Aerovault Enclosed Trailer

[Hector G.]

Considering purchasing an enclosed trailer. Read many of the previous posts on the topic. Saw some information on the Aerovault and went to their web site (www.bre2.net). Very interesting. Does anyone have any information or thoughts on this trailer?

Hector

[Dick W.]

Re: Aerovault Enclosed Trailer

I noticed they referenced monocoque construction, and they were building the trailer to haul Datsun 510's. I am very leary of anyone building a trailer using that construction unless they have a Professional Engineer sign off on it. That is very similar to the construction of over the road semi trailers, where the roof, roof rails, side walls, and floor bear all the weight without having a full frame under it. Their cars are about 1,000# lighter than our cars are also

For $26,500 you can buy a known brand name trailer and have a lot of change left over to buy the extra fuel.. V and or wedge nose trailers offer you quite a bit of aerodynamic advantages.

I just looked and found a 20' 2012 Featherlite trailer with HD axles and 16" tires for about $19,500 list. http://bit.ly/zsgXrJ

Or you can buy a standard stock trailer, not quite as light, but very economical, http://bit.ly/ysVnGc

I do not have a financial interest in the above trailers. I just used them as an example of what is available

[William L.]

Re: Aerovault Enclosed Trailer

No side access door for the car door to open?? I would not have a trailer without it.
I agree with Dick if I was spending 25K I would go with a Featherlite.
But it is cool looking..
Just my 2 cents worth.
Bill

[Graeme B.]

Re: Aerovault Enclosed Trailer

The Aerovault trailer is designed and owned by Peter Brock,designer of the Daytona Coupe.I'm sure he would have a safe max. load limit.
Cheers, Graeme from OZ.

[Anthony P.]

Re: Aerovault Enclosed Trailer

No side access door for the car door to open?? I would not have a trailer without it.
I agree with Dick if I was spending 25K I would go with a Featherlite.
But it is cool looking..
Just my 2 cents worth.
Bill

I agree with Bill, Featherlite is the way to go you can have one built to your specs.

[George W.]

Re: Aerovault Enclosed Trailer

I use a 24' Cargomate that I found used; I have hauled with it on 68 trips with no problem. I say get one used, save money, get the left side door so you can open your car/vette door and get out when you load it, and be sure to get the electric trailer hitch option so you don't have the crank the connect arm to the hitch ball. This can be done for 5K or less; then when you are an expert car hauler guy, sell it and move to a better one, if you want. I would caution purchase of the one you quoted, for cost and ease of operation. Good luck and happy car hauling.

[Gary C.]

Re: Aerovault Enclosed Trailer

Hector, basic questions to answer. Also recommend you search and reach posts on towing vehicles. Gary....

1) How often will the trailer be used? Daily, buy a Featherlite or equivalent with heavy duty axles and tires.
2) 10 times a year or less? Previous poster suggested shopping for a used trailer. Wells Cargo with nose cone, Cargo Mate, etc. and reduced height to lower drag.
3) Towing with a pickup? Consider a gooseneck trailer. Gooseneck trailers tow best and easiest to turn.

Bumper pull trailers should have a 36 inch tongue - no shorter, 2 5/16 inch ball and a left side door that permits your Corvette's door to open for you to exit.

Towing vehicle 3/4 ton rated. Bigger brakes and heavier frame (reduces frame flex).

JMTCW

[Patrick S.]

Re: Aerovault Enclosed Trailer

I would bet you could find a nice used 20' trailer and have $20 grand left for gas and repaires (if needed).

[Bill H.]

Re: Aerovault Enclosed Trailer

Hector, basic questions to answer. Also recommend you search and reach posts on towing vehicles. Gary....

1) How often will the trailer be used? Daily, buy a Featherlite or equivalent with heavy duty axles and tires.
2) 10 times a year or less? Previous poster suggested shopping for a used trailer. Wells Cargo with nose cone, Cargo Mate, etc. and reduced height to lower drag.
3) Towing with a pickup? Consider a gooseneck trailer. Gooseneck trailers tow best and easiest to turn.

Bumper pull trailers should have a 36 inch tongue - no shorter, 2 5/16 inch ball and a left side door that permits your Corvette's door to open for you to exit.

Towing vehicle 3/4 ton rated. Bigger brakes and heavier frame (reduces frame flex).

JMTCW

Good advice especially about the tow rig along with an equalizing hitch and possibly a sway control bar ( although many sway problems are caused by car placement, not enough tongue weight).

The Areovault is a nice design from an engineering standpoint but I'd scream my bloody head off everytime I hit it on the roof and had to move around in the trailer bent over.

+1 on Featherlite, I have a 20ft Featherlite that's 15 years old and looks like it's brand new. And have towed a 24ft Featherlite thousands of miles to the racetracks.
As good as or possibily exceding Featherlite - Optima. I've also towed an Optima gooseneck (what Gary said), much easier to park in tight places.

The big advantage with aluminum is weight, considerably less than the same size in steel.

The $5k used trailer is valid but you need to do an extreme inspection if you go this route, I've seen these lower priced, used, steel trailers that were falling apart inside, broken welds, doors, etc. And you'll probably need to do the brakes, maybe wheel bearings and tires.

Saw this the other day at $10k:

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/autocrossing-and-roadracing/3010041-nice-enclosed-trailer-for-sale.html

[Joseph T.]

Re: Aerovault Enclosed Trailer

* is this your first trailer purchase
* how many times will you actually use it
* do you have a place to park it / stow it
* do you have the proper tow vehicle
* any experience towing
* insurance?


Infrequent use may justify paying someone else a premium to haul for you. Most car shows are in the heat of Summer and it can be difficult to park and unload.

There ae upsides to owning a trailer but know what you are getting in to.

[Hector G.]

Re: Aerovault Enclosed Trailer

Great advice everyone. Thanks for you input.