Enclosed Car Trailer Question

[napa68]

I am back in the market for an enclosed car trailer. That poses a question, what is your preference between steel and aluminum frames?

I had an enclosed Featherlite some years ago, and the trailer checked all the boxes for me. I recently had a conversation with Graeme, and he prefers a steel frame.

Naturally, the aluminum is lighter.......but comes at a cost.

I don't see having the trailer out in the winter elements, nor do I need something short of a condominium. Do you have a brand preference?

I'm sure some of you guys put on some real miles as well have a defined opinion of a quality unit.

I appreciate your consideration,

Tim

[big gear head]

I'm new to the enclosed trailer thing. I bought my first one last year, and I don't know much about them. I was told to get the 5200 pound axles with brakes on all wheels, and that is what mine has. I passed up an aluminum trailer because it was about 4 feet shorter than what I wanted, but the lighter weight would have been nice. Mine weighs 3400 pounds, and with my 3600 pound car in it my truck is working very hard to pull it. I'm amazed at how much harder it is to pull the enclosed trailer over my open trailer. The enclosed trailer is hard to pull even without a car in it.

[72-SS-L48]

We have a 1998 20ft Wells Cargo trailer. Bought it from the original owner who seldom used it (I think he told us 1,200 miles in 20+ years). Given its age we did all the necessary mechanical/safety upgrades (tires, brakes, bearings, breakaway box, etc). Then installed cabinets, upgraded lights (interior & exterior), installed a super winch & an electrical system that recharges the marine battery inside our cabinet from the tow vehicle. Electric tongue also.

No doubt new trailers look way nicer but if you find a solid, lightly used "used" trailer you will get great bang for the buck. Remember as long as the axles are straight and no rust, a trailer will last almost forever. Ours has a steel frame, steel structure and I think 5,200 axles.

Best,
Dave

[wheelhop]

Also depends on what kind of truck you have to pull the trailer?
5200 LB axles are a good recomendation. A side door on the drivers side to get in and out helps too.

[72-SS-L48]

Also depends on what kind of truck you have to pull the trailer?
5200 LB axles are a good recomendation. A side door on the drivers side to get in and out helps too.

Agreed on the side door.

Make sure the car door can clear the wheel well/ door opening molding of the trailer.

Best,
Dave

[big gear head]

Mine has the escape door, but I had to build ramps inside the trailer so that my car would sit high enough to get the door open.

[L16pilot]

Like Freddie said...enclosed trailers are much harder (on the truck) to pull than an open trailer...so a lot depends on your truck's capability. 5200 lb axles, good tires, 12" on center crossmembers, v-nose with droop front, LED lights and side door are my basic "should-haves". Mine is 20' long (not including the "V"), and provides ample room for my 2nd gen Camaros. Mine doesn't have the side door, but wish I had opted for it in hindsight.

[bbbentley]

I don’t want to hijack the OP, but how can one tell what axles are on a trailer? All I was told is the std duty axle is 5 lug and the other ( presumably 5200#) is 6 lug?

[bugsy]

ATC aluminum, you will never buy a steel frame again. They are way heavier, like pulling a huge Chrysler boat behind you. Lol. JMO

[big gear head]

Bentley, mine has a tag on the side that tells what the capacity is. And as far as I know you are right about the number of wheel studs. Mine has 6. My open trailer has 5.

[mprice]

I have owned a number of trailers and for my use I will not buy anything smaller than a 24'. I have had 20 footers and you are cramped with anything longer than a camaro and the 24 just seems to balance out better. I have had a 24 foot Featherlite and a 28 before I bought the 24 Featherlite from you. It might be a little overkill but if I am going to pull an enclosed trailer I do it with a dually truck. I have done it with 1/2 ton and 3/4 ton trucks and there something to be said for the comfortable feeling you get with the stability and braking power of a dually. For my money the Featherlite is the way to go with enclosed and Tommy aluminum for an open trailer.

