What does everyone use for their track/racing car?

I had an open 18' trailer for a few months then sold it to buy a 20' closed. I really like having a closed trailer.....safety, privacy, out of the elements, I can keep my tools and other stuff in the trailer.

downside....price, limited space for entry/exit from the car when loading, must have a tow vehicle that can handle the added load of an enclosed trailer

Someone mentioned towing their E30 in an enclosed trailer was scary with a half ton truck. My tow rig isn't even a half ton, it's a Jeep Commander with a Hemi. Towing capacity is a hair over 7000 for a 4wd model.

I have an F250 and it's never been scary. but I would have second thoughts about towing an open trailer with your Jeep, and certainly not a closed trailer

Closed traier, idiot proof....can't forget anything cause it's all in the trailer!

I have an F250 and it's never been scary. but I would have second thoughts about towing an open trailer with your Jeep, and certainly not a closed trailer

You mean the Commander or the Wrangler? I would never think of towing with the Wrangler, the wheelbase is wayyyy too short. Should I be looking for a 3/4 ton truck, or at least a half ton SUV like a Tahoe?

Got a brother who uses a Jeep Commander to tow his car and open trailer. approx 5500 lb. He loves it as a tow vehicle. Ample power, very stable. But while it was touted as pre-wired at the factory for a brake controller, it wasn't, and getting it properly wired (he uses a Prodigy) was a pain.

Got a brother who uses a Jeep Commander to tow his car and open trailer. approx 5500 lb. He loves it as a tow vehicle. Ample power, very stable. But while it was touted as pre-wired at the factory for a brake controller, it wasn't, and getting it properly wired (he uses a Prodigy) was a pain.

Does he have the 4.7L or the Hemi? I'm concerned about a closed trailer with it.

I used an open trailer for a couple of years. Have had my enclosed trailer for one season. Each has it's pros/cons. Think I'll stick with what I've got.

Jay

I have an F250 and it's never been scary. but I would have second thoughts about towing an open trailer with your Jeep, and certainly not a closed trailer

Does he have the 4.7L or the Hemi? I'm concerned about a closed trailer with it.

I'll check for you. Which ever it is, it drinks gas by the lakeful. :(

He and I have talked about open v. closed and while he thinks the Commander is more than adequate for his open trailer (I've towed with it, too, and concur), he's concerned about towing a closed trailer with it, no so much because of the weight but because of the wind resistance.

Also, he lives in AZ where wet whether is much less a prob.

Is the tow vehicle also gointg to be a family car or daily driver? If he and I had our druthers we'd each have a truck as a dedicated tow vehicle to haul an enclosed trailer. But for us, a full-size SUV is just much more practical (for him, it's his wife's soccer-mom car during the week).

I'll check for you. Which ever it is, it drinks gas by the lakeful. :(

He and I have talked about open v. closed and while he thinks the Commander is more than adequate for his open trailer (I've towed with it, too, and concur), he's concerned about towing a closed trailer with it, no so much because of the weight but because of the wind resistance.

Also, he lives in AZ where wet whether is much less a prob.

Is the tow vehicle also gointg to be a family car or daily driver? If he and I had our druthers we'd each have a truck as a dedicated tow vehicle to haul an enclosed trailer. But for us, a full-size SUV is just much more practical (for him, it's his wife's soccer-mom car during the week).

The Commander is actually my father's, but he's lending it out to me whenever I need it. It's my parents daily driver. I've been planning on getting another DD to take over some of the driving duty my Wrangler does. I guess I should start looking for a full size? The wind resistance is what's concerning me. If the Commander can tow 7k, I'm wondering how much better a mid-90s Ram or Silverado would be.

The Commander is actually my father's, but he's lending it out to me whenever I need it. It's my parents daily driver. I've been planning on getting another DD to take over some of the driving duty my Wrangler does. I guess I should start looking for a full size? The wind resistance is what's concerning me. If the Commander can tow 7k, I'm wondering how much better a mid-90s Ram or Silverado would be.

Be sure also to look into max tongue weight, not just tow capacity. Plus, you have to consider all of the extra weight you might be carrying inside the tow vehicle. An SUV, even a truck-based one, will probably have less total load capacity than a full-on truck. And the SUV suspension might be softer to appeal to the soccer moms. That's why, on balance, purely as a tow vehicle the truck will outdo the SUV, even an SUV with a motor with ample power to pull the weight.

