Your Guide to Buying a Car Trailer
If you are looking for a car trailer, chances are you already have a second car for another purpose. Though the reasons might vary, the general principles in selecting a car trailer are not hugely differentiating. From the experts in selling car trailers in Brisbane, here are their tips in choosing a car trailer.-
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Robustness
What’s the point for a car trailer if it cannot safely transport your beloved car to the destination? Therefore, a solid trailer is crucial above any additional factors. Stainless-steel is the inevitable material to balance between weight and durability. Due to the weight, the experts recommend welded trailers for extra peace of mind.
The chassis on the trailer is just as important to the chassis of your car. Not only does it hold up the car, but the weight transfer and vibrations on the road could damage the load if not managed properly.
Other than a sturdy base, springs, extended drawbar and the axle are key aspects to check. Springs keep the loaded car from bottoming out at bumps, while elongated drawbar helps with the balance of the trailer and the maintenance of suspension of the loaded car. A solid axle is also key to ensure the endurance of the trailer.
Tandem, or dual-axle, trailers are most recommended to withhold the load of a car. Electric brakes for both axles are essential as well for the safety of the loaded car and the towing car.
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Loading up your car
First and foremost, the deck of the car trailer should fit the car you are planning to load. It is recommended to minimize any overhang of the loaded car from the trailer to prevent accidental scratches. The feasible payload of the trailer should be considered as well. While most trailers can take up to 2300kg, heavier off-roaders might weigh more and require customized trailers.
In terms of loading, especially track-focused cars, the approach and departure angles are minimal to lower the center of gravity and maximize the effect of diffusers. If the car planned to be loaded is set up for the track, the loading angle of the trailer should be within your consideration mix as well.
Car trailers with long ramp and tilting features are efficient in minimizing the angle needed for loading while reducing the chance of bottom-up with the angle between the ramp and the trailer. Racecar professionals recommend an angle of at least 8 degrees, considering most production supercars, including the Ford GT and the Mercedes GT are designed for a minimum of 9 degrees approach without lift. Yet, the angle may vary on cars with a hydraulic lift system or with aftermarket front splitters.
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Additional features
To make your life easier, car trailers can be equipped with various simple additions. One of the most notable appliances is the winch. Using a winch rather the engine of the loaded car offers more ease than you expect. Winching is more controllable, especially with sensitive clutches and higher torque of track cars. While reducing the run time of the engine and the noise associated, winch also allows managing the car at a third-person standpoint rather than being at the wheel.
A jockey wheel, on the other hand, is helpful in maneuvering the trailer and keeping the trailer flat when it was not towed. The extended drawbar is also beneficial for reversing. Quick-release coupling is a nice-to-have as well.
In the end, check your cars towing capacity. Carsguide has listed 14 best towing cars that you can check if you’re looking for one.
