Car trailer

[hampstead38]

In preparation for the big trip, I need to put my '66/67 Dodge D200 into storage in Montana. That means hauling it out from Maryland. I could rent a U-Haul, but for the money they want, I could probably put a fairly good dent in a 7000 GVW to 10k GVW car trailer. Any recommendations on decent dual axle trailers? I don't imagine the brick shaped Dodge will tow as smoothly as the Overlander, but I guess we can't have everything.

[richinny]

what's the weight of the truck/cargo? have you considered a tow dolly?

[moosetags]

You've got me curious. How much does U-Haul want to rent you a car trailer for such a trip?

Brian

[memgrove2000]

We tried to get a u-haul two weeks ago for a Dodge Durango. They would not let us rent it because the Durango was too heavy. I think the limit is 4100 # for a u-haul trailer... Good luck with your trip

[richinny]

the issue i ran into with uhaul was that they have a large cushion with the tow veh limits. they have a feature on their site to see if you're within limits.

a quote from ny to miami fl was around $500.00/1 week.

[hampstead38]

U-Haul wants over $800... probably because I'm going to the middle of nowhere, Montana. I could run a dolly, just disconnect the rear drive shaft, but I prefer towing with an actual car hauler. The D200 weighs about 3800 pounds, but I'll probably toss a few things in the bed... nothing heavy like an engine block, but even the little stuff adds up. I can pick up a beater trailer here for $1000 to $1500. A guy has a low-end 18' Carry On that is relatively new (2008) for around $1800. Even if I sell it as a loss in Montana, I'm not forking over 8 bills to U Haul.

[Phoenix]

If you are making a roundtrip, check on the U-Haul daily rate, then pull it both ways. Back before we had a pickup truck, we used to rent U-Haul closed trailers; and the difference in cost was significant.

[Melody Ranch]

Why not look at something like this? I haul cars, airplanes, tractors,etc., etc. They tow easy and resell easy too. So, buy and resell it. Especially popular in Montana I'd suppose.

[wkerfoot]

Originally Posted by hampstead38

In preparation for the big trip, I need to put my '66/67 Dodge D200 into storage in Montana. That means hauling it out from Maryland. I could rent a U-Haul, but for the money they want, I could probably put a fairly good dent in a 7000 GVW to 10k GVW car trailer. Any recommendations on decent dual axle trailers? I don't imagine the brick shaped Dodge will tow as smoothly as the Overlander, but I guess we can't have everything.

I would check with some of the truck sites, such as P O W E R *W A G O N * Page for information and advise on trailers. A lot of the members of that forum use trailers to transport their PowerWagons to rallies.

Bill

[Ike T]

Around Atlanta, $1800 is a good price if the trailer has twin-3500 pound axles and is in good working condition. Great price if it has twin-5000 pound axles.

U-Haul wants $1000 for a 2 week, 1-way tow from GA to CA starting next week. And this was not a "last minute" quote for the rental.

Instead, I am picking up a new 18' car hauler with twin-3500 pound axles, electric brakes on both axles, and ramps to tow our 3000 pound Jetta. I would have upgraded to 5000 pound axles, but the axles were not available in our timeline as I spent too much time hoping I would find a used trailer that would fit our needs.

I should be able to sell the trailer at a loss far less than $1000 if need be.

Good luck on your trip.

[barts]

Originally Posted by Melody Ranch

Why not look at something like this? I haul cars, airplanes, tractors,etc., etc. They tow easy and resell easy too. So, buy and resell it. Especially popular in Montana I'd suppose.

I have a 18' 10K Big Tex trailer... simple, easy and tough. Not a very smooth ride, but that's expected. Very handy

- Bart

[hampstead38]

Well, here's the situation. Normally, I wouldn't mind hauling an empty trailer back, but the return trip includes our youngest daughter who wants to look at colleges for next year and my wife who loves side trips. By the time they're done with me, I would have paid a thousand dollars to not have a trailer hanging off my hitch.

I prefer the flat, closed deck trailer to a dovetail, open deck, but it's really a matter of finding a decent deal. There were some sweet aluminum flat deck, 10k trailers, but a bit spendy. I'm in Tim's situation... I've spent too much time frittering around to be overly choosy. I have a line on some different trailers. $1800 seems the going rate for a decent dual axle, 18' trailer in good shape. I might be able to shave a few nickels, but I also don't want to buy a cheap trailer and spend a bunch of money getting it roadworthy. As I explained to my wife, tires and "stuff" can make a bargain not a great deal. I'll keep you posted and let me know if you see a deal.

[ROBERTSUNRUS]

Hi, buy a tow bar and disconnect the drive shaft; Worked for me! Buy some magnetic tow lights too. If you use a trailer, you have to consider the weight of the trailer too.

[wkerfoot]

Flat towing that D200 would be down right scary and probably illegal without a towed brake controller. Just my opinion.

Bill

[richinny]

this might work:
Demco. Doing our Best to Provide You the Best - Tow Dollies

while you can't back up a dolly. the resale impact would be less than a trailer.

[hampstead38]

I might flat tow around town, but there's no way I'd be comfortable doing it over 2400 miles. If I'm going to jump on something, it would be trailer rather than a dolly. I've found trailers pretty useful over the years for a wide range of projects. All a dolly can do is haul a car. Besides, the chances are that we won't settle in my home town. The trailer might be useful if we end up some place like Colorado... hauling the old Dodge a second time rather than having my wife follow me. I'm getting a few leads... and with most things, it's just a matter of time and money.

[hampstead38]

I have a line on two trailers. Both are around $1800. One is an '02 Premier 10k open deck trailer that's been used but looks in good shape. The other is an '08 Carry On 7k open deck that looks like it hasn't been used much at all. I don't know anything about the manufacturers, but Carry On doesn't look real high end. They sell through big boxes. Premier is out of Hagerstown, MD, a local firm. Anyone with hands on experience with either manufacturer, feel free to weigh in.

[slowmover]

Originally Posted by Phoenix

If you are making a roundtrip, check on the U-Haul daily rate, then pull it both ways. Back before we had a pickup truck, we used to rent U-Haul closed trailers; and the difference in cost was significant.

This is what I just did. Saved 30% over Internet price by going to dealer and making case for roundtrip. Additional fuel was negligible due to Cummins engine and low travel speed. (Dropped 4 mpg from normal 24+ to 20 mpg. Added nearly 4,000-lbs to truck/trailer and saw 19 on return leg). Don't forget that U-Haul may not have even a decent torque wrench for lug nuts, and that tires can vary by 10-lbs and more.

Hope that "new" trailer checks out. LEDs are a cheap upgrade. Too late, I suppose to re-wire brakes with heavier wire, etc?

.

[hampstead38]

You make sense, Nax, but in addition to scooting the youngest around from place to place on the way back, we'll be on the road for 2.5 weeks or thereabouts. It could be a roundabout round trip.

As for improvements, I'm going to need something to do while the primer/paint dries on some old truck parts.

[slowmover]

Here are some I find handy (probably posted before):

Dodge Diesel - Diesel Truck Resource Forums - View Single Post - Trailer brakes

RV.Net Open Roads Forum: Towing: Independent Brake Wire Feed Upgrade

Dodge Diesel - Diesel Truck Resource Forums - View Single Post - Hooking up brake axle wires

RV.Net Open Roads Forum: Towing: Dexter Self Adjusting Brakes (long W/pics and details)