I think I need an enclosed car trailer to use as an overnight garage when I go on multi-day trips. I may even store my car in it when I come home. Is 24 feet about the right length? 6 1/2 feet tall or 8 feet? Square nosed trailer or V nose? I'm thinking an aluminum trailer with 6 lug wheels and torsion bar springs. Any opinions? I do drive the car to shows within 100 miles and around town but would prefer to trailer it on long ones, especially overnight.

 

I'm in the same boat . I really hate the fact that I could become a trailer queen kind of person . There are just SO many variables .
Every time I get into " shopping " , I usually find a higher end race trailer that is 4 - 6 feet longer . It has a generator , work bench , lights inside and outside , AND sleeping accommodations in the front . Sleeping with your cargo gives you instant security , and a pretty cheap place to stay .
2 - 5 year old , stored inside , owned by a perfectionist type of person trailer is usually 40 - 50 cents on the dollar .
Some of the nicest ones are on racingjunk.com .
AND , of course , a guy then needs a tow vehicle.... Another piece that I do not currently have... I need a new budget . LOL , J2 .

 

The 66 442 is 17' long, and a 24' box trailer (28' total length) works great if its wheels are set so you get good tongue weight with the car near the back. That gives a little over 6' in front for tools, cleaning supplies, etc. Then you want an escape door on the left, set right over the fenders of the trailer. My Wells Cargo is just about right; I like the 2x6" steel tube frame under 3/4" plywood, heavier .040" aluminum skin. From what I read on yellowbullet, the square nose is actually better for space and wind resistance. I painted a stripe on the floor and front wall so I can drive in and be within 1" left to right of centered easily. I used latex house paint on the floor and walls--cheap, easy to touch up, reasonably durable.
For a tow vehicle, I have a 2013 Ram 3500 diesel. There are still some out there, discounted about $10k under list. I have written tech articles for a diesel magazine about 15 years now, and the above Ram is my choice by a wide margin.

 

I have a Classic car trailer that I bought new in 1996 that is 24' box and 28' overall and I put cabinets up front and have plenty of room for my car and stuff. It is 6 1/2' tall which is plenty. If you get an 8'tall trailer you have to think of the aerodynamics of it. Youbwill go through a lot more fuel. I have halled my trailer with 1/2 tons and 3/4 ton trucks. Right now I am towing it with a 1/2 ton Ford Raptor and I have no problem. Diesels pull it a lot better but not necessary.

 

I would buy used, they are much cheaper. I also recommend a diesel truck, preferably a dually as you have much more stability. A friend has one with living quarters and pulls an altered dragster.

 

24 is a nice length. Just make sure you have enough room between the axle tubs in the trailer fo the car to fit. Also you would want a v nose, I have square front and is hard to pull and sucks fuel from my truck

 

I just bought a 26 foot after a couple of years of looking for a good deal.

Found a guy retiring fom racing. Cabinets and bench already installed, air compressor, winch, fully wired. Needs four tires and two fenders. $1400

 

For you guys considering buying trailers,you need to think about theft prevention also.

It seems as if theft of the truck,trailer and trailer contents are very common at all these big events of car shows and drag races.

Just something to think about.

 

Found a guy retiring fom racing. Cabinets and bench already installed, air compressor, winch, fully wired. Needs four tires and two fenders. $1400[/QUOTE]


Sounds like a good deal, if I had the money I would snag that

 

And, please think "sleep in it with large capacity semi-auto battle rifle" not "lo-jack."

The law allows for lethal force if someone is invading your residence, which your trailer would be at that time.

 

I bought a 24' haulmark. It sat on the lot by me for almost 3 years. I negotiated a few grand believe it or not and insisted on new tires with aluminum 5 spoke mags. I didn't want 3 year old tires out of the gate. happy with the extra room for sure. and in winter it's a 1 car garage!! I know guys that sell enclosed trailers 10 years later for almost even money.

 

I pull with a 1/2 ton 2011 chevy crew. 6.2L gas. It gets 9 mpg average but I'm not using it everyday. I have a friend pulling a 26' with a '08 ford F450 diesel dually and he gets 10-11 mpg. So do the math on fuel and upkeep.

 

I have a 28 ft and wouldnt want a shorter one. 28 ft gives you added room in front of the car for whatever. I pull it with a 2013 F150 Extra cab long box get 11-12 MPG as long as I keep 65 or under. Had a F350 diesel Dually and honestly the F150 does just as good a job.

Greg

 

Pass on the 24' & move up to a 26' or 28' trailer. When you go to resell there will be 100 24' trailers for sale for every 26' & 28' models & you will get your money back. In the mean time you will enjoy that extra space especially if you want room in front of the car for a quad or pit bike etc etc etc. Also a great place to hang out in front of the car when it rains at the track.

 

When I bought my 28' trailer I tried hauling with my '03 1500 Silverado Z71. It was downright scary even with torsion bars.
Stepping up to an '08 2500HD 4X4 Crew Cab was the smartest move I could have made (except for stepping up to diesel). Truck averages 13.5 mpg on the 6.0L. engine and 8 to 10 towing. I do not use it as a DD.

Make sure the trailer you pick up has a 10,000lb rating instead of 7500. Most enclosed trailers weigh in the 3000 to 3500 lb range. Add your 3500lb Olds. tools, winch, cabinets, etc. and you blow right through the weight capacity.