Gentleman,
I can't believe my good fortune: to purchase a car I have wanted in earnest for years AND then to have the humbling experience of being able to ask really important esoteric, and pedestrian questions, and to be earnestly helped by so many kind and like minded people. Thank you.
I am considering purchasing a trailer to load our 1966 GT350 into, and have the option of transporting the vehicle to, and from, places rather, than driving it; I am hoping some of you might be able to recommend a single car, enclosed, transport trailer.
Or in the alternative, perhaps recommend I stay away from a particular brand, size or ergonomic layout.
Thank very much for any help.
Mark Samson aka Tin, or Tinface
Whatever brand you buy be sure to get an escape door on the driver's side. I also built ramps with 2x12 lumber to make sure I had plenty of clearance on bottom of the door with a driver in the car. They also help with tie down duty by raising the car a additional 3". This doesn't sound like a lot but every little bit helps as you grow older :D
TOB
So lets start with your tow vehicle - what is its capability, then lets talk about your budget. This will put us in the right direction of helping you with a sound decision.
Quote from: 427heaven on March 19, 2018, 09:40:37 AM
So lets start with your tow vehicle - what is its capability, then lets talk about your budget. This will put us in the right direction of helping you with a sound decision.
X2
I recently Bought this in August of 2017. It was built just 2 weeks before I bought it. It is an 8.5x24 with dual 3500 LB Axles with Brakes on Both. I paid just $3,995.00 for it. For a little bit more I could have gotten the 5500 LB Axles and the extra Side Door.
Quote from: Bill on March 19, 2018, 09:50:26 AM
Quote from: 427heaven on March 19, 2018, 09:40:37 AM
So lets start with your tow vehicle - what is its capability, then lets talk about your budget. This will put us in the right direction of helping you with a sound decision.
X2
4
Also, be real with yourself on how much towing you are going to do. Ive seen guys spend $25K on a Featherlite trailer and they use it about once a year, maybe.
My suggestion, buy a good used trailer over 20ft but no more than 28ft with a single axle truck (F250 preferably) in the $3-5K range that is finished on the inside and not just plywood with a quality frame. Unless you pull every week or two forget the aluminum trailers as they arn't worth the expense and their additional price tag of $7-10K more will buy you a lot of fuel.
If you have a F150 non FWD make sure you look at how much it will tow with the manufacturers specs and pick your trailer from there. Talk to a reputable place near you that specializes in enclosed trailers and tell them the size of the car your interested in pulling and see what they recommend. You don't have to purchase from them but it will give you an idea.
You can buy an older trailer that has been taken care of (most people buy higher end thinking they will use it and don't) and you can get a great deal. There are differences, so stay away from the lower quality (They advertise brand new for a really low price) as you are transporting a valuable car.
What would be the smallest trailer required [length wise] to haul a GT-350?
Steve
Quote from: Tinface on March 19, 2018, 10:42:51 AM
Quote from: Bill on March 19, 2018, 09:50:26 AM
Quote from: 427heaven on March 19, 2018, 09:40:37 AM
So lets start with your tow vehicle - what is its capability, then lets talk about your budget. This will put us in the right direction of helping you with a sound decision.
X2
4
427Heaven—your right on the money here. The tow vehicle—what's the budget$ (10,000 max for the trailer I suppose.
Although I hate the thought of purchasing another truck to tow the trailer, that is precisely what I expect I'll have to concede to do:otherwise I would have to hitch up to my 430 Lexus or my 1940 Ford pickup with a 110 hp flat head & a 3 speed with a gear splitter. Doubtful those will tow the trailer with the car in it safely—or would they—could they?
Perhaps I'll have to be forced to consider purchasing either another Toyota Tundra, I've purchased two new of them new, or a better yet, a diesel powered truck of some sort—which means 6 cars at or around our city house where the tech neighbors already give me those sidelong looks as they walk past on the sidewalk in front of our homme with their doodles, phones in hand, and a baby stroller between the silent couple.
Good grief. The inefficiency...I should have dreamed a bigger dream so I could live a bigger dream!
