Joemat Posted January 5, 2008 Report Share Posted January 5, 2008 What is the minimum length car trailer I would need to trailer my GT500? I have looked at the Featherlight 3110 series and they make a 14' and 17.5' model. I think on the 14' the bumber would hang over the rear of the trailer about 16 inches - probably not wise. The 17 footer would be better but a harder sell to the wife (bigger eye sore on the property!! ). Any suggestions on what others have used. The Featherlights are a bit pricey, but very nice (light). Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SVTpower Posted January 6, 2008 Report Share Posted January 6, 2008 Mine is a 17 ft'er. I wouldn't buy too small for a few reasons.........even though 14 may be enough(as long as the wheelbase is on), the longer is better. It allows you to move the car back or forth to better balance the tongue for better highway (driving/balance the load), 2nd) Are you comfortable with the car hanging out alot........what if someone hits the back end? if longer, they'll hit the trailer. 3rd) if too short, and the front end hanging over the tongue, you need to be careful it doesn't hit the tow vehicle when turning R or Left. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kaylan1521 Posted January 6, 2008 Report Share Posted January 6, 2008 Here's my trailer. It's a bit longer but it makes for smoother driving especially for long distances. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ggl Posted January 6, 2008 Report Share Posted January 6, 2008 I bought this one recently. It's a 20', but the car sits well and it is easier to hail long distances. Trailer Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joemat Posted January 6, 2008 Author Report Share Posted January 6, 2008 Mine is a 17 ft'er. I wouldn't buy too small for a few reasons.........even though 14 may be enough(as long as the wheelbase is on), the longer is better. It allows you to move the car back or forth to better balance the tongue for better highway (driving/balance the load), 2nd) Are you comfortable with the car hanging out alot........what if someone hits the back end? if longer, they'll hit the trailer. 3rd) if too short, and the front end hanging over the tongue, you need to be careful it doesn't hit the tow vehicle when turning R or Left. Thanks guy's. Looks like 17' would be minimum I should consider. Now the hard part. Convincing my wife to store this thing at the back of the driveway We have put a lot into landscaping and she say's this will make the yard look like Sanford & Son!!! Where's Lamant when you need him Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SVTpower Posted January 6, 2008 Report Share Posted January 6, 2008 Thanks guy's. Looks like 17' would be minimum I should consider. Now the hard part. Convincing my wife to store this thing at the back of the driveway We have put a lot into landscaping and she say's this will make the yard look like Sanford & Son!!! Where's Lamant when you need him Yeah, yeah........same speech my wife says to me........big deal, they'll get over it I am lucky enough to share my with my brother so it's not always at my place though Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blueovalkid Posted January 6, 2008 Report Share Posted January 6, 2008 Store it off site at a outdoor storage facility. Thats what I do, costs me $30 a month. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BADBOY500 Posted January 6, 2008 Report Share Posted January 6, 2008 I have a 20 ft dove tail and it's just right....Dont go any smaller than a 17' or you will kick your self...........as is 17' will be a snug fit.... ...Dave. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GTorSSguy Posted January 6, 2008 Report Share Posted January 6, 2008 I don't think you could tell from the street if its 14 or 20 feet long. Don't let the length slow you down. Get the biggest one you can afford. JMO :happy feet: A 38 Foot enclosed might fit in the driveway and then you could just live in it and would not have to listen to her chin music. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
croz98gt Posted January 6, 2008 Report Share Posted January 6, 2008 I don't think you could tell from the street if its 14 or 20 feet long. Don't let the length slow you down. Get the biggest one you can afford. JMO :happy feet: A 38 Foot enclosed might fit in the driveway and then you could just live in it and would not have to listen to her chin music. "CHIN MUSIC" Some times I wish my wife would just give me the silent treatment! JJ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sprint200 Posted January 6, 2008 Report Share Posted January 6, 2008 I share one with my dad, it is almost identical to kaylan's but probably a bit narrower. I agree about not buying too short. The extra length helps with the tie-downs in the rear, imo. But the width is pretty darned important too. With the side rails in place, I only have 3/4" of clearance on either side of the front tires. When loading with slicks on that have gotten greasy and picked up any gravel in the paddock, getting up the ramps without slipping off or getting crooked can be an adventure. And if your car is lowered, the height of the trailer, the length of the ramps AND the height of the fenderwells are all a big deal. I have to get out on the passenger side, because my drivers door hits the fenderwell. I'll try to take some measurements for you when I get over to dad's place later this week. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mobeydick Posted January 6, 2008 Report Share Posted January 6, 2008 Wear the Pants, Tell her Tuff Nutts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kylet Posted January 6, 2008 Report Share Posted January 6, 2008 I had a 16 ft with dove tail ,extended ramps and aluminum nose guard. money well spent,loading and unloading by myself a problem, however the longer it sat?? I sold it and bought a 24 ft enclosed vintage "outlaw". car pulls fine, and can be used as a garage , storage or shelter (shade) at events and locked up provides security. just my 2 cents. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
