Lightweight Car Trailers

[Jagmandave]

I just stumbled upon this pic, it's interesting because of the way the fenders were used as a support for the deck.

One thing that I always see as an issue with any low slung trailer design is that you can't usually get the doors open once the car is on the trailer, this one clearly doesn't have that issue, but you would need ramps or a tilt deck to get loaded.

 

[BillC6]

This is the brochure. This was made from 2x2 tube for the A-frame, 1x2 for the main rails and 1x1 for struts. The wall thickness was mostly 095 and the struts in tension were only 072.

 

[kerrynzl]

I just stumbled upon this pic, it's interesting because of the way the fenders were used as a support for the deck.

One thing that I always see as an issue with any low slung trailer design is that you can't usually get the doors open once the car is on the trailer, this one clearly doesn't have that issue, but you would need ramps or a tilt deck to get loaded.

English Trailer.
Up until 2010 the maximum width allowed to tow behind a lightweight vehicle was 2.3m [90"] which is why they adapted and built these monstrosities with tiny wheels and high CG.

Now they can go to 2.55 max width [100"]

It had nothing to do with some ingenious design, but merely a way to get around the rules

 

[kerrynzl]

This is the brochure. This was made from 2x2 tube for the A-frame, 1x2 for the main rails and 1x1 for struts. The wall thickness was mostly 095 and the struts in tension were only 072.

Thanks for posting that!

I like how they advertise the merits of using the family car as a tow vehicle.
I do this all the time.

The only thing that scares me is no mention of trailer brakes.
The payload weights are quite minimal, but for a speedway racer it would be sufficient.

 

[toofart]

1500 lb payload... lol In North America that could barely support our lawn mowers =)

 

[kerrynzl]

1500 lb payload... lol In North America that could barely support our lawn mowers =)

Heavy Lawnmowers!

I had a fully caged MK1 Lotus Cortina that only weighed 1540 lbs [it was road legal too]

I used to tow that on a trailer behind a Honda Accord or Mazda 626 no problems at all.

 

[Don-F]

Great info! Don't count out the demand for a small light car trailer even in the USA. My blue single axle trailer with a 2500lb axle that's pictured in the first post lasted only 3 days on Craigslist. All the people with the big four wheeled RZR Atv's were calling on it. It was pulled with a 90's 4 cylinder Toyota pickup without a problem for many years.

I think that Formula Star trailer is pretty cool for its intended use. I liked the low tire rack in front. If those trailers were posted in the Locost 7 forums (Lotus 7 clones), there would be plenty of interest even in the USA. I have an under 1500 lb car too. The Green 78 in my avatar. Its a long project that hasn't got much attention lately. There are heavier project cars that need a trailer first.

 

[Jagmandave]

In the late 60's I pulled my H Production Sprite all over the midwest behind a Volvo wagon on one of those single axle trailers.

I could pull my current Mini behind by MINI on one today!

 

[Dogwood Frameworks]

I'm quite interested in seeing kerrynzl's lightweight trailer build thread. I plan to build one in the next 6 months or so to tow a sub 3000lb car behind a V8 swapped Volvo.

Thanks for all the good info guys.

 

[pwhittle]

I built my lightweight trailer in early 2000 primarily to tow my 1600lb Brunton SuperStalker. It was my first real welding project, and I am p,eased to say it is still in regular use today and has traveled thousands of miles behind our Mazda Tribute and our 40' diesel pusher motorhome. The design came from Dennis Brunton who made the Stalker kits.

I have also used it to move a wide variety of other things to include furniture, filing cabinets, office furniture, appliances, and even my ride on mower in the pictures that is in pictures.

The main longitudinal tube is 3x2x0.083". The other rectangular parts are 3x1.5x0.083" and the rectangular is 1.25x1.25x.065".

The axle is welded to the main deck and the from a-frame is pivoted where it attaches to the main deck so that the deck tilts for easy loading. I chose to weld the axle to the frame without any suspension to keep the deck height as low as possible. When I strap the car down, I strap it by the rear live axle and the upper ballpoint so the air body can ride the car suspension.

The deck is held up with gas struts from a Buick Roadmaster that I parted out.

