I missed a Corvette show today because I couldn't find a U-Haul trailer. Does anybody have any ideas about trailers? I don't want to spend $3000 for a new one and used ones are almost as much as new ones. Thanks.
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Re: Trailer Ideas
If you are talking open trailers...you should be able to buy one for under $2000. Make sure that you have door clearance to open the doors over the wheel fenders or siderails after the car is on the trailer..... A "beavertail" style is easier to load the car onto the trailer. You should have trailer brakes.
Trailer should be about 20ft minimum length for a 'vette.
If you are talking enclosed trailers you can easily spend $5000++++. Here tie down location inside, drivers side escape door, car door clearance, and beavertail are some of the things to look for.
You should look thru the web for trailer sites to see all the options and styles etc. This is a tremendous took for finding information....
Last but not least...if you are going to pull a car you really should have a 3/4 ton truck to do it with. I know many people do it with a car or a 1/2 ton truck...that is fine until you get into a little trouble (quick stop, swerve to avoid something in the road etc) and then you'll quickly find the "tail" wagging "the dog" so to speak....... Many times this results in an accident.
Good luck -
Re: Trailer Ideas
just drive the car leave the trailer at home for the harley davidsonComment
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Re: Trailer Ideas
You are correct; there's no much depreciation associated with used car haul trailers, especially the enclosed versions. But, there IS a 'season' for their resale/availability.... Check the papers in the spring and fall (just before and just after RACE season) and you should observe a 'spike' in market availability. That's when folks abandon their race activities as well as make upscale buys and sell their prior haulers.
I know it seems that you don't want the extra expense of an enclosed hauler vs. an open trailer, but you might want to re-think this.... First, consider a long haul where you have to rent hotel/motel for one or more overnights. Will you really sleep well knowing 'baby' is on display to all the would be thieves passing by outside in the dead of night? What about rain, hail, wind driven dust/dirt in transit?
Last, consider what you've already observed, the apparent no-depreciation silhouette of an enclosed hauler--the purchase can be likened to that of your classic Corvette itself....Comment
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Re: Trailer Ideas
I'm facing the same problem myself or soon will be. I'm wondering, how hard/expensive could it be to make one? Most of the custom enclosed trailers are way too big, at least too high - all that wind resistance. Anyone had any experience with this? Does anyone sell plans for anything like this?
Ted #32350Comment
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Re: Trailer Ideas
Trailex trailers (advertiser in Driveline) offers a enclosed aluminum trailer which weights less than 2000# and under 7 ft in height which will fit in a standard garage.............sould do the job and worth every penny which will come back to you on resale. I owned a open trailer by these people and it was great, at 70 mph loaded you were not even aware it was there.......Bill #20328Comment
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Re: Trailer Ideas
Ted, I am with you. I want a trailer that is just tall enough to haul my car, not walk upright in! I will probably build one myself to get what I want. You would think there would be a great market out there for low headroom trailers, but apparently there is not. Regards, John McGrawComment
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Re: Trailer Ideas
When I had my 22' United Express built in 1995, I had them build it with the roof 18" lower than normal for just that reason - easier towing with a V-8 Grand Cherokee. Got a $350 credit (less material used), which evaporated instantly as I added the beavertail, extra side doors, lighting, 102" torsion axles, winch mounts, roof vents, front stone guard, "E"-Tracks, etc.Comment
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Re: Trailer Ideas
Ted,
I came across a "seller of trailer plans for the do it yourselfer". You can find their posting ad on ebay at "enclosed trailer". I went to their posting and found an email address to contact them. They are NLR Trailer Plans and can be reached at jpcruse@swbell.net. Hope this helps for those of you talented enough to tackle something like this. Also, I make the usual claims about my knowledge and or affiiliation with any of these people. I have also been watching for a good buy on an enclosed trailer and just came across this.
GarryComment
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Re: Trailer Ideas
Thanks Gerry, I'll check them out.
TedComment
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