What size / type of trailer do I need for a Sagaris?
Discussion
Hi all. I need to get a car trailer for my Sagaris (and Caterham) but it's not with me at the moment and I was hoping someone out there knows what size to get and, while I'm at it, whether there are any experiences to learn from (maybe hydraulic tipper is essential for clearance?)
If anyone knows of a decent, appropriately sized, second hand trailer that would be great too!
Thanks for any advice you can offer.
If anyone knows of a decent, appropriately sized, second hand trailer that would be great too!
Thanks for any advice you can offer.
From my own experience, get a trailer where the wheels are below the flat bed of the trailer. My trailer for my Chimaera has the wheels on the sides, and they get in the way of the doors, so once I have driven my car onto the trailer with the roof off, I have to climb out of the top and then put the roof back on, then close the windows with a long bamboo pole onto the window switches. Right faff.
This of course wouldn't be an issue with a Caterham, but could be tricky with a Sagaris.
Try something like this, but do remember the car and trailer weight rules - is your licence pre or post 97?
This of course wouldn't be an issue with a Caterham, but could be tricky with a Sagaris.
Try something like this, but do remember the car and trailer weight rules - is your licence pre or post 97?
Agree with QBee regards the wheels, I have the same trouble with my Tuscan 2, however I have plastic double wheel arch which has enough flex that if you get someone to depress it, the door car open over the top to get out . . . It would be easier if you are also an Olympic level gymnast. Another tip is to get a low slung trailer or long ramps as the front splitters are very close, I'd imagine even more so on the Sag, a winch is handy too if you're on your own.
I have the low one, between wheels and tricky with a Sag. The Tamora doors clear the wheel arches, Sags don't. Best way I found is get it onto trailer just short of arches, open window and get out (open door, not get out the window! lol). Leave out of gear and no handbrake. You can then push to best place on trailer for weight and balance. Once done, lean in bang in gear and handbrake on. Then lock it, and all windows shut anyways.
Bit of a faff, but I prefer the car to be lower than up high in the air above the wheels of a trailer. Downside is its pretty wide and narrow lanes tend to scare people when they realise a wheel is coming their way. Plus wont fit in garages, as too wide.
Mine is ifor williams
Bit of a faff, but I prefer the car to be lower than up high in the air above the wheels of a trailer. Downside is its pretty wide and narrow lanes tend to scare people when they realise a wheel is coming their way. Plus wont fit in garages, as too wide.
Mine is ifor williams
T4NGO said:
loulis said:
Thanks guys, good tips. Didn't know there were licence differences, mine is pre-97, wife's is post. What's the difference? Thanks.
I believe after 97, you need a take test to tow a trailer, whereas pre 97 anyone can. Don't quote me thoPost 97 you either have to pass a B&E towing test, or you are limited to a total weight, loaded tow vehicle and loaded trailer, of 3.5 tonnes.
Most middle sized tow vehicles weigh at least 1.8 tonnes, many big 4x4s well over 2 tonnes.
For example, My son in law has an XC90 Volvo, and when he bought a caravan last year (let him off, he has two small children) he basically had to keep to single axle caravans to keep the van weight under 950 kg and stay legal once they had loaded all their clobber for the holiday.
There are also weight limits as to what the vehicle can tow, and your trailer must be up to the job. My light weight single axle trailer weighs 330 kg, so 1420 kg with my Chimaera on board. So the tyres had to be rated for more than 720 kg each, as did the trailer and the car. My whole rig including Saab weighs in at 3350 kg, and is legal for your wife to drive, but if I had gone for a decent double axle trailer it would have been over 3500 kg.
Hence my question, and explanation for other readers.
Edited by QBee on Wednesday 22 June 22:04
For what it's worth - I have an Ifor Williams LM166G general purpose flatbed. With the 8ft ramps I've never had an issue loading (I also have some waffle boards which I use for the TVR and Subaru which basically make them into 12ft(ish) ramps to decrease the loading angle. I also occasionally (ab)use the jockey wheel and raise the suspension on my tow car (Disco 4) to increase the front height of the trailer.
You can get a tipping variant but the command a high price and it also is harder on the clutch of whatever you are loading (and relies on a good handbrake!!!)
I'd stick to Ifor or Brian James as a 2nd choice - even if you decide to get a dedicated car trailer over a flatbed (flat beds weigh a lot more but I prefer them).
