For the trailer experts, I'm in need of some trailer selection advice. Bear in mind I've never towed a trailer on the road.
I need a trailer to haul stuff around for a car restoration project. It will be pulled by my 07 Tacoma with V6 and factory tow package.
The car being hauled is about 13.5 x 5.5 feet and weighs ~2200 lbs.
What would I look for in a safe but inexpensive flatbed trailer? Would a single axle work or would tandem be better? What kind of deck would suffice? What kind of brakes would be best? Do I need a brake controller installed on the truck? What sort of tie-downs do I need to do the job safely? It will need ramps and a winch (manual would be fine) to pull the car onto the deck but is there any other "must have" features?
I'd love one of those enclosed auto trailers but those get pricey fast.
Pics Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: South Carolina Posts: 3437
re: Need advice for a trailer for hauling a car
Ken, I am far from a trailer expert but if me I would want dual axles even if you could have a single axle rated for that load. But my biggest reason to reply is look at Craigslist here there are some decent enclosed trailers hitting there at low prices.
Ken, I am far from a trailer expert but if me I would want dual axles even if you could have a single axle rated for that load. But my biggest reason to reply is look at Craigslist here there are some decent enclosed trailers hitting there at low prices.
I've seen some good deals on Craigslist but still don't know what features to look for. What's the benefit of tandem axles? Seems like more maintenance and money for what benefit? Maybe just easier to balance?
Dual axle, brakes on at least one axle, brake controller, 7000lb. GVWRmin., for lightness an open deck with 2' wide runners, slide out ramps (fold up ramps may not fold up and hit the car, 16' deck min. , forget hand winch--install $150 Harbor Freight 3,000 lb. elect winch--bring extra battery and connect with clamps, most trailers have places to tie down to, consider a 5,000 lb. weight distributing hitch system---if you haven't tried one you need to! Use ratcheting web strap-type hold downs that go over the 4 tires--offers better ride since car can absorb bumps rather than being part of the trailer per se. Fold-down or removable fenders a plus--otherwise you can't open doors to get in or out. Get trailer with real trailer tires, not car tires--too squishy and reduces control.
Dual axle, brakes on at least one axle, brake controller, 7000lb. GVWRmin., for lightness an open deck with 2' wide runners, slide out ramps (fold up ramps may not fold up and hit the car, 16' deck min. , forget hand winch--install $150 Harbor Freight 3,000 lb. elect winch--bring extra battery and connect with clamps, most trailers have places to tie down to, consider a 5,000 lb. weight distributing hitch system---if you haven't tried one you need to! Use ratcheting web strap-type hold downs that go over the 4 tires--offers better ride since car can absorb bumps rather than being part of the trailer per se. Fold-down or removable fenders a plus--otherwise you can't open doors to get in or out. Get trailer with real trailer tires, not car tires--too squishy and reduces control.
The only thing I would differ with Jeff's excellent advice on is the floor.
Your comment referring to a "car restoration project" makes me think you'll be hauling more than just a single item with 4 wheels under it. Wood floors are really light and make transporting things like fenders, doors, etc. a breeze. You can screw blocks down where needed in minutes and remove them just as fast.
Given a choice from a practical standpoint, a diamond tread steel floor would be my choice. I mentioned the runners since he didn't say he'd be using it as a utility trailer.
My family friends' kids love getting their little friends over and going for trailer ride behind the blue on the private back roads here. It's got a 20' drop deck with full fenders that are nearly as high as the kids' heads sitting down against them. And the dogs like the ride too. And believe it or not were talking kids ages 5-15 that beg to go up in my manlift which has a floor height of 43' straight up. To them it's a thrill. To the parents...not so much !
My question was a bit ambiguous. I'll be hauling everything from a rolling chassis to a body to big parts to a complete car so the plank deck makes a lot of sense.
You guys have given enough info for what to ask for, now to start the search. Thanks a bunch.
The longer the ramp the easier the slope but the heavier to raise/lower. If you get the common type, hinged at the back and raises to vertical, consider adding a "Gorilla lift." Not costly, and lets me raise one-piece ramp with a finger. Or, get a two-piece ramp (left and right halves).
If tie-down points (either front and rear or, as suggested, at each tire) and a winch platform aren't included, check that it's designed so as to permit you to attach your own.
There will likely be a battery (to engage the brakes if it detaches while rolling). Eventually it will need replacing. Some trailer batteries are easy to match, others, I've heard, impossible, requiring a new case too.
(I assumed trailer tires were inferior or defective car tires, but seems I was wrong.)
Need advice for a trailer for hauling a car: Trailers -- Trucks/Trailers Discussion Forum
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