#1
Posted 05-15-2012 01:14 PM
As my thumb heals up from the unfortunate accident at Laguna--I am working on finding an enclosed trailer that fits my needs. Here is my situation. I have a 2011 Suburban 1/2 ton with trailer package. It is my current and future tow vehicle as it is our multipurpose family truck. In the future I would prefer the 3/4 or a proper tow vehicle--but for now I must make the suburban work. My current open trailer is great. I just need the enclosed to keep my car safe and sound at storage.
I would like an enclosed trailer that won't push the design limits of my Suburban. It has a listed max of 10,000 lbs but there is no way I want to be even close to that max. 6000-7000 lbs is the target. 24 ft seems to be the suggestion from most people but 20 ft is probably better for me. The car will be stored in the trailer much of the time. Space for spare tires is needed. I looked at a used 24ft TPD that would be great but it is probably too much for my truck.
I would love local suggestions for trailers. I am open to most options. New/used. What options are critical/useful/needed?
Thanks in advance.
Barrett
#2
Posted 05-15-2012 02:59 PM
#3
Posted 05-15-2012 03:19 PM
Steven Holloway
Artist formerly known as Chief Whipping Boy for Lone Star Region
#4
Posted 05-15-2012 03:45 PM
Dave
Dave Wheeler
Advanced Autosports, the nations most complete Spec Miata shop
Author, Spec Miata Constructors Guide, version 1 and 2.0
Building Championship winning cars since 1995
4 time Central Division Spec Miata Champion car builder 2012-2013-2014-2017
Back to Back June Sprints Spec Miata 1-2 finishes 2016 and 2017
5 time June Sprints winner in Mazda's
6 Time Northern Conference Champion Car Builder
2014 SCCA Majors National point Champion car builder
2014 SCCA Runoffs winner, T4 (Bender)
2014 Central Division Champion, ITS (Wheeler)
2013 Thunderhill 25 hour winning crew chief
2007 June Sprints winner, (GT1, Mohrhauser)
Over 200 race wins and counting.
www.advanced-autosports.com
dave@advanced-autosports.com
608-313-1230
#5
Posted 05-15-2012 06:27 PM
Like Dave says, call a trailer guy and talk to them. You can likely get a 10k trailer, not max it out and then when you're ready with a larger tow vehicle, you'll have room to grow with that first trailer instead of selling the 7k trailer. Me, I wouldn't get anything smaller than a 10k 24'er if I could afford it.
- Jim Drago likes this
#6
Posted 05-15-2012 06:45 PM
My 28 ft enclosed haulmark had 3500 lb axles.. they did not hold up. I bought 6000 lb axles.. never had another flat tire again! Towed better etc.
Haulmarks for the record are POS... Just bought 40 ft Optima, very nice, no comparison
Jim
East Street Auto Parts
Jim@Eaststreet.com
800 700 9080
#7
Posted 05-15-2012 06:55 PM
#8
Posted 05-15-2012 07:08 PM
Greg
#9
Posted 05-15-2012 10:00 PM
Ron
RAmotorsports
#10
Posted 05-16-2012 12:20 AM
J~
#11
Posted 05-16-2012 05:38 AM
Kevin@techsportracing.com
www.techsportracing.com
#12
Posted 05-16-2012 05:44 AM
However, it is not immune to breakins, this photo was taken this past Tuesday![attachment=231827:photo 4 (2).jpg]
#13
Posted 05-16-2012 08:20 AM
I have been holding out on posting or discussing the accident--No whining is a personal rule of mine. Here is the update for you--Ron.
My left thumb is healing with the assistance of two small titanium plates and a few screws. I had surgery the Tuesday after Laguna. There were a few aches and pains for the first few days but the major annoyance is the cast. Hot and itchy!!! The left thumb is not all that important for me--but it does make opening/twisting exciting to watch. The cast comes off in two weeks. Then it is all about getting range of motion back and strength. June Laguna weekend it out. Sears point is on--hopefully. Chance of arthritis is 100%. I knocked off a chunk of cartilage from my carpal bone. The base of my thumb (metacarpal) was fine. So I won't have to check weather forecast to know when it is going to rain. Otherwise not a big deal.
I watched the video of my accident. It really was nothing of a hit. The poor guy getting lapped in front just lost his rear end near the apex of 3 and when he caught the slide he was pointed and moving across the track. I tried to move out of the way but was already near the limits mid turn to adjust. I normally keep my thumbs outside of the wheel but in the moment of panic I must have just grabbed the wheel with everything I had to avoid the accident. There was never a "oh $%#$%" moment that I knew I was going to hit until I did. Then a fire cracker went off in my left hand. I finished the last lap giving up 4 positions.
BTW--Thanks to everybody that helped me. Ron, Dion, Greg, Doug, Kyle. I remember going into and out of shock in impound. I love telling how we tried to set the bone but it wouldn't hold. In hind site there was no way as the base of the metacarpal was split in half.
I am ready to drive again...ASAP.
Barrett
#14
Posted 05-16-2012 05:50 PM
Glad to hear your thumb is getting better. Frankly, we were all more concerned with you turning blue/gray laying down. Interesting hue you had. Anyway, just wanted to jump in on the trailer topic since I have pulled open and enclosed with both a suburban and my escalade (there is a difference, I'll explain), and thought it might have some value.
First, tow with a 3/4 or greater diesel if you can help it.
Second (Distant Second). I have towed my 24 TPD (dual axle, 7500lb heavy axles) with a suburban (5.3) and my escalade (6.0.) The 5.3 has to work pretty hard. The 6.0, suprisingly less. I've towed with a Dodge diesel (reference "First"), and forgot there was a trailer behind me.
If you are going to tow an enclosed, buy the electronic brake controller(Mine is Tekonsha?) Otherwise, the hill at Laguna provides more pucker power than the race. My 24' TPD could almost put two Miatas in it (Almost Holifield cool). The 20' seems perfect for a Miata and some spares. With 24' we have a dance hall when the car is out of it.
Whoever mentioned the heavier axles knows what they are talking about (I did not know, just bought the trailer from a friend who did). And sadly, anything can be stolen, but atleast they too will have to have a good enough truck (insert tow truck here) to drag it away.
See you at Sears Point (can't help it) in July I hope!
Rusty
#15
Posted 05-16-2012 06:24 PM
#16
Posted 05-16-2012 08:19 PM
FYI - Cliff is towing an 18' enclosed with his 2011(?) Chevy Tahoe. He doesn't seem to have any issues getting around. Sway control and brake is a must though.
#17
Posted 05-16-2012 08:45 PM
On the trailer note...20' I think is min...though going larger right now might not be necessary...Gregs trailer seems to work great for him.
Ron
RAmotorsports
#18
Posted 05-16-2012 08:48 PM
Aaaa, it's a Caddy and he Jackknifed it, but ya all the rest.Barrett,
FYI - Cliff is towing an 18' enclosed with his 2011(?) Chevy Tahoe. He doesn't seem to have any issues getting around. Sway control and brake is a must though.
J~
#19
Posted 05-16-2012 10:28 PM
Aaaa, it's a Caddy and he Jackknifed it, but ya all the rest.
J~
Thought it was a chebby or gmc but whatever. Same thing under the skin.
One of the reasons he jack knifed was lack of a trailer brake. Also no sway control.
On another note, my bud in black 3rd gen RX7 that races ITE tows using his older model Tahoe. Now that one does not tow the weight all that well.
#20
Posted 05-16-2012 10:34 PM
1 user(s) are reading this topic
0 members, 1 guests, 0 anonymous users