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In the marker for a car hauler, need inputs

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Old Apr 12, 2010 | 11:31 AM
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Question In the marker for a car hauler, need inputs

I purchased a 2009 Sierra so now I'm in the market for a open trailer to haul the Camaro. I figured the drag racing section would be a good place to get some recomendations on what type of trailer I should be looking for. Here's what I have:

- 2009 GMC Sierra 1500 SLE extended cab, 5.3L, Z60 suspension, 20in wheels, HD trailering pkg w/ 7-pin connector, Belltech 2/3 drop.
- 2002 Camaro SS, Straino lowering springs, Kooks headers (tuck pretty good), Kooks Y-pipe with cats (cats are the lowest point of the exhaust).

Here are some of the options I've been playing with:
Optimal length?
Type of floor (open/closed, wood/metal...)
Brake controller, do I need one?
Dove tail, tilting or something else
Removable fender?

What else should I be looking for? Any help would be appreciated.
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Old Apr 12, 2010 | 11:54 AM
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I'm in the same boat. I'd at least get a 18' if it's an open (
16' deck 2' dovetail.) I plan on getting an 18' open wood deck with a dovetail, 3500# axles, and brakes on both axles. Reasons why I'm going with that setup is because my tow vehicle is a TBSS and I want to keep the trailer light as possible and I don't have the budget for aluminum. I chose wood because the trailer will sit outside in IL weather and it's easier to replace a wood deck than it is to fix a rusted steel deck. I chose a 16'+2' combo (18' total) because the car fits well and with our cars being so low a dovetail is a must. And last but not least I chose 3500# axles and electric brakes on both axles because again I want to keep the trailer light and I want the additional braking power just to be on the safe side. As for a brake controller I went with a Tekonsha P3. It's an awsome controller and it has an inertia activated sensor in it so it imediately sends a signal to the trailer brakes when it senses the truck slowing down. Sorry for being a little long winded, hope some of this info helps, and good luck with your search.
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Old Apr 12, 2010 | 03:09 PM
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Default Selling a 20" Kearney Wood/Metal Open Trailer

I am selling mine made in 2009. Excellent condition. Will take $2K for it. Has running lights down both sides and is a bumper pull. Black. It is similar to the trailer listed on their website, www.kearneytrailersllc.com, page 10 in the Catalog. We pulled this with a 6cyl Frontier and had no issues. Carried a golf cart and racecar.
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Old Apr 12, 2010 | 03:12 PM
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Go with an 18' dovetail w/ 6' long ramps. The nose of your car is likely not going to clear with a 5' ramp. My car is lowered about 2" and I have to use 2x12's on top of my ramps to get the bumper to clear the back of the trailer. I have a Performance Trailers 18' dovetail and have no trouble with the door clearing the fender. Check out www.007trailers.com.
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Old Apr 12, 2010 | 10:14 PM
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I picked up an 18ft Ironworks Challenger custom from http://centraltrailerok.com/carhaulersopen.htm the fenders are low enough to clear almost anythng, and the dovetail and ramp length is great as well. Picked it up brand new for 2695.00 out he door, everyone local was wanting 2,900 or more for a wood deck. I also installed a winch and battery since I brought it home.



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Old Apr 14, 2010 | 10:39 PM
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^^^ All man do they sell those around MO. That things pretty nice.
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Old Apr 15, 2010 | 11:38 AM
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I'm not sure man, I'd google ironworks trailer and see if their are any dealers in your area.
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Old Apr 15, 2010 | 11:45 AM
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Get a roll back trailer if you can. And get brakes on your trailer for sure!
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Old Apr 15, 2010 | 02:03 PM
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Thanks for all the inputs everyone.

I measured my car, I have 9" clearance from the ground to the bottom of the doors. So I'll be loking for a trailer with fenders no more than 9" above the bed. Does a 18' trailer with a dovetail mean 16' + 2' dovetail industry wide or does it vary by manufacture? I'm seeing a lot of trailer that are 18' but it doesn't say how long the dovetail is. Also, is a 2" ball standard in this weight class or does that very as well?
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Old Apr 15, 2010 | 04:11 PM
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keep an eye out for used box trailers also man..you can get a used 24' or 28' sometimes for the same cost as a new open...
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Old Apr 15, 2010 | 05:25 PM
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2 5/16" ball, any dual axle trailer has to have brakes on at least 1 axle (unless you find something really old)
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