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02-03-2008, 10:37 AM
Comrades:
I plan to participate in more DE's this year, and it seems that towing my car to events is the way to go. Before I make the same mistakes as every other nubie, does anyone have guidance on the following towing considerations? I am trying to estimate an "all in" cost to compare against continuing to drive my car to every event.
1) Tow Vehicle
> My street car is a 1996 Impala. Even though it has a full-frame and weighs 4300 pounds, most northern sources say that even with normal upgrades and a weight distributing hitch, it cannot tow my 911, even on an open trailer. Of couse, southern trailer experts call me a whuss and say "No problem".
> Assuming that the Impala won't do, do I need a 150, 250, or 350 series truck to pull an open trailer? (150's are easy to find.) How about an enclosed trailer?
> Of course, bigger engines are always better, but is there an absolute minimum?
> I am leaning toward buying a full-sized Ford van. Do they have any downsides versus an SUV or pick-up? (Aside from my children not wanting to be seen exiting a "dorkmobile"? Their word, not mine.)
> I will buy a used vehicle. Should any manufacturers, models, or years be avoided?
2) Storage
> Where do you store a trailer if you cannot keep it at home? How much does that cost?
3) Trailer
> I am leaning toward an open trailer due to weight, storage, and cost. Am I being short sighted?
> Is the difference between aluminum and steel trailers overrated? I've had difficulty getting apples-to-apples comparisons.
> Are there rental places that offer decent trailers? I have had spotty success with U-Haul.
Thank you for any real-world advice you can give.
Joe P.
I plan to participate in more DE's this year, and it seems that towing my car to events is the way to go. Before I make the same mistakes as every other nubie, does anyone have guidance on the following towing considerations? I am trying to estimate an "all in" cost to compare against continuing to drive my car to every event.
1) Tow Vehicle
> My street car is a 1996 Impala. Even though it has a full-frame and weighs 4300 pounds, most northern sources say that even with normal upgrades and a weight distributing hitch, it cannot tow my 911, even on an open trailer. Of couse, southern trailer experts call me a whuss and say "No problem".
> Assuming that the Impala won't do, do I need a 150, 250, or 350 series truck to pull an open trailer? (150's are easy to find.) How about an enclosed trailer?
> Of course, bigger engines are always better, but is there an absolute minimum?
> I am leaning toward buying a full-sized Ford van. Do they have any downsides versus an SUV or pick-up? (Aside from my children not wanting to be seen exiting a "dorkmobile"? Their word, not mine.)
> I will buy a used vehicle. Should any manufacturers, models, or years be avoided?
2) Storage
> Where do you store a trailer if you cannot keep it at home? How much does that cost?
3) Trailer
> I am leaning toward an open trailer due to weight, storage, and cost. Am I being short sighted?
> Is the difference between aluminum and steel trailers overrated? I've had difficulty getting apples-to-apples comparisons.
> Are there rental places that offer decent trailers? I have had spotty success with U-Haul.
Thank you for any real-world advice you can give.
Joe P.
Joe Piernock, Paoli, PA
1972 914-3.2, 1974 Capri, 2013 GTI
1972 914-3.2, 1974 Capri, 2013 GTI