Hi,

I just wanted some input and suggestions from those who Trailer their MINI to the Track:

1. Open v. Closed ? Size ?
2. Weights -towing limits?
3. Aluminum? -Lighter
4. Tire sizes
5. Brakes
6. 2 axles
7. Beavertail v. Flat

PRICES? Where to get them ? Recommendations ? MOTOR ON

 

The first thing you need to decide is what you are going to be towing with. We started with a Toyota Tacoma to tow a 14' Featherlite aluminum open trailer and then moved up to a F350 diesel to tow a 20' enclosed Haulmark. The Toyota was actually barely OK, but we were packed to the limit with tools, spare wheels, people, dog, etc. This was with a Leer cap on the truck, too. You will be much safer and more confident towing with a tow vehicle that is way overrated for your trailer load. If you have a smaller tow vehicle, then an open trailer will be your only realistic option. You can get a Trailex enclosed and tow with a small SUV but the trailer is easily $16k+. We like the security and convenience of having an enclosed trailer. Nice not to have to load and unload in the weather, and it's a lot less stressful to have everything locked up inside when travelling. Any bigger trailer should have electric brakes; a surge brake is OK for a smaller trailer. I have had no problems loading/unloading in terms of underbody clearance, so I don't know that a beavertail is absolutely necessary.

BTW, we got the best deals on both trailers by buying at rural, low overhead dealers, both below MSRP. Buying used can save $ (see www.racingjunk.com), but we wanted a specific type of enclosed (to fit in our garage) and needed to order it.

We also have tried different tie-down methods and found that T-hooks ($8 each at www.northerntool.com) are the fastest and are very secure.

HTH!

Ada

 

Hey Ada, glad your here.
I too towed last year but with only a small 14' enclosed trailer. It belongs to a friend and has barn doors and no ramp. Used lam-beams as ramps. Was usually the entertainment at the beginning and end of the day. "You fit that car it there?" It was great though as I had a homemade tire rack and work table in there. Was great to have it for the same reasons as Ada mentioned. Also a place to go lay down and just get away from the buzzzz of the day.
Enclosed is a great way to go and the only way I will in the future. I'm in the market for a 20-24 footer right now. Ebay is a great place to look just to get some ideas, but they are always in the Midwest.
Fancy interiors are not at all necessary unless you have the $$ to pay for it. A good ramp with fold out is most common.
I tow with a Suburban.
If you can aford all Aluminum, then Go For It!
Two axels
Yes to brakes!!! I even had them in the 14' and I was glad I did

 

Thanks for the replies ...14' enclosed? WOW That sounds tight

I wish I had more room in my garage and in my yard, I already have 4 cars, and a small 2 car garage !!!!

 

my job requires me to pull trailers for long distances. we (work) have lots of them. 2 and 3 axle goose necks and 2 tag alongs. if you hagve the option i would get the goose next trailer. they ride difference is huge. they ride much smoother, back and turn easier.

good luck.

here is the company we use. they do lots of big race team stuff too.
http://www.goldengait.com/index.asp

 

BluesMini,

Hope to meet up with you this year

Phil

 

hope to see you also. i'll be at all of the BMWCCA events at VIR and a hand full of porshce and audi ones

 

I will be running in the ONELAP again, it is at VIR on May 10th, 2006

We run North, South, Full and Patriot Course s that day !!!!!

 

don't forget, there's a new course opening right outside of charlotte this coming year.

www.highrockinternational.com

 

I second the inclosed trailer. Being able to lock everthing up is very important. Also, keep in mind that a 20' or 24' trailer will be easier to sell, (if needed in the future), as they are the most common sizes used for race cars.

I bought a 20' inclosed and then finished the interior myself to save money.
Good luck.

 

Keep us updated on events over there, may take a little ride down from Ohio