If the Commander is going to be your tow vehicle, I think you should stick with an open trailer.

BTW, some open trailers are open down the center instead of having a full flatbed. Two advantages: reduced weight; and access to the underside of the car being towed. Check out the Carson California Car Hauler.

The Jeep isn't enough vehicle for a typical closed trailer IMO. Unless you're talking one of the super expensive, super lightweight, low profile enclosed trailers (which don't give you any room for anything but the car), it won't be enough.

If the Jeep is your tow vehicle, you need an open trailer.

I tow a 24ft enclosed with 1/2 ton F150. It does a pretty good job. Would a 3/4 ton be better? Of course, but for us the 1/2 ton made the most sense for our lifestyle. I've done a few things to the truck to help it out. Worked with a tuner to get the best air intake, exhaust and software package for what I'm towing.

Biggest improvement for towing though without a doubt is the Equalizer anti-sway and load leveling kit. With this unit setup it completely evens out the load front to back on the truck. It also almost completely eliminates sway and movement of the trailer. There is no way I could pull this load without it.

Finally, a very good brake controller is also key. I’m using the Prodigy III.

I've towed 5300 lbs over a 1000 miles with no problems. Also towed 8000lbs 200 miles without issue. I’m not crossing large mountains though. Going up over the Rockies or even some of the CA hills would be tough with my setup. For Midwest/southern hills though it's great.

One thing I just added is real oil, water and tranny fluid temp gauges. I have a feeling that the tranny will need an aux. powered cooler in the summer down here. Time, and a real gauge now, will tell.

So, will a 1/2 do the job yes. Will it need to be properly setup to do it, most definitely. Would a 3/4 ton be even better, definitely.

The Commander is actually my father's, but he's lending it out to me whenever I need it. It's my parents daily driver. I've been planning on getting another DD to take over some of the driving duty my Wrangler does. I guess I should start looking for a full size? The wind resistance is what's concerning me. If the Commander can tow 7k, I'm wondering how much better a mid-90s Ram or Silverado would be.

The Jeep is rated to tow 7000 lbs (read trailer, car, equipment, all passengers, driver 175 lbs, all luggage, and 2wd). This means if the trailer is loaded correctly, your brakes and tires are perfect, there is no wind and rain, and your driving technique is good, you should be OK, for one trip. However, your (Dads)tow vehicle transmission will severly suffer, be ready to cut him a check to cover the new transmission, and offer to pay for extra transmission sevices.

I agree with the HD transmission coolers, temp gauges, antisway hitches etc.

Go to the Dodge . Ford, or Chev. sites and read their towing guides, lots of good insight there. Talk with a good local RV dealer, they will be direct you in the best set up for your needs.

General rule for enclosed trailers: if you can park the tow vehicle in it then get a better/bigger tow vehicle. I'd tow an open trailer with the Commander without worry (assuming properly set up with brake control, weight distributing hitch, etc) but not even a smal enclosed, no way.

Most half ton trucks will be perfectly fine for towing a small-mid sized enclosed, 3/4 or 1 ton will always be better.

I previoulsy towed an 18' open steel trailer with a V8 Explorer (the OHV version, not the current gen) and while it was not ideal it was actually pretty darn good. Very stable, enough power, even got good mileage. I would consistently get 13MPH towing at 75-80MPH. Now that is here in the midwest where sometimes there are curves in the roads to keep you awake. ; )

I then upgraded to an F350 diesel for a 22' enclosed. That was nothing for the truck. Probably later next summer I'll be going back to an F350 although this time dually for a fifth wheel trailer vs tag.

Cheers.

I am going to go Open next year, as i need a flatbed for the business I am getting into. Need fork truck access and will use the truck to haul the tools, along with a tool box or two, if needed. Better gas milage too, no need to "haul a wall" to the track...:)

Hi Joe......am broke, but will get your roll bar into Baby over the Winter.....Hoping to use my new self employeed business next year to help with my racing addiction and get going in club racing...Bob

I towed for years with a 17' open trailer and it worked great. I had reasonably good visibility to the rear which made it easy to backup and to pull in after passing a slower vehicle. I carried tools and spares in the race car and mounted my spare tires on rack. Then I borrowed a friends 20' enclosed trailer and I was hooked. Now I have a 24' enclosed trailer which I tow with a Dodge 2500 CTD. When I get to the track, I just drop the gate, unhook the car and I'm ready to go. Once the car is unloaded, the trailer becomes a place to sit in the shade on hot, sunny days and place to get out of the wind and rain on stormy ones. (Yes it rains in So Cal. My last 3 events have had rain.) The down sides are less visibility to the rear when towing plus it's a pain to clean out after a wet event. All things considered, I prefer the enclosed trailer but having enough vehicle to tow it is critical.

