eastbaysubaru

iTrader: (9)

So what should I look for in an enclosed car trailer, both in terms of price and amenities? My dad is considering one for trailering various classic cars and I would hopefully use it down the road for a rally car. Thoughts?

-Brian

xtremeyolks

iTrader: (6)

Depends what you're towing with (Diesel?) and your budget. I mean there's a huge range in price from a basic enclosed (around $4500+) to an all aluminum one ($15,000+)

I have a 20ft enclosed with a 4 ft v nose. Cuts through the wind better and the best part is that there's more storage space in front for say another stack of tires. I got a tire rack as well as longer ramps for lower cars. I had mine built a bit shorter than the standard height so it wasn't such a sail behind my Suburban (6.5ft tall) It's a continental cargo trailer and total was around 10kish.

eastbaysubaru

iTrader: (9)

Very helpful info. It would probably be more of a budget trailer because we just wouldn't use it more than once or twice a year early on. If/when I get the rally car going, it would be used more frequently. I like the idea of the V-nose for the extra storage. What type of tire rack are you using in the trailer? My dad and I are 6'+ so shorter in height wouldn't be very useful. Not sure what we'd be towing it with. My dad's got a GMC 1500 which isn't going to be up to it IIRC. We'd probably end up with an F-250 or the equivalent Chevy. Is this something worth buying used? The cost for a nice used one doesn't seem far off a brand new one from what I've seen.

-Brian

joltdudeuc

iTrader: (6)

I love my 20ft open trailer. If I went enclosed, I would HAVE to go diesel. I don't think I could deal with the gas mileage like Karltons Suburban!

xtremeyolks

iTrader: (6)

For tire rack it's just an aluminum framed one that's bolted to the driver's side wall. I forgot the total length but it's long enough for 7 275/35/15s haha. It's well over 4ft for sure.

I tow with a 2500 series Suburban with the 8.1L V8. Gets about 10-12 not towing and 8.5-9 towing. Awesome isn't it?? LOL :facepalm: It does tow really well though especially with the sway control setup. Diesel really is the way to go though. People are getting around 12-13 mpg towing my size/weight trailer.

xtremeyolks

iTrader: (6)

Oh and i'd look at a used diesel pickup. Friend of mine is picking up a 03 2500 series Chevy pickup with the duramax diesel for 8k. Has 215,000 miles but the motors last basically forever.

eastbaysubaru

iTrader: (9)

Good call on the diesel. I hadn't given much thought to the truck part of the equation.

-Brian

DerekB707

iTrader: (21)

lol, 8.1L, that's almost 500 cubic inches! Honestly, I am impressed that it's getting close to 12mpg empty. It's really hard to beat the mileage of a diesel truck. I have a 02 dodge 4x4 that at 70mph on cruise will get 23mpg on trips. Had to put a chip and upgraded injectors in it to get this mileage though. I get right in that range you mentioned pulling, 12-14 depending on conditions. Wind is the biggest factor.

xtremeyolks

iTrader: (6)

LOL Chevy big block I've seen almost 14-15 ALL highway not towing but that's a rarity hahaha

btw i am jealous of your mpg

tecnica tech

iTrader: (1)

i have to agree that diesel is the way to go my dad has a ford f-350 and the gas milage is about the same when twoing as its with out if your looking for a good truck look at the doge and the ford they have been around a little bit longer so the price for a used one is cheepper as for the tralier if there is room on the front there are out side tire racks and storge chest that can be bulted on some modles

eastbaysubaru

iTrader: (9)

Good info. Thanks for all the helpful input guys. Keep it coming.

I'm thinking a 20' trailer would be perfect, but it really depends on the classic cars my dad's thinking of picking up. How hard would it be to tie down an 18' car in a 20' trailer? I imagine the front would be the hard part.

-Brian

xtremeyolks

iTrader: (6)

You might have to add more D rings to suite the length of the vehicle, but otherwise it should be ok. Especially if the car has the tow holes in the frame for t hooks, as that will give enough length of the strap. V nose would help a lot too.