Enclosed Car Trailer - Diesel Forum

69grandecj · 06-28-2006, 12:31 PM

Need some opinions. I can purchase a new Haulmark Thrifty Hauler (their midrange trailer) for $9200. It would be 22 ft. have 10,000 lb axles, roadside door, D-rings and overhead cabinets. 3 year warranty. So the payload capacity is 6200 lb.

Just found another Wells Cargo dealer and he has a couple of Autowagons. They are 20 ft., have 7700 lb axles, roadside door and D-rings. They are around $8500. 6 year warranty. Payload capacity is 4600 lb.

I'm guessing my '69 Mustang Grande probably weighs 3600 - 3800 lb pounds. How important is the extra payload capacity? I have heard their is a safety and roadability factor.

Also I have heard good things about Wells and so-so comments about Haulmark, though the Thrifty model is better built.

The Wells dealer also has a 24 footer with 10,000 axles for about $10,000, but that is a bit more than I want to spend and a little too long for my liking.

Packard8 · 06-28-2006, 12:43 PM

I'd vote for the Wells 24'. There is not much difference in pulling a 24 vs a 21 or 22, and you'll be surprised how quickly you use up the weight/cargo capacity with tools, fuel, water, batteries, jacks etc.

Better to buy a bit "extra" now rather than regret it later IMHO. From my own experience, buy the most axle you can and for sure 16" wheels/tires. I've had a lot of trouble with 15" tires and there just isn't room in my wheel wells to upgrade to 16's.

Chuck21387 · 06-28-2006, 01:08 PM

i agree with Packard8 on this one, go for the 24', spend more than you want to, and be happy in the long run...

69grandecj · 06-28-2006, 08:49 PM

I called around and found a 22 ft Wells Cargo with 10,000 lb axles for $8950. Only problem is there is no roadside door. How important is that. I'm 6'2" 225 lb but I think I'm still slender enough to fit in without the extra space the roadside door gives.

Packard8 · 06-28-2006, 10:06 PM

Not sure what you mean by “roadside door”….. most have the man door on the curbside near the front. I don’t’ think I’d want a trailer with only a rear door…if that’s what you mean. I have a workbench, cabinets and pegboard w/ stuff at the front of my trailer, and I’d find it real inconvenient to have to lower the ramp to enter/exit without the curbside door at the front, especially if there is a car inside to squeeze around.

If you can swing it, get what you want the first time around without any compromises….five years from now you don’t want to sprain your leg kicking yourself in the arse…… [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif[/img]

PS: you got some nice iron!

69grandecj · 06-28-2006, 11:39 PM

The roadside door is on the left side of the trailer. It is a smaller door that goes above the wheel fenders. It is supposed to help with exit/entry into the car in the trailer by allowing you to open the car door. All the trailers I am looking at have at door on the right side (curbside) and of course the rear door/ramp. The roadside door is an option.

Packard8 · 06-29-2006, 12:26 AM

[ QUOTE ]
The roadside door is on the left side of the trailer. It is a smaller door that goes above the wheel fenders. It is supposed to help with exit/entry into the car in the trailer by allowing you to open the car door. All the trailers I am looking at have at door on the right side (curbside) and of course the rear door/ramp. The roadside door is an option.

[/ QUOTE ]

Well I learn something new everyday......the roadside door sounds like a good idea! (tho most car doors will hit the trailer's inner fender wells and not open in my experience). I usually winch my cars into the trailer (electric winch) because it is safe, slow and very controlable. Some of my smaller cars like an XKE or old Hupp roadster I can drive in and get out of easily...not so easy with big Packards that only have a few inches of side clearance...those I winch in!

Do get the best trailer you can swing a deal on....."quality is appreciated long after price is forgotten". Do the trailers you are looking at have 15 or 16 inch wheels?....go for the heavier axles and 16" wheels if you can (wish I did!)

best,

John

vitalep · 06-29-2006, 06:44 AM

Go with the Wells, I have friends that had Hallmark and with in one year the roof starts to rust. I have a 30 ft United Expressline, well built with a double wall exterior. If your hauling you Mustang around get the 24ft for space to bring stuff when traveling.

tfalk · 06-29-2006, 09:29 AM

DEFINATELY go with the escape door on the drivers side. My friend has an enclosed trailer and he always has to get someone else to put his lightning inside because he can't get out when the truck is in the trailer [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img] If nobody smaller is around to help, he has to winch the lightning into the trailer...

