Choosing a trailer
(→Advantages of All Aluminum Trailers) |
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==Advantages of enclosed trailers== | ==Advantages of enclosed trailers== | ||
| − | *Safe and | + | *Safe and secure. Keep nosy people and thieves wondering. Makes for better piece of mind when you are stopped to eat or rest. |
*Useful as storage when parked. | *Useful as storage when parked. | ||
*Vehicle is clean when you get to the event. | *Vehicle is clean when you get to the event. | ||
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*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 under the car while | + | *You can work under the car while it's on the trailer. |
*Are much easier to see what is all around it when empty. | *Are much easier to see what is all around it when empty. | ||
==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: powder coating, bedliner, [http://www.westsystem.com/ West System Epoxy], or this "farmer fix" method: | 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: powder coating, 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== | ||
*Buy a trailer that will suit your needs and your pocketbook. | *Buy a trailer that will suit your needs and your pocketbook. | ||
*Look for trailers to buy at race tracks. There are people there with a trailer and no car. | *Look for trailers to buy at race tracks. There are people there with a trailer and no car. | ||
| − | *Torsion axle | + | *Torsion axle trailers pull better empty, and adjust their ride to the load they carry. |
*Buy a trailer with brakes on each axle, they are easier to stop and control in emergency situations. | *Buy a trailer with brakes on each axle, they are easier to stop and control in emergency situations. | ||
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*Dual axle trailers pull better than single axle trailers. Triple axles will scuff tires on tight turning but will even out trailer loading and balancing. | *Dual axle trailers pull better than single axle trailers. Triple axles will scuff tires on tight turning but will even out trailer loading and balancing. | ||
* A metal floor is easier to clean after a spill or leaks | * A metal floor is easier to clean after a spill or leaks | ||
| − | * | + | * An electric winch is a good addition |
* Some trailers have a spare tire option in the floor, which is a good addition. | * Some trailers have a spare tire option in the floor, which is a good addition. | ||
* Most trailers come with a 3500 lbs axle or a 5200 lbs axle. The 5200 lbs option gives you bigger brakes and 6 lug heavy duty wheels. | * Most trailers come with a 3500 lbs axle or a 5200 lbs axle. The 5200 lbs option gives you bigger brakes and 6 lug heavy duty wheels. | ||
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===Suppliers and manufacturers=== | ===Suppliers and manufacturers=== | ||
| + | *[http://www.abutrailers.com/ ABU Trailers] | ||
*Alum-Line ( http://www.alumline.com ) | *Alum-Line ( http://www.alumline.com ) | ||
*Dargo | *Dargo | ||
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*Fleet | *Fleet | ||
| + | *[http://www.thekingcompany.com The King Company] | ||
| + | *Long Haul | ||
*[http://www.paceamerican.com/ Pace American] | *[http://www.paceamerican.com/ Pace American] | ||
| − | * | + | *Sloan |
| − | *[http:// | + | *[http://trailtech.com Trailtech] |
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==Trailer winches== | ==Trailer winches== | ||
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*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. Replace cracked or rotted planks. Check trailer frame for cracks or separations, and repair immediately if any defects are found. | *Some wood deck trailers are not pressure-treated wood, and won't last long at all. Replace cracked or rotted planks. Check trailer frame for cracks or separations, and repair immediately if any defects are found. | ||
| − | *Balance load on trailer to keep tongue weight within manufacture's | + | *Balance load on trailer to keep tongue weight within manufacture's specifications. |
==References== | ==References== | ||
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