Thoughts?
Quote from: kingchief on March 19, 2018, 10:51:40 AM
What would be the smallest trailer required [length wise] to haul a GT-350?
Steve
Great question...
May I suggest Trailex, All aluminum sports car trailer. I trailer my KR everywhere with it. My tow vehicle is a 2000 Lightning. I don't even know its back there. Great trailer and light as hell.
I'll throw in my two cents ;) For a GT350 I would say the minimum length would be 18'. Unless you're planning to carry a lot of parts, equipment, tires I don't see a need for anything longer. A quality aluminum frame trailer is lighter making for an easier tow. You may want to check out Montrose trailers http://montrosetrailers.com/ I have one with an 'escape' door on both sides. I also had E-Tracks installed and use straps over the tires. I can tie down the car without having to climb under the car and even do it without getting into the trailer. I'd also suggest the widest interior, about 94"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ufxXH3fcIvQ
I would buy a couple years used all aluminum like a Featherlite 24 foot and that's all you need to know.
Probably be about 10k.
Neither of your two current choices can safely tow your gt350, open or enclosed. You need to think of gross weight and wheelbase of the tow vehicle. Diesel full size pick up and a 20 enclosed trailer would be suggested to keep prying eyes and hands from your 250K+ weekend toy
Your right about that Bill. Thank you.
20 foot is fine but I'd go with 24 foot if possible because it's nice to have extra space for xtra stuff you might want like tires etc.
F250 recommended but I have plenty of friends pulling with the ecoboost in a new F150 and they have no issues.
Picked a used trailer from a guy getting divorce, a used 1999 F350 dually with 12,000 miles on it, and almost matching cap. Since I don't have a garage this is where the car lives when I'm not driving it
Ditto on an F-150 with Ecoboost. Pulls fine, has big enough brakes. You can check the build list to see the trailer towing capacity before you buy.
Quote from: tesgt350 on March 19, 2018, 09:53:56 AM
I recently Bought this in August of 2017. It was built just 2 weeks before I bought it. It is an 8.5x24 with dual 3500 LB Axles with Brakes on Both. I paid just $3,995.00 for it. For a little bit more I could have gotten the 5500 LB Axles and the extra Side Door.
This hauler looks identical to mine in description. tesgt350, is it a Freedom? But, I did get the 5500lb axles. I paid $4500 for mine, out the door.
You can get a glimpse of my hauler in the background and I pull my 69 mach with an F250 turbo diesel.
I bought a 24' Atlas. Starting price was around $5500. I added screw less exterior with .040" thick skin, 5500 lb drop axles, escape door, rubber flooring, finished interior walls, winch and battery. Ended up around $13,000. Extras seem to add up quick! My only complaint is the flimsy angle aluminum trim on the ramp tore off when tire spun while loading. It's on my list of things to do. Pull it with an F450.
Quote from: Bigfoot on March 19, 2018, 01:17:22 PM
20 foot is fine but I'd go with 24 foot if possible because it's nice to have extra space for xtra stuff you might want like tires etc.
F250 recommended but I have plenty of friends pulling with the ecoboost in a new F150 and they have no issues.
They're pulling a 24' with an ecoboost F150?
A 2018 F150 with the 3.5 ecoboost can tow 13,000 lbs.
Quote from: preaction on March 19, 2018, 08:58:38 PM
A 2018 F150 with the 3.5 ecoboost can tow 13,000 lbs.
My F250 2001 diesel weighs 8500#, and I have weighed my truck with my 24' attached and my 69 mach 1 inside with a total weight of 17,500#.
So take the former from the latter and my trailer(not aluminum) and my mach weighs 9000#. So you're telling me that an ecoboost F150 can pull 4000# more? That's like another 69 mach 1+.
That is hard for me to believe, JMO.