[67since67]

My trailer is a 20' Alum-Line with 3' wedge. The wedge really adds to interior space, like for buying roller and loading the engine/trans etc. up front.
Alum-Line was founded by a former co-owner of Featherlight and manufactured on joining property in Cresco IA.
I ordered it 6" narrower and 6' ceiling height for reduced drag, I recommend a 5'w escape door properly placed so car doors can fully open.
I've towed it over 90K miles through 42 states with only tires, brakes and wheel bearing packs.
As was mentioned, what you are towing with and what distance should have an influence on trailer choice. I normally average 8-9K per year (but not this year!)

[napa68]

Thanks for the thoughts everyone. I have been looking at ATC, but it seems 16" centers is what I see. To address the truck question, I have a 2018 GMC 2500 Crew Cab 4x4 with a Duramax. I should have plenty of truck to pull it.

Anyone prefer a steel trailer?

[Dusk Blue Z]

I don’t want to hijack the OP, but how can one tell what axles are on a trailer? All I was told is the std duty axle is 5 lug and the other ( presumably 5200#) is 6 lug?

That was my understanding as well, 3,500# = 5 bolt, 5,200# = 6 bolt. A 24' trailer with a full size car and 3,500 axles you won't be able to pack a snack without being over gross.

[Charley Lillard]

I had a 24' ATC and replaced it with a 22' Jimglo. It was 1000lbs lighter and I tow it with a 1/2 ton Ford Raptor with ease. The body is a honeycomb composite. Built in a prison by prisoners in Arizona. No seams as each side are one piece. Roof can be walked on. Expensive but very well built.
https://www.jimglo.com/

[L16pilot]

Thanks for the thoughts everyone. I have been looking at ATC, but it seems 16" centers is what I see. To address the truck question, I have a 2018 GMC 2500 Crew Cab 4x4 with a Duramax. I should have plenty of truck to pull it.

Anyone prefer a steel trailer?

I prefer a steel trailer simply because of my cost vs. use scenario. When I was shopping, aluminum was almost 2x the cost of the steel trailer. If I hauled a lot, I would have invested in an aluminum trailer, but I may use mine 3-4 times a year, so the cost savings of a steel trailer won out.

[markinnaples]

Wow Charley, that thing looks amazing.

[big gear head]

I prefer a steel trailer simply because of my cost vs. use scenario. When I was shopping, aluminum was almost 2x the cost of the steel trailer. If I hauled a lot, I would have invested in an aluminum trailer, but I may use mine 3-4 times a year, so the cost savings of a steel trailer won out.

That's exactly why I bought a steel trailer.

[HawkX66]

I went with Haulmark Autotransport 24' steel. I love the trailer, but will say there are a few quality issues. Haulmark isn't even made by Haulmark if you can believe that. The name of the company who built it is on the ramp. The bones and basics are great, but trim details are poor. For instance, the tire storage hole in the floor has mitered aluminum trim that doesn't fit well. Around the doors inside is the same. Not a big deal, but when you're paying for it... Aluminum would be nice for weight, but my Expeditions tow mine loaded well. I included a scale ticket so you could see what it looks like with weight in it behind my 07 Expy. Now, my 17 Expy tows it even better.
Yes, I know my 69 is in backwards and that's a huge no no, but I had a motorcycle up front.
A couple of things that were must haves for me:
1. Oversized get out door. I would love to have one where the side opens fully. My door is a little high. It does help getting out.
2. Lowered rear end. Called dove tail.
3. Electric trailer jack. Sooo much nicer than the crank. The factory one was cheap.
4. In floor/inside spare tire storage.
5. Trailer Aid drive on ramp to change tire easily without having to jack up the trailer.
6. Weight Distribution and anti sway hitch.
7. MaxAir II vent so you can leave the roof vent open all the time.
8. E-track everywhere...
9. 5,200 lb axles a must.
10. Lowered and wider side entrance door.
11. Winch.

