Re: Enclose Trailer Question
Most I've seen and queried about were custom built jobbies....
Most I've seen and queried about were custom built jobbies....
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Re: Enclose Trailer Question
Most I've seen and queried about were custom built jobbies....Comment
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Re: Enclose Trailer Question
Most enclosed trailers are similar, but I had (just sold) a 20' United Express 2-axle (102" wide axles) trailer that I had built to order, and they built it 30" lower than standard for me, at no cost (less material, less labor). Made for an easier tow, less drag, less sensitivity to semi-trucks, etc. Trailer weighed 2488#, tube-frame Grand Sport weighed 2344#, tools, compressor, generator, etc. probably added another 300#. Towed with V-8 Grand Cherokee (6500# towing capacity) with no problem at all.Comment
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Re: Enclose Trailer Question
Most enclosed trailers are similar, but I had (just sold) a 20' United Express 2-axle (102" wide axles) trailer that I had built to order, and they built it 30" lower than standard for me, at no cost (less material, less labor). Made for an easier tow, less drag, less sensitivity to semi-trucks, etc. Trailer weighed 2488#, tube-frame Grand Sport weighed 2344#, tools, compressor, generator, etc. probably added another 300#. Towed with V-8 Grand Cherokee (6500# towing capacity) with no problem at all.Comment
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Re: What is minimum tow vehicle?
Bill's advice is sound! You should also check your state's rules in this area. Last, you need to consider where you're going to tow to. Here in Colorado going over the Continental Divide at 11,500 feet to get to Regional/National meets in Steamboat Springs, we don't think of anything less that a full blown Suburban 3/4 ton BB and lots of folks cram 'blowers' on the power plant.
The longer the wheel base of your tow vehicle the better/safer you'll ride without the need for 'trick' hitch setups (anti-sway, Etc.). A short SUV (like a Bronco II or Blazer/Jimmy) is going to have a tendency for the trailer to 'wander' vs. a 'big boy' truck with long bed and increased wheel base. Load leveling hitch attachment is almost a necessity for the bigger/heavier enclosed haulers and well recommended for even smaller/lighter open rigs.
Much will depend on personal tastes and Catch-22, you really won't know all the in's and out's until you hook up and put some miles on your rig. Why not find a local NCRS chapter member who's got a rig, yak, and maybe do a test pull to get the feel?Comment
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Re: What is minimum tow vehicle?
Bill's advice is sound! You should also check your state's rules in this area. Last, you need to consider where you're going to tow to. Here in Colorado going over the Continental Divide at 11,500 feet to get to Regional/National meets in Steamboat Springs, we don't think of anything less that a full blown Suburban 3/4 ton BB and lots of folks cram 'blowers' on the power plant.
The longer the wheel base of your tow vehicle the better/safer you'll ride without the need for 'trick' hitch setups (anti-sway, Etc.). A short SUV (like a Bronco II or Blazer/Jimmy) is going to have a tendency for the trailer to 'wander' vs. a 'big boy' truck with long bed and increased wheel base. Load leveling hitch attachment is almost a necessity for the bigger/heavier enclosed haulers and well recommended for even smaller/lighter open rigs.
Much will depend on personal tastes and Catch-22, you really won't know all the in's and out's until you hook up and put some miles on your rig. Why not find a local NCRS chapter member who's got a rig, yak, and maybe do a test pull to get the feel?Comment
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Re: Enclose Trailer Question
1. Most manufacturers that make enclosed trailers for sale at the national level make them so that the interior height is between 6 1/4 to 6 1/2 feet high. That means that the overall external height of the trailer is about 8 1/2 feet. A Pickup or Suburban is about 6 feet high; therefore, such a trailer will be at least 2 1/2 feet higher than the tow vehicle. Examples of such manufacturers are Pace, Wells Cargo, Haulmark, Econoline, Classic and United.
2. These same manufacturers will generally build an enclosed trailer that is 12 to 18 inches lower than standard height as a "no cost" option on special order. While the weight reduction is minimal, the drag reduction while towing at Highway speed is large. Whether this lower height is an operational problem depends on your use and duty cycle for the trailer.
3. I have an 18 foot enclosed Corvette hauling trailer that I ordered to be built 12 inches lower than standard, and it has an interior height of about 65 inches. I have to stoop some to get in it (I am 6'-1" tall), but it is not particularly constraining for the limited time I am in the trailer. The exterior height of the trailer is 7 1/2 feet and I tow it with a Van that is a bit over 7 feet high. This results in a relatively efficient towing configuration.Comment
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Re: Enclose Trailer Question
1. Most manufacturers that make enclosed trailers for sale at the national level make them so that the interior height is between 6 1/4 to 6 1/2 feet high. That means that the overall external height of the trailer is about 8 1/2 feet. A Pickup or Suburban is about 6 feet high; therefore, such a trailer will be at least 2 1/2 feet higher than the tow vehicle. Examples of such manufacturers are Pace, Wells Cargo, Haulmark, Econoline, Classic and United.
2. These same manufacturers will generally build an enclosed trailer that is 12 to 18 inches lower than standard height as a "no cost" option on special order. While the weight reduction is minimal, the drag reduction while towing at Highway speed is large. Whether this lower height is an operational problem depends on your use and duty cycle for the trailer.
3. I have an 18 foot enclosed Corvette hauling trailer that I ordered to be built 12 inches lower than standard, and it has an interior height of about 65 inches. I have to stoop some to get in it (I am 6'-1" tall), but it is not particularly constraining for the limited time I am in the trailer. The exterior height of the trailer is 7 1/2 feet and I tow it with a Van that is a bit over 7 feet high. This results in a relatively efficient towing configuration.Comment
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