Enclosed is absolutely the way to go -IF- you have enough tow vehicle.
Your stuff is always there, every time, all the time, it doesn't get wet, you have a dry place to hang in rain, a shady place to hang in sun.

With a too small tow vehicle enclosed trailer will be a nightmare towing 6 miles let alone 600.
I wouldn't try any enclosed, even an 18' - 20' with anything smaller than a 3/4 ton truck or SUV.

I had an open for years, then went to a 20' enclosed and its the best thing I have ever purchased. The only thing I miss about open trailering is using my open bottom trailer as a lift at the track to check things under the car.

HTH
jimmy p

Each has its pros and cons. It usually comes down to budget (for the trailer + added tow rig requirements).

Open trailers are cheaper, allow you to get better gas mileage, can be towed by damn near anything (1/2 ton truck is common), don't add side aero loading/sheer issues, and are somewhat easier to store/hide from your neighbors behind a fence. They are also lots easier to load/unload cars from, with no walls in the way and easy access next to the car sides. I can load or unload a car from our open trailer in about 5-8 minutes.

http://vorshlag.smugmug.com/photos/218632825-S-1.jpg

Enclosed trailers cost 2-4X as much, weigh more, have a lot more aero load, take more tow rig to pull (3/4 ton minimum), and are "harder to hide". You do get a lot of extra security and storage room compared to an open trailer, and missing side windows on your race car no longer become a problem. Adding lights, a work bench, small compressor, and generator is also an option, and all very handy track side.

Planned on using my father's Commander with an open for a bit, until I free up some more cash for a tow vehicle and enclosed. Since I'll be getting a DD anyway, I'm now thinking of a mid 90's truck. I'd prefer to find a diesel, a Ram with a Cummins especially, but I'd need to find a deal on it. Narrows down my next car search quite a bit.

I use a V6 Forerunner and single axel open trailer. Plenty of power and plenty of brakes. Then again my race car is only 1900lbs...

I highly recommend any toyota.

http://bmw1602.lostbrazilian.com/v1/get_thumbs_on_fly.php?imgid=3790&nw=640&nh=480

http://bmw1602.lostbrazilian.com/v1/get_thumbs_on_fly.php?imgid=3186&nw=640&nh=480

http://bmw1602.lostbrazilian.com/v1/get_thumbs_on_fly.php?imgid=3188&nw=600&nh=399

http://bmw1602.lostbrazilian.com/v1/get_thumbs_on_fly.php?imgid=3190&nw=600&nh=399

I highly recommend any toyota.

I used to be a believer in Toyota's until my wife's Sequoia grenaded it's tranny at 63,000, and we didn't tow with that vehicle. Wasn't covered under warranty due to being all of 3,000 miles out of warranty. Fixed it, sold it. Never a Toyota again...

Open - due to cost, lack of parking space and underpowered tow vehicle (1/2 ton suburban).

Closed traier, idiot proof....can't forget anything cause it's all in the trailer!


Keys, Phred, keys. You can forget the keys to the trailer or car. I'm pretty sure that more than one padlock as been cut off at the track by its owner.

But then didn't you forget the keys to the roof rack at an autocross a bunch of years ago? :devillook

My X5 4.8 surprisingly makes a badass tow vehicle. Plenty of power, great brakes. The keys are: (i) you have to use a quality load distribution hitch with built in anti sway, like a pro series draw tite or Equalizer hitch (I use the latter), (ii) wiring up a brake controller was not trivial, and (iii) you have to manually shift the transmission up and down hills to prevent the tranny from hunting for gears (excessive hunting will eventually tear up the tranny). Track car is 3000lbs, trailer is 1900lbs (open), and tow capacity is 6000lbs.