If you notice in one of my pics there is a 1"x6" board back by the ramp door hinge point. I plan on adding an aluminum piece that automatically flaps down when the door is opened.

https://live.staticflickr.com/1892/44600993351_dfd9745660_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2aXeKrZ)20180605_144839 (https://flic.kr/p/2aXeKrZ) by Dave H (https://www.flickr.com/photos/146684464@N06/), on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/1860/43691308715_977969c82b_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/29yRnU8)20180626_141548 (https://flic.kr/p/29yRnU8) by Dave H (https://www.flickr.com/photos/146684464@N06/), on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/1898/43691264245_72cdabd38a_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/29yR9Fp)20180625_192221 (https://flic.kr/p/29yR9Fp) by Dave H (https://www.flickr.com/photos/146684464@N06/), on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/4421/37206303485_b74c5c9afa_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/YFN2M8)MaxxAir%20II (https://flic.kr/p/YFN2M8) by Dave H (https://www.flickr.com/photos/146684464@N06/), on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/1866/42576322300_1a171bd1c6_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/27SjMhq)Cat Scales with 69 Camaro 063018 (https://flic.kr/p/27SjMhq) by Dave H (https://www.flickr.com/photos/146684464@N06/), on Flickr

[YenkoYS-199Stinger]

I have an alumn enclosed made by Tommys in Ada, Ok. They built the very first alumn car trailers decades ago. Mine is a 1986 with several hundred thousand miles on it. It is a 22' plus the nose. The axles were slid back 2' as it has a lift system in it to haul 2 smaller cars if you wish with the second one 'biggy backed'. I pull the race car 8-10 weekends a year in it. It is nice and light with plenty of room with the nose. Mine does have doors on both sides too which is nice

From what I have seen on used trailers. If they are kept nice, they bottom out on price at about the 7 year point. So if you can find a nice, kept in doors, 7 year old alumn trailer, what you pay for it is what you will sell it for later on too.

[flyingn]

I have a 22' + 3' v nose all alum trailer by Ligntning which is owned by Forrest river industries. Its light as heck and hauls my 3800 lb car with ease with my f150. I had it custom made with the man door moved up away from the car and the escape door also moved up so that I can fully open the car door to get out. I have a rubber floor, white walls, 5200 lb axles, alum wheels, heavy duty frame, in floor e track, beavertail and a few other options. Very inexpensive. $11000 delivered 500 miles. It pulls like a dream. https://www.lightningtrailers.com/product-details?LineID=270&Image=9886

https://i.imgur.com/ZMLb8oq.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/mOvNzbM.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/VucXiB6.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/SDTsVmL.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/KYUvE5A.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/mErgCQT.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/6dUKkZJ.jpg

[muscle_collector]

very nice looking trailer. have you ever weighed it empty?

[markinnaples]

Very nice trailer Frank.

[MosportGreen66]

Another aspect to consider which is intrinsic to the decision but Dave and I faced - where you keep the trailer. Our trailer is outside. I know other members keep their rig indoors. We could not justify spending $12-$15k on a perfect trailer when we knew it would be subjected to winter months, rain, etc. Point being, all the glitz and glam of new shiny trailer may not be exactly whats needed depending on storage situation.

[napa68]

Another aspect to consider which is intrinsic to the decision but Dave and I faced - where you keep the trailer. Our trailer is outside. I know other members keep their rig indoors. We could not justify spending $12-$15k on a perfect trailer when we knew it would be subjected to winter months, rain, etc. Point being, all the glitz and glam of new shiny trailer may not be exactly whats needed depending on storage situation.

I agree. I was holding off until I had a place to put it inside. I like to keep my stuff nice

Tim

[Verne_Frantz]

Also consider the advantage of an extended tongue. When it comes to time to sell it, there will be a larger market because folks pulling with motor homes need that.


Ramps inside also provide a lot more room for you to attach the tie-down straps under the car.


Verne


167840

[SMS]

Great looking trailers guys. I like that inside ramp idea...

[72-SS-L48]

Also consider the advantage of an extended tongue. When it comes to time to sell it, there will be a larger market because folks pulling with motor homes need that.


Ramps inside also provide a lot more room for you to attach the tie-down straps under the car.


Verne


167840

Where did you buy the ramps? Part of the trailer or after thought?

[SMS]

Also, RV covers are actually rather cheap if you do need to park it outside. (Not mine, pic from mfgr website)

[Verne_Frantz]

Where did you buy the ramps? Part of the trailer or after thought?


