Enclosed car haulers?
 

Would like your opinions on which are best? Pros/cons etc..
Thx

Re: Enclosed car haulers?
 

I've used reliable twice to ship cars to Barrett Jackson. No issues drivers were friendly and careful with the cars.

Re: Enclosed car haulers?
 

I cannot argue with the Official MCACN Transporter [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/youguysrock.gif[/img]

Dan

Re: Enclosed car haulers?
 

Whoops, I meant for personal use. Pace, Haulmark, etc..

Re: Enclosed car haulers?
 

The one I just bought is an inTech. All aluminum, all beams on 16&quot; centers, 5000lb Dexter torsion axles with electric brakes, all led lights, one piece roof and aluminum vapor layer under the floor. They're custom built to your specs and your car's specs.
Verne https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...2-img_0364.jpg
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...3-img_0366.jpg
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...4-img_0369.jpg
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...5-img_0399.jpg
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...6-img_0391.jpg

Workmanship is outstanding. Amish workforce in Indiana. Tows perfectly.

Re: Enclosed car haulers?
 

That is a beaut!! What size is it Verne? And are you happy with that size ? Did you look at any other brands?

Re: Enclosed car haulers?
 

That thing is cleaner than my house.

Re: Enclosed car haulers?
 

----What kind of money, Verne? Say a 26ft optioned like I see yours.

----I havent forgotten the pics, Verne. Sometime this week for sure......Bill S

Re: Enclosed car haulers?
 

Wow that's a nice trailer!!

Re: Enclosed car haulers?
 

....Here is their website.... [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img]

intechtrailers.com

[img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/flag.gif[/img]

Re: Enclosed car haulers?
 

Best looking trailer ever Verne. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/drool.gif[/img]

Re: Enclosed car haulers?
 

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Crush</div><div class="ubbcode-body">That is a beaut!! What size is it Verne? And are you happy with that size ? Did you look at any other brands? </div></div>

I'm sorry. I should have mentioned the size. 8.5x24 with an extended tongue. I planned on getting that anyway, but the salesman reminded me that should I ever want to sell it, that option would increase potential buyers by 50% because that's what is required for mobile homes to pull it. It's just the right size for a full size Chevy with room for the cabinets. You can get away with a shorter one if you have smaller cars. I opted for a 7ft interior height because I'm 5'18&quot;. Yes, I looked at many brands, even more expensive ones that have a huge reputation. I found all of them did not meet the quality or features of inTech. They threw in a piece of that black coin rubber floor covering for the top of the bench and it's in the tool box drawers too.
And NO, I don't get any kick-backs.

Verne [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img]
They provide a customer portal and upload photos of the construction each day. This one is after the FIRST day.
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...1_img_7951.jpg

I bought this ramp in case of flats and mailed it to them to install on the wall. I just figured they'd screw the bracket on but they finished it off with framed carpet so it wouldn't smudge the wall. They did that on their own, no charge.
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...1-img_0396.jpg

Re: Enclosed car haulers?
 

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: olredalert</div><div class="ubbcode-body">----What kind of money, Verne? Say a 26ft optioned like I see yours.

----I havent forgotten the pics, Verne. Sometime this week for sure......Bill S </div></div>

Bill, The options definitely add up. I'd guess a 26fter might hit $23K. You could save some money if you're willing to install the battery/charger pack, winch, interior lighting and electric tongue jack yourself but I wanted a turn key set up. The 4&quot; floor risers were expensive but I needed them so I could open the car door all the way through the side door. Some people would be fine with a few 2x12s to drive on. Or you could just tell them to build it with a raised floor to accomplish the same ending. I'd have a 10ft tall trailer if I did that.
The side door and upper cabinets all are top hinged with gas shocks. I don't have to worry about slicing my head open from the corner of a door.

Verne
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...4-img_0389.jpg

PS: Take your time with the photos. I'm sure you have more important things to do.

Re: Enclosed car haulers?
 