Invest in the proper hitch and you'll be fine with an open trailer. I suspect towing with your hemi commander will be similar (unibody, short wheel base, lowish tow rating, not real tow package from the factory)

http://www.equalizerhitch.com/productinfo/

Closed is feasible; however, you'll likely be at or over your tow rating, and despite the effectiveness of a good hitch, that weight is not a liability I'd accept should you get in a wreck (i.e., even though you can successfully tow with the proper setup, exceeding weight limits will be a liability if you get caught up in an accident).

06 X5 4.4, trailex aluminum open trailer (about 900lbs) and 2300lb car.

Tows real easy up to about 105mph, then it gets scary. Super stable in the 80-90mph range. Has surge brakes too and no load distributing hitch

I tow an 18' aluminum open with a 3.0 X5. No load distribution hitch. Actually tows very well, though I don't have any mountains to traverse of any significance. Pulls at 75 nicely. No sway or issue with trucks and cross winds. I get 15.8 mpg.

I am curious what a load distributing hitch would do for me. I've not had any problems with this and wonder why it's necessary if the trailer is loaded properly. I put the center of the car over the forward axle. Can a load distributing device be used with an aluminum trailer? I thought I read once that you can't use them on an aluminum tongue.

I tow an 18' aluminum open with a 3.0 X5. No load distribution hitch. Actually tows very well, though I don't have any mountains to traverse of any significance. Pulls at 75 nicely. No sway or issue with trucks and cross winds. I get 15.8 mpg.

I am curious what a load distributing hitch would do for me. I've not had any problems with this and wonder why it's necessary if the trailer is loaded properly. I put the center of the car over the forward axle. Can a load distributing device be used with an aluminum trailer? I thought I read once that you can't use them on an aluminum tongue.

What is your total towing weight? Any issues stopping? Is your X5 auto or stick? Sorry for all of the questions, trying to justify if I should do that to my x5 3.0 for short distance towing.

06 X5 4.4, trailex aluminum open trailer (about 900lbs) and 2300lb car.

Tows real easy up to about 105mph, then it gets scary. Super stable in the 80-90mph range. Has surge brakes too and no load distributing hitch

I can vouche for this. I followed the Diffsonline/BPG guys home from Watkins for about 20 miles at maybe 85-90mph.


This year I towed and open trailer with a 99 Expedition (tow cap 7400lbs). Backing up and strapping down are extremely quick and easy, and it's nice to use the trailer as a lift trackside. Open deck (hole in the floor) also means I can strap the car down easier and I dont have to take the front bumper/splitter off. I can also lock all the valuable stuff inside the SUV.

The Expedition has plenty of motor for the tow load, but our routes to tracks up here usually involve traversing the side of a mountain so I'm constantly wringing its neck up a long hill. Next time maybe I'll spring for a diesel and try daily driving a truck. :dunno

If you're considering buying an enclosed trailer for your debateably sufficient tow vehicle I'd highly advise finding somewhere you can rent or borrow one, first. Despite the fact that I'd much prefer an enclosed, I tow an open trailer for two primary reasons:

1. It's easier to back into a parking or storage space because I can actually see around / over the trailer. If you have a crew to help you out, props to you, and maybe this isn't as big of a factor. At my old house, parking the trailer in one narrow slot around a corner took a lot of practice and precision.

2. I rented an enclosed trailer and my maximum speed up the hills I travel in NorCal was well below 55 mph and my tranny (and motor) got really hot (torque converter unlocked, revs were high, etc.). With the open trailer the truck does great and maintains 65-70mph up any hill I've ever driven. Just that aero loading and a couple extra thousand pounds really hurts.

My truck's a '95 TBI 7.4L Suburban that I picked up for a handful of thousand for a couple years ago and although it's underpowered, gas hungry, and ugly, it has always been a pleasure to tow with.

What is your total towing weight? Any issues stopping? Is your X5 auto or stick? Sorry for all of the questions, trying to justify if I should do that to my x5 3.0 for short distance towing.

I have an automatic. Tow rating is 5,000 lbs. I figure I'm about 500 lbs under maximum with car, trailer, and gear in the truck and on the trailer.

Stopping hasn't been an issue. The trailer has brakes on both axles. As stated above, wiring the trailer brakes is a bit of a project, so's the hitch. There's a lot of info on X5world.com for hitch install and brake wiring. I have a Prodigy controller.

