enclosed trailer tips...

[Dick W.]

Re: enclosed trailer tips...

Make sure that both axles have brakes on them. There are a few trailer manufacturers that will short cut and leave them off one axle

[Terry M.]

Re: enclosed trailer tips...

Terry - I was checking out my 76 this evening and am having trouble locating the oblong holes you describe. In the bottom of my front crossmember are a center hole approx 5/8" with a rolled lip. Midway between this center hole and the lower A-arm shaft are two 1/2" holes without any rolled edge. It appears none of these three are reinforced. In the rear crossmember I do find the oblong holes you describe with rolled edges but no reinforcement. Can you tell me if these are the holes you are describing? Thanks.

Art,
The rears sound right. I believe the oblong holes with rolled edges in the rear cross member continued through all the C3 years.
I can't tell you for certain where the front tie down holes are on a 1978. I know through 1975 they are as I described in my post above, but I wouldn't rule out those crafty engineers changing the location, again. I haven't got as far as 1978 with my research. If you find oblong holes with rolled edges -- you have them. I know of no other use for such holes.

[Dick W.]

Re: enclosed trailer tips...

In the last 45 years I have hauled cars on trailers ranging from a few pieces of angle iron welded to mobile home axles to 53' double decker car haulers. I have towed with about every conceivable style of vehicle from an IH Metro bread truck with 115 hp (on a good day it would pull a trailer at 55 mph) to a extended hood Peterbilt with over 600 hp (would pull up hill at speeds well in excess of ....). The point I am trying to make is to use common sense. Do not try to be "the leader of the pack" when you hit the highway. Drive sensibly. Allow double the following distance. Follow the advice given in this post about tie downs and weight balance. Prep your tow vehicle before you start by checking the air in the tires, perform cooling system maintenance, etc. Check your trailer out. Are the tires dry rotted and cracked. The "trailer special" tires are famous for that. Do the date codes on the tires show that they are over 6 years old? If so, they need to be replaced. You need to be rested and alert. Things happen, so it seems, when you are pulling a trailer. Every idiot in the world will pull out in front of you, or bow up and stop. Remember that you need more room to turn, more room in a greasy spoon parking lot.

Just a few little tidbits from one that has been there, done that, and has the tee shirt to prove it.

[Mike M.]

Re: enclosed trailer tips...

If you are considering the purchase of a tow vehicle, you may want to research the manufacturers hitch systems provided and on certain brands further consider the after market variety.
H. a. N. D.

[Art A.]

Re: enclosed trailer tips...

James, My preferred method is to put the tranny in netural and not set the E-Brake.

Art,

I haven't heard anyone that has replied to this discussion mention when trailering a 4-speed car whether they leave the car in gear or in neutral???

What's your preferred method?


Regards,

James West

[Daniel Y.]

Re: enclosed trailer tips...

I didn't see anyone mention tire ratings. Take it from my experience and get at least "D" rated tires or better yet "E". You may have a requirement for 5200 lb axles or better - not sure. After many blow outs - mostly heat related and nails. the expense is worth the peace of mind

[Martin M.]

Re: enclosed trailer tips...

I have both a 40' Pace American triple axle (18,000 lb capacity) gooseneck (not a 5th wheel-goosenecks generally have a higher load rating - mine is 25k), and a United Expresslines 24' tag with 6,000 lb axles, and an extended tongue.

I tow this with an '89 Chev Crew Cab Dooley. I like the Dooley for the 4 rear wheels. Everyone worries about blowing a tire on the trailer, what about on the tow rig.

The 24' has E-track in the floor with a beavertail and a 48" side door. I have never had a car door that was too low to open.

When we travel the major thing we worry about is overheating, both in the engine, and in the transmission. We can't go anywhere without crossing some serious mountains. The Rockies, the Sierras etc. I installed digital gauges for cylinder head water temp, and transmission temp. Other than the gas gauge these are all I watch. I have an oversized radiator in the truck, and a deep pan in the transmission (TH400).

I understand the budget restrictions, but when I am carring my original engined '64 FI Tanker somewhere I want the best equipment available.

To sum up oversize everything. The peace of mind you will have is well worth the cost.
Marty