Tow VS Drive
#1
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
Tow VS Drive
Haven't decided if I want to invest in a trailer. How many of you drive and how many of you tow? What are the pros and cons of each?
#2
Rennlist Member
I drive and pull a small tire trailer behind my car. The main differences are if you drive the car there you can't really do a stripped out race car, too damn hot to not have A/C! I also don't push nearly as hard as I could because in the back of my mind I'm thinking that I have to drive the car home at the end of the day.
Additionally if something happens to the car and you've towed it there, well, you just put it on the trailer and head home. Since I drive the car there I have to arrange for a tow home...
Most of the tracks I go to are within 1.5 hours of my house, so driving the car has worked out fine, some tracks are 6-8 hours away from me and I try to get my car into a friends multi car trailer for those events...
Additionally if something happens to the car and you've towed it there, well, you just put it on the trailer and head home. Since I drive the car there I have to arrange for a tow home...
Most of the tracks I go to are within 1.5 hours of my house, so driving the car has worked out fine, some tracks are 6-8 hours away from me and I try to get my car into a friends multi car trailer for those events...
#3
Rennlist Member
Karen - I tow a 24' enclosed. Advantages are having the car stored/protected, don't have to worry about breakdowns or incidents causing me to be stuck, less wear and tear on the car, (and in the case of my enclosed trailer) place to store spare parts/tires/gas/tools/etc., place to hang out in the shade (or out of the rain) to relax with friends.
Cons - need room to store the trailer, a truck to pull it, and the $70K the truck and trailer suck out of you because if ya gotta drive a truck, may as well be a NICE one!
If you already have a vehicle that can tow 5000 lbs you can find a used Trailex open trailer for about $5K. If you have a place to put it I don't see a downside..
Cons - need room to store the trailer, a truck to pull it, and the $70K the truck and trailer suck out of you because if ya gotta drive a truck, may as well be a NICE one!
If you already have a vehicle that can tow 5000 lbs you can find a used Trailex open trailer for about $5K. If you have a place to put it I don't see a downside..
#4
Three Wheelin'
TRAILER...
1. After a long day on the track there is nothing better than a tow rig with big upgright seats, Domestic cold AC, satellite radio, et al.
2. If you have an issue, put your car on the trailer and take her home...
3. Tools, spare wheels, ice chest, easy up, etc. Where do you fit them all in the car??
1. After a long day on the track there is nothing better than a tow rig with big upgright seats, Domestic cold AC, satellite radio, et al.
2. If you have an issue, put your car on the trailer and take her home...
3. Tools, spare wheels, ice chest, easy up, etc. Where do you fit them all in the car??
#5
Addict
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Usually trailer. Didn't for the only event last year and lost the whole weekend due to a flat tire and had to limp home.
Won't make that decision again.
Won't make that decision again.
#6
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
Karen - I tow a 24' enclosed. Advantages are having the car stored/protected, don't have to worry about breakdowns or incidents causing me to be stuck, less wear and tear on the car, place to store spare parts/tires/gas/tools/etc., place to hang out in the shade (or out of the rain) to relax with friends.
Cons - need room to store the trailer, a truck to pull it, and the $70K the truck and trailer suck out of you because if ya gotta drive a truck, may as well be a NICE one!
Cons - need room to store the trailer, a truck to pull it, and the $70K the truck and trailer suck out of you because if ya gotta drive a truck, may as well be a NICE one!
#7
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
TRAILER...
1. After a long day on the track there is nothing better than a tow rig with big upgright seats, Domestic cold AC, satellite radio, et al.
2. If you have an issue, put your car on the trailer and take her home...
3. Tools, spare wheels, ice chest, easy up, etc. Where do you fit them all in the car??
1. After a long day on the track there is nothing better than a tow rig with big upgright seats, Domestic cold AC, satellite radio, et al.
2. If you have an issue, put your car on the trailer and take her home...
3. Tools, spare wheels, ice chest, easy up, etc. Where do you fit them all in the car??
Tracks don't sell tires
Trending Topics
#9
Rennlist Member
Many of us think we can get away with driving to/from, but almost all end up with trailers. If you already have a tow vehicle, I'd say it's a no brainer- the major expense is already sunk.