The last part of the deck is made so it sits flat when the ramp is up. The side rails stop the deck from bending under load.

The axle is 3500lb with 5x4.75" PCD to match the PCD on the Stalker. It has electric brakes to make it suitable for towing behind the Mazda Tribute. The wheels are S-10 and the tires are also from my Buick Roadmaster. The fenders and lights were from Northern Tools. The trailer was painted with Ford Red Implement paint from TSC.

Paul

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[pwhittle]

Here is a video to show the car loading and unloading.

Paul

https://vimeo.com/115130172

 

[Don-F]

Nice! Thanks for sharing!

 

[Don-F]

I did find another link to a picture for the Haul-Lite Foumula Star trailer just incase it helps anyone. Remember the payload rating on the trailer was 1500 lbs. http://race-cars.com/carsold/lola/1322609516/1322609516lj.htm

 

[kerrynzl]

I did find another link to a picture for the Haul-Lite Foumula Star trailer just incase it helps anyone. Remember the payload rating on the trailer was 1500 lbs. http://race-cars.com/carsold/lola/1322609516/1322609516lj.htm

Hi Don,

Back in Nov 2014 I promised a build thread for a lightweight trailer.
This is underway already.
I'll start a thread when my other Computer is back from being repaired [It has all the preliminary photos stored on it]

It'll be:

15' deck,
Front nudge rail,
Tandem axle [I never build single axles]
Tilt deck with open centre
Built in slide out ramps,
Electric brakes,
Steel "Teardrop" fenders
Chrome "modular" wheels

Target weight will be 1100 lbs
The trailer will be engineered to take a 4500lb payload, but I'll only rate the trailer at 4400 lbs GVW [3300lb payload ]

I could build it more lightweight by using alloy wheels, simple alloy fenders, and a shorter deck.

Here is a teaser photo of the main deck runners with a unit-construction rails

 

[volleyball]

Did you have the rails formed or can you buy them that way.

 

[bczygan]

Are there any lightweight car hauler trailers made of aluminum?

 

[e30bradley]

My trailer is 3500lbs empty, 15,500 gvwr. I pull it with an f250 though.

 

[rande]

Are there any lightweight car hauler trailers made of aluminum?

I've got a Trailex. 18-foot open trailer is 890 lbs.

 

[bczygan]

I've got a Trailex. 18-foot open trailer is 890 lbs.

What is it's capacity/model number?

 

[kerrynzl]

Did you have the rails formed or can you buy them that way.

I drew up a profile and got it pressed in a press brake.
The biggest problem was getting it guilotined cut [the largest guilotine in my area was 12']
Using galvanised steel meant I couldn't plasma cut it without damage.
I spoke nicely to my steel supplier, and paid them some "liquid amber currency" [beer] and they arranged for the steel to be slit at the factory.

 

[rande]

What is it's capacity/model number?

Model number is CT7041HS. The model numbers have changed so I don't know how that corresponds to what they build now. I think capacity was around 4500 lbs. The guy I got it from hauled Corvettes.

Mine was built in '82 or '83. I bought it used in 2005 for $2600 and at that time a new one was over $7000 on their website. When I bought it I redid the brakes and a couple years ago I upgraded the lights to LED and put on a new set of tires. That's all I've done to the trailer since I've owned it.

www.trailex.com

 

[kerrynzl]

Model number is CT7041HS. The model numbers have changed so I don't know how that corresponds to what they build now. I think capacity was around 4500 lbs. The guy I got it from hauled Corvettes.

Mine was built in '82 or '83. I bought it used in 2005 for $2600 and at that time a new one was over $7000 on their website. When I bought it I redid the brakes and a couple years ago I upgraded the lights to LED and put on a new set of tires. That's all I've done to the trailer since I've owned it.

www.trailex.com

I had a look on their website, Those are pretty good trailers that look nice and centrally balanced [ instead of those "pseudo semi" trailers that everybody else seems to build ]

 

[rande]

I had a look on their website, Those a pretty good trailers that look nice and centrally balanced [ instead of those "pseudo semi" trailers that everybody else seems to build ]

Since they are bolted together it is really easy to change parts if something gets damaged. Also means they are adjustable. The previous owner of mine hauled Corvettes and I haul mostly MR2s. Engine position causes the weight balance to be different but I was able to move the axles back to balance the car better.

