I'm shopping for an enclosed trailer. Does anyone have any tips or things they've learned through experience?

What can't you live without? What do you find unnecessary?

I'm looking at new and used and I'm leaning toward a 22-24'. I'm only hauling a CRX but it will also double as storage, shelter, entertainment for the kids, etc. so I don't want to feel cramped by getting something small.

 

i think this really all depends on how much you're willing to spend. you can buy really tricked out trailors with driver's lounges and things of that nature or you can buy the basic "box on wheels". i think the main things to look for are the weight of the trailor, if it has usuable workbenches (always a plus), interior lighting (you'll regret not having this the first time you have to pull a late-night thrash), and possibly something like a generator. like i said, it all depends on how much money you have to sink into it.

 

Hmm, you sure you wanna tow a 24' with an Expedition? Better do everything imaginable to make it a steady tow. Class 4 hitch, overload leaf springs, 93 octane, etc.

Come on Scott, join the dark side. Go diesel

Warren

 

Actaully they suggest not running high octane in the Expies.

 

haha...or just do what our team does and use a semi!!

 

24' + slight uphill on a gas engine = serious need for high octane

Sheeeit, could end up using better gas than the race car!

Warren

 

Hey Scott, we used to have a 26 ft enclosed trailer and we even towed it for a while with an Excursion 6.8L V10 Mileage sucked, it was around 7 mpg. We've also had an F250 turbo diesel (with the chip!) and that thing was awesome. Around 14-16 mpg and it would fly. You also feel like your towing something quite a bit more with the Excursion. This year, we've sold the enclosed and went with an 18 ft open trailer. Not as convenient since you can't bring as many things with you and you have to rely on others for air compressor, etc. but the times called for the change. I think used 24 ft enclosed in good condition are around $4-6K? Good luck finding something.

 

Haha... the Expedition's lease is up in a couple of months so it's getting replaced. I have my eye on a diesel Excursion. My wife, who holds 51% of the vote, has her mind set on a 3/4-ton Suburban.

 

You may want to check on ebay, I have seen quite a few going for decent prices on there.

 

The diesel excursion sure would be a nice rig! I didn't used to like it because they had some weird diesel motor in it. Non turbo. What the hell fun is that!?!? Anyhow, now they have the big 7.3L turbo diesel available. Sure is gonna be expensive though!

My vote is for a used diesel truck, like an 99+ F250, or Ram 2500. Stay away from the Chevy diesel. Too many problems. The new Isuzu/Allison combo sounds nice, but the jury is still out for long term abuse. That and again, $$$$$$.

Make sure you get overload springs, and do the math on rear axle weight. Most people exceed it, but if you get into any sort of accident, you can be in major trouble if the other side has a sharp lawyer.

Warren

 

Alex... how was the 26' for size? I'm assuming you were toting the CRX in it... did you have loads of unused space or did you just fill it with more junk?

Warren... the F250 would be a good choice but I really need to combine uses for it. It took a long time to convince my wife that "she" really needed an SUV. Now I find myself trying to convince her that "ah, everyone has an SUV... you need a big, 4-door, diesel dually". She did start asking about colors... there may be hope.

 

Crew cab + cap

Next problem!

Warren

 

If we emptied out the 26 ft trailer completely, we could have fit 2 CRXs bumper to bumper. (Don't know if you saw the trailer at last year's arrc.) But we did have a LOT of junk and it actually was pretty crowded in there. Air compressor, welder, engine hoist, big fan for hot days, lots and lots of spare parts, suspension pieces, transmission, etc.., 20 tires (4 toyos, 4 dirt stockers, 12 dry tires), lots of tools, and a work bench and a trailer mounted (big) canopy. Having all this was very convenient since we ran a lot of races and traveled a bunch last year because we ran for two championships. This year we're back to an open trailer. We're not going to be nearly as busy as last year so the trailer is just right and as far as maneuverability it's way more convenient. Next year or whenever we'll make another full assault on any championships we might consider an upgrade again. Oh and keep in mind you'll need some storage space for the trailer. If you can, go the turbo diesel route for your tow vehicle. It's just so much better for towing. The Suburban V8 or Ford's V10 gas engines are ok, but they will feel quite a bit weaker and suck up a lot of gas while pulling a larger trailer behind them.