School me on car trailers

Never_Enough · 02-17-2016, 08:57 PM

Will be in the market for a 1 car open trailer soon. Preferably with a winch.

Anything in particular I should know, do, look for and/or stay away from?

GATORB8 · 02-17-2016, 09:10 PM

What are you towing with?

MacE90 · 02-17-2016, 09:13 PM

I picked up a tilt trailer and while it is sweet, it takes some boards to get my car (on KW1 coilovers) on and off without scraping the front bumper

Never_Enough · 02-17-2016, 09:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GATORB8

What are you towing with?

Caravan to start.

GATORB8 · 02-17-2016, 09:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BoostedRide

Caravan to start.

As in Dodge?

larryn · 02-17-2016, 10:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GATORB8

As in Dodge?

As opposed to camel?

Fundguy1 · 02-17-2016, 10:29 PM

Does it have the tow capacity?

consolidated · 02-17-2016, 10:56 PM

If you have limited towing capacity look into lightweight aluminum trailers. Pricey but the hold their value tenaciously. Trailex, Aluma, Featherlite, ATC, Tommy's. Light trailers are a joy to tow with.

No weight concern, then any $2K steel farm trailer works, look for low deck height or you'll need huge ramps. Torsion axles instead of leaf springs. Wood decks eventually need work. Electric tongue jacks are beautiful devices but overkill on an enclosed.

Electric brakes over surge brakes, I like long ramps instead of tilt bed, lockable in-floor spare tire well is a good place for track jack and some tools, removable fenders are helpful for lowered cars with limited door clearance. LED lights because bulbs go out at the worst time.

Go for D or even E rated tires, best you can afford, it's worth it as most trailer tires are utter plop.

Buy longer bed than you need so you can bring fuel jugs, wheels, tools, pop-up, rig with E track and D rings in the floor. And helps distribute the weight if you ever need it, like ass-heavy 911s.

Winch is nice, but not all that needed on an open IMO. I do use a remote winch in my enclosed because it's hard to get out of the car once in.

After years of dealing with an open and towing with a car/SUV most eventually end up buying an enclosed and tow vehicle. Enclosed with marine battery inside, solar charging panel on the roof and electric jack is a great set up.

I've had my enclosed stolen, full of tools and a pit bike, and many friends have had the same happen. Plan for security based on where your storing it...wheel lock/chocks, hitch lock/vault, chains, gps lowjack etc.

GATORB8 · 02-17-2016, 11:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by larryn

Quote:

Originally Posted by GATORB8

As in Dodge?

As opposed to camel?

If Google is right, Camels may be better than the Caravan's 1800 lb towing capacity.

Even with the newest model optioned out at 3600 there's not enough for a Z06+trailer. Unless you have Forza level weight reduction.

DutchM550d · 02-18-2016, 03:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by consolidated

If you have limited towing capacity look into lightweight aluminum trailers. Pricey but the hold their value tenaciously. Trailex, Aluma, Featherlite, ATC, Tommy's. Light trailers are a joy to tow with.

No weight concern, then any $2K steel farm trailer works, look for low deck height or you'll need huge ramps. Torsion axles instead of leaf springs. Wood decks eventually need work. Electric tongue jacks are beautiful devices but overkill on an enclosed.

Electric brakes over surge brakes, I like long ramps instead of tilt bed, lockable in-floor spare tire well is a good place for track jack and some tools, removable fenders are helpful for lowered cars with limited door clearance. LED lights because bulbs go out at the worst time.

Go for D or even E rated tires, best you can afford, it's worth it as most trailer tires are utter plop.

Buy longer bed than you need so you can bring fuel jugs, wheels, tools, pop-up, rig with E track and D rings in the floor. And helps distribute the weight if you ever need it, like ass-heavy 911s.

Winch is nice, but not all that needed on an open IMO. I do use a remote winch in my enclosed because it's hard to get out of the car once in.

After years of dealing with an open and towing with a car/SUV most eventually end up buying an enclosed and tow vehicle. Enclosed with marine battery inside, solar charging panel on the roof and electric jack is a great set up.