 

[Don-F]

Palatov Motorsport, LLC has a facebook page that had a few shots of an interesting small trailer on it. It looks like most of the structure is below the axles. I ask them to elaborate on the design and this is what they said.

the trailers are designed specifically to carry the cars. the goals are smallest possible footprint, lowest possible weight, low deck height and ramp angle, ability to tow with any car, and redundancy in operation. a normal trailer has to be versatile, makes no assumptions about the load it carries, but assumes a dedicated tow vehicle. our design criteria are the opposite.

 

[kerrynzl]

If you built one of those ^^^^ you'll need to climb out the windows of your Civic one you load it [not fun]

 

[Don-F]

Yes, thanks for the advice again. Its all give and take design wise. You fix one thing but usually loose in another. Several of the designs I posted here arent something I would build for myself. They are trailers that I found interesting in some way, that were different than the normal 1800 - 2000lb car trailer normally found here in the USA. The Palatov Motorsport trailer apparenly fits thier needs well, as their cars have no doors to open and they tow thier car and trailers with a medium size passenger car. Their facebook page has more pictures of the cars and trailers. Its a very cool company page.

I did have a dropped axle on my last homemade trailer though and couldnt open the door either. It was not fun at times, but I found it took just a few minutes to point the wheels straight ahead and hand winch it on the trailer. Unloading was much more of a bother as Civics roll easy. Just pushing it off on a slight grade resulted in the car going further than planed. Not fun when there is no one behind the wheel. I was able to fix the run away problem on grades by tethering the car with the winch cable if the ground was sloped. Still not fun like you said, but Im not sure it outweighs having to pull off the front air dam or deal with two sets of ramps with a high trailer. Some people I know like the raceramps to load thier cars on normal height trailers. This is somthing I am not too keen on though. I do have my other projects mostly done now and there is a few more months of good weather left so I had better start building soon. Thanks again for all the feedback!

 

[volleyball]

A 1000 lb car doesn't need much trailer to haul it. You could stretch a HF trailer and be good to go. And just about any car could tow 3/4 ton total weight.
Why dual axles for such a light weight and short length?
20 x 8.5 -10 tires would make more sense.

 

[Don-F]

I'm not sure any reasonable person would risk a $65,000+ Palatov Motorsport car on a "streched Harbor Freigh trailer" as none of them have brakes or a second axle. That is if they could even get it on there because of the height. They have abviously put a lot of time and thought into thier products so even though it may not be a perfect solution, they seem to like it.

I looked at the smaller 10" rim a little as they seem to come in close to the same rating as the 13" I used on my old trailer. One drawback is the size brakes you can fit. The other is pontoon boat trailers use the 10 wheels on dual axles and a complaint was that the hubs get hot at freeway speeds because the small diameter tires are turning faster than a larger diameter would.
I found pictures of a few car transporters in europe that do use the tiny rims.
Here is one. http://www.autobazar.eu/spo-3516-id3603789.html

 

[cspcrx]

I had a custom length and width Carson open trailer built about 9 years ago to haul my 1986 CRX. I wanted twin axle so i could single out if i ever needed to, car is under 2000lbs so one axle is even more than enough. Car just fits but because of the heigth i had to have custom 7 foot aluminum ramps made to get the car on without ripping the chin spoiler off and i still put the rear tires of the truck up on ramps. I drive part way on. Just until the rear tires are on the trailer, this way i can open the door to get out. Then push the car forward the last 3ft. I got lazy a couple of years ago and put a HF winch on it. Even easier now that i just winch it up.

 

[kerrynzl]

I'm not sure any reasonable person would risk a $65,000+ Palatov Motorsport car on a "streched Harbor Freigh trailer" as none of them have brakes or a second axle. That is if they could even get it on there because of the height. They have abviously put a lot of time and thought into thier products so even though it may not be a perfect solution, they seem to like it.

