Info on Trailer specs

Redondo · Postby **Redondo** » Thu Aug 20, 2015 11:03 pm

I have been searching for a trailer to transport a NA regularly. Unfortunately i am just getting confused.

I am looking for a galv, dual axle, with winch in sydney or melb. Any recommendations? I dont want painted as it will just rust.

Also sizing has confused me. Metric v Imperial, is the size internal measurements or including draw bar and guards. What would be best for a NA that will ultimately get a bit wider in tyre size/camber.

Thanks in advance
.

Apu · Postby **Apu** » Fri Aug 21, 2015 6:50 am

What is your tow car?

Since you are looking at a dual axle, I'd also recommend getting a larger trailer rather than one that will "just fit".

I bought mine from Unique Trailers, its a 15' beavertail and comfortably fits my Integra...plenty of room for my MX5. The tray is 15' x 6.6'. Can't remember draw bar length...quite standard.

You can tell them what you want to tow so they adjust the location of the axles. I also had smaller wheels so the guards could be lower for door clearance.

rascal · Postby **rascal** » Fri Aug 21, 2015 10:13 am

Sizes quoted are usually the tray/box size only. Drawbar is at least another metre plus..

Having a trailer that fits more than just the mx5 is more useful, but also means it takes up more space to store it, if this is an issue? Is also heavier/larger than you need most of the time.

Fwiw, I'm on my 3rd trailer now and have one that just fits the mx5. First was large fits all which was harder to tow/store/reverse due to its weight/size. 2nd one was a 10x6 which fitted car perfectly but left no room for extra tools/wheels.
Current is custom sized to fit mx5 with storage space for tools/wheels etc.

Advantage of mx5 sized, beyond physically smaller size benefits, is less chance of family friends borrowing it for the dunnydore/4wd and getting it back damaged. Happens more often than you think, even with well meaning friends.

manga_blue · Postby **manga_blue** » Fri Aug 21, 2015 10:56 am

I'd go for something that just comfortably fits the MX5 and no more. Bigger equals heavier and clumsier. There are usually times when you have to manhandle the trailer to get it in and out and ready to go. Heavy trailers are just so slow and taxing to move and they take a lot more room to turn, etc.

Make sure that you can open the doors with the car on the trailer, especially when the car suspension is set at race height. Mudguards on most trailers make it bloody hard to get in and out of an MX5.

Personally I'm a fan of springless car trailers. The axles are bolted direct to the trailer chassis and the suspension is provided partly by the tyres and partly by the springs in the carried car instead. They're no good for carrying unsprung heavy loads so you can't lend them (bonus!) but they track like a sports car, even when loaded, and they don't get the dreaded speed wobbles. Because springless trailers are so stable cheap mechanical drum brakes are fine, even for mountain towing, otherwise you should factor in good hydraulic or electric discs.

Magpie · Postby **Magpie** » Fri Aug 21, 2015 11:08 am

What is your budget?

Instead of tandem, what tare/gross weight are you targeting? My trailer is a tandem, twin brakes, tilt up, long ramp (allows loading with about 80mm at the splitter), 750 kg tare and 2,900 gross.

Custom built by McNeils at Beeeigh.

Apu · Postby **Apu** » Fri Aug 21, 2015 12:00 pm

Think carefully about what else you can use the trailer for.

I agree with not loaning it out as it has come back with damage. Now I just say the trailer is not insured...plus I leave my car on it, so it's a PITA to get if off, etc etc.

Also, given that I'm no Arnie (think Diary of a Wimpy Kid), I use a ratcheting jockey wheel. That allows me to move the trailer around easily...even on a soggy lawn.

Postby **beavis** » Fri Aug 21, 2015 1:39 pm

Try see if you can get one of these
http://www.raceking.com.au/

zossy1 · Postby **zossy1** » Fri Aug 21, 2015 1:43 pm

I have a single axle Tilta. Lots of MX5 guys run them. I think I have (arguably) one of the widest NA MX5s in Australia and it fits with around 3cm of ramp to spare on each side. In other words, pretty much any purpose built car trailer will fit a fat, fat MX5. I will say that I have had to cut and hinge the guard on the drivers side to allow the drivers side door to open - but most trailers will require some creative thinking to resolve the door opening on trailer issue.

If all you are carting is an MX5, buy a small trailer.

The only negative to my Tilta is that it doesn't tow very well at speeds above 110kmh or down long, steep hills. That is the drawback of a single axle car trailer with mechanical override brakes... And yes, it is perfectly weighted. I just know the trailers limitations and drive accordingly.

zossy1 · Postby **zossy1** » Fri Aug 21, 2015 1:45 pm

beavis wrote:Try see if you can get one of these
http://www.raceking.com.au/

A poor man's Nevco... Such a nice trailer. A bit heavier than a Tilta but worth it.

rascal · Postby **rascal** » Fri Aug 21, 2015 1:50 pm

beavis wrote:Try see if you can get one of these
http://www.raceking.com.au/

Do you need still two people to load these?
ie a second person to pump up the hydraulics so you can open the door once you've dríven it on the trailer.
Or can you get remote options that allow you to pump it up whilst still in the car?

Magpie · Postby **Magpie** » Fri Aug 21, 2015 3:23 pm

Be aware above 2,000 kg gross you need a breakaway. Plus don't forget to budget in your brake controller. My controller allows adjustment for amount of brake force and delay as well as manual override.

The trailer I have is very easy to tow!

Redondo · Postby **Redondo** » Fri Aug 21, 2015 10:28 pm

I can tow upto 2500 kg, but dont want to go over 2000 gvm with the trailer. With the NA around 1000kg and trailers seem to be around 700kg i will still have room for a tool box and the like.
Space at home isnt an issue and plenty of room to move it around, it just might not be undercover sometimes which is why i want galv.

Some good advice and i really appreciate that.

Has anyone used these?

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/14x6-6-CAR-TRAILER-BEAVER-TAIL-HOT-DIPPED-GALVANISED-WITH-EXPENDED-MESH-TRACKS-/321836449819?hash=item4aeef2801b

It seems to fit price and functions, just would need a winch to make life a bit easier. I have probably seen most websites but the price is a bit over the top for what i really need.

As soon as i get this i can be back at the track again.

Apu · Postby **Apu** » Fri Aug 21, 2015 10:38 pm

I'd go for a full floor - I slipped off my old trailer once and...let's just say I was lucky I fell in the right direction and didn't snap my leg.

I just took the towball weight on my trailer today. With the Integra on, a small unloaded toolbox and spare (trailer) wheel, it was only 130kg.

Redondo · Postby **Redondo** » Sat Aug 22, 2015 12:38 am

im fine with open floor, could be hand for some under car work.

this one is also an option, glav, tilt, dual axle, winch. i wonder if it really is under $4000

http://ubeauttrailers.com.au/product/tandem-car-trailer/

Postby **beavis** » Sat Aug 22, 2015 8:30 pm

rascal wrote:
beavis wrote:Try see if you can get one of these
http://www.raceking.com.au/

Do you need still two people to load these?
ie a second person to pump up the hydraulics so you can open the door once you've dríven it on the trailer.
Or can you get remote options that allow you to pump it up whilst still in the car?

I don't need a second person, i have enough room to open the door and get out. if you were fat it would be harder.
Alternatively, load the car with a winch.
A second person makes it easier though as they do the hard work while you sit in the car.
I havent seen one with a 'auto' pumper ;)