Need help choosing an enclosed trailer.

[A34]

 Hey Guys,

I want to buy a 24-26' enclosed trailer for my car. I also want to use it to store parts and haul parts to car shows when not taking the car. I'm pulling with a 04 Hemi Quad Cab 1500 with 3.92 gears.

Any advice on what options to get on the trailer? I know I want 5200lb axles and a tagalong. I've never owned an enclosed trailer before or pulled one, so I don't know what to look for. What construction specs should I buy? I'm planning to buy new.

I know alot of this depends on how expensive I want to go, so let's just say a nice quality middle of the road trailer. Not a el cheapo that will fall apart in a couple of years and not a top of the line deal that is worth more than my car. 

I would appreciate any tips or advice.

Thanks !!

[bzabodyn]

Good question - only because I'm kind of in the market too... and will be towing with an '07 identical to yours... haven't done much research on my own so hopefully this thread will help me out a little too...

Sorry to mouch!

BZ

[whitehatspecial]

Beavertail with ramp door. Curb and street side doors, located in the right position so you can exit the car. Adjustable tie down locations. Good interior lighting. Load leveling torsion bars. 7' inside height is nice, but 6' works well.

I'm sure others will have more. 

[69 OUR/TEA]

Throw me on the list too,A34 I have the twin to your truck and was wondering if it was possible to pull an encloesd with it.Power wise I think it's got plenty,but it's  the suspension that I was questioning.Do you have to add air bags or add helpers to the springs?Or does the weight destributing hitch take over?This would answer my thoughts too.

[694spdRT]

We pulled our 24' enclosed trailer with dad's 2004 1500 Hemi 4 X 4 with 3.92 gears once. The trailer was empty other than a riding lawnmower and it still blew the rearend after a couple hundred miles. I don't really know if it was a fluke but luckily Dodge put a complete new rear under it.

I am sure it has been done with a 1/2 ton but I would not pull a car trailer that size with anything less than a 3/4 ton, especially loaded down with my prized Charger. An enclosed trailer is a different animal than an open trailer in the way it handles, responds to wind, tongue weight, etc.

[justin1987]

I am sure it has been done with a 1/2 ton but I would not pull a car trailer that size with anything less than a 3/4 ton, especially loaded down with my prized Charger. An enclosed trailer is a different animal than an open trailer in the way it handles, responds to wind, tongue weight, etc.

[bill440rt]

I am sure it has been done with a 1/2 ton but I would not pull a car trailer that size with anything less than a 3/4 ton, especially loaded down with my prized Charger. An enclosed trailer is a different animal than an open trailer in the way it handles, responds to wind, tongue weight, etc.

Whitehatspecial also summed it up nicely w/options.

At the very MINIMUM, you'll want a 2500 series 4 x 4 with 3:92 gears. I used to pull mine with my '98 2500 5.9L w/3:55's & it used to huff & puff up really long inclines. I towed from NJ to OH, PA, CT, etc, numerous times, & for the most part it was OK. My '07 2500 HEMI w/4:10's is MUCH better though.

I've owned my Wells Cargo since '99, it has been really good. You can customize where you want the LT side exit door, as well as where you want the tie downs in the floor. I personally think they are among the best constructed trailers out there. They also have a wide-body option, which REALLY helps when loading in a wide car such as a Charger.

[A34]

I am sure it has been done with a 1/2 ton but I would not pull a car trailer that size with anything less than a 3/4 ton, especially loaded down with my prized Charger. An enclosed trailer is a different animal than an open trailer in the way it handles, responds to wind, tongue weight, etc.

Whitehatspecial also summed it up nicely w/options.

At the very MINIMUM, you'll want a 2500 series 4 x 4 with 3:92 gears. I used to pull mine with my '98 2500 5.9L w/3:55's & it used to huff & puff up really long inclines. I towed from NJ to OH, PA, CT, etc, numerous times, & for the most part it was OK. My '07 2500 HEMI w/4:10's is MUCH better though.

I've owned my Wells Cargo since '99, it has been really good. You can customize where you want the LT side exit door, as well as where you want the tie downs in the floor. I personally think they are among the best constructed trailers out there. They also have a wide-body option, which REALLY helps when loading in a wide car such as a Charger.

Ok, so I'm not gonna be towing everyday. Just a couple of times a month during the summer. You guys still think a trailer with trailer brakes and equalizer hitch are too much for a 1500? It's rated to 9,000 lbs.  I don't understand why a 4x4 is necessary? Just wanna understand the reasoning here. Thanks ! 

[suntech]

I like the Goldrush trailers a lot. They are light for the size, and good quality. I had a 50 foot goosneck from them in 2001, and it was great. Airride, and a very smooth ride!!
Not one single bolt came loose the entire summer, and i putted app 15000 miles on it.

[NMike]

i just sold my 24 enclosed a few months ago. i didn't have enough room to store it when not in use. if i were to do it all over again, i'd make 100% sure that it has a large door on the side. i hated having to do the dukes to get out of the car once inside.