So there has been some good help here to get you thinking, but we have not addressed the tow vehicle situation. Rule of thumb here is BIGGER is BETTER. Will a f150 tow an enclosed 24 foot hauler with car yes it will. I did it for years but with a load leveler hitch,tranny cooler, and air shocks. This was necessary for my combination to work well. So if you have 5000 or 50,000 to spend on a hauler get something you will enjoy on your way to your event. I have an Ecoboost set up that pulls 10,000 lbs like its not even there. So remember what our fathers towed with,most had station wagons and half ton trucks this was good enough for 99 percent of the population but they didn't have enclosed trailers back then. Good luck on your search.
Quote from: 69mach351w on March 19, 2018, 07:42:11 PM
Quote from: Bigfoot on March 19, 2018, 01:17:22 PM
20 foot is fine but I'd go with 24 foot if possible because it's nice to have extra space for xtra stuff you might want like tires etc.
F250 recommended but I have plenty of friends pulling with the ecoboost in a new F150 and they have no issues.
They're pulling a 24' with an ecoboost F150?
And I don't think the trailer is aluminum .
He is very well versed in this.
I thought towing capacity was measured independent of truck weight and payload and gross vehicle weight were inclusive of truck weight?
Another very helpful discussion; keep it up, please.
I had a 2000 F250 with the 5.4 gas engine and it strained to pull any heavy load. Pulled open car haulers, enclosed trailers and a gooseneck with my JD farm tractor. It was grossly underpowered IMHO. Then I traded up to a 1995 F250 with the 7.3 Powerstroke. Night and day difference. Pulls my 24' enclosed trailer with the Shelby or my gooseneck and tractor without breaking a sweat. The tow vehicle is the key - most any trailer will work.
Most trailers 20 feet of more can be sufficient for hauling the car. The bigger you get the more space you have. Cabinets, floor covering,escape doors, generators, etc. all add up and can push the price up quickly. What also needs to be addressed is how comfortable are you driving and more importantly parking the setup. I'm fair at best and I usually research where I'm going for spaces big enough for me to park. I google earth the hotel, look at restaurants, and even gas stations to make sure I can get in and more importantly out of the space. The turning radius on some truck/trailer combos are quite daunting and the height is another restriction
The more you drive it the better you become. If you do get a set up practice driving around in a large parking lot with cones and marked off spaces to become proficient with the setup. I know people who tow with the F150 ecoboost and have no problems, Ford offers a ton of options for towing on the F150,camera setups, auto backup, heavy duty cooling and towing packages. I also have friends that tow 28 foot and larger trailers and they all have turbo diesels and the torque of those engines are amazing, but the cost for initial purchase and some of the up keep is somewhat expensive.
I change the tires on everything when they hit 6 years old, regardless of how it looks, seen too many tire blowouts from tires that have aged beyond that. I also carry two spares in the trailer and check brakes, lights, and use an infrared temp gun to check tire and wheels temps when ever we stop.
I might be paranoid while towing but since it's the car riding in a trailer I don't feel too much safety is too much.
I have only towed the car to three shows, once to Carlisle for the 50th Mustang celebration because it was going to be displayed inside and they were calling for torrential rains, SAAC 42 because my wife said she's getting too old to ride that far in the car and the 2016 MCACN Show in Chicago in a November because, well it's November in Chicago
I have towed other people cars, moved my daughter 800 miles and even moved flowers for a wedding with the trailer all with no problems or issues
Since I don't have a garage, the car sit in the trailer, I keep both heavily insured. The trailer has alarms, 8 sets of locks and even a boot to make it extremely difficult to move or break into
With all of this, it's one of the reasons I prefer to drive the car to most shows
235,000 miles and counting on the car
There has been some good advice given here, and i hope i can add to it. I tow fairly regularly cars weighing in the 2800-3600# range, mostly long distance to Texas/West Coast. I've owned two 24' steel trailers which I've pulled with a F250 Diesel Powerstroke. Unless you truly need the room, the added weight and inconvenience of getting into a service station isn't worth it. I currently use a 20' aluminum trailer made by Jimglo, much lighter weight, superior fit/finish and options galore.