The key to towing is realizing you have the extra mass and drive accordingly. You have to be more aware of what's going on in front and all around. Leave a lot of room for stopping. Plan ahead.

I imagine a 3/4 ton Suburban with the diesel would be able to tow a closed trailer? Or maybe a Ford Centurion?

I can vouche for this. I followed the Diffsonline/BPG guys home from Watkins for about 20 miles at maybe 85-90mph.

:devillook

I can vouche for this. I followed the Diffsonline/BPG guys home from Watkins for about 20 miles at maybe 85-90mph.

And yet I get a ticket coming back from the Glen going 80 and I was following a fuel tanker and a minivan. :mad I've had three speeding tickets in the last 10 years, all coming back from the Glen (2 on I-88 and the other on I-90). I've learned my lesson in NY state -- set the cruise for Speed Limit + 8 MPH until you hit the Mass border.

Of course, the 3 tires on the roof of the Evergreen M Coupe probably doesn't help me hide from the laser.

Sorry, back to the original topic.

I went for an 18' steel, closed deck, open trailer for budget reasons. Paid 2900 for it. Had to as I also bought a 2007 5.4l F150 Crew Cab with a towing package same week.

My Sure Trak trailer weighs in at 1900lbs. With car, the combo weighs in at about 4600/4700. The truck has a 9000 lb tow rating.

With no load distribution hitch, fully loaded with tires and gear, the package tows dead steady up to 85+mph.

Paid 2900 + Tax, plus $250 for a tire rack.

http://www.altechcorp.com/users/mario/tr-3.jpg

http://www.altechcorp.com/users/mario/tr-4.jpg

I went for an 18' steel, closed deck, open trailer for budget reasons. Paid 2900 for it. Had to as I also bought a 2007 5.4l F150 Crew Cab with a towing package same week.

My Sure Trak trailer weighs in at 1900lbs. With car, the combo weighs in at about 4600/4700. The truck has a 9000 lb tow rating.

With no load distribution hitch, fully loaded with tires and gear, the package tows dead steady up to 85+mph.

Paid 2900 + Tax, plus $250 for a tire rack.



Curios, what kind of gas mileage are you getting at about 70mph? I have basically the same truck but pulling a 24ft enclosed. I'm getting about 7.5mpg at 70 mph. At 60 I get about 9mpg. I've been wondering since I got it what kind of mileage I'd be getting if I was pulling an open trailer.

Also, are you leaving it in 3rd or running with overdrive? I have to leave it out of overdrive or the converter keeps unlocking and heating up the tranny fluid. If I leave it in 3rd it runs all day at 170 deg max tranny fluid temp.

Curios, what kind of gas mileage are you getting at about 70mph? I have basically the same truck but pulling a 24ft enclosed. I'm getting about 7.5mpg at 70 mph. At 60 I get about 9mpg. I've been wondering since I got it what kind of mileage I'd be getting if I was pulling an open trailer.

Also, are you leaving it in 3rd or running with overdrive? I have to leave it out of overdrive or the converter keeps unlocking and heating up the tranny fluid. If I leave it in 3rd it runs all day at 170 deg max tranny fluid temp.

Interesting.

What year is your F150? Mine is a 2007.

Let me add this. The bed is covered by a toneau cover. The truck also has a 3.73 lsd. Towing package has a tranny cooler.

I leave it in 3rd with overdrive on.

With Trailer and car:
On one run to the Glen, cruising at 72-75mph and some local driving in the village, I got 275 miles and used 24 (out of 27) gallons of fuel. So 11.4 mpg.

Without Trailer:
Last week on a trip to WV (sis in law lives 9 miles from Summit Point), cruising at 75-80, I got 400 miles on 24 (out of 27) gallons. So 16.6 mpg.

An enclosed trailer must add some killer drag. Next year will be different as my tire rack will be high in the windstream.

'07 as well. FX2 Screw with 3.55 lsd though. With the Troyer software, Magnaflow SIDO and Airforce 3" air intake.

Before I installed the software best mileage I ever got was 17mpg. Normal around town was 15. Just added the software and got 19.7 at 78mph all highway this weekend!

The 7.5 mpg was at 70mph towing with cruise control but going through the Ozark mountains of MO.

