Looking for an open trailer

[Tony356993]

I used to pile a bunch of stuff into the boxster back in the day.

[Lainey]

Michael, I am IMPRESSED! All that in a 911? Must fit a bunch in your back seat!! I bet you are awesome to go to the food store with! (can't stand terrible packers, a pet peeve)

Traveling a good distance is exactly the issue. VIR is going to be my first "real road excursion"... then also there's the Glen in July....

Its all good!

[Darren]

APXD 30 wrote:

The F-250 you mention affords you flexibility in trailer choices. Your 987S weighs 3100 #. My Bri-Mar steel open trailer, CH-18O, weighs only 1800 # and I am quite satisfied with it.

I totally agree with this -- the Aluminum trailers are very cool, but at $4000+ for a used one that's a lot more to spend on the car if you get a steel trailer.

Check out the prices on the Econo Trailers -- I've had a couple of these over the years. $1799 for a new 18 foot trailer

http://www.econotrailer.com/Open.html

[ninjabones]

Yes, you will pay $4,000 more for an aluminum trailer; however, Trailex aluminum trailers hold there value very well, never rust, and are basically bullet proof.  You can buy one used for around $4500 to $5500 (depending on options and age), and easily sell it in a few years without losing any money at all.  Steel is cheap new, and as a result much more difficult to sell used (especially if you store outside and it gets rusty). You also save on gas mileage towing an 800 lb vs 2,000 lb trailer, and I can move my trailer around my driveway by hand.

 

BTW, mine might be for sale depending on a few variables that are coming into play this week.

[Darren]

What's the Trailex aluminum actually weigh? The weight on the steel Econo Trailer is actually 1500 lbs.  I bet the aluminum is more like 1100-1200 lbs.

[ninjabones]

The  CT-7541 (the most popular model) weighs 845 lbs. 

I've got the tire rack, tool box and mechanical winch options which probably add 100 lbs.

[Darren]

Ok so suppose then that the weight difference is 650 lbs.

Steel
Trailer 1500 lbs
Truck 6000 lbs
Car 3000 lbs
=10,500 lbs

Alum
Trailer 850 lbs
Truck 6000 lbs
Car 3000 lbs
=9,850 lbs

650 lb difference/9850 lbs=6.6% more weight!  What do you think the actual mpg difference is? I bet less than 1 mpg.

So I think the weight argument is only a marginal one.

On steel trailers "rusting", every year I take about 15 minutes and if there are any rust spots (tiny ones) I put Eastwood Rust Encapsulator on them.  I just sold my 2005 steel 2-car trailer and it still looked basically new.

Finally, on the point of resale value, a $1600 new steel car trailer would sell for about $1400 used, total depreciation $200.  If you happen to sell your $5000 trailex trailer for $4000, that is much more expensive.  The resale on steel open car trailers is better than aluminum trailers.

For the bling-factor Aluminum wins hands down!  I'd rather spend my money on car go-fast parts and look good on the track than in the paddock!

[ninjabones]

you win (just don't share your logic with my wife)

 

[arac]

I learned a lot from these comments and am in the market for a trailer too.  will check the recommended sites, but if anyone has a lead please let me know.

Actually need a tow vehicle tooo.

[Lainey]

Ara, I'm with you.... if I find anything will keep you posted