[TurboS10]

Hey guys,

Well, since I plan on actually getting the S-10 on the track this spring it has come time for me to buy a trailer. I have been looking around and have found what I think are some pretty good deals. I am debating on whether to pony up for a little nicer one or not.

I have found a new 18' dove tail, wood floor, 3600# axles with one brake, new tires and wheels, ramps, and saftey break away for $1300. Second thing I am looking at is a Gravity tilt bed: new 22'(4 plus 18 tilt), same specs as the other trailer except used wheels and tires for $1800.

I think the tilt trailer is an awesome concept and a buddy of mine likes his that he uses for his wrecker service. The drawback is of course the price and that it is about 400 miles more to drive and get. With the new little one here, money has become somewhat less plentiful so $500 is alot. Do you guys think it is worth it?

Another thing is that I dont what to get a trailer that is a pain to load on. The S-10 has about 3.5 inches of clearance on the exhaust downpipe and the 4 Link crossmember so it could be a little close on the dove tail. How low of a car have you guys put on a standard dove tail?

Thanks,

Chris

[Dutchman]

I am really wondering if your looking at everything. I had a Chevy Blazer S10 and had a terrible time just pulling or stopping my 18 foot boat trailer. What is the pulling capacity of your truck? Do you have enough to pull and stop the trailer even if the trailer has brakes? Shoot, my friend has a Ford 150 and it wasn't rated high enough to pull my 66 Chevy Truck.
Just asking.
Dutch

[2-manytoyzs]

I built mine for $320. Bought a old Road Ranger travel trailer (for $100) that was totaled but good frame. Widened the axles and frame 9 " (to 8' ) and shortened the bed to 16'. Has brakes on both axles. #3500 each axle. Cost $20 for 5 yrs registration.

[TurboS10]

Dutchman, My pull truck is a 2000 Silverado, 5.3 with a few extras, 4l80, 3.42 gears. I think it will do fine pulling the trailer. I will be pulling my S-10 to the track. I should have been more clear.

Toys, I have thought about building a trailer, but after pricing axles, brakes, fenders, hitch, jack, lights, etc. it seemed like it would cost close to as much as I could buy one for. This was especially true when I found the $1300 deal which is about $500 cheaper than I have found anywhere else for the same trailer.

Thanks,

Chris

[trees]

Turbo, I have built a few trailers over the years and I agree with you in the building costs if you are buying new stuff to do the building. With a lot of scrounging around, you can end up cheaper, but that takes time. In your shoes, I would be looking for a pure tilt trailer that you either drive on or winch on. You would not have to worry about undercarriage clearance. Brakes on one axle would be adequate, but definitely have brakes for liability purposes if nothing else. Featherlite makes some great equipment, but the price is out of sight. I'm sure you have seen lots of different trailers at the strip and you know lots of people go in and out of the racing business. You may be able to pick up a custom used one from some one throwing in the towel.

Trees

[Deuce]

I bought one with a dovetail. The ramps slide in/out of the trailer. This is the ONLY time I ever used it......



I would suggest saving up and buying a enclosed trailer. Vastly better security for your ride and the tools. I have a Pace Shadow....22 footer. There are lots of them for sale NOW....off season.

[chevyguy5288]

I have a18 ft trailer with a dovetail. My son has put quite a few lowered trucks on it and its close but none hit yet.

I would suggest spending the extra cash for a full floor not just 2 runners. The trailer can now be used for a lot of other things besides cars, tool boxes, lumber, etc.

I have also added a several lights in addition to what the dealer put on. EXtra side marker lights and more important, front and back of fenders as close to the outside that you can. I have several friends who have been hit at night when they are towing a mt trailer because it is hard to see. I also added reflective white tape to outside rails for same reason.

I mounted a storage box to the front which can be removed if it has to be to keep everything in it, straps, chains, comealong, wheel chocks, couple tools, etc. This way when I need it, it is always on the trailer, I do not spend a half hour lookin for
the chain. Oh yeah i keep the box locked so no one borrows anything also

[Kevin45]

Whatever kind you get look for an "extra wide". The 6 or so extra inches you get really makes a difference. I paid $1300 for a dovetail trailer. Weimer and I have picked up a few cars with it. The only thing that if they are low the exhaust would hit. Nothing serious but a hassle non-the-less. But for your S-10 you should be fine. Another thing to consider is self storing ramps over the foldup type. Although when backing an empty trailer the foldup type would help considerably by being able to see the back of the trailer easier.

Kevin