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Crush</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Would like your opinions on which are best? Pros/cons etc..
Thx </div></div>

That inTech is absolutely beautiful. If you are looking for something a little more budget friendly, here is mine. It's a Haulmark Auto Transport. 24' x 8.5' x 6'. I'd love to have the aluminum for weight savings, but that really pushes you into another realm price wise. Options: Spare tire in the floor. Extra wide get out door, entry door and ramp door. The get out door needs be lower. Some trailers have the whole side open including the wheel well. Very nice feature.
I don’t have too much storage because weight adds up quickly. I’m towing with an Expedition, so it matters.

http://i1164.photobucket.com/albums/...008_120244.jpg

Add ons that have helped me a lot. #1 is a must.
1. Anti-sway weight distributing hitch.
2. Tekonsha P3 brake controller.

http://i1164.photobucket.com/albums/...013_125618.jpg

3. MaxxAir II over the factory air vent on the roof.
http://i1164.photobucket.com/albums/...xxAir%20II.jpg

4. Modified car alarm system.

5. The same wheel chock Verne has attached to his wall. I used it once to change a tire and they work fantastic. The mount he has is perfect.

http://i1164.photobucket.com/albums/...id%20chock.jpg

6. E-Track on the walls.
7. Four extra floor d-rings
8. Remote operated winch.

http://i1164.photobucket.com/albums/...c00834_med.jpg

http://i1164.photobucket.com/albums/...c00836_med.jpg

Re: Enclosed car haulers?
 

Dave, How is it towing with the Expedition? We have a 2008 2WD Navigator that I was thinking about using to tow my '68 Camaro on an open trailer but I wasn't sure how the Navigator would perform towing the Camaro.

Re: Enclosed car haulers?
 

Nice trailers! I never knew the Trailer Aid ramp existing or you could do something like that until now.
Im going to have to get one of those. Thanks for the info. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/youguysrock.gif[/img]

Re: Enclosed car haulers?
 

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: markinnaples</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Dave, How is it towing with the Expedition? We have a 2008 2WD Navigator that I was thinking about using to tow my '68 Camaro on an open trailer but I wasn't sure how the Navigator would perform towing the Camaro. </div></div>
You'll be perfectly fine. Especially with an open trailer. I've towed it back and forth from Mass to Mich four or five times. The only rough spot is through the Berkshires in Western Mass. I tow with &quot;XL&quot; Cooper Tires. The XL is for Extra Load. They are a happy medium between truck and car tires. I do that to help with any trailer sway. In most places, as long as it's set up properly, you don't even know it's back there.

Re: Enclosed car haulers?
 

Thanks Dave. I am going to try to tow it up from FL to KY on 75 which isn't too bad, but I think I'll change my route from Eastern KY to Pittsburgh from going through WV and go straight up 62 through OH and take 70 east to Pgh. The winding roads through the mountains of WV just make me nervous towing through there, and since OH is mostly flat that should make for a better ride.

And thanks for your service. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/flag.gif[/img]

Re: Enclosed car haulers?
 

Dave
Did you order your trailer or buy from inventory? What dealer and would you recommend?

Re: Enclosed car haulers?
 

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: markinnaples</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thanks Dave. I am going to try to tow it up from FL to KY on 75 which isn't too bad, but I think I'll change my route from Eastern KY to Pittsburgh from going through WV and go straight up 62 through OH and take 70 east to Pgh. The winding roads through the mountains of WV just make me nervous towing through there, and since OH is mostly flat that should make for a better ride.

And thanks for your service. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/flag.gif[/img] </div></div>
The mountains in KY and WV are pretty rough for towing without a diesel depending on weight. Camaro on an open you should be fine though. You might want to get a trans temp gauge also. They have different options. The one I have plugs into my OBDII port and gives me a bunch of other info.
Are you going that way for the scenery? I always just shoot up 95 when I go back and forth from Mass to FL.

Re: Enclosed car haulers?
 

