slngsht Posted October 26, 2006 Share Posted October 26, 2006 anyone interested? My requirement would be: Smaller and lighter than typical car trailer (Seven sized). Room for some extra stuff (a set tires, or tool rack) Convertible http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/lol.gif I want the lightness of an open trailer, but some sort of contraption to properly "enclose" it for rainy trips. Toss in your ideas if interested. I'll talk to a couple of fabricators. -Mazda Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
manik Posted October 26, 2006 Share Posted October 26, 2006 I needs to get me one!! Plenty of ideas on this thread BTW (although not specifically seven-related) >http://forums.autosport.com/showthread.php?s=0c9949c97562e5f893e27983f7d35881&threadid=63980 tmmanik2006-10-26 09:08:51 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Al N. Posted October 26, 2006 Share Posted October 26, 2006 Ditto. How about "all for under $5k"? It's too bad that Brian James doesn't sell their trailers here. http://www.brianjames.co.uk/pages/start.html (click on the minno shuttle) That would be a good thing for Cat US or another distrib to look into. Hint. Hint. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
manik Posted October 26, 2006 Share Posted October 26, 2006 Yeah, the Brian James 'Sprint Shuttle' enclosed trailer is also nice, as it has those slight pockets on the side to fit your rear-end as you shimmy inside the trailer. I would think a U.S. manufacturer could easily reproduce something like either of those Brian James trailers. Has to be less expensive than importing them from the UK! tm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slngsht Posted October 26, 2006 Author Share Posted October 26, 2006 I gave Dennis a call (he used to work for Rotus). He will have very reasonable prices if we come up with some sort of standard design. Are you guys looking for full enclosed trailers? I prefer a flat trailer that can be enclosed (just at car height, not full height) to save on cost and weight. And I'm thinking WAY below $5K. Below 2K would be nice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
manik Posted October 26, 2006 Share Posted October 26, 2006 I think Michael D.'s open trailer design would be great. Perhaps even an option to enclose it, or at least the front section for wheels, tools, etc. Under $2K would be nice as well... Would think a trailer like this would make it easier for people to get their Sevens to and from events across the US (7-7-7 ?) tm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slngsht Posted October 26, 2006 Author Share Posted October 26, 2006 I think Michael D.'s open trailer design would be great. Perhaps even an option to enclose it, or at least the front section for wheels, tools, etc. Under $2K would be nice as well... Would think a trailer like this would make it easier for people to get their Sevens to and from events across the US (7-7-7 ?) tm That's what I need it for http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/smile5.gif Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slngsht Posted October 26, 2006 Author Share Posted October 26, 2006 I'll use the number of votes here to try and get some pricing. I'd like to stick to one base design, and perhaps some "upgrades". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Al N. Posted October 26, 2006 Share Posted October 26, 2006 Mazda- Don't forget surge brakes...unless more experienced towing folks say they're not necessary for the kinds of cars we're putting on the trailers...seems like a smart safety measure, especially for those who have tow vehicles with not much capacity (Mazda, I think your Odyssey is about the same as my Pilot). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
manik Posted October 26, 2006 Share Posted October 26, 2006 Trailer with a weight of approx 650 pounds and a car with extra tires & rims of 1,500 lbs is generally much lower in total weight than the maximum towing capacity of SUVs. Brakes might be an overkill (I've never used them with my 4-Runner). http://www.westfieldeleven.com/demonstrator/USA_ELEVEN_19.jpg tmmanik2006-10-26 13:50:12 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Al N. Posted October 26, 2006 Share Posted October 26, 2006 Hmm...I wonder what's in that box? I know that the Pilot has a 3000 lbs enclosed trailer limit...and a 4500 lbs "boat trailer" limit (which I assume applies to all open trailers). Most of the commercially available trailers I've looked, with Seven loaded seemed to be around 2500, so I didn't want to push things to the limits. Again, I'm a trailering virgin, so pardon any naivete.Al Navarro2006-10-27 05:56:24 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
