Tow vehicle question

[snookwheel]

VERY COOL and unique design! Great job.

 

Scott

[gjslutz]

Thanks, but I wanted clear for the light. It will spend it's life in my hanger when not in use. I had the option of tint when I purchased it. I did the .020" Ploy Carb for the weight issue. The little Jetta is only a 2.0 TDI. I will find out tomorrow how it tows.

Now 950 LBS E.W.

2180 LBS with the 7

[locost7018]

Nice!!!! How is that stuff for UV? Is it lighter/cheaper than alum? I want to do something like that for my 7x14 but it has to be removable. Russ

[11Budlite]

Thanks Gary, it looks nice! I've been thinking of doing something similar with my trailer, but making the cover tiltable or removable altogether. I have a lot of other projects to do first so it'll probably be a while.

 

I'll be interested to hear how it tows....

[Kitcat]

It is way cool! It looks very tight inside tho. Is there room for you to climb around inside and tie down the car, etc.?

[gjslutz]

Yes, I can move around, but due to the low height, it isn't fun.

 

I didn't pay extra for the UV poly, as it will be in the hanger for 98% of it's life. Yes lighter & less cost of aluminum.

 

I can remove the enclosure with about 12 bolts. The front door for front hook-up would stay in place.

 

I used 1/2" bolts that were about 2" longer than was needed. I then added springs to them. The trailer can flex as they do while in use and the enclosure should float some. The .063 1" lower long sq. tube likely would crack if if it had to flex like the trailer will.

 

I hauled the Roto lift with the trailer prior to enclosing it.

[Al N.]

FWIW, I run a 2003 Pilot with our open trailer that is nearly identical to Budlight's. Two upgrades that have made me happy over the years:

 

Airlift 1000 rear air suspension

I towed down to the Dragon before we had this upgrade and you could tell that the rear was squatting a bit. Very uneven tirewear. Fortunately, I was about due to get new tires when all of this happened. Makes a big difference, IMHO.

 

Electronic Brake Controller

Maybe overkill given the weight of the trailer/se7en (can you believe that the S2 will probably be lighter than the Superlight?!) compared to the Pilot, but it was a nice safety net just in case the tail started wagging the dog.

Edited December 28, 2009 by Al Navarro

[Kitcat]

Al, how much lighter will the S2 be, or, what is the projected weight?

 

Mike M.

[Al N.]

1000 lbs or under. I think the Superlight was 1100 (with roll bar, fuel cell, etc.)

[gjslutz]

On the 20 Mile test tow, the Jetta was still pulling strong @ 90 MPH. Starting, passing, even stopping all was better than expected. I can look into the rear view mirror and see the car in the trailer, neat view.

 

All I need to do now is kill the nice looking high shine on the back door. I sure would not want it to blind someone from behind. I have been hit with the glare from some truck mud flap trim. I was careful not to dull or scratch it, then the light went on or off and I knew I could not have that giant mirror in the rear.

[Kitcat]

Impressive. Any big hills along the way? Did the tail try to wag the dog?

[gjslutz]

Yes I did a large hill, not too much of a % incline though, much like I71 north of Cincinnati. I was able to pass cars quite well on it, the TDI did well.

 

It was very stable, even when I induced imputs at speed. I'm pleased with the results so far, and expect none. The question will I be, by next year? I expect 25 MPG + towing at speed limits. My 03 F150 (6) Auto. did about 12 MPG towing it with the open trailer.