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Crush</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Dave
Did you order your trailer or buy from inventory? What dealer and would you recommend? </div></div>
I bought from inventory. I was going to buy a relatively inexpensive one from KY I think it was. I stopped in to a dealer and told him to &quot;talk me out of it.&quot; He did. I paid slightly more and got 10x the trailer. I went through a dealer in Leominster, Mass. as that wasn't far from me at the time. Airport Trailer Sales. Very good to deal with, but depending on where you are, I'm sure there is something not too far from you.

Re: Enclosed car haulers?
 

Dave, We stay at my in-laws in Eastern KY for a couple months and then head to Pgh for a few weeks in the summer every year. Up 75 and then across 62 is just the easiest route from SW FL.

Re: Enclosed car haulers?
 

Just a note on trailer sway: If the trailer is offered with a spread axle design, I'd recommend it. That doesn't mean it's wider; it means the axles are further apart front to back. That means you don't have such a pivot point in the middle. A little extra tire scrub on tight corners though.

Verne [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img]

Re: Enclosed car haulers?
 

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jonesy</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Nice trailers! I never knew the Trailer Aid ramp existing or you could do something like that until now.
Im going to have to get one of those. Thanks for the info. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/youguysrock.gif[/img] </div></div>

I hate to say it, but buy it from Wallmart for half the price the trailer outfitters charge. It comes with the bracket.

Verne [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img]

Re: Enclosed car haulers?
 

I bought mine from the local trailer dealer, that was several years ago, I think it cost about 35 dollars but it didn't come with bracket.

Re: Enclosed car haulers?
 

<span style="font-weight: bold">Heres my Wellscargo 24' wide body with 5000 lbs. axles</span>

https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...7978-wells.jpg

Re: Enclosed car haulers?
 

Donnie, is that aluminum? Does the air deflector make a difference in gas mileage? I'm considering a V-nose and have heard pros/cons on such.

Re: Enclosed car haulers?
 

no its not Aluminum.
fuel mileage is a little better then my old flat nose Wellscargo. and the push and pull when you pass a Big truck isnt as bad.

Re: Enclosed car haulers?
 

Trailers....interesting subject. In my opinion there are 3 different levels of trailers. #1 The low level or cheaper trailers mostly made in Ga., #2, the middle trailers like the Haulmark, Wells Cargo etc. and then #3 the high end trailers like the ATC, Intech like Verne has and some other brands in the high end catagory.

I have 2 trailers, one is a Ga. built trailer (I wouldn't recommend buying one of these) my Ga. built trailer is a 36' gooseneck. I bought it in 2007 and its still in service so it wasn't too shabby. It cost 5k less than a Haulmark so I guess you get what you pay for. The downside was extremely poor workmanship plus the economy in 2008 put them under so I was never able to buy any replacement parts.

The other trailer that I have I just purchased last year, it's a 28' Haulmark. Did you know that Haulmark, Wells Cargo, Exiss, Featherlite, Sooner and probably others are all made by the same company? Universal Trailers. I don't know if thats good or bad, just a sign of the times. In talking to Verne when he was ordering his he was telling me how he spec'd it out, when I ordered my Haulmark last year I told the dealer where I wanted my escape door, his response was &quot;they know where to put the door, don't you worry bout it&quot;. The damn door is close but a good 6&quot; from where I would like it to be. Same on the tie downs, I told them where to put the tie downs but they didn't do it so I had to install my own. I would order another Haulmark but this time they would put stuff where I said put it or I would go elsewhere. I previously had a 2005 Haulmark, the workmanship was much better in it than my new one.

I've never had any experience with the high end trailers although I have friends who have them and for the most part they are happy. The one thing I think they all have in common is tires, they all put junk tires on the trailers. I think even Verne told me that he didn't have a choise in tires. My advise to anyone buying a trailer or spec'ing out a trailer is to go with 16&quot; tires. This creates a problem with the escape door because it requires a larger wheel box but to my knowledge there is not a single 15&quot; trailer tire made in America. The Goodyear Matharon was in my opinion the best there was but they are now made in China. My trailers have 16&quot; tires, I run Goodyear G614 tires, they are made in America and they cost over 300 dollars each but if one of those tires blow out its gonna destroy the fender and most likely do damage to side of the trailer. I replace the tires every 4 years, regardless of tread wear or appearance.

