Trailer Advice Needed

[Clark K.]

I am in the market for an enclosed car trailer for my '65 Sting Ray. Since I will be pulling the trailer with a '05 GMC pickup with the 5.7 liter gas engine, I am wanting an all-aluminum trailer in order to keep the weight down. Yes, I am aware that a new Trailex 20' enclosed all-aluminum trailer costs $16,000. So, I have been looking at like-new, used ones. I found one for $9500. What questions do I need to ask of the owner and what do I look for during the pre-buying inspection? Any advice will be appreciated since I have never owned a trailer, before.
-Clark

[William C.]

Re: Trailer Advice Needed

Just like you were buying a car, How old, what condition, how much maintenance has it had, how many miles, how are the tires, brakes, normal stuff.

[Keith G.]

Re: Trailer Advice Needed

Goose-neck or bumper? If it's a goose-neck make sure it has a narrowed front, just in case you have a short bed. Also an escape door on the left side is the only way to go, thats so you don't have to worry about chipping your drivers door.

[David S.]

Re: Trailer Advice Needed

Certainly, basically maintenance, brakes, tires, condition inside and out is important. Also look for things you want to have in the trailer. Storage for tools? Winch? Side door for loading purposes? I've found that it is much better to have a 24ft than a 20ft enclosed.

-Dave

[Jerry G.]

Re: Trailer Advice Needed

Check the weights. I haven't found that there is that much difference in weight but there is a lot of difference in price. If your not climbing mountains like we do here in Colorado it just isn't that big a deal.

[William C.]

Re: Trailer Advice Needed

10000 lb axles generally come with larger brakes as part of the package, a very worthwhile investment!

[Jerry G.]

Re: Trailer Advice Needed

I had 13 inch disks installed...Kodiak...I fear NO mountain.

[Norm B.]

Re: Trailer Advice Needed

Make sure the tires are the appropriate load range for the GVW you anticipate hauling. Go to the Woodall's website;

http://forums.woodalls.com/

There have been tons of discussions on the various forums regarding tires and weights. Even though they are 95% camper related evrything still pretty much applies.

[Phil D.]

Re: Trailer Advice Needed

I don't know much about aluminum trailers, but I've seen some steel trailers with some very questionable looking welds, particularly where users have changed out for a different type of hitch or added their own tie-downs, or made repairs. Mabe ask the seller if any such modifications or repairs have been made and when you get there, have a look at all the welds. If you see anything that looks unprofessional, pass.

[Clark K.]

Re: Trailer Advice Needed

I am in the market for an enclosed car trailer for my '65 Sting Ray. Since I will be pulling the trailer with a '05 GMC pickup with the 5.3 liter gas engine, I am wanting an all-aluminum trailer in order to keep the weight down. Any advice will be appreciated since I have never owned a trailer, before.
-Clark

UPDATE:
Last week, I bought that 2005 Trailex all-aluminum enclosed "SportsCar" trailer. I paid $9500 for it. The guy threw in a spare set (of two) aluminum ramps.

The Trailex website lists their new SportsCar trailers, equipped like mine, at ~$17K! Those of you who advised me...thank you....especially the guy who told me to jump on it at that price. I am very happy with my purchase. (though, the money would have bought me a load of NOS stuff to bring my Sting Ray up to National Top Flight level). Now, I can trailer it across the country to the NCRS National meets.

The trailer weighs about 2,000#, much less than a steel frame enclosed trailer. It has the four optional polished aluminum wheels and brand new radial tires. The spare wheel & tire match the other four. It has four doors, two access doors in the nose, a large door on the side (for car exit), and the rear door. The rear and side doors are "awning doors". The front is like a ship's bow for cutting the wind. Two ramps are stored under the trailer while the spare set go inside, under the car. Having the spare set of ramps gives me twice the width of the single ramps. My wife likes that since she thinks we (meaning me!) will drive off the (narrow) single ramps!

The past owner used it only once, to transport his '78 Pace Car to a show. Before that, the original owner used it to transport his Viper.
-Clark

[James N.]

Re: Trailer Advice Needed

Clark - That trailer really looks nice! And what an advantage to have the reduced weight when towing with your setup. My 27', 4,000 lb. trailer is a load for my 2500 HD 6.0 litre pickup. Congratulations on your purchase!