Recommend a trailer brand for me !
- Thread starter SPDMETL
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Scooterfish
Well-known member
Look for overall construction inside & out. Cheaper units have alot more seams in roofs & side walls as they use every scrap piece. Look at frame construction, quality of wood used in side walls and floors. I live where most of the mfgs are head quarters.
archirelic
Well-known member
Where are you located? I ask this, b/c around my area we have several manufacturers that can custom fabricate and modify trailers to your specification. Look around locally first, that way you can also support your local business[es]
I have a PACE 20' Trailer for my race car. Very satisfied with the trailer but had an issue with the side door lock and it was a nightmare getting anyone on the phone to get replacement parts. Overall I am very please with the trailer. My buddy also has a PACE 28 foot with all the bells and whistles. Interiro cabinets, Heat/AC, winch, full light package, carpeting. Its really nice.
I suggest you make sure bracing is at least on 16 inch centers, plywood walls, torsion axles not springs, and get a generator compartment if you plan on using a generator. Also exterior 500watt light is nice but you will need that generatoras. I got 12 inches extra height which is really nice but hell on fuel mileage. Its drag coefficient is equal to a brick!!! I'd get a V Nose if I was in the market for a new one.
I suggest you make sure bracing is at least on 16 inch centers, plywood walls, torsion axles not springs, and get a generator compartment if you plan on using a generator. Also exterior 500watt light is nice but you will need that generatoras. I got 12 inches extra height which is really nice but hell on fuel mileage. Its drag coefficient is equal to a brick!!! I'd get a V Nose if I was in the market for a new one.
CamarosRus
Well-known member
MOST IMPORTANT ISSUE is GVW of trailer.
Buy 10,000Lb axle package.
If you buy the basic/cheaper 7,000 lb package and trailer weighs 3000# plus
Car weighs 3500#, what does that leave you for tools, tires, spares etc.
Best major mfg are Haulmark and PAce American.
Buy used if you can and save, save save.
Also upgrade to Load Range E 10 Ply tires and keep them out of the Sun............
Below is my Pace American 20' Shadow GT
Buy 10,000Lb axle package.
If you buy the basic/cheaper 7,000 lb package and trailer weighs 3000# plus
Car weighs 3500#, what does that leave you for tools, tires, spares etc.
Best major mfg are Haulmark and PAce American.
Buy used if you can and save, save save.
Also upgrade to Load Range E 10 Ply tires and keep them out of the Sun............
Below is my Pace American 20' Shadow GT
gsport
Well-known member
i have a hallmark, that i think is a very good trailer.... i've heard them called the caddilac of trailers.
the bus driver
Active member
- Joined
- Feb 18, 2010
- Messages
- 29
Pace has a premium brand called Optima all aluminum no wood. They are supper light and won't rust out. There are several on www.racingjunk.com
5lima30
Well-known member
I've got an enclosed PACE Outback trailer (not car trailer) that I bought for when I moved. Since I've moved I found it so handy that I kept it! It's been a great trailer, pulls great, and is well built. When I researched trailers I found that both PACE and Wells Cargo make very good trailers that are industry standards, however PACE had better price. YMMV.
bczygan
Well-known member
I bought a 16' aluminum trailer new, but last years model for a discounted price. Get one with enough interior headroom for people (6'4"), and the minimum width needed for your vehicle. Get a V nose and rock guard. Get a spare tire and wheel. Unriveted is an upgrade.Lightening brand (Cheap aluminum). It is light enough that I can move it around by hand when lightly loaded with my Ultralight airplane. Mineis a cross between the two shown below. It has a rear ram door and side access door. It is grey with a rock guard on the front but, being narrower, it has the wheels outside the box like the red one.
http://www.lightningtrailers.com/
http://www.lightningtrailers.com/
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StinkyBunny
Well-known member
I only have an open one, but a friend has the same thing, Feather light in an enclosed and we both love them. Mine is light enough to move if I have a Samurai on it loaded correctly. I agree on the rock guard, I've seen quite a few with dented front from road gators getting thrown into them.
I've had two enclosed trailers. First one was a Wells Cargo, very nice well built trailer......but heavy. Second one was a Featherlite. Incredible quality and NOT heavy. The best option was to have a door on the passenger side of the trailer, so when you drive your car in.....you can open the door wide open and easily step out without contorting in all different shapes!
bczygan
Well-known member
Another thing to check is that the ramp door has the weight capacity for driving a car on. Some don't.
Orangestang
Well-known member
I own a Cargomate made by Forest River. Its a 24' and has 10,000# torsen spring axles ( thats one of the things to look for), helps with resale too. Also 16"oc side supports and 48" side door thats a plus too.3/4" plywood floor and 1/4" lauan plywood walls. Mine does not have a left side access door my car is to low the door hits the inner fenderwell.It was bare when I bought it.I added cabinets,lights and a winch.
wakeboarder311
Well-known member
i have a timberwolf that i am very happy with no problems at all in over 7 years.
rustypenny
Active member
Steer clear of anything with the Diamond Cargo tag!!!!! P.O.S.
