I thought I’d post my experience loading and towing my 348 with a 17’ Ford Explorer 4wd V-6 rated at 5,000lbs towing. (The 2020 Explorer I’ve got on order is rated for 5,600 lbs). I tied it down using Fat Billy Bob’s advice from a previous post I found. I went through the wheels with straps and put micro fiber towels in between the straps and wheels to keep them from rubbing. Then wrapped a bungee cord around wheel chocks to keep tight to the tires. Both in front and back on one side. Pulled the parking brake and put car in neutral. This was a test run and I really wasn’t going anywhere. I am trying to make up my mind about buying a trailer to haul my car to the track or just drive the 348 to the track (2 hours one way). The Explorer had no problems accelerating and no swaying at highway speeds. Braking was fine as well. The trailer I used is an 18’ dual axle with one axle brakes. I believe this trailer is around 1,800 lbs give or take so I’m just over the 5,000 Limit with the weight of a 348(3,300lbs). Though It should be lighter because one of the mufflers has been removed and it has a lexan rear window. Sparco seats might be lighter than stock seats - not sure though. My next Explorer has more torque and rated at 5,600 so should even be better as long as the trailer I buy is no more than 1,800 lbs. I saw the specs on an 18’ open aluminum trailer that was 1,350 lbs. But about $7,500 opposed to $2,800 for a steel trailer. Anyway that’s it. Pleasantly surprised at how easily the Explorer handled the tow. Though my test was on flat terrain. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login I use an aluminum trailer hauling it to FL and back this last winter with a ML350 Bluetec. Awesome haul with zero problems. Aluminum trailers are the real deal. Saves you about 1000lbs. The diesel pulled pretty well, had no handling problems, and the trailer was awesome. I wrapped the car, once loaded, in 18" black stretch wrap, keeping everyone guessing, both on the road and hotels, as to what 'exotic' it was .... LOL! Plastic was cut off after each trip, and any plastic marring was removed with a little wax+polish. Was very pleased with the whole process. I used the tire belt wrap tie downs, no problems, just AM check for tightness and go. Now my tires are centered on plates with angled hump? lips front/back of each tire to help lock down any movement. The aluminum coverblock up front keeps the wind and other crap off. Here's some pics with car just loaded.
I have a Trailex CT-8045 aluminum trailer. It weight only 910lbs. You can easily move it around even by hand without a car on it. It handles very well and you almost don't know it's back there when towing . I tow with a 2001 GMC Denali XL. Image Unavailable, Please Login
I have the trailex aluminum, with electric brakes. Highlanders tows a 930 with no issues whatsoever... High quality trailer, with electric brakes and a good brake controller, is great....
I bought my trailex last year, 3 month wait list. Bought a 1996 z3 race car fully caged too. Used in a couple times after the 930 failed on the track... Was going to put them both up for sale next week... Let me know if interested. The trailers are hard to come by, I tried to find a used one for a year and couldn’t... broke down and bought new... The z3 is about a Miata equivilant...fun to toss around... Was hoping the kids wouldn’t want to race. No such luck...
Thanks, hadn’t decided whether to spend the extra on aluminum yet. I’m sure you’ll get top dollar for the Trailex.
2006 Land Rover LR3 HSE V8. Used this Haulmark to tow my 05 Audi S4 Avant from Seattle to the Bay Area for its engine out timing chain/tensioner service. Towed fine, even over the Siskiyous. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