The giangantic front wall is def. killing the mileage. Slowing down to 60 was a huge improvement on fuel economy.

'07 as well. FX2 Screw with 3.55 lsd though. With the Toyer software, Magnaflow SIDO and Airforce 3" air intake.

Before I installed the software best mileage I ever got was 17mpg. Normal around town was 15. Just added the software and got 19.7 at 78mph all highway this weekend!

The 7.5 mpg was at 70mph towing with cruise control but going through the Ozark mountains of MO.

The giangantic front wall is def. killing the mileage. Slowing down to 60 was a huge improvement on fuel economy.

Hey, a fellow "Screw-er" lol. :wavey The software before the magnaflow and intake? For nearly 3 miles extra per gallon, I may have to look into that software. Impressive.

You guys need to be looking into diesels more than software! I tow a 2 car enclosed that is 5 ft taller than my truck and getting 11-12 mpg @ 78 mph and I'm pretty sure the set up weighs damn close to 20k lbs. Course, my truck has more toys than the race car.:(

Phil, your rig is so big it has its own gravity field.

You guys need to be looking into diesels more than software! I tow a 2 car enclosed that is 5 ft taller than my truck and getting 11-12 mpg @ 78 mph and I'm pretty sure the set up weighs damn close to 20k lbs. Course, my truck has more toys than the race car.:(


It cost a lot more than my truck too.. For us it came down to compromise. A diesel would be great but it was going to cost over 10k more to get into it equally optioned. That's a hell of a lot of gas savings to make up. Plus the truck is my wife's daily driver and I was afraid of the havoc she would reek in a Superduty. The F150 does a great job for our needs. It pulls strong and is rock solid stable. The gas mileage, admittedly is dismall though pulling an enclosed.

It cost a lot more than my truck too.. For us it came down to compromise. A diesel would be great but it was going to cost over 10k more to get into it equally optioned. That's a hell of a lot of gas savings to make up. Plus the truck is my wife's daily driver and I was afraid of the havoc she would reek in a Superduty. The F150 does a great job for our needs. It pulls strong and is rock solid stable. The gas mileage, admittedly is dismall though pulling an enclosed.

Compromise decision for us as well. While I suggested the Diesel to the wife, the upcharge ($6+k) was too great. So we got the F150 for now and we will see how and where things go. At this point the truck meets our needs perfectly.

Trust me, I was seriously eyeing the Diesel Crew Cab F250 King Ranch and even drove it but at the end of the day it came down to the budget.

Open since I have to Tow 2 cars, so a 32 foot open trailer is lighter.
I use a Ram 3500 Dually with a 5th wheel.

I also have a open single trailer for when my Fiance doesnt want to take her car to the track to run, or for Auto Xing when we share a car.

B

I've had both, and I'll never go back to an open trailer. Towing a race car without side windows in bad weather can be a real bitch. Plus with the enclosed trailer, you have a garage on wheels. I take far more to the track now than I ever did when I had an open trailer.

Regardless which route you go, don't scrimp on the tow vehicle. I have a 2004 Dodge Cummins Diesel 3500 and Love it.

Mike

I traded my 01 Tahoe in on a 06 F250 diesel. Regardless of the huge amount of torque (570) the 250 has it is much more amazing how more stable it feels just due to its weight. In the tahoe the trailer could push it around, that does not happen anymore with the PSD.

Side note, I actually lost some MPG's just due to the extra frontal area when I added the tirerack last year.

I traded my 01 Tahoe in on a 06 F250 diesel. Regardless of the huge amount of torque (570) the 250 has it is much more amazing how more stable it feels just due to its weight. In the tahoe the trailer could push it around, that does not happen anymore with the PSD.

Side note, I actually lost some MPG's just due to the extra frontal area when I added the tirerack last year.

I did the same thing when I had my 18' open trailer. I dropped the tire rack down as low as I could and it helped. Yours looks like it could easily go down a foot or two.

Here's the after pic. Couldn't go lower or move forward because of opening my tool box.

Jay

Why don't all you cats with tire racks just throw the tires in the race car? I imagine that would be a slight PITA, but if it's worth 3-4 mpg... on a 1000 mi tow, it would sure be worth it.