The trailer is an In Tech. Made in Indiana. Everything is custom. They made the ramps for me.


https://www.intechtrailers.com/


Verne

[firstgenaddict]

I have a 22' + 3' v nose all alum trailer by Ligntning which is owned by Forrest river industries. Its light as heck and hauls my 3800 lb car with ease with my f150. I had it custom made with the man door moved up away from the car and the escape door also moved up so that I can fully open the car door to get out. I have a rubber floor, white walls, 5200 lb axles, alum wheels, heavy duty frame, in floor e track, beavertail and a few other options. Very inexpensive. $11000 delivered 500 miles. It pulls like a dream. https://www.lightningtrailers.com/product-details?LineID=270&Image=9886



Looks near Identical to our custom ordered trailer - 22ft with a 3 foot V, double fold down ramp with check plate double fold - all rubber check floors, white finished roof and walls, we have a set of cabinets up high in the V and our ceiling is 8ft to accommodate our 1940 FORD Woodie Wagon which is pretty TALL - it also has built in jack stands on the rear corners so you can load/unload with out it being attached to a truck.

We have the Reese sway control and load levelers... the SWAY control was a LIFE SAVER last year when I was on the way back from the Cinci NCRS Regionals there were 50 MPH gusts when I came down through Fancy Gap and the truck and trailer were taking alot of side winds.

Weighs 5500
Cost right at $14,500
Pulling with a Duramax GMC.
FWIW the woodie wagon has never been in the trailer... it's been driven near 30,000 miles since being restored.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/rPiqwUkQWAbrd_appw8gmzZrYeiUjEljJzOVOxyJaID0mugKeQ d9zy9yRoiNQXPZggkf91s7WilLtqGuJLD8iTplgQ_V4fzY-0V8vriYLTQjbssrO1fdWxfO-uMYJk8px8lvnXux8GTZnyTxNKFP2KZNS8KsGbsKYurPwGCRjTI uwLXoZQyZrpD3zh41yaTVIDYiCgDbDSZeT0Ct5BPUUoF67I-jmvA9OvNTb2N2nGZIPsdQWkAwZXoIoCUkUxxjuYiv60iCUBmuX L7rGwCE5wqjqASKwbAxTtgqyjW3_7AV5Kl2FurAq413td8yDMU-l8608I2K3yVMGJuHmkP4Cdmrp9lpqxJgxuClfJlGAYCexu8U6a HPfNG5-4L7ZbMJ8e25nkJXtT6J8ljBtm_QSSqgqLRAS1g7nsSIpY1nL0T mewxDmxwztIFqSc0hxNLdQn9gJ7raNYDj9SIwYlpvooUILkCNr bItG0AGrFsXRWS1P_pXLjEUlri9zJ6F487OVUDELD5CpjlcRf2 id4hC4TjDg3VVV5R4CG6n2OypY3HeuP3Wd1_Y2YqbM7nzxIL_4 IspKer2xBueSbtRVjmTAAjD5bzJK2V8Km1OCUk7kYgJuwFX3c5 Hgs3-2wMHA-Zi5AuqGqxHUABmpHz3OWXAUdRhX6b61KaDDR0R2YH5wsDLtd-Yn9oknJ9rHiDYFg=w1240-h828-no?authuser=0

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/MoSoT2GHvQjGIjRa_OyrzTRTZKI2n8Pi2XtW1zmzb3b317VeeE W7UQL2smf7tksxKdijg4iVkcX5cBejaU53Qk38n2G4fECYavDV S0vcDcpN-DhGO-_s_shoTkQhjNzfsaga8dKfDZkQ6o4VSiwMDDwkFDew-as3qSht6Vtxdq9Ue1dhkBRH7t-h3lFswwmFcxm6TNLwp4s880o_o2G2yYPoeR_hNn2yaVV57KRcC 576WotOyrlPheqdJFu5Ltt9CdbXx6nTgrTHjhink1v-sa2WyhioF7Y5X_C-07Rw8o6gAOL90zqQsPc_TldiNFWghq6rbue5cCBWneVUsuU1MQ NYdZA3jamH5w0FqxWYp33tr0uPt0lx6sl3hx4MYuPtpro-1_dL2Sr8monkaXGjZNhbnzEt0FDP2F-rG22oAFPNJxsp97L4gECnFX141y0wsXyS-TgBBLxdar5bSyouKE9eH60c6Ynkp72Mr9D7nxE5JepsG26O3r_ Wc0NpnH2SMvS0dO2BYiGbQOCV7KgqCGvCP3tqsS714xvRTkXqS qN-U8ll8JJ556BwAT3Fv3XdY6BMaCxJeGL7UqQ7ABdFwq-ZZ2gvG1x-_q7RaqhYrd1OFE2xjUpiTSsLKoFX-T6wE9BOCAqE6j9jKAswU2bA-bU9V08CUI4FDzXn8hN8Xpm6E5jQ8P8TFm4xkTymYQ=w1240-h828-no?authuser=0

