Jump to content

Trailer suitable for a Caterham


Recommended Posts

Finally the CSR is on its way and I will need to trailer it to the DMV in Connecticut (subject of a different post). I went to uHaul at the weekend to check out their options and the only one seems to be a very large, and very heavy, trailer. The thing weighs twice what the car does.

 

So I get to thinking, since I'm going to trailering it to as many track days as get run in this area, I may as well buy something more suitable.

 

I am thinking of a 14', twin axle, open.

 

Welcome advice on brands that anyone has had success with. Or if anyone has had one made.

 

Thanks.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

There is an active "trailer" thread at "general discussion" section. Plus many discussions in the past so a search may produce some helpful info.

 

BBall has what I consider the ultimate se7en trailer (lite, small, enclosed, etc). He mite chime in or you may find info abt it w/a search as he has posted in past and included photos.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I just found out, sigh, that my Range Rover does not have a brake controller for trailer electric brakes. I guess you get what you pay for.

 

I did some web research and it seems there are aftermarket options that can be fitted. Anyone had any experience of these things? Seems odd to me that the car is rated to tow 7000lbs but you might do that without brakes.

 

If I get a 14' trailer, plus the car its going to be 'only' 2000lbs or so. But still a lot of unbraked weight to add to an already heavy car if it needs to stop quickly.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Electric brake controllers are not a problem. Most U-Haul outlets will install one in most any vehicle. Cost varies according to quality. Some as low as $69, and some over $140, and really both do the same thing in a basic way.

 

More important question, does your vehicle have the 7 pin trailer connector already on the vehicle ? If not, it will need to be wired up and that may cost you more than the brake controller. Most of today's full sized pickup trucks and SUV's have the wiring in place, some like the Ford F-150 with trailer towing package have the controller built in as well. Overall, not a problem to add whatever you need.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

 

 

I am thinking of a 14', twin axle, open.

 

Welcome advice on brands that anyone has had success with. Or if anyone has had one made.

 

Thanks.

 

 

16' if you ever plan on reselling it. 14' is too restrictive. 7's and mini-coopers, but others won't fit very well.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I had one installed on my range rover by the local dealership. I supplied the controller I wanted to use and they charged me an hour of labor (about $100). The wiring is all there for the controller. On the land rovers the expensive part is the reciever casting!!!!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 3 weeks later...

I have a light weight enclosed trailer. Single axle with surge brake. The trailer weighs less then 1,000 enclosed. I pull it with a little TDI Jetta wagon. Handles great at any speed! Photos in photo section.

Gary

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I have a light weight enclosed trailer. Single axle with surge brake. The trailer weighs less then 1,000 enclosed. I pull it with a little TDI Jetta wagon. Handles great at any speed! Photos in photo section.

Gary

 

Does Aluma make that or did you add the enclosure over their standard open trailer?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Alumina 12'

I added the disk / surge brakes to it. I had plans of some long distance track days, but then changed my direction. I built the frame from .063 square tube. I then added the clear poly carb to it.

I also added extra tie downs and door to the front, back and side. The trailer W/O brakes from Alumina weighed 585 LBS. it ended up @ 985 LBS when done. I purchased the Jetta TDI Wagon to pull the trailer. It handles very well loaded at jail speeds. I ordered a hitch from England that would be safe at 3,000 LBS. In the US all you can get is 1,000 LB hitches. I did the mid 20 MPGs towing at speed. The plan was to have the wagon carry what was needed as well as an area in front of the car.

 

I had planned on towing it open till I did a few trips in the rain. The F150 Ford I had covered it with road dirt. The clear PC is great for the tie down at night, no flash light required.

 

The cover will unbolt in about 15 min so I can use as an open trailer for canoes and yard work. I can then stand it up in my hanger while I use it as an open trailer. All of this is a one man job.

Gary

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...