Why don't all you cats with tire racks just throw the tires in the race car? I imagine that would be a slight PITA, but if it's worth 3-4 mpg... on a 1000 mi tow, it would sure be worth it.

No rear seat access with a full cage. Can't fit them all in the trunk. I use a pass seat when I'll be instructing. And, I can assure you it isn't 3-4mpg. Maybe a few tenths.

Jay

I see the point about throwing the tires in the car, but what about in the back of the truck?

I see the point about throwing the tires in the car, but what about in the back of the truck?

Security? Also, the tires and tool box on my trailer offered some protection for the front of the car.

Jay

Someone mentioned towing their E30 in an enclosed trailer was scary with a half ton truck. My tow rig isn't even a half ton, it's a Jeep Commander with a Hemi. Towing capacity is a hair over 7000 for a 4wd model.

Matt:

I've use my wife's Jeep Grand Cherokee (Hemi equipped) with an open trial and it pulls them with no problem. I've towed a 22 foot closed trailer as well thus my hunt for a close 20 foot. Make sure you have a load-leveling system for towing the open trailer and both the load-leveling and anti-sway systems if you go with a closed trailer.

Feff
www.MVPTrackTime.com (http://www.MVPTrackTime.com)

I see the point about throwing the tires in the car, but what about in the back of the truck?

the truck is already packed with coolers, tool boxes, ramps, air tank, canopies, pit bike, etc...... and I have a long bed :eek:

Here's a picture of my tow rig at Barber this last weekend.

I also went with a cut down tirerack to keep a lower profile since I didn't need the deck space. Still get 15.8 mpg.:)

Finding a diesel 3/4 ton in my price range will be hard enough. How would a mids 90s Ram 2500 with the 5.9L V8 do with an enclosed trailer? I greatly appreciate the responses everyone's given so far.

that will work, but you do not necessarily HAVE to get a diesel. IT is not all about the engine (although it helps) it is more about the weight of the vehicle. You can pick up a used 99-01 f250 with the V10 in it fairly cheap. THey are reliable and have decent power for your needs.

Michael -

4.4 or 4.6?

Or 3.0?

3.0 and it pulls fine. No mountains, though. Road A, Roebling, and Barber are all easy pulls.

Throwing around ideas of speeding up the purchase of a tow vehicle to double as a dd. I'd prefer a Ram, but I find so many Fords and GM trucks that are cheaper. 3/4 or 1 ton would be the rule, but I'd still prefer a diesel. I'm wondering how hard it would be to tow that enclosed with only the standard V8 ex. 360, 5.7L etc.. Enough to wait and try to find a diesel?

You drive a Wrangler so you could handle driving a truck daily but that would drive me nuts so I went with the tow truck and separate DD route.

There are a ton of reviews of the different diesel trucks out there, check Google. Getting a diesel comes down to $, both cost, fuel, and depreciation. Sometimes it's worth it sometimes not.

I haven't done it, but I'd assume the newer 3/4 ton+ gas trucks could easily pull the enclosed trailer you mentioned. They are all rated 10,000+ lbs now, some up to 16,000lb I think.

I'll probably end up with an older truck, mid 90's or later.

What is your price range?

If you're buying used you can get an 00-'03 Superduty with a v10 for very cheap. Or you can get the 7.3L diesel in superduty or Excursion for under 20k as well. Any of these will be more than adequate. Stay away from the ’03 and up 6.0L diesel engines. There are thousands of horror stories from that model. I don't know much about the other heavy duty trucks so can't help you out there.

A couple enclosed tips. Don't get a 20ft enclosed. With the car in there its not very big at all. A 24ft is almost negligibly heavier and much more useful. Also, do NOT get 3500lb axles. Only do 5200lb. You are only supposed to load the axles to 80% capacity on a normal basis. 7k total weight axles at 80% is only 5600 lbs. Subtract the ~3500lb trailer and you won't even be able to load your car and stay within recommended weight. Even at 100% load rating you will quickly find your running out of capacity. I learned all this the hard way so maybe it will help you out.

Pulling another thread up from the grave. Would start a new one, but that just leads to cluttered space

I've decided on a 3/4 or 1 ton truck, probably a pickup rather than an SUV, as a tow rig. I'd prefer a diesel, but how much of a difference would a gas V8 make if I was towing with an enclosed trailer? An open one?

