I am purchasing a open car hauler to tow my old Camaro around. I tried to load the Clubman just to see if it would fit and the front air dam hits before I even touch the ramps with the tires. If I back it up it loads without hitting. Would it be a problem to haul the car backwards on the trailer?
Scott

 

Which way you face your Clubman on the trailer will impact the trailer's tongue weight, which is a critical factor in safe towing. The general rule is that the tongue weight should be 10-15% of the gross vehicle weight of the load (car on trailer and trailer).

Here are a couple of links for additional information:
http://www.sherline.com/lmbook.htm
and
http://newcarbuyingguide.com/index.p...657/event=view

Turning the car around may alter the tongue weight to have an impact; or by moving the car forward on the trailer you'll be able to stay within the recommended guidelines since the Clubman will be shorter (I think) than the Clubman.

Another possibility is to:
1. Use a floor jack and lift the hitch behind the car to raise the front of the trailer enough to lower the back and reduce the incline of the ramps to eliminate the spoiler contact;
2. Use some wood at the base of the ramps to lift them up and "step" the approach to reduce contact;
3. Use longer ramps and some wood at the base.

These may allow you to place the Clubman on the trailer in the forward direction.

Charlie