I've had my enclosed stolen, full of tools and a pit bike, and many friends have had the same happen. Plan for security based on where your storing it...wheel lock/chocks, hitch lock/vault, chains, gps lowjack etc.

Ric in RVA · 02-18-2016, 05:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BoostedRide

Caravan to start.

Budget for a transmission.... You need a tow vehicle.

wdb · 02-18-2016, 06:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ric in RVA

Budget for a transmission.... You need a tow vehicle.

^^^^^ This.

Get a Tacoma with a tow package. Nothing hurts their resale value.

Fundguy1 · 02-18-2016, 06:19 AM

I'd look for a v8 suv or pickup. You can get cheap. 10 yr old F150, grand cherokee, etc. Caravan will be dead in no time.

Never_Enough · 02-18-2016, 06:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GATORB8

If Google is right, Camels may be better than the Caravan's 1800 lb towing capacity.

Even with the newest model optioned out at 3600 there's not enough for a Z06+trailer. Unless you have Forza level weight reduction.

It will be used for towing wrecked cars & such, not my Z06. Either way, if the Caravan can't handle it then it won't be used.

1MOREMOD · 02-18-2016, 06:31 AM

My x5d also works well in this capacity

WreckerX5d · 02-18-2016, 09:56 AM

Get a vehicle designed for towing (the big 3 250/0+ series, Tundras, ect.). Those vans are only supposed to tow small trailers for light stuff. Just because it's rated for the pounds, doesn't mean you should max it out. Trust me on this, the vehicle makes the difference.

Never_Enough · 02-18-2016, 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wrecker335d

Get a vehicle designed for towing (the big 3 250/0+ series, Tundras, ect.). Those vans are only supposed to tow small trailers for light stuff. Just because it's rated for the pounds, doesn't mean you should max it out. Trust me on this, the vehicle makes the difference.

Yea, it's a new venture that my friend & I plan to embark on & the van is his so he has to trade or sell it & then look for a cheap tow rig. PITA

Ali Shiralian · 02-18-2016, 04:03 PM

Do not use a van to tow. I killed my brothers Sienna transmission towing my boat, $15,000 damage. Had to put in a new tranny. It was even 500 pound below the limit. Got a 4Runner and no trouble towing the boat...

Nitrousbird · 02-18-2016, 05:00 PM

But used - these things hold their value one they take their new trailer depreciation hit. I have an 18' open hauler. If weight is a concern go with aluminum. Make sure you have a trailer brake controller and don't tow cars with a Caravan. Get a vehicle designed to handle the weight. IIRC my trailer alone is 1500lbs and is an open center design.

Removable/tilt fenders are also a must. Me and some friends converted mine to removable.

