Choosing a trailer
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*Fleet (?) | *Fleet (?) | ||
*Kings Trailer | *Kings Trailer | ||
| + | *ABU Trailers | ||
==Trailer winches== | ==Trailer winches== | ||
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When examining ratings: drag weight and rolling weight are two different things. | When examining ratings: drag weight and rolling weight are two different things. | ||
Can be hooked up to battery, or powered through a 20 amp cigarette lighter plug. | Can be hooked up to battery, or powered through a 20 amp cigarette lighter plug. | ||
| + | A snatch block can be used to double the power of the winch. | ||
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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. | ||
==Enclosed trailers== | ==Enclosed trailers== | ||
Keep nosy people and thieves wondering. Makes for better piece of mind when you are stopped to eat or rest. They work good as storage too. | Keep nosy people and thieves wondering. Makes for better piece of mind when you are stopped to eat or rest. They work good as storage too. | ||
| − | + | 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. | |
Removable fenders are helpful for towing lower cars. | Removable fenders are helpful for towing lower cars. | ||
Torsion axles are recommended. | Torsion axles are recommended. | ||
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Practice driving with the trailer with no load on it, to see how it handles and brakes. | Practice driving with the trailer with no load on it, to see how it handles and brakes. | ||
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| + | Electronic proportional brake controller recommended. This brand especially: http://www.tekonsha.com/prodig.html . | ||
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| + | If the trailer is not level, it can hit a slight bump and "bounce" for a while. | ||
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| + | Chains and binders may be best, but sometimes can't be used if the paint will be damaged. | ||
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| + | Check your straps and chains frequently as you stop. | ||
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| + | http://www.rumber.com/ has been recommended. It's "lumber" made from recycled tire rubber and plastics. Manuf says: Durable, non-slip, easy to clean, impervious to water, UV-resistant. Will not crack, rot, or slip. | ||
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| + | Use a coupler that is rated for AT LEAST the load of a fully loaded trailer. | ||
| + | Brakes on all trailer wheels. | ||
| + | Make sure your trailer tire gross load ratings add up to the weight of the total load. Trailer-rated rims too. | ||
| + | Tongue jack should be fixed at the top AND the bottom. | ||
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| + | Wood, steel, tilt, ramps, beavertail, straight axle, dropped axle -- it's all up to personal preference. | ||
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| + | "Farmer Fix" for painting a trailer: 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. Also, used motor oil and diesel fuel, half-and-half. | ||
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