Editing Choosing a trailer
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− | + | ==Wood or metal decking?== | |
− | + | Trailer decking is typically either wood, pressure-treated wood, or steel. | |
− | ==Wood | + | |
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− | Trailer decking is typically either | + | |
In addition, [http://www.rumber.com/ Rumber] has been recommended as an alternative trailer decking solution. Rumber is "lumber" made from recycled tire rubber and plastics. According to the manufacturer, it's durable, non-slip, easy to clean, impervious to water, UV-resistant, and it will not crack, rot, or split. | In addition, [http://www.rumber.com/ Rumber] has been recommended as an alternative trailer decking solution. Rumber is "lumber" made from recycled tire rubber and plastics. According to the manufacturer, it's durable, non-slip, easy to clean, impervious to water, UV-resistant, and it will not crack, rot, or split. | ||
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===Advantages of wood decking=== | ===Advantages of wood decking=== | ||
− | *Won't | + | *Won't rust. |
− | *Your load won't slide around as much | + | *Your load won't slide around as much. |
*Wood can loosen, crack, and warp. Fluids soak in, leaving a mess. | *Wood can loosen, crack, and warp. Fluids soak in, leaving a mess. | ||
*With a wood deck, you can screw things down to secure them. | *With a wood deck, you can screw things down to secure them. | ||
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===Advantages of steel decking=== | ===Advantages of steel decking=== | ||
− | + | *Won't rot. | |
− | *Won't rot | + | *Steel can get oily and slippery, especially when hauling project cars leaking fluids. Diamond-plate decks help with slipping. |
− | * | + | *Wood decks will have to be replaced periodically. Factor in the time to remove the old wood and fasteners, and then buy, cut, and install new wood. |
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==Advantages of enclosed trailers== | ==Advantages of enclosed trailers== | ||
− | * | + | *Keep nosy people and thieves wondering. Makes for better piece of mind when you are stopped to eat or rest. |
− | *Useful as storage | + | *Useful as storage. |
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==Advantages of open-pit trailers== | ==Advantages of open-pit trailers== | ||
*Less weight. | *Less weight. | ||
*Oils and fluids leak onto the ground, rather than onto your trailer. | *Oils and fluids leak onto the ground, rather than onto your trailer. | ||
− | *You can work | + | *You can work on the car, under the trailer. |
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==Coating a trailer deck== | ==Coating a trailer deck== | ||
− | Whether your deck is wood or metal, it will need to be coated. The coating provided by the manufacturer is often inadequate. Ideally, coat the decking top and bottom. Recommended coatings: | + | Whether your deck is wood or metal, it will need to be coated. The coating provided by the manufacturer is often inadequate. Ideally, coat the decking top and bottom. Recommended coatings: bedliner, [http://www.westsystem.com/ West System Epoxy], or this "farmer fix" method: |
*Change your tow car's oil, and save the oil. Add 1 quart of aluminum paint and one gallon of thinner, diesel, or any oil-based liquid. Brush it on with a shop broom, and let it sit in the sun for several days. As an alternative, half used motor oil and half diesel fuel has also been recommended. | *Change your tow car's oil, and save the oil. Add 1 quart of aluminum paint and one gallon of thinner, diesel, or any oil-based liquid. Brush it on with a shop broom, and let it sit in the sun for several days. As an alternative, half used motor oil and half diesel fuel has also been recommended. | ||
==Buying a trailer== | ==Buying a trailer== | ||
− | + | Look for trailers to buy at race tracks. There are people there with a trailer and no car. | |
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===Suppliers and manufacturers=== | ===Suppliers and manufacturers=== | ||
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*Dargo | *Dargo | ||
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*Long Haul | *Long Haul | ||
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*[http://trailtech.com Trailtech] | *[http://trailtech.com Trailtech] | ||
+ | *Sloan | ||
+ | *Fleet | ||
+ | *Kings Trailer | ||
+ | *[http://www.abutrailers.com/ ABU Trailers] | ||
==Trailer winches== | ==Trailer winches== | ||
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*Be wary of the tongue weight. It should only be about 10% of the towing weight. | *Be wary of the tongue weight. It should only be about 10% of the towing weight. | ||
*Use a coupler that is rated for AT LEAST the load of a fully loaded trailer. | *Use a coupler that is rated for AT LEAST the load of a fully loaded trailer. | ||
− | *Make sure your trailer tire gross load ratings add up to the weight of the total load. | + | *Make sure your trailer tire gross load ratings add up to the weight of the total load. Similarly, be sure to use trailer-rated rims too. |
*If the tongue weight is too much, try moving the car back on the trailer. However, be cautious, because with the weight in the rear, the load can weave. | *If the tongue weight is too much, try moving the car back on the trailer. However, be cautious, because with the weight in the rear, the load can weave. | ||
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*An electronic proportional brake controller is recommended, such as the [http://www.tekonsha.com/prodig.html Prodigy controller from Tekonsha]. | *An electronic proportional brake controller is recommended, such as the [http://www.tekonsha.com/prodig.html Prodigy controller from Tekonsha]. | ||
*States have different requirements for brakes on axles. Ideally, you should have brakes on all trailer wheels. | *States have different requirements for brakes on axles. Ideally, you should have brakes on all trailer wheels. | ||
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===Securing your load=== | ===Securing your load=== | ||
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*Use high-quality, high-rated straps for securing your load. Where a strap will be rubbing against steel, use a piece of cardboard as a buffer. | *Use high-quality, high-rated straps for securing your load. Where a strap will be rubbing against steel, use a piece of cardboard as a buffer. | ||
*Tie-down loops or rails can be used for extra support. Rebar makes a decent tie-down rail, and the ridges on it provide traction for tie-down straps and rope. | *Tie-down loops or rails can be used for extra support. Rebar makes a decent tie-down rail, and the ridges on it provide traction for tie-down straps and rope. | ||
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===Miscellaneous towing tips=== | ===Miscellaneous towing tips=== | ||
*Tongue jack should be fixed at the top AND the bottom. | *Tongue jack should be fixed at the top AND the bottom. | ||
− | *Removable fenders are helpful for towing | + | *Removable fenders are helpful for towing lower cars. |
*Torsion axles are recommended. | *Torsion axles are recommended. | ||
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==Miscellaneous trailer tips== | ==Miscellaneous trailer tips== | ||
*A box on the tongue is useful for holding jacks, chocks, tie-down straps, hand tools, etc. | *A box on the tongue is useful for holding jacks, chocks, tie-down straps, hand tools, etc. | ||
− | *Some wood deck trailers are not pressure-treated wood, and won't last long at all. | + | *Some wood deck trailers are not pressure-treated wood, and won't last long at all. |
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