*Revived and updated* Enclosed trailer / camper idea - thoughts?

[lgb240]

Jalopi,

Interesting thread you've started here ... I started vintage racing a '56 MGA last year and have had many of the same transportation issues that you've noted, and the thought of converting a straight truck into a car hauler crossed my mind. I passed on the idea due to the expense. Some things to consider ...

Don't buy a used U-Haul regardless of the price. Even the new rigs on the road are used up POS's. I've read studies where consumer magazines have randomly rented u-hauls across Canada - over 80% of the trucks they looked at (that could be rented) wouldn't pass a safety. Stay away from them.

What size Ranger do you have? I use a 2000 Ranger 4x4 with the 4.0 V6. It's rated at 5000 lbs towing capacity. It was my father's. He bought it new. He passed away 5 years ago, so my mom keeps it at her place and I / my brothers use it whenever we need a truck. I've towed all over with it (probably 30,000+ km) without issues. I think the key is getting the right trailer - the lighter the better, less strain on the truck, better MPG's. I first had a single axle, aluminum trailer, but have since upgraded to a duel axle Trailex, bought used.

The trailex is one of the best aluminum trailers around. It's 845lbs empty, brakes on both axles and very long ramps for low cars. I have a tire rack, but took it off. They are expensive, even used, but are considered lifetime trailers. The trailex with an e30 would weigh in at about 3700lbs +/-

Also, have you considered a conversion van? Last year, I experimented with a Roadtrek. Rated at 7500lbs towing capacity,(probably a little optimistic) has all the comforts of home (fridge, stove, micro, AC, shower, sh1tter, ect) It worked very well for for a weekend at the track. I sold it off at the end of last season and am currently looking for a class C (more room, more pulling power, but more fuel consumption).

[jalopi]

Hm. Good links. Damn those toilets get expensive real fast though. And yeah, smell would be important, since I'll probably have some sort of cutout leading from the bunk area to the cab. Either that or next to the toolbox into the cab.

[ajhostetter]

The shower I can honestly do without... yea I'm sleezy like that.

Shitter, on the other hand, is something I'd really have to be concerned about. I piss quite often, lack of toilet would be an issue.... too many "public indecency" laws these days to risk it.

I'm with you dude. I don't mind going au naturel myself. What about these: http://www.westmarine.com/toilets

A fancy groover and you can spend as little as $30.00. If it's gonna be in the truck for a weekend though, I'd go with that electric portable. It'll probably help keep the smell down.

[jalopi]

The shower I can honestly do without... yea I'm sleezy like that.

Shitter, on the other hand, is something I'd really have to be concerned about. I piss quite often, lack of toilet would be an issue.... too many "public indecency" laws these days to risk it.

[ajhostetter]

Huh. Maybe if I got a 26' truck I could rig a shower up in that bitch... maybe. One of those outdoor showers would probably be more reasonable/doable though.

I like this. If you can avoid plumbing the truck, it's going to be so much less headache. I've used those solar showers and they really work pretty well.

[jalopi]

Huh. Maybe if I got a 26' truck I could rig a shower up in that bitch... maybe. One of those outdoor showers would probably be more reasonable/doable though.

[TobyB]

...and yes, you can find 30' class A Rv's sometimes. They hold their value better,
but that shower is soooooooooooooooooooooooooo nice when you come off track
at the end of the day.

But it's only really worth it at tracks out in the boonies- of which we have quite a few
around here.

t

[Chris916]

I like where this is going..

[jalopi]

Yep, exactly that. Thanks for the link, gave me a good visual idea of what to do to overcome the wheel well humps.

I'll have to look into fold up/down rear ramp, it'd be preferable to having 80% of the car completely in the air at one point with the 12' ramps (besides, the cheapest set of 12' ramps I can find are like, $900)

[Boris3]

Like this?

http://www.racingjunk.com/Truck-Trailer-Combos/182247435/24ft-box-truck-race-car-hauler.html

[jalopi]

Lol. Yeah, the idea of 5-8mpg really hurts my dick, but it's not like a gas truck would get much better pulling a 20-30' trailer. A diesel would do better, but 12mpg isn't really that much different. Big difference on a cross country trip, but I think the max I'd be going for now is Georgia.

I've been into renovating homes as a side job lately too; slowly getting more into it. Making a home depot trip only once compared to 3 times in a day would also be fucking sweet. No need to worry about things hanging / potentially falling out of the back of my truck (6ft bed)

[IronFreak]

We must be long lost brothers....

I have been hard on this idea for awhile now. I was REALLY leaning towards the uhaul, but fuel economy keeps creeping into my head. So I have started looking at 25-30' car trailers. Yes I'd need a truck, preferably diesel but, I would be able to use that for other things besides just hauling to a track. I want a long one because I'd like to take my fab abilities with me to fix mine, or offer my services to fix others vehicles. have enough room for my car, tires, welders, air compressor, tool box, tire machine etc.

That way I can show up to events, rip up the track and in my downtime make some cash fix/changing out tires.

[jalopi]

Hm. Didn't know they were called toy haulers - thanks for the info, I'm sure this'll pull more results on google.

Still though, would a RV really be a better option than the uhaul? I mean, it's got the bathroom and all, but I really don't want to put anything longer than a 30' truck in my driveway (though I guess the looks of a RV would piss the neighbors off a bit less). The only thing I think would be a pain is the rear door - I'm sure I could fabricate a garage door into the back of an RV but the fitment/quality wouldn't be nearly as nice and it'd probably take me a good while to get it right. Guessing it'd be roughly the same price as the uhaul truck too.

[TobyB]

Generically, they're called 'Toy Hauler' rigs- there are some neat ones running around out there.
I always thought it'd be cool to do to an old class A RV- keep the bathroom and kitchen,
and sleep where the car would be when you were hauling.
After a certain age, a class A has no cash value- but if you were to find one with low mileage
(a party wagon or similar) to gut, it would be a great way to go. Probably lighter,
loaded, than a full- built RV.
Add a compressor, tool storage, yadda yadda, and you'd have the ultimate support vehicle.

t

[matthugie]

I like this a lot actually. I'm in the same situation, but am probably going to elect for the more traditional tow vehicle route. Still, this is awesome.