:
:I can tell you which on definitely not to purchase! That’s a ClassAct. But there are not making trailers any longer. Which may explain why they wouldn’t make good on a warranty issue I had with mine. Click on the link at the bottom if you care to read about it..
Best bang for your buck would be a Haulmark Trailer. They can be competitively price and will not sacrifice any quality. I agree go with the 10,000 pound axles. Along with the capacity increase, you receive bigger ties, and brakes. For a few dollars extra. Also get a102" wide model. The six inches increase in width makes it so much easier o load or unload a car... You also may consider going with 22' long rather than a 20'. The extra two feet makes it easier to tie down longer cars....
www.haulmark.com
.
Best bang for your buck would be a Haulmark Trailer. They can be competitively price and will not sacrifice any quality. I agree go with the 10,000 pound axles. Along with the capacity increase, you receive bigger ties, and brakes. For a few dollars extra. Also get a102" wide model. The six inches increase in width makes it so much easier o load or unload a car... You also may consider going with 22' long rather than a 20'. The extra two feet makes it easier to tie down longer cars....
www.haulmark.com
.
DTL504
Well-known member
I sold my open 16ft trailer for $2k and bought a Kingdom 22ft enclosed with a 2ft V-nose for a total of 24ft and 8.5 wide. 16" OC, 3/4" plywood floor, 48" Side door, 48" escape door, 10,000 axle, inside floor storage, spare tire and electrical package, side vents, winch plate. Not the high dollar trailer but get the job done. I have not had any problem pulling my Camaro (3500lbs) with tools and equip from Alabama to N Carolina and numerous other car show a few hundred miles trips. Cost $5800.00 I wentpick up from the factory in GA which cut out the middle man who just place orders and jack up the price by 30 %. My advice is to have it custom built and deal with manufacture directly if possible.
See picture here:
http://s594.photobucket.com/albums/tt25/dtl504/Trailer/?action=view¤t=DSC01786.jpg
See picture here:
http://s594.photobucket.com/albums/tt25/dtl504/Trailer/?action=view¤t=DSC01786.jpg
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Skyking1992
Well-known member
- Joined
- Sep 16, 2006
- Messages
- 475
I think the Pace Shadow is pretty top of the line. Whatever trailer you buy, I would look for torqueflex axles rather than springs and shackles. Much less maintenance, particularly if you plan to keep the trailer a long time.
CKC
Active member
I have a 24' United UTX its a Heavy Duty made trailer,should have got a 28'
Why the 20' ? go with a 24' just for the resale.
Look on racingjunk.com you will get overwelmed with the selection.
Why the 20' ? go with a 24' just for the resale.
Look on racingjunk.com you will get overwelmed with the selection.
What's your location ? SOme of us maybe able to help direct you to a dealer.
Personally, I wouldn't buy a 20' to haul a car. I'd bet money that you'd regret it. Alot of people buy 24's and are happy. I currently have a 16' open, when I step up, it'll be a 28' I want to have room for cabinets, tool box and the four wheeler or golf cart(the wife wants, the wife will buy).
Personally, I wouldn't buy a 20' to haul a car. I'd bet money that you'd regret it. Alot of people buy 24's and are happy. I currently have a 16' open, when I step up, it'll be a 28' I want to have room for cabinets, tool box and the four wheeler or golf cart(the wife wants, the wife will buy).
Try these guys http://www.goldrushinc.com/. My former boss had a stacker from them, very nice rig!
drmoonshine
Well-known member
Depending on where your located there may be a manufacturer to get a good deal and be local. I would do a google search of your area or ask around.
Bought a 24' Haulmark Race Trailer in 2005 and it has been a good trailer. Agree with
the others about stepping up from the 20'. It's like everything else, you'll use it if you
have it. Definately Torsion axles, and a 10,000 GVW rating instead of the 7000 GVW.
Also LED lighting. There are a ton of trailers on RacingJunk.com. Good trailers seem to
hold their value really well.
the others about stepping up from the 20'. It's like everything else, you'll use it if you
have it. Definately Torsion axles, and a 10,000 GVW rating instead of the 7000 GVW.
Also LED lighting. There are a ton of trailers on RacingJunk.com. Good trailers seem to
hold their value really well.
I've got a Trailex. All aluminum. It's 2000lbs with tire rack, winch and spare, and tows so well that I almost forget it's behind me. It has a large left side door so you don't crawl out of the car. I like it a lot, though at 21 feet long and 66" box height, it's small, and pretty darn expensive.
I bought a well used one, paid about half price, maintain it religiously, and have put many tens of thousands of miles on it. And I could probably sell it for pretty much the same price as I paid used.
I bought a well used one, paid about half price, maintain it religiously, and have put many tens of thousands of miles on it. And I could probably sell it for pretty much the same price as I paid used.
