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Reply to "AIR BAG SUSPENSION COMPONENTS ?"

I've had two trailers.

The first started life in the 70s as a single axle Formula Vee trailer. The guy I bought it from extended the steel runners where the tires go and hauled old VW buses with it(overloaded for SURE). Since it was originally built for FV, the axle is about a foot closer to the rear which really helps for tongue weight and tracking.

I got it from him and rebuilt and refined it. First thing: new springs and a 4" drop axle. Then rewired it completely with LED lights and a ground to each fixture rather than relying on the trailer frame. When replacing the axle I added self-adjusting electric brakes. I added 6 foot aluminum ramps that self-store at the rear under the car. I also added a removable hand winch so that loading door/fender interference is a non-issue.

I used this for my Spyder and it towed effortlessly behind my Audi Allroad. The trailer weighed 700 pounds all-up including a spare. I sold it to Lane and he used it for his Beck Coupe. I've since done the driveway, no more mud. With the Spyder on it I was at 2200 pounds. I am a BIG fan of trailer brakes They really help, especially if your tow vehicle is light duty.20190514_101429_HDR

I bought a used Dodge truck and new enclosed trailer in 2020, just before the prices went crazy on everything! $5300 for the new trailer, you can't do that today.

It's a V-nose 8.5 x 16. I wish I had gotten the lower interior height(not really), but it's not too bad. I get 15mpg with the truck alone, but about 8mpg towing. I've done the math and a diesel would be better. But the number of miles I actually tow wouldn't make the value equation worth it. I occasionally wish I'd bought the 20' length, but not often.

I painted the interior, installed a bench/cabinet and added 12v power with a deep cycle, an inverter, and a 12v remote winch. Last summer I added a 10,000 BtU heat/AC unit. I also installed an electric tongue jack and a wireless camera on the back of the trailer transmitting to the dash radio screen. Those two things make life VERY easy. Two spares, a fire extinguisher and a first-aid kit add to safety.

I know my tie-downs are overkill, but the car is supposed to stay in place even if the trailer flips over. I'm sure mine will.

I sleep in this at the track, either on a cot or an air mattress. It holds my Formula Vee, all the spares(EZ-up, tires, parts, cooler, folding table and chairs), and I strap a rolling tool cart to the sidewall. The only thing I'd change is to insulate the interior. If you get a trailer, I'd highly recommend removing the interior wood, insulating, and installing a thermal barrier. Then spray foam the floor from underneath. That would make it more comfortable as the heat/cooling isn't very efficient as is.20230504_161834

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Last edited by DannyP
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