I'm looking for a way to get to driver education events with my track tires. Suncoast Porsche sells a hitch that attaches to the bolts after you remove the bumper blocks. Trailex sells a tire toter that is light, can carry 1 or 2 sets of tires and a tool box. Does anyone have any experience with this on their 996? Any input would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Mike

 

I am interested to see the input on this topic too.

 

Saw a couple of trailers at WGI this past weekend, but didn't check to see if they were pulled by P-cars. They did seem to be utilitarian, however!

 

I have a Southsport track (DE) trailer. Carries 4 tires (17 or 19") across front and has aluminum diamondplate toolbox w/brake lights in back. Very nice unit, very lightweight. Toolbox has wired brake lights on rear, license plate mount and ample room for any tools, helmet, clothing, jack, etc...

You can contact SouthSport directly @ 407 330-2322 or you can check out the pca mart under trailers (that's where I found mine)

There is also one for sale here (no affiliation):
<a href="http://www.porschenet.com/partsmar.html" target="_blank">http://www.porschenet.com/partsmar.html</a>

South Sport Track Trailer An excellent condition track tire and tool carrying trailer. Low miles, up grades, no hassle and easy to tow. Contact Doug McIninch (Bedford, NH) at 1-603-472-8877 or McIninch555@AOL.com (March 29, 2003)

Or, if you prefer a DIY:
<a href="http://www.pca.org/hcp/de_trailer.htm" target="_blank">www.pca.org/hcp/de_trailer.htm</a>

 

Lewis,

Thanks for the info. In your experience have there been any problems in towing? How is the driveability? Any damage or wear and tear to the car?

Thanks,
Mike

 

Mike,
Tracks well up to 85mph (fast enough for me!). The trailer itself is very light and the weight of 4 tires/wheels, along with whatever you put in the toolbox doesn't seem to affect the car at all.

No damage to the car whatsoever, but my hitch is on a 964, so it attaches to the frame. I have read many posts from 986 owners who have the Suncoast hitch and no problem removing rear bumperettes (once you get the correct long reach metric allen wrench!)

FYI, the SouthSport comes in two different width tire racks/carriers (don't know the part numbers). One is fine for 4 17" wheels ~$800(mine) and the other one will carry 4 19" wheels, ~$1000. If you purchase it from SouthSport in FL, shipping is approximately $200. They can give you exact pricing if you call.

It seems as though these are becoming more popular, as there has been quite a few posts this spring on the various rennlist forums. Worked out well for me, as I don't really have room to store an open trailer and didn't think my wife would like me taking her Ford Excursion for 2-3 days per DE ;-)

 

Thanks again all! Great info.
Mike

 

Mike,

I have the Southsport and tow it with my 996 Turbo, with no problems--I've done brief stints passing on two lane highways at speeds over 100 mph. It trailers perfectly--cannot back up with it because the tonque is so short it jack knifes very quickly. The Southsport is much nicer than the Trailex tire toter from what I see of their pictures.

For the hitch, you may want to check out the Willwood hitch. There used to be other web pages with better pictures but here's the best I could find (which shows the hitch with the bike rack option instead of the hitch bar which runs between the receivers).

<a href="http://www.whiteson.org/boxster/mods/bikerack/" target="_blank">http://www.whiteson.org/boxster/mods/bikerack/</a>

There is a good picture showing the receivers on either side of the license plate, which is all you see 99.99% of the time when you're not towing. That is why I like the Willwood.

I also have one of the Evo hitches on my Boxster S, which I don't like as well since it is not removable (unless you want to spend 20 minutes removing the bumperettes and license plate to take it on and off).

The guy who makes the Willwood hitch is a retired engineer who used to design hitches for Reese. His telephone number is 209-772-3399, ask for Will.

 

Lewis,
do you have a writeup/description of your hitch? I too have a 964 and am thinking of adding one. I've only come across <a href="http://www.pca.org/hcp/de_trailer.htm" target="_blank">http://www.pca.org/hcp/de_trailer.htm</a> for details. Did you have to reinforce the bumper's attachment to the frame? Any pictures?

--Chris