If the intended use is mainly local, 300-500 mile range on fairly level topography any trailer will do that's rated for your desired load capacity. Do not scrimp on the tow vehicle or the trailer brake system, besides the 2/4 brake system on the trailer you are totally dependent on the trucks system to stop. And being pushed down a grade is a very scary proposition!
Get the newest diesel truck you can afford, these will have a towing package, heavy duty cooling and best transmission options. An added safety feature on the newer diesel trucks is the brake exhaust which really helps slow your truck on steep grades.I've towed with mine over Tejon Pass and Cajon Pass in California (both in the 4k foot range) towing between 6000-7500# loads with no issues whatsoever.
Trailer wise (depending on how and where you might use it) I would opt for the lightest/smallest trailer you absolutly need. Do get one with the side exit door, you do not want to have to crawl out the drivers door/window. Do get one with Dexter axles, they are among the best, and easily serviced. If you live in a warmer climate, do get the roof exhaust vent (maybe even two) if that is a concern. Mine has composite walls/roof so staying cool is not an issue. Bare in mind the darker the trailer color the warmer it will be inside and the more prone to sun fading as well. Trailers are a pain to keep looking nice, so one kept outside will always need maintenance cleaning/polishing. I'm fortunate to be able to store mine inside, which really helps reduce maintenance and wear items. Tires, this is personal preference, but I always get at least ten ply tires for my trailers. They hold up better and resist abrasions/cuts better. I always carry two spares on wheels wherever I go. I hope some of what I wrote is beneficial, maybe future posts could add what items are "must haves" for hauling cars.
~ Steven
Here's good explanation of GVWR vs GVW for trailers.
https://www.prolinetrailersales.com/news/gvwr-payload-trailer-weight-why-it-matters
^^^^Great post
Quote from: 69mach351w on March 19, 2018, 09:19:44 PM
Quote from: preaction on March 19, 2018, 08:58:38 PM
A 2018 F150 with the 3.5 ecoboost can tow 13,000 lbs.
My F250 2001 diesel weighs 8500#, and I have weighed my truck with my 24' attached and my 69 mach 1 inside with a total weight of 17,500#.
So take the former from the latter and my trailer(not aluminum) and my mach weighs 9000#. So you're telling me that an ecoboost F150 can pull 4000# more? That's like another 69 mach 1+.
That is hard for me to believe, JMO.
The 3.5 liter is only 214 cubic inches. Max tow package (3.55 rear gear) with the 3.5 EB can pull 13k and mine right now is getting 18mpg driving around town. Max towing also includes a transmission oil cooler in addition to being a 10 speed and a engine oil cooler.
I'm glad I opened a can O worms on F150.
Worthy discussion
My buddy says it pulls like his old 2004 F250 with V10
As most know I'm a big block guy that loves torque, but that tiny twin turbo ECOBOOST is the ultimate for doing all things well! :)
Even though this info. is slightly dated, it contains a lot of useful data on various model ratings/towing, etc.
https://www.fleet.ford.com/resources/ford/general/pdf/towingguides/Ford_Linc_15RVTTgde_May19.pdf
Gentleman—
Some studies show octopus to be as intelligent as human-but a mother lays her eggs and dies. Each new octopus learns as much as they can through their life. That knowledge dies with each one.
Yet here—unless the system storing this information is not backed up well—hint—the Power to make decisions to both enjoy
our fine machines—and pass them on to the next luck person—increases with each post.
Thank you-each of you—for helping empower me to greater enjoyment and preservation of MS2148.
Mark;
Aka Tinface
Pulpo
Quote from: Tinface on March 21, 2018, 02:02:56 AM
Gentleman—
Some studies show octopus to be as intelligent as human-but a mother lays her eggs and dies. Each new octopus learns as much as they can through their life. That knowledge dies with each one.
Yet here—unless the system storing this information is not backed up well—hint—the Power to make decisions to both enjoy
our fine machines—and pass them on to the next luck person—increases with each post.
Thank you-each of you—for helping empower me to greater enjoyment and preservation of MS2148.
Mark;
Aka Tinface
MS2148?
6S2148
http://www.saacforum.com/index.php?topic=1133.msg8971#msg8971