[L16pilot]

Just ditched my Reese weight distribution hitch for the Andersen. It's simpler, lighter and offers built in sway control. Used it a few times and so far, I like it much better than the traditional WD hitches....worth a look.

[flyingn]

very nice looking trailer. have you ever weighed it empty?

3000 lbs

[Richls5]

3000 lbs

I saw you said you paid 11k for it how long ago? I’m looking into atc and they’re 24-36k used ones aren’t much cheaper I wanted to spend under 15 but doesn’t seem like that will be the case

[Too Many Projects]

Rich, this is local to me, but you may be able to find a dealer closer to you with a similar price. Nothing fancy, but spankin' new and has an escape door for under $15k


https://www.marvstrailersandautos.com/vdp/18294723/New-2022-Pace-American-Journey-SE-85X2430V-Enclosed-Car-Hauler-with-Escape-d-for-sale-in-Somerset-WI-54025

[R68GTO]

I did a bunch of looking myself and eventually ordered a CarMate trailer. 8.5 x 24 with escape door, rubber coin floor, white laminate walls and ceiling, aluminum wheels, 6,000 lb axles, e-track from to back. It is about $18,500 with these options. Looked at ATC, nice for sure but couldn't justify the extra $10-12K for the lighter weight since I'll probably only use it it 10-12 times per year.
Won't get it until April, but feel lucky at that. Others that I looked at were quoting 12-14 months delivery.

[Richls5]

Rich, this is local to me, but you may be able to find a dealer closer to you with a similar price. Nothing fancy, but spankin' new and has an escape door for under $15k


https://www.marvstrailersandautos.com/vdp/18294723/New-2022-Pace-American-Journey-SE-85X2430V-Enclosed-Car-Hauler-with-Escape-d-for-sale-in-Somerset-WI-54025

all of the dealers around here say on order i'll start calling around see what the wait will be

[dustinm]

I saw you said you paid 11k for it how long ago? I’m looking into atc and they’re 24-36k used ones aren’t much cheaper I wanted to spend under 15 but doesn’t seem like that will be the case


Ive been putting off buying a trailer for a few years but I followed the market and have noticed trailers have went up 50% in the last year. I am too cheap to pay the extra now so I am going to wait and see if the bottom falls out.

[Donnie]

heres a pic of my 2015 Wellscargo

[Too Many Projects]

Ive been putting off buying a trailer for a few years but I followed the market and have noticed trailers have went up 50% in the last year. I am too cheap to pay the extra now so I am going to wait and see if the bottom falls out.


Cost of steel and aluminum accounts for a lot of that increase. Labor some too, as many manufacturers have had to raise wages to attract workers.

[flyingn]

I saw you said you paid 11k for it how long ago? I’m looking into atc and they’re 24-36k used ones aren’t much cheaper I wanted to spend under 15 but doesn’t seem like that will be the case

3 years ago. $11k delivered.. Heres the company. https://www.lightningtrailers.com/

[flyingn]

Another trailer picture

[CamarosRus]

Suggest anyone needing replacement/new ratchet strap HANDLES to buy these with the Swivel J Hook....Allows the handle to be straight UP Vertically for ease of operation..

https://www.autohaulersupply.com/catalog/ratchets-with-bolt-on-hooks/texas-2-short-wide-ratchet-handle-with-bolt-on-swivel-j-hook-552462.php?utm_source=newsletter_asu&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=dec22_tax&utm_term=AH-H-2RH-SJ&utm_content=9410367

[CamarosRus]