[694spdRT]

I am sure it has been done with a 1/2 ton but I would not pull a car trailer that size with anything less than a 3/4 ton, especially loaded down with my prized Charger. An enclosed trailer is a different animal than an open trailer in the way it handles, responds to wind, tongue weight, etc.

Whitehatspecial also summed it up nicely w/options.

At the very MINIMUM, you'll want a 2500 series 4 x 4 with 3:92 gears. I used to pull mine with my '98 2500 5.9L w/3:55's & it used to huff & puff up really long inclines. I towed from NJ to OH, PA, CT, etc, numerous times, & for the most part it was OK. My '07 2500 HEMI w/4:10's is MUCH better though.

I've owned my Wells Cargo since '99, it has been really good. You can customize where you want the LT side exit door, as well as where you want the tie downs in the floor. I personally think they are among the best constructed trailers out there. They also have a wide-body option, which REALLY helps when loading in a wide car such as a Charger.

Ok, so I'm not gonna be towing everyday. Just a couple of times a month during the summer. You guys still think a trailer with trailer brakes and equalizer hitch are too much for a 1500? It's rated to 9,000 lbs.  I don't understand why a 4x4 is necessary? Just wanna understand the reasoning here. Thanks ! 

The thing with a 1/2 ton is that all of the specs are nearing their limit with that type of trailer load. The load rating does not account for external forces like the wind resistance, people suddenly stopping in front of you, rough roads that pound the lighter springs and rear end, and the general unsteadiness of the rig. You can go to the Dodge website link and see the 9100 towing capacity. But take a look at the trailer they have behind the 1500.....it isn't even close to 24'.

http://www.dodge.com/en/2008/ram_1500/capability/towing_payload/

A 3/4 ton has heavier axles, brakes, springs, tires, and overall truck weight provide more stability. A 3500 dually will provide even more stability but is not really necessary with the load you are talking.

The other thing is if you have an automatic make sure there is a tranny cooler for pulling that load regardless of the truck. I don't really see the advantage a 4wd has over a 2wd pulling a trailer except it helps when driving in bad road conditions.

[bill440rt]

When it comes to trailering, ESPECIALLY with an enclosed trailer, you don't want to screw around & take chances. Sure, the 1500 may PULL the trailer, but when it comes to stopping, handling, turning, etc, you'll be pushing the truck to it's advertised capacities. Safety is key here, the trailer will end up pushing the truck around.

A 4x4 truck's springs & suspension, payload, & towing capacity exceeds the 2-wheel drive version. It's a heavier-duty truck. You won't get as much as that "rear bumper dragging on the ground" effect as a 2-wheel drive. Weight distribution bars help greatly, I won't tow without them.

[694spdRT]

When it comes to trailering, ESPECIALLY with an enclosed trailer, you don't want to screw around & take chances. Sure, the 1500 may PULL the trailer, but when it comes to stopping, handling, turning, etc, you'll be pushing the truck to it's advertised capacities. Safety is key here, the trailer will end up pushing the truck around.

A 4x4 truck's springs & suspension, payload, & towing capacity exceeds the 2-wheel drive version. It's a heavier-duty truck. You won't get as much as that "rear bumper dragging on the ground" effect as a 2-wheel drive. Weight distribution bars help greatly, I won't tow without them.

I agree with nearly everything you have mentioned and prefer a 4wd myself.  However, A34 appears to want a 2wd truck and it will serve his needs.  Looking at the Dodge specs a 2wd 3/4 ton Quad cab has standard 13,400 towing capacity compared to a 13,050 towing capacity with the 4wd version. I do agree that the 2wd sits lower to the ground and may drag more often. Fuel mileage will be better with the 2wd so there are drawbacks and benefits to both. 

[A34]

When it comes to trailering, ESPECIALLY with an enclosed trailer, you don't want to screw around & take chances. Sure, the 1500 may PULL the trailer, but when it comes to stopping, handling, turning, etc, you'll be pushing the truck to it's advertised capacities. Safety is key here, the trailer will end up pushing the truck around.

A 4x4 truck's springs & suspension, payload, & towing capacity exceeds the 2-wheel drive version. It's a heavier-duty truck. You won't get as much as that "rear bumper dragging on the ground" effect as a 2-wheel drive. Weight distribution bars help greatly, I won't tow without them.

I agree with nearly everything you have mentioned and prefer a 4wd myself.  However, A34 appears to want a 2wd truck and it will serve his needs.  Looking at the Dodge specs a 2wd 3/4 ton Quad cab has standard 13,400 towing capacity compared to a 13,050 towing capacity with the 4wd version. I do agree that the 2wd sits lower to the ground and may drag more often. Fuel mileage will be better with the 2wd so there are drawbacks and benefits to both. 

Living in GA and going to shows in the summer, I don't think I'll have much use for 4WD from a bad weather type situation. So, the mpg is a more  important factor to me. Thanks for the education, it's just as important to know why you don't want something as why you do. 

