com." target="_blank">www.trailerlock.com.</a> This product should keep the bastards from getting your next one...
04-27-2003, 11:46 PM
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Irritated...that is putting it mildly. I have had too many things stolen in the last few years. Speed boat, wife's purse, and now this trailer. Do you think I would go to jail if I took it out on the next worthless piece of crap that tries to take something of mine (rant off).
I know the front guard does help prevent the car from getting really nasty when towing in the rain, and probably keeps bugs off too, but I am not sure how much you have to worry about pebbles kicking up as long as you have some mudflaps on the tow vehicle.
Personally I would get the electric brakes instead of the surge brakes (trailex gives you the option). Smoother and more consistent braking, in my experience.
I know the front guard does help prevent the car from getting really nasty when towing in the rain, and probably keeps bugs off too, but I am not sure how much you have to worry about pebbles kicking up as long as you have some mudflaps on the tow vehicle.
Personally I would get the electric brakes instead of the surge brakes (trailex gives you the option). Smoother and more consistent braking, in my experience.
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04-27-2003, 11:53 PM
#8
Hey Mark,
I have a Econo-Trailer, it's steel and weighs only 1350 lbs. It was $1599 new. I have 4 wheel electric brakes. Here's a couple of pictures (car, trailer and tow hoe).
<img src="http://www.gtracer.net/Pictures/trailer.jpg" alt=" - " />
<img src="http://www.gtracer.net/Pictures/onback.jpg" alt=" - " />
In this picture you can see the trailer was sprayed with mud, this was before I picked up my car. After seeing this, I've been thinking of a front trap/guard in order to keep this stuff off of the car.
Todd
I have a Econo-Trailer, it's steel and weighs only 1350 lbs. It was $1599 new. I have 4 wheel electric brakes. Here's a couple of pictures (car, trailer and tow hoe).
<img src="http://www.gtracer.net/Pictures/trailer.jpg" alt=" - " />
<img src="http://www.gtracer.net/Pictures/onback.jpg" alt=" - " />
In this picture you can see the trailer was sprayed with mud, this was before I picked up my car. After seeing this, I've been thinking of a front trap/guard in order to keep this stuff off of the car.
Todd
04-27-2003, 11:54 PM
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Hi Mark
With equipment you'll probably be at your tow capacity, but I've been advised that running capacity is no problem. You just don't want to go over it. Do yhou have a transmission cooler.
I went with an enclosed Haulmark (it's a surrogate garage for the raqce car) towed by a Durango with 5.9 L gas guzzling monster. I fear I'm gonna get 8-9 mpg fully loaded.
But at least I have a 22' billboard for the team logo.
what kind of photography do you do?
With equipment you'll probably be at your tow capacity, but I've been advised that running capacity is no problem. You just don't want to go over it. Do yhou have a transmission cooler.
I went with an enclosed Haulmark (it's a surrogate garage for the raqce car) towed by a Durango with 5.9 L gas guzzling monster. I fear I'm gonna get 8-9 mpg fully loaded.
But at least I have a 22' billboard for the team logo.
what kind of photography do you do?
04-27-2003, 11:55 PM
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Eric - thank you for the tip. Sure beats paying $450 for a mileage-sucking rack.
Greg -Rain I can handle, chips I would like to mimimize. I figured towing is like following 6 feet behind a truck for 300+ miles.
Okay, I'll go for electric brakes, even though I don't know what a surge brake is.
Greg -Rain I can handle, chips I would like to mimimize. I figured towing is like following 6 feet behind a truck for 300+ miles.
Okay, I'll go for electric brakes, even though I don't know what a surge brake is.
04-28-2003, 12:01 AM
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Eric,
Thanks for the link to the lock. Never seen that before. Trailer was stolen from my uncle's shop. The criminals had been in there is our guess because they stole it one evening a half hour after they closed up the shop. It had two locks on it, one at the coupler and one through the wheels. The one through the wheels was a Krypton type lock. It took more than bolt cutters to get it off. You know what they say about locks, they will just keep an honest man, honest...
Mark,
Do a search for surge brakes for a better description but basically the trailer brakes activate as the trailer slides forward. Where electric brakes activate as you press the brake pedal.
Thanks for the link to the lock. Never seen that before. Trailer was stolen from my uncle's shop. The criminals had been in there is our guess because they stole it one evening a half hour after they closed up the shop. It had two locks on it, one at the coupler and one through the wheels. The one through the wheels was a Krypton type lock. It took more than bolt cutters to get it off. You know what they say about locks, they will just keep an honest man, honest...
Mark,
Do a search for surge brakes for a better description but basically the trailer brakes activate as the trailer slides forward. Where electric brakes activate as you press the brake pedal.
04-28-2003, 12:07 AM
#12
Three Wheelin'
Mark, you could mount the wheel pipes in line with your tow trucks rear wheels, thus any stones/mud kicked up by the rear wheels will hit the track tires.
Surge brakes work with a motion sensor, the sudden stopping action of the truck causes the brakes on the trailer to be applied. This brake method is a pain in the *** when trying to back up on a incline. I'm with Greg, go with the ele.brakes.
Surge brakes work with a motion sensor, the sudden stopping action of the truck causes the brakes on the trailer to be applied. This brake method is a pain in the *** when trying to back up on a incline. I'm with Greg, go with the ele.brakes.
04-28-2003, 12:07 AM
#13
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Todd - thanks for your info and your pics. How long is your trailer? It looks like gravel wash might be a problem with your set up.
Are you going to Mid-Ohio next weekend? I'm so excited to head back there.
Mike - Hey, funny man. No tranny cooler. Just hoping Toyota screwed my truck well. Wait, that didn't come out right...
I do advertising and magazine photography, specializing in lifestyle people stuff and environmental portraits. My website is getting updated and is currently offline. Two little viruses called P-Carius 993us and Driver's Edus Obsessionetus have pulled some attention from my new site.
Are you going to Mid-Ohio next weekend? I'm so excited to head back there.
Mike - Hey, funny man. No tranny cooler. Just hoping Toyota screwed my truck well. Wait, that didn't come out right...
I do advertising and magazine photography, specializing in lifestyle people stuff and environmental portraits. My website is getting updated and is currently offline. Two little viruses called P-Carius 993us and Driver's Edus Obsessionetus have pulled some attention from my new site.
04-28-2003, 12:11 AM
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</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">Originally posted by Mark in Baltimore:
<strong> Two little viruses called P-Carius 993us and Driver's Edus Obsessionetus have pulled some attention from my new site.</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">Damn, those are the same viruses that have limited my home projects to cleaning out the garage and organizing tools. Much more dangerous to a marriage than SARS...
<strong> Two little viruses called P-Carius 993us and Driver's Edus Obsessionetus have pulled some attention from my new site.</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">Damn, those are the same viruses that have limited my home projects to cleaning out the garage and organizing tools. Much more dangerous to a marriage than SARS...
04-28-2003, 12:15 AM
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"P-Carius 993us and Driver's Edus Obsessionetus"
Yeah, advertising people are particularly susceptible to those. Let me know when your site is back up. I'd love to see your work.
Yeah, advertising people are particularly susceptible to those. Let me know when your site is back up. I'd love to see your work.