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Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by jim94-348, Jun 4, 2014.

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  1. jim94-348

    jim94-348 Formula Junior
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Aug 19, 2010
    981
    Greenville, NC
    Full Name:
    Jim
    #1 jim94-348, Jun 4, 2014
    I am looking at buying a car trailer to haul around my cars. I have never purchased one before nor towed any but driving the car several hours to events is too many miles and too much wear and tear. There are a million companies out there that sell them and I don't know what I need. I can use some advise.

    Here are my other questions:
    1. What should I look for in a trailer and what should I look out for?
    2. I was told that the hauling capacity of the tow vehicle is mainly due to the brakes capacity. If I get a trailer with electric brakes does that increase the capacity any?
    3. I have a BMW X3 which has a towing capacity of 3500 pounds. I assume I will need to rent a tow vehicle?
    What is the best way
    4. The widest car I have is the TR so I think I need 8 1/2' width minimum trailer?
    5. What is the best way to tie the car down? There are hooks on the floor but what type of strapping is best?

    Thanks in Advance!!
     
  2. 19633500GT

    19633500GT F1 World Champ
    Rossa Subscribed

    Nov 9, 2010
    13,083
    Blueberry
    Full Name:
    Muffin-Tops
    #2 19633500GT, Jun 4, 2014
    Jim, I just spoke to my friend who owns a BMW shop, he says your X3 has a strong enough engine, and powerful enough brakes, but trailering your <roughly> 3,320lb TR would be "scary in the corners" but on the straight you'd be ok. Personally, when towing ANYTHING, my attitude is P for Plenty, meaning, have plenty of power, plenty of brakes and plenty of extra weight/heavy duty enough vehicle to tow the application, and then some. As for your questions, IMO you should consider a lightweight mid-duty aluminum car trailer.

    Featherlite makes a hell of an aluminum car trailer. I prefer for single cars a 20ft. trailer, with electric brakes, and 4 tie downs. They make a nice 20ft.x8 1/2w, and I believe there are two load options, i.e tilt load, or by setting up low-angle ramps. Either are ok options, I would say more preference than anything, though it's nice to find a load angle that works for low/lowered vehicles as well as stock. Low profile trailers tow better than higher, 2 axles too will help, also, preference, but the closer the wheels are to the middle of the trailer, the easier it is to maneuver and manipulate when backing up, parking etc.

    Car Trailers - Bumper Pull Car Trailers - 3110 Car Trailer: Specs & Features

    Tow points obviously vary by vehicle, but I was taught to always think of it like this; each respective corner should be pulling against one another, so i.e back left pulls to the back left, front right pulls to the front right (corners). Usually I like to tie down to the axles, and I tighten each tie down VERY tight (some good fun on the hwy experiences). I would recommend using basic ratchet style tie downs, they are simple, lock, and extremely heavy duty when using the correct lb. max, something like this, with hooks/clips etc.

    2" X 12' BLUE Car Tie Down Strap w/ Flat Snap Hooks

    Lastly, please pay attention to your tongue weight, if ignored, this can cause some extremely volatile situations with whatever your trailering NO MATTER how heavy duty the tow rig. Anyone who's had trailer "sway" at speed will tell you, it is the scariest thing in the world...

    Understanding Towing

    Determining Trailer Tongue Weight | etrailer.com


    Hope this helps, good luck.
     

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