Enclosed Trailer Suggestions - SM Content

So, having acquired a massive Suburban as a tow vehicle, my Dad and I are now looking to purchase an enclosed trailer for our Spec Miata, in the 24' to 28' range.

We are familiar with the "brand names" (Haulmark, Pace) trailer, but my thought is that for about the price of a used Haulmark or Pace, we can get a new one of the "off brand" models (Titan, Cargo South, Express, Tropic etc.).

In other words, is a used top brand trailer "better" than a new lower brand trailer? It seems like Pace/Haulmark hold their value better over time. Is it because they last longer/are more durable? "Perform" better? What is the board's experience/wisdom/recommendation?

(For those of you also on mazdaracers.com, my Dad posted basically the same question there yesterday, sorry for the cross-post.)

I had an MTI trailer. I thought it was as good or better than a similarly equipped Pace, but a few thousand less.

just buy that Pete Brock aluminum thing.

buy it because he is cool and into old Datsun stuff. What other reasons do you need?

Heh, heh, heh...

I thought you said S & M content...

shadetree30 wrote: Heh, heh, heh... I thought you said S & M content...

Well, when was the last time you were at a Spec Miata race?!

I have a 13yr old Haulmark. It still works as advertised. Pulls straight, does not cause drama.

Do you really want a 28' trailer though? I have a 22' for a larger car, tools, spares, etc.. and use it to sleep 4 (as many as 6) when at the track. 28' is unwieldy to move around and the extra space you think you will have in the nose will all be at the rear to get it to balance the load - and if you load the rear... you jack the back of the suburban. It turns out that it become a 22' trailer that sleeps 10 when its empty rather than a better space to haul your race car. A Miata fits nice in a 20'. Just sayin'

I use a 7x16' trailer for a single Miata. We have a 28' V-nose at work for towing two Miatas.

As for quality, that 7x16 is a United and the 28' is a...well, off-brand. The United is definitely built better, you can see it in the roof supports and the like. I only have about a thousand miles with the 28' so far. It tows well enough. The United broke one of the spring mounts in Nova Scotia after about 6,000 miles including some real abuse in Newfoundland. My local trailer shop had to realign not only the field fix but also a couple of the other pickup locations.

+1 on the size. 28' feet is unnecessary. I would recommend 24' over 20', tho. 24' are easier to find and sell.

Just be aware that the lower end trailers (including the cheaper Pace and Haulmark) have leaf spring suspension. Bad for car hauling Dont buy a trailer without torsion suspension. Also, the higher rated axles allow you to fit better tires. Tires are the weakest link and can be a real problem.

Also be advised that a half ton Suburban doesn't do too well with trailers longer than 20'. Tongue weight gets a little heavy for half ton suspension. Not to mention brakes which have been an issue towing with older 'Burbs.

I have no brand preference- I have towed many without trouble, including the leaf spring units.

There are occasionally a few deals in the used market. Trailers do pretty well on holding their value.

Again, like others, I seriously question the size you are looking for. 28' is a REALLY big trailer for a ball tow. Your rig may exceed 50' in length.

I'm afraid you won't be happy with it. You will find it difficult to tow, and very difficult to park. Unless you know something I don't know (like you have vast experience with big trailers and don't mind them at all), I'm pretty sure you'll be looking to get rid of it after the first season of use.

I tow my Miata in a 20 foot enclosed. A friend built shelves in the front, tire storage etc. and we bolted down an old Craftsman tool box. Pretty much everything fits, the car has plenty of room. One thing I would look for is a left side door. It makes it a lot easier to get out of the car when it's in the box, especially if you drive "fat out" like I do.

Nothing wrong with leaf springs. I towed thousands of mile with no problems.

car39 wrote: I tow my Miata in a 20 foot enclosed. A friend built shelves in the front, tire storage etc. and we bolted down an old Craftsman tool box. Pretty much everything fits, the car has plenty of room. One thing I would look for is a left side door. It makes it a lot easier to get out of the car when it's in the box, especially if you drive "fat out" like I do.

You can also find an 8.5' width trailer instead of the left side door (or in conjunction with). The extra half a foot is nice to have everywhere. It allows you to hang things on the wall on both sides and still walk down the side of the car. In my case - I bought used and didn't know what I was buying until I noticed how cramped others boxes were. Now that I do know... I don't think I can do without.

Keep in mind that a wider trailer will be harder on fuel - it's all about frontal area. That's why mine is a 7'. Although the big truck doesn't seem to care, theTundra did