Trailer Help

[Jess]

I am looking into getting an 18’ - 20’ enclosed trailer.
The main usage is to bring my 914 to and from the track.
Any and all advice would be appreciated.

Brands to consider and brands to stay away from.
New vs. used
Where is the best place to look?
Best bang for the buck, remember I drive a 914

Thanks
Jess

[Mike]

My 2 cents.
Mine is an entry level Carson 20 foot Racer model.
It came with a door and a ramp, over time I accessorized it.


Couple quick thoughts.
Windows are nice at the track but in public storage your trailer may be more vulnerable.
Check the trailer height if you want to put it next to your house under your roof eve.
Check the ramp and trailer frame have been engineered for weight of a car and not just desert toys.
Make sure it has electric brakes.
I'd rather have a V nose front, something with a little less drag.
A side awning adds comfort too.
A winch for loading with a remote control is a great help too.
Towing handling was improved greatly when I added this weight distributing hitch.

For the lower cars, club member Jim Copp makes these very cool ramps.

[Dan Chambers]

Mike:

What's the 'empty' weight of your trailer?

And, what about retro-fitting a combination storage/V-nose front piece? A little wood or aluminum frame and fiberglass panels could help with that wind-drag you might experience from the flat-front. Add a hing and padlock system and it could make the perfect BBQ storage compartment. It's not like you're short on time ...

[Mike]

about..
2600lbs new stripped.
1000lbs in tires and support equipment.
You may not want to bring some of the heavy stuff, a generator, 55 gal fuel drum, large N2O bottle and 10 rims and tires.
3600lbs without the car.
Car is 2400lbs.
Dano lmk if you can find time for a surf next week?

[Jad]

I recently researched this quite abit. Finding a decent used trailer in the area is nearly impossible and doesn't save you that much.

I looked into the V-nose, and it appears it is more of a physicological thing than helpful. I also got a Carson trailer after doing the research. The drop tail rear made much more sense for racecars than the extended (dovetail) door on ohter brands.

If you want to stick to your 914 aura, the basic model is about $5,900 as I recall in 16-18' length. Add ~$750 for the "Racer" model which gets you chrome wheels, a lining inside, fancier door locks and a couple other things. The base one I think you need to add tie-downs. Both come with no spare tire.

We added a very large diamond plate tool box to the nose and a tirerack as Mike did. The weight distribution hitch and sway control are a must in my opinion. $500.

So figure a total cost of ~$8,000 and you can go up from there with winches, windows, awnings, cabinets, paint, etc.

Carson has several locations in CA, I used the one in El Cajon. They were nice and can usually get your trailer in 2-3 days.

[Jess]

Thanks for the advice and pictures.
Very helpful

Next to find a dealer in North County or just go to El Cajon.

Jess

[glenn_993]

You might also want to checkout Craig's List. There are several for sale in the SD,Orange county and inland empire regions.

[mschacht]

www.racingjunk.com Don't let the name fool you.

Be certain you have enough power in your towing vehicle to pull the rig. Load transfer hitch has been nice. I tow 3,500 Lbs with a Toyota Tundra, 270 HP truck. It is OK, the load is under recommended limits, but it would be nicer to have a Chevy 2500 with the Allison tranny...maybe even the diesel. OK, so fuel is over $5.00 a gallon.

Don't put a bunch of ego related stuff on the side such as Porsche Racing, etc. It is an invitation for the thieves to steal your rig. I suggest "LeRoy's Dead Farm Animal Removal Service" and add a bunch of Bio Hazard warning stickers...maybe the thief can read?

[MR LIPP]

After Ted's post on having his trailer stolen I thought this bit of advice was worth something. Here is a security system for trailers.

http://www.lockinsecurity.com/video.htm

Not a solicitation and I have no affiliation.