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Check these guys out, they are made in Saint Johns, MI (north of Lansing).
http://www.legendmfginc.com/
http://www.legendmfginc.com/
metal1313
Well-known member
we used to have a 28ft haulmark trailer. it was a good trailer, but dad sold it a few years ago
sc3013
Well-known member
Well I guess I better recommend my brand trailer. I have a 1989 Haulmark and it has realy been a good one. Mileage, I have no idea, lets just say lots. It's a 28 footer and bigger is better. I will be pulling it again this race season, no thought of replacing it.
zmotorsports
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I have owned three over the last twenty-three years. Charmac was junk as far as I am concerned. I only had it for two years and the build quality was very poor and too lightweight of materials for a car hauler.
My 1991 Wells Cargo 24' is still going but starting to show its wear. I bought it wrecked in 1992 and repaired it. The damage was very minor but the guys insurance company totalled it anyway. I bought it and replaced one fender well, axle and a little touch-up and nobody could ever tell it was damaged. I have repainted the tongue and endcaps about three times now due to sun fade and rock chips but overall it has been a good trailer. It is a 10k pound trailer with the 5200 lb. axles with brakes on both axles. The ramp door is very well made and after 20 years of use still looks pretty good with showing little sign of wear.
Our new trailer which we special ordered in Feb 2008 and took delivery in April 2008 is a Haulmark Edge 26' Race trailer. This is hands down the nicest trailer and in my opinion the best built trailer I have owned. I feel the Haulmark is probably the best bang for your buck as far as trailers. I loaded it up with many options and the price was still very competetive with many of the lesser quality manufacturers. One thing that sold me almost immediately is the floor spanners are spaced at 16" centers vs. the Wells Cargo and a couple others I looked at were at 24" centers. This is standard on the Haulmark, not an option.
As far as options I had a 60" tongue (some manufacturers call it an RV tongue) option added as well as 6" overall height added (it was already 6" taller than my Wells Cargo standard), 2-500Watt exterior halogen lights, full aluminum interior with 110 volt flourescent lights, L shaped workbench, LED lights, ATP floor with 6 'D' ring steel reinforced mounting points, electric winch mounted under floor/cabinet in front, extra 110v outlets spaced around the interior and the 7k lb. axles w/brakes on both and 16" tires/wheels.
I absolutely love the Haulmark trailer and it tows beautifully behind our coach or the truck.
If money is no object, which I don't know many people like this, then I also looked at T & E trailers and Gold Rush Trailers. Both are EXTREMELY well built trailers and have many features that are standard. After speaking with them on the phone and receiving build information it is obvious that neither of them are the average trailer manufacture and really cater to the high end racer. They are probably some of the best out there, but they come at a price, which was more than my budget. They are more than twice what I paid for my Hualmark. Mike.
*On Edit: I also forgot to mention that on the Haulmark Edge series a one piece aluminum roof is standard as well.
Attached is a picture of my Haulmark from the rear. I don't have any pictures of the interior.
My 1991 Wells Cargo 24' is still going but starting to show its wear. I bought it wrecked in 1992 and repaired it. The damage was very minor but the guys insurance company totalled it anyway. I bought it and replaced one fender well, axle and a little touch-up and nobody could ever tell it was damaged. I have repainted the tongue and endcaps about three times now due to sun fade and rock chips but overall it has been a good trailer. It is a 10k pound trailer with the 5200 lb. axles with brakes on both axles. The ramp door is very well made and after 20 years of use still looks pretty good with showing little sign of wear.
Our new trailer which we special ordered in Feb 2008 and took delivery in April 2008 is a Haulmark Edge 26' Race trailer. This is hands down the nicest trailer and in my opinion the best built trailer I have owned. I feel the Haulmark is probably the best bang for your buck as far as trailers. I loaded it up with many options and the price was still very competetive with many of the lesser quality manufacturers. One thing that sold me almost immediately is the floor spanners are spaced at 16" centers vs. the Wells Cargo and a couple others I looked at were at 24" centers. This is standard on the Haulmark, not an option.
As far as options I had a 60" tongue (some manufacturers call it an RV tongue) option added as well as 6" overall height added (it was already 6" taller than my Wells Cargo standard), 2-500Watt exterior halogen lights, full aluminum interior with 110 volt flourescent lights, L shaped workbench, LED lights, ATP floor with 6 'D' ring steel reinforced mounting points, electric winch mounted under floor/cabinet in front, extra 110v outlets spaced around the interior and the 7k lb. axles w/brakes on both and 16" tires/wheels.
I absolutely love the Haulmark trailer and it tows beautifully behind our coach or the truck.
If money is no object, which I don't know many people like this, then I also looked at T & E trailers and Gold Rush Trailers. Both are EXTREMELY well built trailers and have many features that are standard. After speaking with them on the phone and receiving build information it is obvious that neither of them are the average trailer manufacture and really cater to the high end racer. They are probably some of the best out there, but they come at a price, which was more than my budget. They are more than twice what I paid for my Hualmark. Mike.
*On Edit: I also forgot to mention that on the Haulmark Edge series a one piece aluminum roof is standard as well.
Attached is a picture of my Haulmark from the rear. I don't have any pictures of the interior.
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