I looked at the smaller 10" rim a little as they seem to come in close to the same rating as the 13" I used on my old trailer. One drawback is the size brakes you can fit. The other is pontoon boat trailers use the 10 wheels on dual axles and a complaint was that the hubs get hot at freeway speeds because the small diameter tires are turning faster than a larger diameter would.
I found pictures of a few car transporters in europe that do use the tiny rims.
Here is one. http://www.autobazar.eu/spo-3516-id3603789.html

They must use **** bearings . A 20% increase in bearing speed is the same as going from 60mph to 72mph.

The only complaint I have with smaller wheels is they are harsh on bumps

 

[Mr.N]

Why dual axles for such a light weight and short length?

Resiliency

Ever have a flat tire on a trailer in traffic? I'll take two tires any day at that weight.

 

[volleyball]

For A $100k race car, I'd have a proper tow vehicle and equipment. If you can afford to race you can afford a bit more than a civic to tow it.
My comment was about size and weight in general.
For a low car, you could get two floor jacks, jack up the car and back the trailer under it, lower jacks and drive on. Reverse to get off.

As far as the small tires, I had a small dump that had those tires. I hauled a lot earth with it and those tires and wheels held up great. A lot more weight than 2 of those cars. Good bearings and grease and they don't get hot. You see all those semi's pulling equipment trailers that have the 14.5 tires, they do fine and it would be a similar size difference.
Those little tires are 205's so you have the same road contact as any 205 in a larger rim.
Do you really run brakes for 3/4 ton total? If so it would be easy to cut down a disc brake to fit.

 

[Mr.N]

I just noticed...Is that a surge brake up front?


I hope not, but if it is...

 

[volleyball]

It has drums on the front axle so maybe. And surge makes sense as many vehicles have hitches , not so many with brake controllers.

 

[Don-F]

If it is a surge brake I'm very sure there is a good reason. I worked for Brammo Motorsports when they built the Ariel Atom. Palatov Motorsport purchased one after our engineers thought they worked out most of the bugs in the original design. Palatov proceeded to redesign a lot of it and made it a much better car in my opinion. So yes, I am a fan. His work is not done by chance. If its a huge problem in your mind you can alway message him and he usually will explain it. Even if the reply is a bit short.
Here is another picture of the cars and trailers.
https://scontent-sjc2-1.**.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xtp1/t31.0-8/s2048x2048/11713813_10152908221925925_3967281548625095022_o.jpg

 

[iagsxr]

So I'm assuming the 8ft long ramps slide under the bed somewhere? I'm a fan of a light trailer but this is a whole new level compared to what I'm used to.

Don't these things need worked on at all at the track? Where do your fuel jugs, floor jack, things of that nature go? If you need a separate support vehicle it's sort of defeating the purpose no?

 

[Don-F]

https://scontent-sjc2-1.**.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xat1/l/t31.0-8/11312613_10152827744735925_2293503365489585956_o.jpg
The ramp is actually visible on the far side. In the huge picture above thats uploaded to facebook its easier to see.

 

[Matias]

Just one design more to the thread. As I have a small european car which can pull only 1500kg (~3300lbs), I needed a small trailer so that I can load it with a car which weighs around 1000kg (~2200lbs).

This is what I found and bought. The ramps are situated in the middle of the rear section and can be seen in the picture.

The previous owner mentioned he has towed a big volvo and merc with the trailer, so that it can handle more weight. The more limiting issue is the width of the inside of the trailer, which limits the width to 166cm (~65 inches).

 

[volleyball]

It may be any dual axle trailer require brakes in some states. You don't usually find many dual axle trailers carrying so little. I don't get why the axles are so far apart? Maybe sway vs scrub for lightweight tow vehicles.
My single axle trailer came with surge brakes that were plugged at the master cyl. But I got all new parts to rebuild even though it would not matter much with my vehicles but I see it going that way as a requirement.

 

[Don-F]

Matias, thanks for sharing! I am a fan of your Renault page too. A friend of mine has the factory sponsored Renault 5's (Alpine powered) that won the SCCA Gt4 Championships in the early 80's. They are sitting on large shelfs in his warehouse. They haven't been run in over twenty five years. Most people here in the USA don't even know what they are. Here is a link to one of them way back.
https://flic.kr/p/eGtj7y