The way it looks, I'll end up with a gas truck and an open trailer, until a few years later when I can get a newer diesel truck. If I have an open trailer, it might do double-duty hauling my Jeep, which will weight somewhere around 4500 lbs, built. Might just drive the Jeep til I can afford a diesel.

For an open trailer I don't think it will make a difference between diesel and gas. The diesel will get better MPG, but the cost of diesel has been pretty high lately, not to mention you'll spend more money buying one.

Honestly, for what you're talking about most 1/2 ton pickups would be plenty. If you start moving into a larger enclosed trailer you will want something bigger, but the open trailer doesn't require much truck.

Go to a website like MSN autos and look up the tow ratings of whatever trucks you want. I think you'll find that just about anything 1/2 ton and up within the last 15 years will have you covered.

Pulling another thread up from the grave. Would start a new one, but that just leads to cluttered space

I've decided on a 3/4 or 1 ton truck, probably a pickup rather than an SUV, as a tow rig. I'd prefer a diesel, but how much of a difference would a gas V8 make if I was towing with an enclosed trailer? An open one?

The way it looks, I'll end up with a gas truck and an open trailer, until a few years later when I can get a newer diesel truck. If I have an open trailer, it might do double-duty hauling my Jeep, which will weight somewhere around 4500 lbs, built. Might just drive the Jeep til I can afford a diesel.

Kinda lost ya there a little bit. You're planning on getting 3/4 or 1 ton but want a v8? I wouldn't do that, either diesel or v10 if ya want 3/4 or bigger.

Or you could just get the 1/2 ton. Unless you are pulling an enclosed I wouldn't even consider bigger than the 1/2 ton. The smaller 1/2 will make a much better daily driver and will pull any open or even a small enclosed (properly equipped) with no issues.

Here's a picture of my tow rig at Barber this last weekend.

I also went with a cut down tirerack to keep a lower profile since I didn't need the deck space. Still get 15.8 mpg.:)

HOLY CRAP are you nuts??? Parking on the grass is like a 10,00000 fine at Barber!! :D

Yeah I'd prefer to have a diesel 3/4 ton, but I will likely only find a half ton in my price range. Towing the BMW will be fine, towing the Jeep will be a bigger strain. Twice the weight, twice the height, and shaped like a barn door on wheels.

Here is a good article comparing the big three's HD trucks, gas vs. diesel.

http://www.pickuptruck.com/html/2007/shootout/hdshootout1.html

GrifM3
Dinan S2

Here is a good article comparing the big three's HD trucks, gas vs. diesel.

http://www.pickuptruck.com/html/2007/shootout/hdshootout1.html

GrifM3
Dinan S2

It would be a lot better article if they hadn't used the Triton V-10. I read it awhile back and choose The Silverado 2500HD Gas over the Diesel due to initial cost (8K less) and cost of diesel fuel over regular gas (.40 a gallon).

I've always liked vans as tow vehicles. can fit plenty of supplies in them. We've got two, but here's the special one.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v215/Dizy56/van.png

I'm finding some great deals on used late 90s/early 00's with V8s, half tons and 3/4 tons. But looking at it, I can find Rams and F250s with V10s for the same price. I talked with the Ram guys and more than a few have been saying that they get a little north of 10 mpg. I don't have an in-flight refueling chase vehicle. This would be a DD too. Diesel would be great, just for the longevity and reliability, but those hold their price better. I could get by towing my open trailer fine with a half ton and a V8. Should I hold out for a larger one, like a Hemi or a 6.0L Vortec, or would you go with a 4.7L or a 5.3L? Anyone got a V10, either Ford or Dodge?

If it's a DD too, why not a 1/2 ton truck? You can get dramatically better MPG for a daily driver. Towing will be very slightly more difficult but the difference in ride quality has gotta be worth it.

If it's a DD too, why not a 1/2 ton truck? You can get dramatically better MPG for a daily driver. Towing will be very slightly more difficult but the difference in ride quality has gotta be worth it.

Ride quality's never bothered me before. Eventually I figure I'll trade it in for a more modern truck with a diesel, so that I can tow an enclosed trailer cross country, with my 4500lb Jeep inside, but for now I guess a half ton would be the easiest to come across. Would you take a 4.7L or hold out for the Hemi? Same with the 5.3L/6.0L GM trucks.