#10
Three Wheelin'
Key is I drive 180 degrees different then I do when I arrive at the event. Never rev over 1700 rpm, cruise at 65 mph on the nose. Even taking it to 70 mph it drops to ~18. For a type A personality what was once painful is actually somewhat inspiring, forces me to chill out a little bit...
#11
Addict
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
I used a UHaul trailer at first, then I broke down and bought one. Nothing worse than breaking at a track 500 miles from home when you have to work the next day. Buy an open trailer and see what you think. I always end up going back to an enclosed for the extra storage space both for track work and storing stuff somewhere besides the garage when not using it for the hobby.
#12
I'm one of the only Instructors that drive to events it seems. It's a compromise- alignment, MPSC, etc. However- the older I get the faster I was so there ya go. I dream of trailers, tow vehicles, & Cup Cars.
It's always a challenge to drive to events but there are trailer challenges as well. It limits how far I go so a trailer opens up new tracks. I also have AAA Plus so sometines I get a ride home. I'm always amazed how much I carry in the car.
It's always a challenge to drive to events but there are trailer challenges as well. It limits how far I go so a trailer opens up new tracks. I also have AAA Plus so sometines I get a ride home. I'm always amazed how much I carry in the car.
#13
Karen - I tow a 24' enclosed. Advantages are having the car stored/protected, don't have to worry about breakdowns or incidents causing me to be stuck, less wear and tear on the car, (and in the case of my enclosed trailer) place to store spare parts/tires/gas/tools/etc., place to hang out in the shade (or out of the rain) to relax with friends.
Cons - need room to store the trailer, a truck to pull it, and the $70K the truck and trailer suck out of you because if ya gotta drive a truck, may as well be a NICE one!
If you already have a vehicle that can tow 5000 lbs you can find a used Trailex open trailer for about $5K. If you have a place to put it I don't see a downside..
Cons - need room to store the trailer, a truck to pull it, and the $70K the truck and trailer suck out of you because if ya gotta drive a truck, may as well be a NICE one!
If you already have a vehicle that can tow 5000 lbs you can find a used Trailex open trailer for about $5K. If you have a place to put it I don't see a downside..
#14
Addict
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
I have not been to a track that sells tires.
Open trailer: Spare tires on tire rack on trailer. Tools and stuff in tow vehicle with rear seats down and I have a small row vehicle. No issues with Trailex trailer.
Well worth it for me.
Open trailer: Spare tires on tire rack on trailer. Tools and stuff in tow vehicle with rear seats down and I have a small row vehicle. No issues with Trailex trailer.
Well worth it for me.
#15
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Saratoga Springs, NY
Posts: 1,997
Likes: 0
Received 38 Likes
on
30 Posts
Karen:
If you are just getting into tracking, I would recommend driving back and forth. Yes, there are some risks (metal forming and how to get home) but chances are (highly unlikely) that you will have that "problem." Load up the car, and enjoy the ride out, the track time and the ride home. Once you are addicted to tracking your baby, then it is time for safety equipment, addtional rims and r comp tires, tools, etc., then investigate the trailer (open). Hopefully, you don't have to invest in a truck, too. The open trailer and a truck will get everything that you own/need to the track. Yes, easier, more comfortable, more gas, etc., but worth it once you are ready. If you still have the passion and the funds, then I suggest an enclosed trailer and the right truck. Baby steps to get there, but the main purpose is to get there and have fun. GL.
If you are just getting into tracking, I would recommend driving back and forth. Yes, there are some risks (metal forming and how to get home) but chances are (highly unlikely) that you will have that "problem." Load up the car, and enjoy the ride out, the track time and the ride home. Once you are addicted to tracking your baby, then it is time for safety equipment, addtional rims and r comp tires, tools, etc., then investigate the trailer (open). Hopefully, you don't have to invest in a truck, too. The open trailer and a truck will get everything that you own/need to the track. Yes, easier, more comfortable, more gas, etc., but worth it once you are ready. If you still have the passion and the funds, then I suggest an enclosed trailer and the right truck. Baby steps to get there, but the main purpose is to get there and have fun. GL.