911 Roof Rack at WGI

[TwentySix]

Saw this on Rennlist:

http://forums.rennlist.com/rennforums/sh...p?t=377450

 

[larrybard]

Thanks.  I'll try to track it down (though I may not have the requisite Rennlist access privileges; will check).  But it doesn't look like a 993, however maybe anything that works on a 996 or 997 would also work on a 993.

[TwentySix]

Sorry Larry, forgot it's in the member only classified, it's a "95 993 c2 speed yellow/black cab" per the seller signature... but it is on the other coast and they are asking $500 for it which sounds steep.  Just wanted to show you someone else's set-up, not a potential purchase, I'll PM the info to you in case you want to track down the owner.

[Terry]

Try to get a look at the hitch.

[larrybard]

It's a 993, huh?  Gee, my 993 doesn't look like that.  Maybe if I cleaned it at least once a year . . . .

Seriously, "TwentySix," thanks for passing along the information.  I'm hoping to learn more and will share anything helpful I find.

[porsh111214]

I while back I spied a silver or grey early 911 on the Blue Route heading south with four nice race tires safely tucked on his roof rack.  Really looked cool at 65mph!

[larrybard]

Searching Rennlist did find some useful information which I'll investigate further (haven't checked the links yet), e.g.:

"Check out this link form an old PCA post regarding trailers...

http://www.porschenet.com/ross20.html

On the subject of tire trailers, I have been seeing more and more track and autocross drivers utilizing those neat little trailers to haul around their DE/autox tires along with a good collection of tools and other assorted stuff. A couple of observations and hints; first off word is that the company that manufacturers one of them has suspend production (believe the name is Southsport made in Florida by interestingly enough a boat trailer outfit). I have one of them and I can tell you it is a great invention. It tows beautifully at most any speed and with a retractable third wheel in the front is a snap to maneuver around in the paddock plus it has an enormous storage locker. I used it for my trip to Canada and it was a joy. Another plus with the trailer is that I had a dry place for all my gear when it rained briefly at the track.

Harbor Freight also makes a unit and I have seen some others listed in Panorama. As far as hitches go, the water coolers (944,968) are easy as most trailer places make simple hitches that go under the spare tire well and utilize the rear bumper area for support. The rear engined cars can be sourced from D’Alan hitches right here in Shirley Massachusetts. They make a hitch for 993s and 996’s although their literature only lists it as fitting a ‘95 993. It’s the same unit and works with the bolt hole for the rear tow hook, which is about as strong as you can get.

. . . .

This link has detailed photos and write up info. These are cool.

http://www.bombaydigital.com/arenared/1999/11/12/1

The quote below is from a 2004 post on babblers.com

http://www.babblers.org/forums/archi...hp?t-6165.html

The SouthSport hitch is available from Suncoast Porsche. Call 877-923-1700 and ask for Ric Knab"

[steveh]

Larry:

I'm in the process of adapting a small utility trailer to pull behind my 951.  When finished, it will have a tire rack and diamond plate tool chest, similar to the one in the photo. 

It looks like you may have a made-to-fit hitch for your car.  I couldn't find a Hidden Hitch for the 944, so I was forced to improvise.  I found a decent Class I Hidden Hitch on the back of a minivan at the local U Pull-it yard ($5), which I cleaned up and mounted in between the body and rear spoiler and secured to the body beneath the spare tire with some heavy-duty bolts and backing plates ($20).  The wiring ($12) -- brake and running lights -- is not difficult at all, just make sure the plug is compatible with the trailer.  With the hitch beam and ball (I know there's a word for them, but don't remember it) removed, you have to look hard to see the rest of the hitch assembly.   

A word of caution I received from a Boxster owner at a Chin Motorsports event I attended at WGI -- if you're working from a kit or buying a previously untitled trailer, get the trailer registered and tagged before you do any modifications.  His trailer was a very cool black tire carrier and black metal tool box with a Porsche crest and all, which I understand he custom-built first, and then found out he had to wait 10 months for it to be inspected and tagged as a "special purpose trailer."  My trailer is a garden-variety utility trailer, that just happens to be carrying some tools and tires. 

I also considered a roof rack, but was a little nervous about putting that much mass on the roof, especially when I couldn't see it.  At least with the trailer, you can keep an eye out in your mirrors (good practice for me for the track, my left arm almost goes out by reflex now when I check my mirrors).  The guys I've talked to who run these trailers say they're easy to maneuver and fairly stable on the highway.