You can get a tipping variant but the command a high price and it also is harder on the clutch of whatever you are loading (and relies on a good handbrake!!!)
I'd stick to Ifor or Brian James as a 2nd choice - even if you decide to get a dedicated car trailer over a flatbed (flat beds weigh a lot more but I prefer them).
Have a look at PRG trailers before buying second-hand - not as heavy-duty as Brian James, but not as pricey either. Used trailers have often been hammered, so I'd personally buy new.
A lightweight trailer will be fine for a TVR or Caterham. My PRG has a 14ft bed and 1400kg capacity, for example, although it carried a Jag XJ without a problem.
Trailers with outboard wheels, rather than beneath the bed, have several advantages - lower centre of gravity when towing, generally lighter overall weight, and less of a slope to drive (or winch or push) the car up. With extended ramps (I think mine are 8ft, but not sure - they were an optional extra) you don't need a tilting bed. Mine also has a quick release mudguard (not sure whether other makes do), which means I can open the driver's door once the car's loaded.
Haven't got a pic of mine with a TVR on board, but you get the idea.
A lightweight trailer will be fine for a TVR or Caterham. My PRG has a 14ft bed and 1400kg capacity, for example, although it carried a Jag XJ without a problem.
Trailers with outboard wheels, rather than beneath the bed, have several advantages - lower centre of gravity when towing, generally lighter overall weight, and less of a slope to drive (or winch or push) the car up. With extended ramps (I think mine are 8ft, but not sure - they were an optional extra) you don't need a tilting bed. Mine also has a quick release mudguard (not sure whether other makes do), which means I can open the driver's door once the car's loaded.
Haven't got a pic of mine with a TVR on board, but you get the idea.
Thumbs up for my Brian James trailer.
It has the double wheel arch is with the gap in the centre where the door opens and enables you to get in and out pretty easily.
Bought this one owner like new trailer within a couple of hours of it being put on eBay for about £1300.
Trailer is really low and easy to drive up on. My latest ML has air suspension which you can raise with the trailer on and it makes it even easier as it tilts the trailer down.
It has the double wheel arch is with the gap in the centre where the door opens and enables you to get in and out pretty easily.
Bought this one owner like new trailer within a couple of hours of it being put on eBay for about £1300.
Trailer is really low and easy to drive up on. My latest ML has air suspension which you can raise with the trailer on and it makes it even easier as it tilts the trailer down.
So 3.5 tonne towing capacity, no restriction on the weight of your trailer.
No idea what your budget is, but given how low our cars are I suggest a large beaver tail trailer, wheels tucked right underneath and with as long ramps as possible, or if you can run to it, a tilting trailer with a similar arrangement with the wheels.
I will be changing mine for one of these as soon as funds allow, as I am getting too old for climbing out of the car roof.
linky
No idea what your budget is, but given how low our cars are I suggest a large beaver tail trailer, wheels tucked right underneath and with as long ramps as possible, or if you can run to it, a tilting trailer with a similar arrangement with the wheels.
I will be changing mine for one of these as soon as funds allow, as I am getting too old for climbing out of the car roof.
linky
I have an Ifor Williams CT177 for my Sagaris.
The Doors are no problem with the trailer wheel arches.
However the front overhang of the car from the wheels means that the splitters are a big issue even using the tilting bed of the trailer and the inbuilt mini ramps.
I made up additional ramps to get the angle correct.
The ramps are the 6ft Aluminium skids from an Ifor Williams Beavertail trailer trimmed to get the ramp angle. Don't under estimate the splitter issue.
Finally I have fitted the Brian James tyre rack to it rather than the Ifor Williams version as it gives more room for the Car.
The Doors are no problem with the trailer wheel arches.
However the front overhang of the car from the wheels means that the splitters are a big issue even using the tilting bed of the trailer and the inbuilt mini ramps.
I made up additional ramps to get the angle correct.
The ramps are the 6ft Aluminium skids from an Ifor Williams Beavertail trailer trimmed to get the ramp angle. Don't under estimate the splitter issue.
Finally I have fitted the Brian James tyre rack to it rather than the Ifor Williams version as it gives more room for the Car.
once you get your trailer, trust me you want to get one of these
https://www.winches-uk.co.uk/product/470656/warrio...
then get one of these
https://www.winches-uk.co.uk/product/470656/warrio...
then get one of these
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