12 replies to this topic

[obxer]

Hi All. Does anyone haul their Miata in a 7' wide enclosed trailer? (loading with a winch) Is it doable and practicle? This would be for a NA w/o side mirrors (ITA). I'm considering a 7X16 + v nose aluminum frame to save wt and frontal area.

[RussMcB]

A guess:  It should work because I park my '99 (with folded in mirrors) in my Pace Shadow trailer (which I think is standard 8' width), and I have a "tire shelf" against one wall.  The tires are flat against the wall, so the width they consume would be about a foot.

 

It is a pain getting in and out of the car, though.  I have a winch but rarely use it - Just drive the car in.  It's much easier when there's no top.  :-)

 

On edit:  A picture of the tire shelf:  http://www.apexspeed...19&d=1222315915

[wheel]

I don't think the savings in weight and frontal area would be worth the hassle.

[davew]

Pay close attention to the space between the wheel wells. As that is more important than the overall width.

[Mike Collins]

I've seen it done.  Seemed like the BIGGEST PITA EVER!!!!

[Michael Novak]

We did it for one year with a 7x16 featherlite. It works just have to be careful...

[FTodaro]

The best part about a trailer is the ability to take all your stuff with you to the track. the longer you do this the more Stuff you think you need to bring with you. I would give yourself room for expansion.

[alfapwr]

I moved up to an enclosed this year after I got the SM.  My new ( to me ) trailer is 8' wide instead of the more common 8.5.   There is room to move around it if i scootch it more to one side.  But I would not want to lose a whole foot !  And the advice about space between the wheel wells is very crucial.

 

Another thing to think about besides room for expansion would be resale value.  I think a larger one in a standard length would be better in this respect.

 

Good Luck !

Dan #831

[obxer]

Thanks for all the responses! I like my current truck and don't really want to buy a bigger one. Its a 2011 Nissan Frontier 4X4 - rated for a maximum tow of about 6100 lbs. But from what I've read, I think 5,000 is about the max you'd want to do with a box trailer. Might be time to sell and upgrade.

[Tom Sager]

I think you're living on the edge with that combination of tow vehicle and enclosed trailer.  Towing creep may set in.  That's when you buy the fancy new trailer and then realize you have to upgrade the tow vehicle.  Oh, it's not nearly over after you get your new truck. Once you have all that new "living space" in the new fancy trailer, it's time to get yourself a 4-wheeler and maybe an awning.  Once the awning is up, some fancy alignment equipment for your dry shaded paddock space.  How about a generator so you can run your power tools?  A larger tool box.  Before you know it, you'll need a bigger trailer.  

[Johnny D]

After the 1st Jack Knife he'll make adjustments, extra set of underwear, etc.

J~

[James York]

Thanks for all the responses! I like my current truck and don't really want to buy a bigger one. Its a 2011 Nissan Frontier 4X4 - rated for a maximum tow of about 6100 lbs. But from what I've read, I think 5,000 is about the max you'd want to do with a box trailer. Might be time to sell and upgrade.

There is no way I would pull an enclosed trailer with a car using that.  You will regret it.  The Nissan will struggle to pull the weight and I would question the safety.

[Keith Andrews]

There is no way I would pull an enclosed trailer with a care using that.  You will regret it.  The Nissan will struggle to pull the weight and I would question the safety.

 

Agreed, why not just stick with an open trailer and get a nice canopy for the track.