Trailer Advice

[Gobber Man]

Hi all,

I am looking to pick some brains!

Wondering what you all use to tow your GTR or Can-Am (if anything) and if you could give recommendations of what works for you mechanically?

I am based in Italy most of the time and would prefer not to have to rely on any breakdown services if/when problems arrive. From previous posts it seems trans-Europe journeys are fine, if tiring and that the main hiccup is overheating in slow traffic.

Still undecided between the GTR - covered comfort and best looks. Can-Am - very usable in the sun but no hard top option.

Now all I need to do is build the garage and level the access road.

Many thanks in advance and for all the other useful advice you all post about the cars.

Olly

[cliveg]

Hello. Try looking here for trailer advice www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=57822&f=20&h=0&hw=trailer. I borrowed a trailer when I was part way through the build. If I was using one regularly I would find one without raised edges (or build the floor up to the height of the edges) as it is very easy to catch the sides/bottom, particularly when loading/unloading in awkward places.
Once you have placed an order, you will be surprised how quickly the garage and access road get sorted


>> Edited by cliveg on Monday 13th September 12:24

[james]

I used a Brian James TT20 for my Ultima Mk4. www.brianjames.co.uk/

The problem with most trailers is the width of the bed. The Mk4 was 6'1" wide, which is the same width as most trailer beds. The TT range puts the bed above the wheels, so it can be wider, and you aren't trying to fit your car between a pair of wheel arches.

Hope this helps.

James

[USCANAM]

This says it all!
http://home.comcast.net/~rosenracing5/wsb/html/view.cgi-photo.html--SiteID-902880.html
Jack

[builder]

USCANAM said:

This says it all! http://home.comcast.net/~rosenracing5/wsb/html/view.cgi-photo.html--SiteID-902880.html Jack

Jack! You had, what, four spotters? What did you use to keep the food cold and how much water did you put in the CanAm for the person that drove it in there, or is there a hatch and ladder in the roof?

[USCANAM]

builder said:

USCANAM said: This says it all! <a href="http://home.comcast.net/~rosenracing5/wsb/html/view.cgi-photo.html--SiteID-902880.html"><a href="http://home.comcast.net/~rosenracing5/wsb/html/view.cgi-photo.html--SiteID-902880.html">http://home.comcast.net/~rosenracing5/wsb/html/view.cgi-photo.html--SiteID-902880.html</a></a> Jack Jack! You had, what, four spotters? What did you use to keep the food cold and how much water did you put in the CanAm for the person that drove it in there, or is there a hatch and ladder in the roof?

Builder.
How to load a CanAM into a 18', 7 foot wide trailer;
1. One spotter in front, and one spotter in rear.
2. Once rear of car has cleared door jamb, turn sharply to the left, until front clip almost touches wall of trailer. This will give more space between right side of car, and trailer wall.
3. Exit vehicle by stepping on passenger seat, opening passenger door,and lowering a leg or two to the trailer floor. Using a side step, move to the front of the trailer, and exit trailer through the front-side door. It's a good idea not to have any belt buckles protruding.
Note. This exercise is impossible in a GTR.
Note #2. This procedure can be eliminated by installing an electric winch (which we have, but not installed), Why have we not installed the winch you ask? Because we store our spare wheels along the front of the trailer, and the winch would take up valuable space. We load the Cobra in the similar fashion as the CanAm, and the F2000, being an open wheeled car, is loaded and unloaded by pushing on the rear wheels. In order to winch the Ultima in, you would need a tow hook installed on the car (which we have thought about, but not done).
Why do we exit the car on the right side? Because as you can see in the photo, we store the poles for the canopy that attaches to the side of the trailer, on the left wall of the trailer.
If we had it to do over again, we'd get an 8' wide trailer which would eliminate all the above antics. The 8' trailer would have internal trailer wheel covers which would limit wheel track to the same as the 7', since they both use the same axles, but you would obviously have a foot more width, which does make a big difference. At the time we purchased it, it was right for us, and after about 65,000 miles on it, we still feel it was the right choice.
The only time we really regretted having the CanAm in the trailer was loading it this past January at the Boston World of Wheels Show.http://home.comcast.net/~rosenracing6/wsb/html/view.cgi-photo.html--SiteID-1260642.html
http://home.comcast.net/~rosenracing6/wsb/html/view.cgi-photo.html--SiteID-1260646.html That night, with the wind chill, it was about -10'F.
I know, Mack, if I'm supposed to be one tough Canadian, why didn't I drive it there???

Jack

>> Edited by USCANAM on Tuesday 14th September 13:10

[AlanN]

I've got one of these:
www.brianjames.co.uk/pages/trailers/race_sht.html

It's absolutely perfect for the CanAm, a tight fit but perfect.

Also no "dances" required for a CanAm or a GTR, just drive the car in with the side door(s) of the trailer open, open the car door and get out of the side door of the trailer

It's my second Brian James and I can't praise them highly enough, they are superbly built and tow like a dream

Alan.




>> Edited by AlanN on Tuesday 14th September 13:15

[Gobber Man]

Thanks for all the info.

I will defiantly go for a Brian James trailer on all your recommendations. Just spoken to a nice helpful chap at Brian James who recommended the Clubman 1200 (13ft x 6ft 1) or the A Series (6ft 1in by 14ft)
Also James (cheers) who recommended the TT20 (4.2m by 2.03m)

If you all think I can get a GTR onto a 1.85m/6ft1 bed then I will go for one of the first two, if not I guess it will be something bigger.

Big thumbs up now time to get onto eBay




>> Edited by Gobber Man on Tuesday 14th September 13:42

[steve_D]

Where is the 6'1" measured?
I doubt you will get on one that narrow.
I think you will need about 6'3"

Steve

[Gobber Man]

steve_D said:

Where is the 6'1" measured? I doubt you will get on one that narrow. I think you will need about 6'3" Steve

6'1 = 185 cm is the width of the lip of the bed and ramps of the trailer. The tyres should fit inside but also be able to run over what would be a low lip(5cm?).

I will only be using a trailer for emergencies!

Has anyone tried fitting a GTR onto a 185 cm bed?

[gtr-gaz]

What trailer do the factory use?

I had no problem driving mine on it.
Loads of room all round.

Gary

[Gobber Man]

gtr-gaz said:

What trailer do the factory use? I had no problem driving mine on it. Loads of room all round. Gary

What size and type do you use ?

[gtr-gaz]

Gobber Man said:

gtr-gaz said: What trailer do the factory use? I had no problem driving mine on it. Loads of room all round. Gary What size and type do you use ?

I don't have a trailer. Yet....
I was refering to the factory one when they picked mine up for sva

Gary

[Gobber Man]

gtr-gaz said:

Gobber Man said: gtr-gaz said: What trailer do the factory use? I had no problem driving mine on it. Loads of room all round. Gary What size and type do you use ? I don't have a trailer. Yet.... I was refering to the factory one when they picked mine up for sva Gary

Ahhh..... ok