those who have enclosed trailers-question for you

[Patrick H.]

Re: those who have enclosed trailers-question for you

Patrick, was your 08's door hitting the side of the trailer or the wheel wells?

Initially my cars' doors hit the wheel wells, which did allow me to get out but not easily. Then I installed 2 2x12s on the floor to drive on so that both my cars' doors would rise above the wheel wells. This gave me a much better opening so I can get in and out of both my cars pretty easily now.

It's a little more work, but still cost a lot less than the getting one with the side access from the get-go.

I don't recall off hand if it was the wheelwell or the wall. Either way, the only way to improve the situation was the "escape hatch" method of egress.

[Greg L.]

Re: those who have enclosed trailers-question for you

I should add that when I say "it pulled along very well" that I was at the speed limit of 55-60 mph and not full out interstate speeds of 70-75+ mph. I never bothered to check my tire's speed rating but someone had mentioned that trailer tires are only rated for 60 mph anyways?

For those that mention that these are heavy trailers I'll have to agree. It weighs about 3,200 lbs empty. I'd think that a 7,000 lb one would be lighter but by how much I don't know. Funny thing too is that it didn't really feel much different with or without the car inside.

[Gene M.]

Re: those who have enclosed trailers-question for you

American Hauler. I looked at a lot of brands. Best construction, all vinyl coated frame, finished white walls and lighted. Air vents, D hooks and car entry door at no charge. Light weight pulls down the road easy. Wiring is well done too.

Walk in entry door is of no value. Avoid the cost and just get the car entry door. Be sure to spec it's placement so it clears car door.

I suggest stainless lug nuts and stainless center caps for the wheels as the steel ones start to rust in the rain.

[Patrick H.]

Re: those who have enclosed trailers-question for you

Funny thing too is that it didn't really feel much different with or without the car inside.

because it acts as an air brake/parachute whether there is a car inside or not. That's why I'd consider getting one the same total height as the cap on my truck.

[Patrick H.]

Re: those who have enclosed trailers-question for you

Walk in entry door is of no value. Avoid the cost and just get the car entry door. Be sure to spec it's placement so it clears car door.

I'd disagree. I've used the front door much more than the side door. It's a useful way to access the front tie downs and also the object that you can store inside the front of the trailer. I would not want to drag heavy objects past the car and out the side door unless absolutely necessary. Also, one peek in and you can check out your car without broadcasting "There's a Corvette in here" as you might do opening a side door.

Patrick

[Dick W.]

Re: those who have enclosed trailers-question for you

A walk in door is a must for us older pharts. It makes tying the car down a lot easier, you can store your luggage in the front of the trailer and get it in and out without moving the car.

[Terry M.]

Re: those who have enclosed trailers-question for you

Yes, that would work too. How did you ever get a winch on without ruining the spoiler?

Patrick

The trailer has a beaver tail and integral door/ramp. We raised the tongue of the trailer with the trailer jack to minimize the ramp approach angle. We situated 2 x 10 boards at the edge of the door to further lengthen the approach angle. I drove the car to the edge of the door/ramp and exited. We then hooked the tie down straps to the factory installed slots behind the front wheels (where the pucks go for lifting) and then hooked the tie down straps to the winch cable. No muss, no fuss. And most importantly no damage to the car.

We also hooked the rear tie down straps to the car at this time as well. It made it much easier attaching the R-hooks while the car was outside the trailer. I held on the the rear straps to keep them from snagging on any protrusions.

Oh, and that wasn't our first rodeo. We did have the benefit of some other C6, Z06 transports before mine. It is always better to practice on someone else's car first.