Trailer Questions...

[11Budlite]

At least for me, I'm looking at a light weight, single axle trailer with brakes. If I end up getting a dual axle, or enclosed trailer, then I probably would have to go with a bigger SUV or pick-up as a daily driver, and I REALLY don't want to do that. But if I could convince my wife to trade in her Mini Cooper for a tow vehicle, I'd be all set!!

 

Bruce

[Al Carbonio]

This is all you need:

 

http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/upload/765962667_trailer1.jpg

 

[Al N.]

Trailer Ramp length.

 

Given an average height of the trailer's bed, how long a ramp do you need for a Seven (I have a Caterham Superlight with 15" wheels).

 

Would 4 feet do it?

 

Would 5?

 

Or do I need 6 footers?

 

---

 

Because the front overhang of our cars is pretty short, I am hoping I can make do with the shortest ramps possible.

[slngsht]

Al, I don't know the answer, but if you get a dovetail trailer, it'll be easier to load.

[Al N.]

There are a few options I'm considering, but need to nail down a few points first. If we go with a custom-built one like Michael D's, we'll have one of those slanted tail parts. However, there are a few good (more affordable) non-custom options that don't have this feature...hence my question on the ramps.

[locost7018]

I use 6 footers. My trailer is 20" high to the deck, so it is a little higher than most, Russ

[Al N.]

Can someone tell me if a 5 foot ramp will work with a 19" bed?

[Keith]

Trailer Ramp length.

 

Given an average height of the trailer's bed, how long a ramp do you need for a Seven (I have a Caterham Superlight with 15" wheels).

 

The cars don't have any trouble with approach or departure angles thanks to little or no overhang, but they have a problem with breakover angle. In other words, if there's a sharp angle between your ramps and your deck you might ground out.

 

The actual length of ramp needed is going to depend on the height of your trailer, the angle of the deck and your own car's clearance. The length of the bed is irrelevant. You can help a little bit by getting ramps with a curve in them, or by raising the bottom edge of the ramp a little with some wood. Longer ramps will also help. I've also cheated in the past by using the trailer jack to lift the front of the trailer up and tilt the whole thing - keep it attached to the tow vehicle though. I guess you could also let some air out of the trailer tires

[yellowss7]

If you can order a beaver tail for the trailer bed it helps avoid the breakover problem Al referred to. I have an 18 ft Pace enclosed trailer with a 4-5 ft beavertail that allows the Caterham to easily load and unload. Tom

[locost7018]

Another thing is to use curved ramps. The type used for lawn tractors. They are a little more $$ but it will solve any bottoming out problems. Russ

[Al Carbonio]

This is all you need II:

http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/upload/849885121_trailer3.jpg

[Al N.]

NIce 13" wheels there, A.C.

 

Can you provide the specs of your trailer? Mostly, I'm interested in the bed height and ramp length. That will help me determine if the cheaper, non-brake equipped option is viable.

 

-Al

[Keith]

One thing you could do to make it more "viable" would be to raise the trailer hitch on the car, making the bed of the trailer slope down. My trailer was built this way and with a pair of 6' ramps, there's no difference between the angle of the ramp and the angle of the bed.

 

Shown here, the nose is lifted a little so it would come off the ball. But you get the idea.

 

http://www.cheapsportscar.net/images/IMG_5262.jpg

 

http://www.cheapsportscar.net/images/Img_5762.jpg

[slngsht]

This is all you need II:

http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/upload/849885121_trailer3.jpg

 

Did you fall asleep? :jester:

[Al Carbonio]

That's not me. Those are from the CCC board.