[Rambo_The_Dog]

I think its time I buy a car trailer, especially with a pending move coming down the road (well, I still have to find a place first)

Plus I plan on getting into custom car building so I should be able to use it to pickup and deliver customer cars.

I was looking at a 18' roll back style car trailer. Specifically

http://www.kwikload.com/




Of course I'd like to find a nice used one (squeeek!)

Does anyone have experience with this style trailer? What do the load and tow like?

Preferences for other styles?

I have found prices from 3200-4500 - alternatives anyone?

[powerrodsmike]

Before I bought my current 7000# trailer, I borrowed one of those rollback trailers from a friend. Several times. It was really easy to set up to load and unload, and towed really nice. I liked the fact that you could put a low car on it easily, and it didn't have the ground clearance issues that a Lo-boy has.
Later, mikey

[schnitz]

The biggest thing IMO is make sure you buy one that looks good sitting in your driveway, because that's where it'll be most of the time. Unless you plan on a lot of use, that is. Mine ('14 deck handmade that is shown in the first parts of my journal) has sat outside for almost the whole time I've had it. Used can be good, but make sure you don't find any cracks in any welds. They are a pain if you either (a) can't fix it yourself, or (b) have one break at a very in-opportune time. Also, get electric brakes. hauling a car makes them a necessary evil.


In a while, Chet.

[Rambo_The_Dog]

Originally Posted by powerrodsmike

Before I bought my current 7000# trailer, I borrowed one of those rollback trailers from a friend. Several times. It was really easy to set up to load and unload, and towed really nice. I liked the fact that you could put a low car on it easily, and it didn't have the ground clearance issues that a Lo-boy has.
Later, mikey

What kind of trailer do you have now? Is it a rollback style or?

The clearance is an issue with the Hudson and this trailer is 80" wide and with the 6" ground clearance underneath I don't want to worry about it hitting all the time.

Yeah, trailers are a lot like boats except you don't use them as much!

[powerrodsmike]

Originally Posted by Rambo_The_Dog

What kind of trailer do you have now? Is it a rollback style or?

No, mine is a wood planked flatbed. I don't remember the brand of the rollback I used. It worked good though

The clearance is an issue with the Hudson and this trailer is 80" wide and with the 6" ground clearance underneath I don't want to worry about it hitting all the time.

Yeah, trailers are a lot like boats except you don't use them as much!

But your friends do! hahahaha

Later, mikey

[38Chevy3WCoupe]

I would think that a customer's finished customized car should be delivered in an enclosed trailer. That way it's not open to road grime or stone chips or vandals.

[BOBCRMAN@aol.com]

Roll backs were not available when I bought my trailer (1968). I went on a car buying trip out west with a buddy. He has a roll back trailer. Tows like a dream and loads and unloads GREAT! I was impressed. When my old faithful Bay trailer finally dies. A rollback will replace it!!

I used to lend my old trailer to "friends". NO MORE.. After several sets of replacement lights. Tires and missing ramps. When returned..

[OneMoreTime]

I would definitely go with the rollback myself...Much easier on the back.. Having an electric boat winch or something similar is a good thing as well..

Sam

[Don Lyon]

Rambo, the Dog, No idea where in the Northwest you are, but over here in Idaho(PostFalls) Eagle Manufacturing builds a great rollback and its priced right.Rollbacks are the only way to go.

[Rambo_The_Dog]

Originally Posted by Don Lyon

Rambo, the Dog, No idea where in the Northwest you are, but over here in Idaho(PostFalls) Eagle Manufacturing builds a great rollback and its priced right.Rollbacks are the only way to go.

Do you have a url or phone # for them?

I'm in Washington so it wouldn't be too far...

[Rambo_The_Dog]

Thanks for the responses all!

I was able to find a Sloan Kwik Load rollback trailer locally for a decent price and it's only 3 years old!

This has to be one of the lowest sitting trailers I've seen on the road. It Tows really nice empty and looks good sitting in my driveway!

Of course no one warned me these things are like boats...I've already spent about 500.00 and change getting an electric winch, straps, chains, and electric brake controller for the truck!

[powerrodsmike]

Cool
Can I borrow it?
Just kidding

We put a 3500# warn electric winch on our trailer. I would say it tripled its usefulness. .
My friend has the same brand as what you have, same exact trailer . That is the one I talked about in my post .

One of the only problems he had is the lights in the bed collect water. Then they quit working. He drilled some drain holes and greased everything up good and fixed the problem.

Later, mikey

[Rambo_The_Dog]

Originally Posted by powerrodsmike

Cool
Can I borrow it?
Just kidding

We put a 3500# warn electric winch on our trailer. I would say it tripled its usefulness. .
My friend has the same brand as what you have, same exact trailer . That is the one I talked about in my post .

One of the only problems he had is the lights in the bed collect water. Then they quit working. He drilled some drain holes and greased everything up good and fixed the problem.

Later, mikey

Thanks Mikey - Right now I'm finishing up the winch mount and I should be getting power back pretty soon so I'll check those lights out and make the needed adjustments!

[Rambo_The_Dog]

Well I finished my winch mount.

1 word... OVERKILL!

I didn't buy an expensive Warn style winch - I wanted one more portable. So I bought one at Harbor Frieght on sale for 99.00

9600lb rolling
8600 marine
3600 drag

Then I went to my favorite metal recycler and found some staineless steel to build a platform and exoskelton to
Protect the winch

It works pretty good and the cage makes it easier to place in the receiver. I can also use this on my 4x4! NOTE: the legs and rubber feet are only for storage of the unit. When mounted on the trailer the feet do not touch - by design!

Also - your eyes do not deceive you the winch platform and "rollcage" are stainless steel not painted! I bent the pipe with my bender and got some stainless wire for my MIG welder.

The stainless wire works pretty good in the MIG - but the problem I had was any splatter would melt into the stainless.

I'm convinced now that a TIG welder is on the horizon!