Enclosed trailer experience

[David W.]

I am considering an enclosed trailer to haul my C3 to distant places and would like some feedback on size. My goal is to go with the smallest size practical (cost, weight, storage) without going to small. Right now I'm looking at an 8.5'x20' with a V-nose profile. The interior length is 21'-6" to the nose. The car is 15'-4" I think. Do you think this would be sufficient for a 200 pounder to access the front D-rings? I don't expect to haul anything larger than a vette. Many thanks...........

[Dave C.]

Re: Enclosed trailer experience

David, I had the exact trailer you are talking about , made by cargo mate , and I used to haul my old 66 roadster around in it with no problems at all, as a matter of fact if you didn't need to haul any tools or extra stuff you could probably go to an 18. One option that I did not have , that would be highly advantageous , is the drivers side door option, so you can jump right in the car to drive it out or vise versa. I also installed the Erickson tracks on the floor and used the over the tire ratchet straps, which really make things easy compared to crawling under the car to find something to attach to.

[Jeff P.]

Re: Enclosed trailer experience

Dave,just to add what David said. I purchased a Haulmark 8.5 x 20 V Nose from Cardinal trailer Sales in Indiana. It was built in Pa. I then picked it up myself. Figured I saved a Grand instead of ordering through a local trailer supply in your area. To add to Davids options I added a winch and 10,000 lbs axles.

[David W.]

Re: Enclosed trailer experience

Thanks guys...............the one I have in mind is a Haulmark also but why the heavy 5200# axles? I would think tandem 3500# would be more than sufficient.

[Michael J.]

Re: Enclosed trailer experience

I have a Trailex enclosed sports car trailer for my C2s and Shelby Mustangs. Very light, low profile, easy tow, excellent access to tie downs, but a bit more expensive.

[Jeff P.]

Re: Enclosed trailer experience

Everyone I talked to said it was a no brainer. Not a lot of money for a better suspension. A real good reason is Resale when your done with it. Good luck.

[Don G.]

Re: Enclosed trailer experience

I agree with Jeff. Consider 5000# axles if you are buying a standard enclosed trailer. Most will weigh 4000# with options. Add a 3500# car and you are over weight for 3500 # axles. If you are considering a used trailer, weigh it because the mfrs. stated weight may not include add-ons.
Of course, Trailex type trailers are much lighter.

[David W.]

Re: Enclosed trailer experience

Good point on the axles. thanks

[Jeff P.]

Re: Enclosed trailer experience

I see the Trailex setup every year at Carlisle. Great trailers. Cost between $16,000/$18,000.

[Larry E.]

Re: Enclosed trailer experience

Dave: Here is my 2 cents worth: I have always thought that getting the smallest trailer for your needs is the way to go. Mine is 18' long on the box;with 21' total length. I would never consider a "V" nose as that is just wasted space. Also I consider the lowest possible height to handle your needs. Mine is 7' which give good enough inside height for Vettes/Camaro's. Believe me you will get into some very tight spots at times; the bigger the trailer the more scratches/dents you will get. Of course; JMHO--Larry

[Jim L.]

Re: Enclosed trailer experience

I would never consider a "V" nose as that is just wasted space.

And if a V-nose helps fuel economy it is to such a slight degree as to be undetectable.

Before I bought an enclosed trailer, I borrowed several from friends..... tall, short, V-nose, slant-nose, blunt-nose..... pretty much anything you could imagine. No matter which trailer I was pulling, my Diesel Dodge returned 13 MPG.

My conclusion? Pretty obvious..... V-nose doesn't help.

Jim

[Stephen L.]

Re: Enclosed trailer experience

5000# axles bring along load range "D" tires..... the weak link of the trailer. 3500# axles come with load range "C" tires which are marginal....
Look at the cost difference between a 20 ft and 24 ft (very popular size). It might change your mind as the additional space might be desirable after you buy it. The driver escape door is useless unless you build the floor up to accommodate the height of the fender tubs inside the trailer for clearance. I'd invest that door money in a good winch instead. A "dead" car can be winched in..........like when I took the body to a paint booth on a dolly.

[Duke W.]

Re: Enclosed trailer experience

5000# axles bring along load range "D" tires..... the weak link of the trailer. 3500# axles come with load range "C" tires which are marginal....

That's a key point. There are all kinds of trailer tire horror stories. Last weekend I accompanied John Seeley and his '65 FI Coupe from LA to Tuscon. One of my jobs was to check tires at every stop. The borrowed trailer had new 205/75R-15 load range D tires which had a maximum load placard of over 2000 pounda @ 65 psi maximum cold pressure. I set them up at 60, cold, and they were just warm to the touch at each stop cruising at about 70 (in Arizona where the speed limit is 75 with no restriction on trailers) in 60-75 degree ambient temperatures. It's heat that kills tires.

Checking consisted of thumping the tires with a rubber mallet. That's the way you do a quick check on duals to verify that the inside tire has not gone flat. If one didn't resonate the same as the others or the same as after I set the pressure, a pressure check is required, but that was never necessary.

Duke

[John M.]

Re: Enclosed trailer experience

I have a 20ft with 3500 lb axles. The max recommend load is 3800. I bought it for corvettes only and wanted the shortest that would work well. It goes down the road smooth as can be. How long will it last, who knows. Bare bones cheap.
JB

[David W.]

Re: Enclosed trailer experience

Hey everyone thanks for the info. The Trailex is out due to cost $17-$21k online. I can buy 3 - 20' steel haulers for that kind of money. So tell me without drivers side escape door do you do the NASCAR move thru the window for ingress/egress? The HD axles/tires make sense. Glad I asked before buying...........