Many of our trailers use truss head self drilling triple square (drive) ZINC plated fasteners
for much of the exterior trim.
My trailer sits outside and aging has caused the ZINC plated screws to fail and start rusting .........so I found the same screw in STAINLESS......a little spendy from ONLY ONE
Vendor....
Have searched repeatedly but cant find another source

[Too Many Projects]

Here's the trailer you want, Tim. Low, sleek and way cool.
Saw this unloading an AAR at MCACN



https://www.yenko.net/forum/cache.php?img=https%3A%2F%2Fhosting.photobucket.co m%2Fimages%2Fq752%2FStillwaterchevs%2FDSC09673.JPG %3Fheight%3D480%26amp%3Bwidth%3D640%26amp%3Bqualit y%3D100



https://www.yenko.net/forum/cache.php?img=https%3A%2F%2Fhosting.photobucket.co m%2Fimages%2Fq752%2FStillwaterchevs%2FDSC09675.JPG %3Fheight%3D480%26amp%3Bwidth%3D640%26amp%3Bqualit y%3D100



https://www.yenko.net/forum/cache.php?img=https%3A%2F%2Fhosting.photobucket.co m%2Fimages%2Fq752%2FStillwaterchevs%2FDSC09674.JPG %3Fheight%3D480%26amp%3Bwidth%3D640%26amp%3Bqualit y%3D100

[napa68]

Here's the trailer you want, Tim. Low, sleek and way cool.
Saw this unloading an AAR at MCACN



https://www.yenko.net/forum/cache.php?img=https%3A%2F%2Fhosting.photobucket.co m%2Fimages%2Fq752%2FStillwaterchevs%2FDSC09673.JPG %3Fheight%3D480%26amp%3Bwidth%3D640%26amp%3Bqualit y%3D100



https://www.yenko.net/forum/cache.php?img=https%3A%2F%2Fhosting.photobucket.co m%2Fimages%2Fq752%2FStillwaterchevs%2FDSC09675.JPG %3Fheight%3D480%26amp%3Bwidth%3D640%26amp%3Bqualit y%3D100



https://www.yenko.net/forum/cache.php?img=https%3A%2F%2Fhosting.photobucket.co m%2Fimages%2Fq752%2FStillwaterchevs%2FDSC09674.JPG %3Fheight%3D480%26amp%3Bwidth%3D640%26amp%3Bqualit y%3D100


I hear those tow really nice. It's a bit small for the business side of what I do. I need to be able to get a full size PU truck if needed (within reason). I found a not even year old 28' ATC. It's more than I needed, but the price was right. In hindsight, I'd probably like a side door. In the next breath, I can only think you are giving up some structural rigidity.

I really like this trailer. I must admit I have been tossing the idea around about getting another one, but a gooseneck this time. Pardon the mess in the shop. Damn projects:wink:

[Too Many Projects]

Wow, that is a large trailer.
Your shop is messy ???
Looks pristine, next to many I see.
OK, gotta ask, what is the axle for ?

[napa68]

Wow, that is a large trailer.
Your shop is messy ???
Looks pristine, next to many I see.
OK, gotta ask, what is the axle for ?

Found the weak link in a 70 Chevelle. The car lost a camshaft, and the customer found his way to me. I had AMS build a high torque, low RPM 454 (540 lb.ft. @ 3500) for it and it wasn't long before the diff objected to it's new environment. Woops:naughty:

FWIW, the diff was a bomb waiting to go off anyways. Typical auction car.

[Crush]

I need to get one of those cabs for my bota. Recent snow plowing was waaaayyyy to cold!

[Too Many Projects]

Found the weak link in a 70 Chevelle. The car lost a camshaft, and the customer found his way to me. I had AMS build a high torque, low RPM 454 (540 lb.ft. @ 3500) for it and it wasn't long before the diff objected to it's new environment. Woops:naughty:

FWIW, the diff was a bomb waiting to go off anyways. Typical auction car.
Is the trans out, getting a refresh/build too ? You KNOW that will be the next weak link...:grin:

I need one of those 454's for my rollback. I believe the timing chain jumped when I was moving C10 trucks around last fall. Had to tow and push it out of the front drive to the parking pad next to the back shed for the winter.