I'm looking around for a used trailer for this season. They are just too damn convenient to have because they minimize prep-time at the track, and are good insurance if you break something. I'm pretty sick of driving 50 miles out to HRP, swapping the slicks on, putting on the shortbelt, and opening up the exhaust.....only to get two freakin' passes in and have to reassemble the car to drive home. I'd rather do the work the day (or weekend!) before I plan to race and just have it sitting on the trailer ready to run.

I'm looking for a flatbed trailer, not an enclosed one (not that rich!). What trailers do you guys recommend, and how much should I expect to pay new or used for them?

Thanks!
Tony

 

In your neck of the woods, you can likely get a functional, new wooden deck trailer for about $1000, with brakes. Those would be double-axle utility trailers, but will still haul a car.

Used, a similar trailer would likely go for $600-$900.

Stepping up to an all-steel car-type trailer would likely get you into the $1000-$1500 range, depending upon options (brakes, break-away package, etc).

Here's a good example of a shop in Georgia that sells something that would likely be up your alley...

http://adcache.equipmenttraderonline...8/20254508.htm

Whatever you do - SHOP AROUND, as you might not find what you want in your local area (then again, you might). If you're willing to travel, you can sometimes save a few hundred dollars by getting one in North Texas, Oklahoma, Mississippi, etc. For example, in my area (Virginia Beach), you can't find ANYTHING new for less than $1500. Same trailer in the Midwest would go for under $1000. No kidding.

I picked up a used trailer a couple of years ago for $600 (probably would have been $400 back home in North Texas). It was rather rough (understatement) - but I've fixed it up pretty decent now, with fresh paint, new fenders (drivers side removes), new tires, and a new jack on the front...

My old trailer before

My old traler after

And I guarantee you that it is nice not having to take your car apart - then put it back together - every time you go to the track. It is also peace of mind....I KNOW I drive the car harder when I trailer it. Considering my luck with T45 input shafts, that's a big deal to me. <img src="gr_stretch.gif" border="0">

And to hell with those folks that think because your car came in on a trailer, that it isn't a street car. As you know, I drive mine everyday, and would feel quite comfortable going across the country and back with it. Trailering to the track is SMART.

Good luck to you.
Bob

 

IMO the only way to go is: ALUM.
Exiss or Featherlite r the ones to buy..

JS

 

Damn your trailer was a hooptie Bob! LOL, but it looks great now.

Tony

 

I have been sending customers to The Trailer Man. He has built some trailers for me and has trade ins. Call him at 281-380-4167. I know he has a 18ft with 4ft dove and 7ft liteweight ramps with brakes for $1800.00. We showed him the problems with loading 4th gen cars and he built a couple of trailers for us and they are killer. No jacking the front up or dragging your spoiler.

 

My trailer is more of a hooptie than Bob's was! <img src="gr_grin.gif" border="0"> My friends and I call it "the haywagon". <img src="graemlins/gr_jest.gif" border="0" alt="[jester]" />

Wish I had some pics of it to show.

I am planning on stripping it down and re-painting it before the season starts. Needs a couple new tires too.

But hey, it's a nice, all steel, tandem-axle, lectric-brake, 18' trailer that does the job.. And I only paid $600 for it. <img src="gr_stretch.gif" border="0">

 

I've got a DOUBLE WIDE with the StarShip Sectional from Gallery Furniture! Try and beat that SON!!! <img src="gr_grin.gif" border="0">

Your car maybe faster, but I bet you your house ain't! - LEO <img src="graemlins/burnout.gif" border="0" alt="[Burnout]" />

 

Bought this one at Tim's Trailers in Baton Rouge, La.
Has different, read: stronger, ramps now though.
Trailer1
Trailer 2
Has a Warn winch up front with a 10' remote cable.

Tim

 

