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My son and I have done two DE events together, each of us driving a car to, from, and on the track. We decided that it was time to get a tow vehicle and trailer so that we can do events that are more distant while sharing the driving and having some time together. At this point, we're going to do a VIR event in early December.



We purchased a 2003 Ford F350 SuperDuty turbodiesel with the dually axle to use as the tow vehicle. We're honing in on some open two-car trailers (we're not prepared to spring for the big bucks needed for a closed trailer). We came close on a few, but for various reasons the deal didn't happen. We're now looking at a "wedge" unit, 36' length, gooseneck hitch.



I'm looking for an experience or opinions that would be helpful. If this thread doesn't get much action, I may try this on the Racing forum.



In advance, thanks.

wow that was fast - i just talked to you the other day - very cool



believe it or not, if you are looking at new, the prices aren't all that different from enclosed to open when you get that big - used is pretty much the same way, though availability changes



some pros and cons of an open trailer to consider:



cons:

open trailers provide no security and allow you to carry less stuff safely



open trailers allow for damage to the cars - i lost a brand new paint job going through construction in utah



open trailers are harder to load onto when it's wet outside - the entire run is wet - the car can slip and get damaged or you can get hurt



pros:

open trailers have less wind resistance, so you'll get better mileage



open trailers weigh less, so it's easier on the tow vehicle



some advantages of a closed trailer:

can be used for other things easily



gives you a place to store the car out of the weather



you can just close it up and walk away at the end of the day, and deal with the car later



dressing room



place to hang out



place to hang an awning

Another "pro" for the closed trailer:



Big banner showing "Jim G Racing Ent." on each side! Too cool!

From the research I've done, I've come to the conclusion that there is actually quite a difference in pricing between open and closed - particularly when you get to the sizes we have to look at to haul two cars. So, we've decided to go "open" to keep the initial investment down, and then see how serious we are about doing events. (The best deal we've seen on a suitable closed trailer is about $16k (new - I haven't found anything used in this size), while we can get a new 36' "wedge" for just under $6k.)



The truck is not an issue, as my son will use it as a replacement for his Tahoe - which had been his "passenger car" but he now has the Quattroporte for that purpose.



The issue of loading when wet is noteworthy - particularly with respect to the "wedge" unit, which doesn't get "flat" anyplace. Certainly something to think about.



We've decided that the truck/trailer unit will be connected with a gooseneck hitch - just seems a lot more stable and safe than a bumper unit - particularly with what will be about 10,000 lbs of loaded trailer.

Have you tried here? http://www.trailershopper.com

Thanks. At this point, I've pretty much lost track of what I've tried - but I'm going to trailershopper right now.

remember that you get what you pay for, especially when it comes to trailers, so be very careful when it comes to brakes, breakaway systems, axle capacities, etc - tires trailers are no more good than tired cars - they are subjected to heavy loads and stresses, and used ones need to have their welds checked carefully - you may find that a used trailer that "seemed" like a good deal on the surface, ended up needing new bearings, tires, brakes, and a battery



trailers are notorious for wiring wiring issues - they generally sit outside in the elements, and contacts corrode or rust away entirely - check, those out carefully



5th wheels are definitely safer and easier to drive than hitch style - great move



2 cars = 3 axles



absolutely get a powered winch if you are going open (good idea anyway)



i would think you could find a good used enclosed 36-40 ft 5th wheel for about 12k - new i think they are indeed about 16k - there is a 52ft on ebay right now with a bid of 6600 (remember that includes the nose)



side note - you can finance new ones - start a business and write it off

Thanks for these pointers. I've just been rummaging through trailershopper.com - found one "too good to be true" so I emailed, I'll see what happens. New, closed, 40' triple axle, gooseneck, $10,500. If it's real, that might be the one.

www.racingjunk.com usually has a bunch of trailers. I would go enclosed if you can afford it. It is very nice have a place to get out of the weather and keep your stuff out of sight. If it is enclosed you can keep stuff/cars in it. You are going to have to park it somewhere so why not get some other use out of it - storage.

Thanks, Eric - I'm off to see racingjunk.



No question, we'd rather go closed. However, since we aren't sure how much we'll do of this, we'd like to keep the initial investment to some reasonable level (which we've already far exceeded, according to our significant others).

Something else to consider: resell value. Anchor, I went with a Featherlite open trailer. Its a single car unit and was much lighter than a steel trailer. The aluminum also tows very well. The reason I chose the Featherlite was the resell value of a 5 year old model was around 90% of what I paid new. In time I can upgrade to an enclosed or "get out" without too much cost. Closed trailers are much more difficult to unload (esp. large ones).

yeah - i've had both - i've resold both - valid points, but there's also a bit more to the story, at least from my experience



while i found the open trailer "easier" to sell, that is to say that it went faster, i also found that every clown that came to look at it was trying to find "the big deal", and could care less about what made the trailer stand out as a better buy - it was all about the price - they kept comparing some broken down hunk of junk, and it's garage sale price, to my trailer, which always had fresh paint, no rust, fresh tires, new lenses, yada yada



the enclosed trailer did not suffer those fools - the guys who came had money, knew what they wanted, and didn't quibble or try to knock me down - the ones who didn't buy it walked because they wanted something different, not because of the price - yes, there were fewer of them, and it took longer to sell, but they were easier to deal with and the transaction was smoother



that's also why i don't like to do garage sales - i'd rather give the stuff away to a charity than deal with tire kickers and deal seekers

Thanks for these thoughts. I was looking at Featherlite and was amazed at the resale values. However, as I think I've mentioned, we do need to keep the initial investment within some range of reasonableness. Lots of tradeoffs in this decision - we'll see where we end up. I appreciate everyone's thoughts and pointers - they're quite helpful.

featherlites are GREAT trailers - pricey, but they really make a difference towing, especially if you have an underpowered tow rig - no question though that they hold their value better than pretty much any other brand - you'll still get the bargain hunters who try to buy it at a steel trailer price, but if you hold out, you'll do better over time



lol - i understand the dilemma - i had similar issues when deciding what to do about mine - i struggled with the details in designing it for weeks - in the end, i still wish i had done a couple of things differently - i STILL have to use ramps to get the car in the railer, even though mine is lowered, AND has a beavertail, AND an extension ramp

Shifting to a related issue - what seems to be the best method for tying the car to the trailer? I've heard horror stories about using parts of the suspension. How about wheel lug nut rings, or wheel straps? What's the experience? Flash, how do you tie your car when you're hauling it?

i just worked out the tie downs on my car that should make it a LOT easier - i will be taking shots in the next few days when i have my car up in the air again

I await with bated breath...

Jim-



Are you planning on hiring a pit crew? I wouldn't mind a change of employment!



<img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/smile.gif" class="smilie" alt="" />

I'd be happy to have a pit crew - the pay, of course, will be in self-gratification (by whatever means...'nough said).

Jim, I'm jealous. As for your pit crew, "Will work for beer."