[A34]

So, anyone want to try and do a group buy on a trailer with me? I have a buddy locally who wants one too. Maybe we can get a deal. Here's what I've decided on, let me know your thoughts please.

enclosed 24' tagalong
Beavertail with ramp door.
Curb and street side doors, located in the right position so you can exit the car. How do I determine this for a 69 Charger? 
Adjustable tie down locations.
Good interior lighting.
Load leveling torsion bars. 7' inside height.
16" on centers, is this optimum?
5000 lb axles
V-Nose
roof vent
winch

[bill440rt]

Determining the left side exit door is pretty easy. You can do it in your garage, driveway, etc.
Simply lay out the interior dimensions of the trailer around your car (chalk, string, etc). With a 24" trailer, you should be able to leave yourself 3-4 feet of room up front between the front bumper & the front wall of the trailer. Don't forget, you may have a step on the right side where the entry door is. My right front tire just comes up even with the edge of this step when loaded properly in the trailer. It is NEXT to the step, NOT over it! I have about 3-1/2 - 4 feet from my front bumper to the front wall of the trailer. This gives me enough room to walk around the front of the car, tie it down, etc.
Anyway, measure your anticipated distance from the front wall of your trailer to your front bumper. Then, add the distance from your front bumper to about 6" before the front edge of your door. This will give your door room to swing open. Don't forget to add the measurement of the length of the door, to make sure it will clear the rear edge of the car door! You should be able to narrow it down where you want the side door to be.

Good luck!

[69charger2002]

a 2500 or 3500 2wd will do just fine in this application. a 1500 can do it, no doubt, but i wouldn't do it.. not even twice a month.. you're asking for trouble, either with failing parts, or just the danger of overloading it.. the 4wd is not necessary whatsoever, in fact 2wd tows more than 4wd.. another goofy thing if you look it up, that you wouldn't think. is a single cab is rated to tow more than a quad cab. funny but true.. anyway all the hoopla about the hemi is just that. hoopla. 345 hp is great, but it has nothing to do with towing. even the tranny in the 1500's still BLOWS> kicks down up every hill you go with a lot of weight on it on the interstate, just like the old ones
trav

[resq302]

a 2500 or 3500 2wd will do just fine in this application. a 1500 can do it, no doubt, but i wouldn't do it.. not even twice a month.. you're asking for trouble, either with failing parts, or just the danger of overloading it.. the 4wd is not necessary whatsoever, in fact 2wd tows more than 4wd.. another goofy thing if you look it up, that you wouldn't think. is a single cab is rated to tow more than a quad cab. funny but true.. anyway all the hoopla about the hemi is just that. hoopla. 345 hp is great, but it has nothing to do with towing. even the tranny in the 1500's still BLOWS> kicks down up every hill you go with a lot of weight on it on the interstate, just like the old ones
trav

and that is the reason why I got a 2005 F150 with a 10,000 lb towing capacity instead of replacing my lemon dodge with another dodge.  The ford compared to what the dodge was is night and day difference in towing.  Granted, we only use the truck to pull our 24' Pace American enclosed trailer a year and it does it with no problem with no real strain going up steep hills.  FWIW, it has 3.73 rears in it.

[A34]

Thanks again fellas. Wish I could afford to upgrade that Hemi to diesel, but they're still too expensive for me. I hear this is going to be the worst new cars sales year in 13 years. I hate it for the folks that depend on that for a job, but maybe it'll bring one of those bad boys into striking distance for me. We'll see........

[BlueSS454]

I have a 26' Pace American trailer that I've been using to tow my 70 SS454 Chevelle around with since 2001.  It has served me very well.  The first time we went to use it was to go down to Nashville, TN from NJ.  At the time, we had a 1984 Suburban 1/2 ton.  It was simply too much for it.  The trailer controled the truck more than anything else and we had to abandon the trip and come home much to my dismay but it wasn't worth taking the chance.  I'll NEVER tow that trailer witha  1/2 ton truck again, too unsafe.
After that, we bought a 1993 Suburban 2500 4x4 with a 454 and 4.10 geared rear.  Dramatic improvement.  The 93 Suburban dragged that trailer up and down the mountains of Eastern TN no problem.  As was stated before, the load leveler bars are a MUST with an enclosed trailer.  They aid in controlling the tongue weight and keep the trailer from swaying back and forth. 
I have since bought a 2004 Silverado diesel 4x4 with 3.73 gears, and I must say I have used that truck and towed that trailer to TN and back to NJ 4 times, to Niagara Falls 3 times, Ohio, Massachusettes, Maryland, North Carolina, and PA many, many times with no trouble.
As for the trailer itself, beavertail ramp door, curbside door for entry, no street side door, 10,000 pound axles, tag-along, and 102" wide.  I know exactly where I need to position the 70 SS454 so it the tongue weight is where it needs to be, something you'll have to play with to get it right.  I've used to to tow the Charger around twice.  THe Charger being a slightly wider car, fits in there pretty well, using a standard 96" wide trailer will give a little less room on the sides.  4 wheel electric brakes are mandatory on enclosed trailers I'm pretty sure.  Which brings up another thing, make sure that you properly set the brake controller.  It needs to be leveled, then adjusted for how aggressive the brakes need to be.