[quote]Originally posted by MADMAN:
<strong>I have been sending customers to The Trailer Man. He has built some trailers for me and has trade ins. Call him at 281-380-4167. I know he has a 18ft with 4ft dove and 7ft liteweight ramps with brakes for $1800.00. We showed him the problems with loading 4th gen cars and he built a couple of trailers for us and they are killer. No jacking the front up or dragging your spoiler.</strong><hr></blockquote>
DAMN! I'll have to give him a call. That sounds PERFECT.
I used a 16' woodbed utility trailer forever, and it was a royal PITA to get a car on and off. I would drive the rear wheels of my truck up on ramps to get enough of an angle to get the car on and off. Even then, I still had to put long boards down on the ramps to "extend" them. I've been using my dad's 18' steel floor dovetail for a few months, and it's AWESOME! The dove isn't enough for an f-body, but it's nice to be able to open the doors while it's on the trailer; no more crawling out of the t-top. <img src="gr_stretch.gif" border="0"> I highly recommend dual brakes as well. Most think that it's overkill, but I'd be missing the front of my truck right now if the 18' didn't have brakes on both axles! Also, the 16' is too short for my liking after using an 18'. Part of the car is either going to hang over the front or the back of the trailer, and I don't like that. My dad's has an enclosed electric winch, and that's really nice. I had to use it to get my Chevy II on the trailer after I broke it at Super Chevy last year, and it makes the job a lot easier and takes a lot less time. You need to use a "come-a-long" first to really appreciate a winch, though. <img src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" border="0">
If you check out an "Old Car Trader" magazine, there are a TON of trailer advertisements in there. Three of the cheapest ones I've found are in Oklahoma City, so definitely check around in this area as well. I'm going to have to get one again before too long since spring is quickly approaching. It'll be time for the car shows, and I'm sure my dad will want his back by then. <img src="graemlins/gr_judge.gif" border="0" alt="[judgement]" />

 

Mine is borrowed..lol..so I can't help you out because it cost me nothing.

 

Anybody know what a used trailer runs(price wise)?

 

New you can pay anywhere from 1300 and up depending on options. Used they are about the same. Car trailer hold thier value very well.

 

[quote]Originally posted by PONYEATER:
<strong>New you can pay anywhere from 1300 and up depending on options. Used they are about the same. Car trailer hold thier value very well.</strong><hr></blockquote>

Thats what I found out too. (value, new-used)

Mine is a trailmaster. I love it.

P.S., get the extended tounge. It makes all the difference. BTW, diamond plate RULES.

 

I got a good deal on my trailer, bought it with my car for an extra 1000 <img src="gr_stretch.gif" border="0"> It has an open bed, dual axels with electric breaks on both, the ramps slide in the ends of the bed. Makes it very convienient! <img src="gr_stretch.gif" border="0"> Good luck finding a trailer, like said above, they hold value pretty well, so most people don't sell them often unless upgrading or getting completly out of it.

 

Guys,

I have a trailer for sale here if anyone is interested.

2001 International (8 months old)
18" x 102" Tandem Axle
7000lb GVWR
Diamond Plate Solid Base
Electric Brakes
4' Beaver tail with slide in ramps
F-Bodies and Vettes drive on and off and open doors without a problem

Here are pics:

http://www.rapidmotorsports.com/trailer1.jpg
http://www.rapidmotorsports.com/trailer2.jpg

I am asking $1700 and can deliver within reason.

It has a 5000lb winch also that I will sell for an additional $500

Mikey

 

I mine is about the same as everyone else's except one thing that I added - and really glad I did. A FRONT NOSE GUARD. You would be surprised what is thrown up by your tow vehicle, even with 'mud' flaps. The front of the SS sits perfect. Also I ordered 7" fenders, vice the taller fenders. Even lowered the doors open without any problems. I cost a couple hundred extra but has same numerous chips.

David

 

Tony, what options are you looking at? Metal or wooden floors? Ramp extension or not? Trailer breaks or not? Since we have had 3 trailers I have some pretty good used and new experience.

Stephen
ARE/FASTECH 432
www.thebeasst.com

 

16' BigTex with 3' dovetail. Ramps are very heavy and store securely under end of trailer. Car trails very well behind 2001 Yukon. Bed is treated wood. Bought it last year new for right around $1,500.

BTW, keep a spare handy, or at least a plug kit. Picked up a roofing nail within first 45 days of owning trailer.

Even if I don't go as fast as y'all, it sure is nice to prep at home with air tools and just drive to the track and race.

 

I have a trailer for sale in the Houston, Tx area. It is a sloan kwikload trailer. The trailer is a tilt bed design. There are no ramps to mess with. It is very easy to use. It is an 18ft trailer with dual 3500 lb axles. It has electric brakes on both axles, diamond plate flooring, removable fenders, two tool boxes, wind faring in the front, lights in the flooring, 4 6000 lb. swivel tie downs, 78" wide loading deck, 84" between the fenders, brakeaway safety switch, and a manual parking brake to lock wheels when loading or unloading. The trailer is black and it is in excellent shape. I have only had it for about a year.

Let me know if you are interestd. I am asking $2800 for it. This trailer cost me $3500 a year ago.

Aaron
amm96gts@aol.com

 

Aaron, those Sloan Kwik-Load trailers are probably the best of the best when it comes to open car haulers. Sounds like you have it fully optioned out too! Nice setup, but highly overkill for me. I'm looking for used trailers around $1000 or so.

Tony