manik Posted October 26, 2006 Share Posted October 26, 2006 Most of the commercially available trailers I've looked, with Seven loaded seemed to be around 2500, so I didn't want to push things to the limits. Again, I'm a trailering virgin, so pardon and naivete. That's the beauty of an aluminum trailer like the one Michael D. had made. There is nothing else similarly available because all other trailers assume you are putting a much heavier car or 'thing' on them. If you've got a racing-spec Seven that is coming in at around 1,100 lbs, even better! The biggest obstacle you are facing with an enclosed trailer is the drag being placed on your tow vehicle. Unless I am missing the point entirely... tm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yellowss7 Posted October 26, 2006 Share Posted October 26, 2006 Just a note of caution for those of you who have never trailered a car. An additional 2000 pounds is not insignificant. 3 years ago, while towing my seven to an autox, the trailer started swaying and I lost control of the Durango that I was towing with. (this was on the NE ext. of the Pa. Turnpike) Bounced off of the left then the right guardrails and ended up with the trailer jacknifed across the inside lane. The trailer is an enclosed 18ft Pace that weighs 2750 empty. I was only doing 50mph when it happened. Someone said that I should have speeded up and applied the trailer brakes using the module in the durango. Speeding up is not intuitive when you're being pushed and pulled by a swaying trailer. http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/ack2.gif The hooks on the rear tiedown straps straightned out and the seven slid forward about 3 feet, denting a rim and putting a small crack in the left rear wing. http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/cryin.gif Duragno was totalled and the trailer now sports dents on 3 corners. Just be careful towing!!! One other observation, an enclosed trailer is nice, if it rains, to store stuff more safely, but definitely is harder to tow, due to poor visablility and susceptability to wind. If you don't get caught in the rain, Michael's trailer is definately the way to go. PS he kicked my butt at sunday's autox. I am humbled. http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/thumbsup.gif Tom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slngsht Posted October 26, 2006 Author Share Posted October 26, 2006 I think for a relatively small open trailer, brakes are not necessary. For an enclosed trailer, they are. I've towed 4000 lb boats for quite a few years, without brakes, with no problems. You just have to drive more defensively, give more room, etc... That could be one of the additional cost options we can look into. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slomove Posted October 26, 2006 Share Posted October 26, 2006 I think for a relatively small open trailer, brakes are not necessary. For an enclosed trailer, they are. I've towed 4000 lb boats for quite a few years, without brakes, with no problems. You just have to drive more defensively, give more room, etc... That could be one of the additional cost options we can look into. I think it is not so much about legal necessity but about safety margins. I have a 2300 GVW pound double bike trailer for my Seven and added surge brakes anyway because I am towing with a rather lightweight Santa Fe (probably comparable with most vans or the Pilot). I never had trouble with fishtailing as long as the hitch is loaded sufficiently (maybe 120-150 pounds). Obviously it tows fine without the brakes but in a dicey situation I will be grateful that I got them. Think of it as an insurance. You don't need them until you need them http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/eek6.gif If you tow with an F350 you probably would not care less.... Gert Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slngsht Posted October 26, 2006 Author Share Posted October 26, 2006 If you tow with an F350 you probably would not care less.... Gert If I had a F350, I could toss the Seven in the bed http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/biggrinjester.gif Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slngsht Posted October 26, 2006 Author Share Posted October 26, 2006 I will find out how much the brake option will be. It does not impact the general design of the trailer, so I think it can be done as an extra. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scannon Posted October 30, 2006 Share Posted October 30, 2006 I vote for the brakes as well. I tow my Miata on a borrowed single axle trailer from time to time with an '05 Legacy GT wagon. Stopping distances are much greater and once on a long down hill run, the trailer started swaying back and forth. Fortunately, I was able to control it and no damage was done. Skip Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slngsht Posted October 31, 2006 Author Share Posted October 31, 2006 All, I dropped a line to Alumina regarding MichaelD's trailer and group pricing. I'll let you know when I hear back. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
manik Posted October 31, 2006 Share Posted October 31, 2006 I vote for the brakes as well. I tow my Miata on a borrowed single axle trailer from time to time with an '05 Legacy GT wagon. Stopping distances are much greater and once on a long down hill run, the trailer started swaying back and forth. Fortunately, I was able to control it and no damage was done. Skip A 'Seven' will be about half the weight of a Miata. The same goes with an aluminum trailer versus a steel trailer. The overloaded and swaying evidenced with heavier trailers and cars should not be an issue. Just an FYI. tm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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