Car Hauling Trailer
 

For the guys that trailer their cars to the track what type of trailers do you guys use? open or enclosed? what brand is it? where did you guys get it from?

Trying to get feedback on what type of trailers people have and use and what their experience is with them since I'm considering getting one really soon.

With a fully enclosed car an open trailer works well. This happens to be a rollback so no ramps are needed and a very low car can be loaded. An open is easier to haul because the view around the car is better than around a box, and is often lighter than an enclosed. I got this one used and wrecked. (Texas rollback) I also have an enclosed for my open cars. I got it with the height one foot less as dragging dead air is more costly. Both have a large winch in the front as racing or tracking is hard on the car. I would also mention that a good tow vehicle is recommended. Because I do long halls I use a 3/4 ton diesel even then high winds in the mountains are the wrong kind of exciting.

I have a 20' fully enclosed trailer. We full time in our motorhome so it acts as a garage/shop also.

By the way I have a whole set of tie down rails for sale if anyone is interested.

Well recently I got a 2015 GMC Sierra Denali 2500HD Diesel. So towing is really not a problem.

Just want to see what trailers people recommend and which is better then others so I go with right choice.

I prefer open for usability but on longer hauls I find enclosed is nice for the security. I am in the same boat looking to purchase a new trailer, my biggest hold up is where to store it when not in use. The wife says she wouldnt mind it on the side of the garage but I know that wont last.

A secondary consideration factor is that enclosed trailers act as shelter at the track, reducing the need for a tent.

Comes in handy if you've ever been to a track on a hot or windy day.

-alex

Since you've got the truck for it... Enclosed all day long. all....day....long.

Make sure to get the 8.5ft wide.. Don't get less than that, you'll want the width and considering your truck I'd go with a 20 or 24ft with an equalizer hitch and 5200lb axles or better.

Get 10 ply tires (E-rated), set them at max pressure when COLD.

The enclosed is nice because:
1: It's some place to go that's out of the elements while at the event (Hot sun, rain, etc).
2: You can leave track specific stuff in it like jack/stands/tent/table/chairs etc. Therefore it greatly reduces what you have to load/unload at each event.
3: It protects the car during transport.
4: You can sleep/camp in it if doing an event longer than 1 day.

Cons:
1: Heavier so MPG while towing is hurt
2: A bit more maintenance: take care of seems and make sure water stays out
3: Extra weight, don't drive fast... but should be said for all trailers as trailer tire are only rated for 65MPH at their rated loads.


Look for good used ones that have "extras" like cabinets, capabilities for power, power jack, lighting etc. Having some amenities instead of just having a "Box with wheels" is very nice. I like that I can plug in shore power or my generator and my trailer and it's outlets have power. Run computers, recharge batteries, run a compressor etc etc.

I'm getting an enclosed trailer. Did the uhaul with an open trailer and it isn't much nicer than just driving the car there. Still have lots to mess with with loading and unloading of the extra gear (and the gear isn't secure unless it is in the cab of the truck).

is there any specific brands to look for when shopping for either enclosed or open trailer?

All the brands have lower and higher end options so it's hard to recommend one over the other necessarily.

Once you start looking for something with higher end specs you've already pretty much sorted out the bad options.

Narrow search by:
-5200lb axles or better (if the GVWR is 10k that means 5200lb axles)
-Electric brakes on both axles
-Lighting
-Electrical outlets
-Ventilation
-Maybe E-track, shelving or other things like that.

Most trailers I would avoid have brakes on only 1 axle, 3500lb axles, 1 vent, 1 light (maybe) and only 4 tie downs.

Pretty common brands are HaulMark, CargoMate, Wells Cargo.

Mine's a cargo mate "Blazer". Bare bones but i added mu own cabinets and tool boxes.

Since you have a good hauler an enclosed is a good option for longer weekends and trips. Beware that you will want to carry more and more stuff.
An extra set of dry tires and rims, asset of wet, 30 gal of known gas, all the fluids, jack stands, jack, tools, more tools, air compressor, air tools, spare part, like rotors pads etc. etc. A popup rain and sun cover. Oh and tent, sleeping bags, and other camping stuff.
Now you know why you need E rated tire and heave springs and all wheel brakes.

ls1ac-- in for details of what gets hauled in that trailer!!

OP-- One of the biggest advantages of an open trailer is the visibility it allows behind the tow vehicle. It's also lighter and sleeker than an enclosed version, so it's easier to pull. The biggest disadvantage of an enclosed trailer is how poor the gas mileage is. There's no getting around it; you're towing a giant box through the wind, so mileage will suffer. Whether it's 3000 pounds empty or 6500 pounds loaded, highway mileage stays the same: low. There are some better alternatives, like the Aerovault, but they are expensive and limited in size. The fact is, if you're going to tow, you have to decide which option has the advantages you need and just deal with the downsides that come with it.

I use an open trailer. Tow vehicle is a 3/4 ton suburban 8.1L. Fuel economy sucks but everything else is cheaper than a diesel. Burb lets everything else stay in the truck so no unloading issues.


Enclosed trailers are awesome also, but got sick of security issues and the pain in the ass it was to store (no room at the house for it).