Low Profile Enclosed Trailer?

[terry lee]

Getting More Confused
Just when I think I 've got it all figured out!
Now the new dilemma:
I was really excited about the low profile aspect (for towing purposes) of the "Trailex" trailer as suggested by "MrMustang" in another thread. But after alittle research; of the 3 different vehicles that I would like to tow, only the Cobra fits thru the rear door due to height of opening. I can get ("the wife's?") streetrod in, but have to remove the windsheild to do it (not that big of a deal). The "Marlboro Syclone" requires about 6 more inches. That almost sounds indecent. Door opening ht. 54," Syclone ht. 58." So, 4 &1/2" more is absolute minimum clearance. If I choose to get 6" added to the height of the trailer, I think the clearance problem is solved, but I may loose the areodynamics of the low profile trailer. Anybody have any experience with those silly looking roof mounted wings to deflect the air over the trailer?
Thanks,
TL

[Dave Crace]

Terry,
Haulmark makes a slope nose trailer called the airstar. Check out their website. I'm thinking of going this route myself. The trailex is probably the best, but finding a used one is like finding a good used original Shelby cheap.

DC

[ToyCollector]

Terry, call Trailex and tell them your dilemna. If the trailer is so close to meeting your needs, find out what they would charge for another 10 inches or so. That extra foot in height shouldn't hurt all that much with the V-shaped nose, surface drag is probably a bigger concern.

I also posted some really neat sites last week on another enclosed trailer post where they post about 15 new ads for used race car trailers every day. It was the one at the end of the thread.

[M. Farcus]

You might try www.tommystrailers.com in Ada Ok. They make aluminum open and enclosed trailers to what ever size/shape/profile you want......not cheap, but light and pull great.

42' enclosed w/2cars @92mph....lost out to (2) 18 -wheelers....balls not big enough to keep up. (mine, not truck/trailer)

MF

[kountzecobra]

Most all of the top trailer companies will build you a trailer whatever height you want and usually quite reasonable in price. Usually 4 to 8 week delivery. I ordered my trailer off the internet and will pick up at the factory. Saved over $1700 on same exact trailer and options. www.deepsouthtrailers.com

[terry lee]

Toy Collector
I am waitng to get info from Trailex, spoke with them last week. I know that I can add 6" to the height and problem solved; cost as per info off web site +$427.00 I love that price. Total price now over 14K. The only info I have is from the internet. I really need to know what I'm getting for those kind of $$$. The same thing in a (steel) Pace 5-6K (preliminary price)
I am moving my "Toy Chest" to another location so I can get the trailer into the bay. That was one of the problems with yours. Now I will have storage for 3 cars and access to back a trailer in. Length can only be max. 23'-8" so as to put door down.
Has the Cheesehead brought the brats, beer and new trailer down yet?
I did check out the site you gave me and found a couple of possibilities. Size is now an issue as mentioned above.
I'll keep you posted.

Terry

[terry lee]

Dave Grace,
M. Farcus,
Dave Shelton,

Thanks for the info on the sites you provided. I did check them out and there are several possibilities. I really appreciate all the help from everyone, every little bit helps. Even if it's not exactly what I need, it may be of help to someone else down the road.
Thanks Again,
Terry

[Flyin_Freddie]

Terry, I've seen a couple of the low profile trailers at various events around the country. While I like them a lot, I'm not sure I'm ready to put up with the limitations that come with them.

I own a 20' Pace Amercian Shadow model...check it out in the photo gallery. I'm not sure how much more (maybe even less) a low profile model would cost... but be sure and try to figure how much you're going to be actually towing the damn thing. If it's a couple grand more than other models, then you need to figure out how much gasoline that's going to save you....and be honest with yourself on how much towing you're going to actually do. The biggest expense I have on my trailer is storage fees - period. I store it at a local storage facility under a large roof where other folks store big RV's, etc. It's almost completely protected from the weather...NO sun gets to it, and only the very end of the hitch sometimes gets wet from blowing rain. I figure the extra cost of storing it this way is offset somewhat by the amount of maintenance savings I see...

I do not use a wing, but have been told they're good for as much as 3 miles per gallon...but then, too, have you priced a nice aluminum, or stainless steel wing? Try about $450-600! Don't know about you, but that's a lot of gasoline.

Let's do some math to illustrate....I drive a 1999 Lincoln Navigator...5.4l, 32v, 300 bhp. Normally around town, I get 14.6-14.8 miles per gallon. When I tow, if I keep my speed down to between 65-70, I can get about 9.8 mpg. I normally tow for distances no greater than 650 miles....so at my normal towing speeds (65-70), and getting 9.8 mpg, I would use about 132.65 gallons of gas at say, $1.55 a gallon, so I'd spend $205.61, or so.... (1300/ 9.8 = 132.65 x 1.55 = $205.61). I used 1300 miles because I'm figuring 650 out and 650 back.

