Smallest Enclosed Trailer?

Ron Earp

Ron Earp

Administrator
What is the smallest enclosed trailer available? You know, something that would fit the car with maybe 2 ft to spare, 1 ft front and 1 ft back? With clever engineering and lots of fold up stuff you could still have a workable space, space to sleep, and sit out of the sun.

How much would one cost? That is, what is the price range of small enclosed trailers?



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Ron
http://www.gt40s.com
Lotus Turbo Esprit
BMW E36 M3
RF GT40 Replica
Jensen-Healey: IT prep progressing!
 
Whoa! $15k? I won't have $8k in the Jensen when it is done, and that can include an engine rebuild if I do it! Might have to think about taking the open tralier I have access to and doing some sheet metal work. Can't be hard, and I can do sheet metal work.

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Ron
http://www.gt40s.com
Lotus Turbo Esprit
BMW E36 M3
RF GT40 Replica
Jensen-Healey: IT prep progressing!
 
Check Ebay, I see 14 X 7 enclosed all the time. I would consider at a minimum a 16 X 7, and I am probably going to buy a 22-24 foot for my RX7; more room is better.

For the 14 and 16 footers, they are going for anywhere from 2200 - 4800.

MM
 
16 x 7 would be the absolute smallest that would be doable. But not what I'd recommend.

I have a 16 x 7 (used to have a FFord, now a FVee) This is the same size as the open trailer that I towed my prior Rx7's and Mr2 on, so the deck is large enough.

The problem is the surrounding walls severely limit your ability to get in/out of the car and strap the car down.

Costs: a 20' x 102" is only about $800-1000 more than a similarly equipped 16 x 7. My friend and I both bought 2004 Interstate trailers from the same dealer on the same day: there was less than $1000 difference in price. She has quite a bit more trailer, but I can barely tow my trailer/vee with what I have...an enclosed trailer was a larger priority than a new motorhome.

I looked at everything I could find (new) in the less than $6K price range. I had plenty of choices--including lots of junk. I felt the Interstate was the best value.
 
Thanks for the reply on the small 16x7 - that would work for me. I have a big advantage over most folks - open top car with plently of space to crawl out and I'm relatively small compared to a lot of fellows. Maybe I'll check around used...

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Ron
http://www.gt40s.com
Lotus Turbo Esprit
BMW E36 M3
RF GT40 Replica
Jensen-Healey: IT prep progressing!
 
Ron,
My 20' Enclosed Pace Shadow was $5,500.
That was perfect for a 240z. I had room
for the car, tool cabinet, spares, air
compressor and the kitchen sink. And it
is fairly easy to move around.

Look around, a good used enclosed can be
had for a lot less than $15,000.

Tom
 
There is no comparison between the comfort and safety of a gooseneck / 5th wheel and a bumper pull trailer. The 5th wheel is far superior in both aspects.

As far as the "smallest" - never buy on the bottom of the profile. A 16x7 trailer will leave you frustrated in nothing flat. As time goes on, you'll wish you had gone bigger. At the absolute minimum, I'd start with a 8.5' x 20'. If you have to go used for financial reasons, do it. And make sure you have a GOOD brake controller (I recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy). This is not speculation, it's from first-hand experience.
 
Wally is a respected builder/dealer. Meantime we are towing the CRX on an R&R 8.5x20 open aluminum trailer that cost us $4000. The Dealer-Leonard T&T in Ohio-advised against anything shorter than 20' for enclosed and this open one is not only perfect for the CRX but will handle our Prelude. It is big enough for a friend's Corvette or anothers 64 Fairlane 4-door. Be careful as versatility versus size will be a factor when you go to sell or trade up. Another thing-aluminum has a much lower maintenance cost. It is also very friendly to our Dakota 4x2 4.7 truck. I keep wondering why I got such a big one to begin with-but the room up front will accomodate a tire/fuel can rack along with the winch that is bolted to the deck now. Don't forget where you want to locate the spare tire.

Happy trailering

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Grandpa's toys-modded suspensions and a few other tweaks
'89 CRX Si-SCCA ITA #99
'99 Prelude=a sweet song
'03 Dodge Dakota Club Cab V8-Patriot Blue gonna tow

[This message has been edited by jc836 (edited November 10, 2004).]
 
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