I listened to all the experts and bought a 24 and now wish I had gotten the 20 or 22. After 3 years, I haven't had any need for the extra space and the extra length makes it harder to get in my driveway. My new F250 with the better turning radius has helped a lot, but it's still tight. I also opted for the V-front for better mileage but it's very difficult to store things or put cabinets in because of the odd shape. Since most of the extra 'stuff' get stored further in the front, it also ends up with a lot of tongue weight...

I wouldn't even consider the 7K trailer - definately get the 10K gross trailer.

390pony · 06-29-2006, 02:49 PM

Wells Cargo can add the access door. One of my friends ordered a Wells Cargo and he went to Waco to pick it up. When he got there, they had the door too far back. He waited overnight and they made it right. It might cost a little to have them put in one now, but it can be done, and it's WELL worth it.

turbodave · 06-29-2006, 04:20 PM

[ QUOTE ]
Need some opinions. I can purchase a new Haulmark Thrifty Hauler (their midrange trailer) for $9200. It would be 22 ft. have 10,000 lb axles, roadside door, D-rings and overhead cabinets. 3 year warranty. So the payload capacity is 6200 lb.

Just found another Wells Cargo dealer and he has a couple of Autowagons. They are 20 ft., have 7700 lb axles, roadside door and D-rings. They are around $8500. 6 year warranty. Payload capacity is 4600 lb.

I'm guessing my '69 Mustang Grande probably weighs 3600 - 3800 lb pounds. How important is the extra payload capacity? I have heard their is a safety and roadability factor.

Also I have heard good things about Wells and so-so comments about Haulmark, though the Thrifty model is better built.

The Wells dealer also has a 24 footer with 10,000 axles for about $10,000, but that is a bit more than I want to spend and a little too long for my liking.

[/ QUOTE ]

I would definately NOT go with with the 20'r. IT's just too small for a car hauler. Nice utility hauler, but too short for cars. Sure, your stang will fit, but with very very little room to spare. 22' is OK, but I love the extra room I have in my 24'.

petr · 06-29-2006, 08:06 PM

I have a 12' Haulmark with a one piece aluminum roof. No rust!!

**Kanman** · 06-30-2006, 12:30 AM

What are you doing with the trailer? Just going to the local track on the weekend, cross country to show the cars? Makes a lot of diff on which one I would buy. Do you actually need 20' - 24'? Would an 16 or 18' do just as well. Need to haul lots of tools, gear? 24' trailer takes up a ton more room in your yard than a 18' does...

I would definitely get the side door for 1 major reason. HEAT!!! The side door helps bring a draft through the trailer. First time your at the track for 12 hours, and you wanna catch a cat nap for an hour and its 120F in that trailer, you'll be hating life with out that side door to draw that heat out. They get real hot real quick with out. Makes it real easy to peek into your trailer at the local truck stop to check your load straps, instead of having to drop the big door. Spend the money and get at least one roof vent as well. I would suggest interior lighting too.

69grandecj · 06-30-2006, 12:44 PM

It is for a show car and I don't think I will be putting a lot of stuff in the trailer. Luggage will go in the bed of the truck since I have a bed cap.

Most shows I attend will be within 2 hours but I am planning to go to Vegas in Sept. and in 2009 for the 45th anniv. Mustang show, where ever it may be.

jschira · 06-30-2006, 12:56 PM

[ QUOTE ]
It is for a show car and I don't think I will be putting a lot of stuff in the trailer. Luggage will go in the bed of the truck since I have a bed cap.

[/ QUOTE ]

You might be surprised.

I carry a big tub loaded with cleaning supplies. I also carry a floor jack (which I have had to use), jack stands and a 4x4 sheet of plywood (in case I have a flat on gravel). I also carry a winch, extra tie-downs, spare tire, mirrors (to show off the underside of the car), lawn chairs, wheel chocks, 12v air compressor, air tank, wrenches and other emergency supplies.

Maybe I am anal, but when my wife asks me "do we need all this stuff?", may answer is "I don't know and I don't want to find out 1000 miles from here.".

I don't fill my 24' trailer by a long shot, but I like the extra room (as opposed to my old 22' trailer).