So, if I bought a wing...at let's just say $500, and I got 2.5 mpg more when I towed, the math would look like this...
(1300 / (9.8+2.5)) = 105.69 x $1.55 = $163.81) So, I'd spend $163.81 for gas, for a savings of ($205.61 - $163.81) = $41.80, right...?

Now, figuring the wing cost me $500, if I amortize that cost using the savings I'd realize on an average 650 mile trip, I'd have to make 12 trips to pay for the wing! ($500.00 / $41.80) = 11.96

Now, when you figure I only make about 3 trips a year with the trailer, I'd have to keep the wing, trailer, and Cobra for at least 4 years before I just break even! And that doesn't even figure in the increase cost of a modified low profile trailer! Besides that, I've found a full height trailer comes in pretty handy when moving, or even storing another car you want to keep out of the weather.

So, check out your math before you pony up that extra money for a "increased height low profile trailer" and an aerodynamic wing for your tow vehicle. You may find out it's cheaper on you to just buy a regular height trailer, don't buy a wing, and start having fun! That's what I did, and so far, it's worked out great!

Hope this helps to put things in perspective for ya...!

[ToyCollector]

Terry,

Send a Private message to Aging Racefully, aka Rick Brownyard from Charleston SC area, on the ins and outs of the Trailex. He has a trailex and LOVES it. Stores it in his garage due to convenants. He found one used and "STOLE" it if memory serves me right. I have a local buddy here who actually knows the owner of Trailex, he bought a prototype open trailer from them. Just another contact for you.

[terry lee]

Flying Freddie
Excellant question! My thoughts are that the lower the profile, the less wind resistance when trailering, especially when you factor in the "V-nose design. Now, having said that, your analysis of cost vs fuel blows that all to hell. The height factor of 6'-11" is great for garage storage or access. Your are absolutely right with the RV Storage concept. I have wanted to build one of those in my area for 3 years now. Vacant land for that purpose is hard to come by. There are bunch of them on the west coast of Fla. I think if i sat down and did a little financial planning on this, it would be alot cheaper in the long run to hire Horseless Carriage, or Intercity and just have them pick it up and deliver to where I want. Then I could just use the Lear to fly in and avoid all the traffic hassles. Only problem, I won't be able to visit places along the way and freeload off all my CC buddies. Fuel for the Lear? You think pulling a trailer sucks fuel?
SPF 1560 is Guardsman blue w/white stripes also.

I read today that there is a "Fine Line" between a "Hobby" and an "Obession." They call it "Sanity." I may have crossed over the line. They are coming to take me away, they are coming to take me away. Please keep the get well cards and letters coming, I need all the help I can get. I'll try to write back as soon as I get out of the silly white jacket these 2 guys are holding. Bye for now.
TL

[coosawjack]

Hey Guys....

Some pix of my "Low Profile" vee nosed enclosed 18' (16' with 2' vee) trailer!!

We can build them to your specs and sell through Estes Wholesale, LLC and save you a bunch!!

More pix to follow,

Jack

[coosawjack]

Side View....

[coosawjack]

Front View.....


Getting literature for custom orders and info on standard trailers.

Jack

[terry lee]

COOSAWJACK,
YOU CAN TALK TO ME - I HAVE PERMISSION
Pictures look like what I need. Steel or Alum? There are a few things I really would like to include if I have one built.
You can call me: (561) 540-2525
or e-mail: tml427@bellsouth.net
Thanks,
Terry Lee
Patient #427

[ToyCollector]

Coosawjack,

Stop keeping these trailers a secret and start planning your retirement!!

[Flyin_Freddie]

YES>>>! Stop keeping these a secret and ADVERTISE, man! I would have loved to have seen one of these before I found my Pace American...

Getting a low profile for the 'right price' would indeed have been on my short list... I was able however to find the 20' Pace with RhinoLiner already applied to the floor, 2 2' wide strips of ATP running the length of the trailer and ramp, an installed ATP tool box inside, and an 18' awning installed for only $4K cash. The seller provided receipts showing well over $8.5K invested, and it was less than two years old....!

There are deals out there to be had...just gotta find them and be in the right place at the right time and be ready to move.

...and you're probably right about Horseless Carriage and the others....just too difficult to get all that planned without a definite delivery location, etc. And my Lear's been down for maintenance almost for-ever....

[Alex Donghi]

Jack
I haven't heard back from Tony. He emailed me Jan 2nd which I answered but I haven't gotten anything back from him

[Dave Crace]

Hey Jack,
I'm pretty close to buying a trailer. Change my mind. I would like some pricing info also.

DC

[coosawjack]

Well Guys.....

It seems the company that built my trailer closed a couple of months ago but another in the same town is still going strong!! They make trailers for Home Depot and also build cutom car haulers.

Estes is currently talking with them and all I can do is advise you as soon as we hear.....

Stay Tuned!!

Sorry for the delays,
Jack

[Fasbak1966]

Originally Posted by coosawjack

Front View.....


Getting literature for custom orders and info on standard trailers.

Jack

I just wanted to know how much they are and if a 66 Mustang would fit in it.