69deluxe Posted January 7, 2008 Report Share Posted January 7, 2008 Great thread! This discussion is quite helpful since I am considering buying one too. Before reading the opinions here I was considering a 12' or 14' trailer. I like ggl's trailer because the big tool box would serve as a barrier from any stones my truck might kick up. I would like an enclosed trailer, but I would be pushing the limits of my truck when the trailer is loaded due to the combined weight. Maybe it's just my area, but I have found it difficult to find a used trailer. Even if I do find one, the price isn't that much reduced from a new one. On the positive side, I guess they hold their value. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kaylan1521 Posted January 7, 2008 Report Share Posted January 7, 2008 Great thread! This discussion is quite helpful since I am considering buying one too. Before reading the opinions here I was considering a 12' or 14' trailer. I like ggl's trailer because the big tool box would serve as a barrier from any stones my truck might kick up. I would like an enclosed trailer, but I would be pushing the limits of my truck when the trailer is loaded due to the combined weight. Maybe it's just my area, but I have found it difficult to find a used trailer. Even if I do find one, the price isn't that much reduced from a new one. On the positive side, I guess they hold their value. That is pretty much everywhere. Difference between a new and used trailer makes it hardly worth buying used. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BADBOY500 Posted January 7, 2008 Report Share Posted January 7, 2008 I'll post finished pics monday.......... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1badsho Posted January 7, 2008 Report Share Posted January 7, 2008 I have a open 17' car carrier with a diamond plate tool box on the tongue and yes .. its a tight fit. I actually hit the front bumper on the tool box one time and put two nice dimples on the new car. OUCH... my future plans our to get a F 450 dually CREW CAB .... with a 48 ' goose neck trailer. 17' of car space .... 8' of work shop space and 15' of living space .... now thats how you travel !! ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joemat Posted January 7, 2008 Author Report Share Posted January 7, 2008 I'll post finished pics monday.......... Thanks. Is the wood a template? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BADBOY500 Posted January 7, 2008 Report Share Posted January 7, 2008 What size is your trailer? 20' dove tail...and 4' to the ball .....24' over all total...8000 gvw.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BADBOY500 Posted January 7, 2008 Report Share Posted January 7, 2008 Thanks. Is the wood a template? No...3/4 ply ........... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joemat Posted January 7, 2008 Author Report Share Posted January 7, 2008 No...3/4 ply ........... Thanks! Looks sturdy. Can you let me know how you attached your tie-down straps (front and rear) to the D-rings. Regards, Joe Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BADBOY500 Posted January 7, 2008 Report Share Posted January 7, 2008 Thanks! Looks sturdy. Can you let me know how you attached your tie-down straps (front and rear) to the D-rings. Regards, Joe Yes very....the first 2 ft is 3/4 x 2=1 1/2'' thick....and 4 coats of oil base paint and then I wrapped the outer edges with alum...only added 45lbs off the gvw....I'll post pics of the tye downs next...but the front is over the K member[side area]and the rear is crossed and over the axle...... ................ Oh...and this trailer is 8 years old........and yes the rims match the cars stripe :happy feet: ......Dave. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
07REDGT500 Posted January 7, 2008 Report Share Posted January 7, 2008 I have open trailered for years on a 17 foot. Rides good and allows for some adjustment on positioning the car. Got tired of cleaning the car and worrying about road damage. This summer I got a 20ft C&C enclosed. Still rides good (I pull with a 2004 F-150 with 5.4 engine and trailer package) and all arrives clean and protected. It also locks and keeps the car safe when parking at hotels, etc. I would not go for anything less than a 17 foot open and if you can swing it, go enclosed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joemat Posted February 3, 2008 Author Report Share Posted February 3, 2008 Thanks all for the advice. I just purchased a 17.5 foot Featherlight Aluminum trailer. Its only 1450 lbs and rides nice. Regards, Joe Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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