posted 08-27-2000 09:01 PM                  

MY TWO CENTS:

I have a 24' CARGO EXPRESS enclosed trailer with 10,000 lbs axles. list price on my trailer with some options $6,800

I carry my Prowler and trailer in it. I wanted enclosed to be able to go to indoor shows and have the car clean when I got there. Also if you are staying at motel you have your own garage to store it in and less chance of damage by people wanting to get up close and personal with it.

The trailer you buy MUST have GVW of greater than the weight of the trailer and the vehicle and any contents you have on the trailer. The 10,000 vs. 7,000 lbs axles on my trailer was only additional $175.

It takes a real HORSE of a tow vehicle for an enclosed trailer due to wind resistance. I pull mine with a Dodge 4x4 Cummins Diesel, auto & 3.54 axles. It could use either 4.10's or manual trans for days with strong headwind or really hilly conditions. I can pull with my Bronco (351 HO)but too short of wheel base to feel safe on long high speed trips.

An open trailer will let you get your car to where you want to go but it will be dirty if it is nasty out. It weighs less than enclosed so tow vehicle can be alittle lighter, but YOU WANT IT TO HAVE TOW RATING GREATER THAN TOTAL WEIGHT OF TRAILER/VEHICLE COMBO.

The look of Prowler on open trailer going down the road on open trailer is great, but WHY DO THEY SHIP THEM IN ENCLOSED TRAILER TO THE DEALER?

I also have an 8,000 winch installed in the front of the trailer to help load a car. I use it for more than the Prowler and it is very handy.

The ramp door lets me lower the door and drive the car in. Some open trailers have a high deck and loading a car as low as the Prowler can be a problem due to ramp angle.

I do drive my car. It now has 12,000 miles and just got 1,000 going to Woodward last week.

THE WildCat IS NO TRAILER QUEEN

I do have a 16' open trailer that I could put the car on, But now that I have enclosed it is reserved for utility only.

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Larry
CURRENT EXOTIC SPORTS
ISCA INTERNATIONAL POINTS CHAMP `99~`00
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posted 08-27-2000 09:28 PM                  

I'm considering the trailer as well. I borrowed a vette friend's open trailer for the last two week trips to San Antonio (River City Raceway) and to Woodward (3,300 miles). His trailer weighs more than the Prowler. I pulled it with 1/2 ton Dodge Ram... Pulling the open wasn't a problem. I really like the visibility. Although the enclosed has it's advantage, I'm not ready to upgrade my Tow vehicle.

Based on this experience, I'm thinking of an open aluminum trailer. Stopped in Bowling Green, KY on way back at Trailer World and looked at their aluminum trailers... Saw a featherlite (open aluminum)on the parking lot of the Holiday Inn in Farmington just before I left and the owner had 20,000 miles on it & recommended it.

I have 8,400 miles on my Prowler but for some trips it would be nice to tow & carry everyone & stuff in my truck. We usually take two cars to most events because it's usually Karen, my son & me traveling to most places along with guest. laddie...

posted 08-27-2000 10:21 PM                  

When the Prowler is on the trailer it still sits lower than my tow vehcile (Expedition). I get a few bugs on each side mirror, otherwise the Prowler tucks nicely behind the tow vehicle. I drive through Kansas (can get very windy) a few times per year so wind resistance is of major importance. Have towed several thousand miles and have not noticed any chips, etc. from towing on open trailer.

I purchased the trailer to tow a Wrangler, which doesn't have a problem driving up the ramps. If I had to order another trailer I would be sure to get one whereby the back three feet of the trailer angles down about six inches. Not much room to spare at the center of the Prolwer when driving up the ramps.

I have pictures if you are interested in seeing them.

posted 08-28-2000 03:56 PM                  

I, like Wildcat, have a Cargo Express enclosed trailer. Mine is 20' as I do not have the Kat Box like Larry. Had mine built on 16" centers rather than the standard 24". It added some weight, but I thought it better to have the Kat a little more stable. MSRP for mine was $4800.00, or a little less than the cost of the Kat Box.

Currently, I tow it with my wifes 2000 Grand Cherokee Limted which is capable of 6,500# capacity. Trailer is 3,200 plus Kat (3,000) and it puts me close to capacity.

I added a mirror on the right side (inside) to help me load the Kat. Can get it in and tied down in about 20 minutes.

posted 08-28-2000 09:18 PM                  

ONE THING IF I WERE TO HAVE SPECIAL ORDERED JUST FOR ME I WOULD HAVE NOT LET THEM INSTALL D RINGS THEY NEED TO BE ADDED ONCE CAR IS POSITIONED AND GET THE CANADIAN LIGHT KIT (Side marker lights at the bottom of the trailer)

I have the finished inside walls and ceiling.

I saw in another brand trailer track in the floor like semi trailer cargo locks. This would be best tie down setup. Hooks can go in anywhere to give best possible tie down point.

The mirror is a good idea.

posted 08-28-2000 10:22 PM                  

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posted 09-13-2000 07:36 PM                  

It's 20' enclosed with nose cone, two side doors (one over wheels next to drivers side & other normal front of passenger side), recessed step on passenger side door, spare tire & ramp door extension to be added...

Here's the web site.
http://www2.wellscargo.com/html/auto_hauling.html

posted 09-13-2000 08:59 PM                  

They have a trailer that is an open trailer and has a cover that can be added to make it an enclosed trailer. I saw it at Auburn and thought it would be good for all purpose trailer and when not using the cover over the trailer it is portable garage where ever you place it.