Trailer help!

[Bob_K]

I'm in need of an open trailer to tow my baby from San Diego to LA for safe keeping. I've found myself towing my baby more and more so I'm considering just buying a small open trailer, especially because it's almost impossible for me to schedule a rental on little to no notice, as my job requires. Does anyone know of a reputable company that sells trailers (or where I can pick up a used one) in the greater San Diego or LA areas? If not, can anyone think of any trailer rental companies other than U-haul? I've already called them and they're booked for the time frame I'm looking (sometime this month). Thanks for the help.

 

[Vettehead Mikey]

Towing on an open trailer exposes the car to almost as much road debris as driving it, so why not just drive it?

130 miles more or less?

 

[Bob_K]

Can't drive it.

Yes, about 130 miles. I can't drive it because it's not currently licensed. To license it and get it back to where I would trust it for 100 miles would take more time than I have right now, since I'm getting ready to go over seas for about 6 months and don't have much spare time. I'll be storing the car at my fiancee's place while I'm gone, since I'm getting rid of my apartment.

 

[gary55r]

Hey Bob,
You might look at Calif. DMV site, I think you can get a temporary permit to move your vehicle. If not get a Buddy to follow you up to LA after dark.
Want to borrow my plates?
Gary

 

[Tritium007]

Balston Spa? San Diego? Bubblehead?

 

[Bob_K]

Guilty as charged, Tritium. Forgot to update my stuff when I moved. Guess I should get to that. Anyhow, I think I have a new plan. Park it on the road for the few days I need to get the Uhaul and keep it covered. I can't imagine SD cops will uncover it to check for plates unless I glaze the wheels with chocolate icing.

 

[firstgear]

I bought a real nice trailer out in the midwest manufactured by R&R trailer out of Michigan.....it is an all aluminum and has "built in rock shields" for the fornt of the car by the way the ramps are stored when not in use (front of the trailer they are stacked across the front). It is a 16' trailer and I have no problem getting the C1, C2 or a C5 on it......bought good straps from Macs and used the trailer tie down rings.

Also got the trailer with a winch, makes getting the cars on and off so much easier and one person can do it without having to get in and out of the car.

Never use the winch as your tie down....I used axle straps all the way around....the winch is good for getting the cars up and down...nothing more...paid about $5200....for everything and that included upgrade of the wheels and a spare. I found that by calling around I was able to save $900 by getting a one year old model before the price increases came through for aluminum. I had to drive 10 hours round trip to go and get it, versus 3 hours, but the savings justified the drive. good luck....

 

[Bob_K]

Nice setup. Definately something for me to chew on. I also just got off ebay. There are a couple of trailers withing reasonable driving distance that I may go check out.

 

[elmer88]

Not to be captain obvious, but consider where you will store that trailer when it's not in use! Also consider the cost of registration and insurance depending on your local laws (or your investment in the trailer). Owning a trailer may seem like a good choice, but if you have to pay annual registration and insurance, plus find someplace to store it you may reconsider depending on frequency of use. Just something else to consider before you take the plunge on a trailer.

 

[Tritium007]

Bob_K,

I wasn't picking on you. :ugh I saw the Balston Spa and the San Diego and thought you might be a submariner (bubblehead). Anyway, Elmer88 made some good points. It might be cheaper to rent a good closed storage unit.

Mike

 

[Papa]

Rent one

Bob
Just weighing in with an "actual experience" thing. In my second childhood (Corvettes being my third) it was all about Motorcycles. My Harley and my wife's Honda. Bought a nice gently used enclosed trailer with new heavier axle, reinforced the floor, put in all the nifty tie down rings, some nice industrial strength carpet, removable pingle chocks and reworked lights so I could "plug in" to 110. Sweet set-up...been used exactly 4 times + 1 local rescue mission for a disabled bike in almost 6 years. I still have my Harley although the wife decided she was done riding and sold her Honda. I found I'd rather ride my Harley than tow it ...so unless your baby is destined to be a trailer-queen (not that there is anything worng with that) renting one from time to time is a much better deal economically and space wise.. Im getting ready to sell mine and recover the pad space it takes up.