02-17-2016, 08:57 PM	#1
Never_Enough Banned 2203 Rep 2,476 Posts Drives: Satan's Chariot 2.0 Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: PA iTrader: (6) Garage List 2018 Charger Hellcat [0.00]	School me on car trailers Will be in the market for a 1 car open trailer soon. Preferably with a winch. Anything in particular I should know, do, look for and/or stay away from?
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02-17-2016, 09:10 PM	#2
GATORB8 Captain 225 Rep 807 Posts Drives: 2011 335is 6MT Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Chicago iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 BMW 335is [9.50]	What are you towing with?
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02-17-2016, 09:13 PM	#3
MacE90 Private First Class 36 Rep 179 Posts Drives: Chevrolegs Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: MT iTrader: (1) Garage List 2011 335i xdrive [10.00]	I picked up a tilt trailer and while it is sweet, it takes some boards to get my car (on KW1 coilovers) on and off without scraping the front bumper __________________ 1982 Chevro-legs
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02-17-2016, 10:29 PM	#7
Fundguy1 Major General 2031 Rep 8,339 Posts Drives: 335 e93 Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Orlando, fl iTrader: (0)	Does it have the tow capacity?
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02-17-2016, 10:56 PM	#8
consolidated Lieutenant Colonel 205 Rep 1,864 Posts Drives: F80 M3 Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Texas iTrader: (2) Garage List 2016 Porsche GT4 [0.00] 1999 Porsche Spec B ... [0.00] 2014 Ram 1500 Laram ... [0.00] 2007 Porsche GT3 RS [10.00] 2013 Tesla Model S 85 [0.00]	If you have limited towing capacity look into lightweight aluminum trailers. Pricey but the hold their value tenaciously. Trailex, Aluma, Featherlite, ATC, Tommy's. Light trailers are a joy to tow with. No weight concern, then any $2K steel farm trailer works, look for low deck height or you'll need huge ramps. Torsion axles instead of leaf springs. Wood decks eventually need work. Electric tongue jacks are beautiful devices but overkill on an enclosed. Electric brakes over surge brakes, I like long ramps instead of tilt bed, lockable in-floor spare tire well is a good place for track jack and some tools, removable fenders are helpful for lowered cars with limited door clearance. LED lights because bulbs go out at the worst time. Go for D or even E rated tires, best you can afford, it's worth it as most trailer tires are utter plop. Buy longer bed than you need so you can bring fuel jugs, wheels, tools, pop-up, rig with E track and D rings in the floor. And helps distribute the weight if you ever need it, like ass-heavy 911s. Winch is nice, but not all that needed on an open IMO. I do use a remote winch in my enclosed because it's hard to get out of the car once in. After years of dealing with an open and towing with a car/SUV most eventually end up buying an enclosed and tow vehicle. Enclosed with marine battery inside, solar charging panel on the roof and electric jack is a great set up. I've had my enclosed stolen, full of tools and a pit bike, and many friends have had the same happen. Plan for security based on where your storing it...wheel lock/chocks, hitch lock/vault, chains, gps lowjack etc. __________________ F80 M3 / Mineral Grey-Silverstone / CCB Last edited by consolidated; 02-17-2016 at 11:22 PM..
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02-18-2016, 06:19 AM	#13
Fundguy1 Major General 2031 Rep 8,339 Posts Drives: 335 e93 Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Orlando, fl iTrader: (0)	I'd look for a v8 suv or pickup. You can get cheap. 10 yr old F150, grand cherokee, etc. Caravan will be dead in no time.
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02-18-2016, 06:31 AM	#15
1MOREMOD - 11817 Rep 23,187 Posts Drives: Race car-> Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: check your mirrors iTrader: (5)	My x5d also works well in this capacity
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02-18-2016, 09:56 AM	#16
WreckerX5d Warrant Officer 375 Rep 1,341 Posts Drives: Deezul Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Long Island, NY iTrader: (4)	Get a vehicle designed for towing (the big 3 250/0+ series, Tundras, ect.). Those vans are only supposed to tow small trailers for light stuff. Just because it's rated for the pounds, doesn't mean you should max it out. Trust me on this, the vehicle makes the difference. __________________ Deleted, ATM I/C and tuned by B.R.R.
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02-18-2016, 04:03 PM	#18
Ali Shiralian Lieutenant Colonel 813 Rep 1,986 Posts Drives: 2014 335i xdrive, 2014 X5 3.5d Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Owen sound, Ontario, canada iTrader: (0) Garage List 2017 Lexus RX 350 F ... [0.00] 2017 Jaguar F Type ... [0.00] 1990 Miata [9.00] 2014 X5 [9.00]	Do not use a van to tow. I killed my brothers Sienna transmission towing my boat, $15,000 damage. Had to put in a new tranny. It was even 500 pound below the limit. Got a 4Runner and no trouble towing the boat...
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02-18-2016, 05:00 PM	#19
Nitrousbird Banned 432 Rep 1,602 Posts Drives: '07 E92 335i 6MT Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Powell, OH iTrader: (2)	But used - these things hold their value one they take their new trailer depreciation hit. I have an 18' open hauler. If weight is a concern go with aluminum. Make sure you have a trailer brake controller and don't tow cars with a Caravan. Get a vehicle designed to handle the weight. IIRC my trailer alone is 1500lbs and is an open center design. Removable/tilt fenders are also a must. Me and some friends converted mine to removable.
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