As for a tow truck, get something big enough to handle the trailer. Most of my travels are fairly long hauls. My trucks are a F450 diesel, dually and a F350 diesel SRW. I have used a half ton truck but I believe those using half ton trucks, Explorers and other vehicles of that nature are on a path to transmission failure. My little half ton was a Chevy Silverado SS, it had plenty of power, good brakes and the trailer felt stable but the transmission was constantly shifting gears. The other reason for having a diesel, in my opinion is how far I can go on a tank of fuel, it isn't always easy to get in and out of the filling stations, with a gas vehicle you will need to stop every couple of hundred miles. My trucks will run all day without stopping for fuel. The F450 carries 132 gallons and the F350 holds 87 gallons

Just my thoughts, the other thing that I will add (hope I don't step on any toes) I bought my first enclosed trailer over 20 years ago, never had an aluminum framed trailer, don't want one. I think aluminum frames will tend to develop stress cracks down the road, I have heard of guys getting stopped by the DOT and they were checking for frame cracks

Re: Enclosed car haulers?
 

Those are all good comments Tommy. As far as specing everything, inTech sent me a form to fill out that asked for many measurements from my car. They used that to determine exactly where the car would sit in the trailer, then placed the escape door and the tie downs perfectly. Now I could load a smaller car and have the freedom to place it where ever it needed to be in order to use the side door.
They draw up blueprint plans and email them. I checked all the measurements, made a few changes, reviewed more plans then finally signed off. I knew exactly what I was getting.
[img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img]

Re: Enclosed car haulers?
 

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Tommy Nolen</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Trailers....interesting subject. In my opinion there are 3 different levels of trailers. #1 The low level or cheaper trailers mostly made in Ga., #2, the middle trailers like the Haulmark, Wells Cargo etc. and then #3 the high end trailers like the ATC, Intech like Verne has and some other brands in the high end catagory.

I have 2 trailers, one is a Ga. built trailer (I wouldn't recommend buying one of these) my Ga. built trailer is a 36' gooseneck. I bought it in 2007 and its still in service so it wasn't too shabby. It cost 5k less than a Haulmark so I guess you get what you pay for. The downside was extremely poor workmanship plus the economy in 2008 put them under so I was never able to buy any replacement parts.

The other trailer that I have I just purchased last year, it's a 28' Haulmark. Did you know that Haulmark, Wells Cargo, Exiss, Featherlite, Sooner and probably others are all made by the same company? Universal Trailers. I don't know if thats good or bad, just a sign of the times. In talking to Verne when he was ordering his he was telling me how he spec'd it out, when I ordered my Haulmark last year I told the dealer where I wanted my escape door, his response was &quot;they know where to put the door, don't you worry bout it&quot;. The damn door is close but a good 6&quot; from where I would like it to be. Same on the tie downs, I told them where to put the tie downs but they didn't do it so I had to install my own. I would order another Haulmark but this time they would put stuff where I said put it or I would go elsewhere. I previously had a 2005 Haulmark, the workmanship was much better in it than my new one.

I've never had any experience with the high end trailers although I have friends who have them and for the most part they are happy. The one thing I think they all have in common is tires, they all put junk tires on the trailers. I think even Verne told me that he didn't have a choise in tires. My advise to anyone buying a trailer or spec'ing out a trailer is to go with 16&quot; tires. This creates a problem with the escape door because it requires a larger wheel box but to my knowledge there is not a single 15&quot; trailer tire made in America. The Goodyear Matharon was in my opinion the best there was but they are now made in China. My trailers have 16&quot; tires, I run Goodyear G614 tires, they are made in America and they cost over 300 dollars each but if one of those tires blow out its gonna destroy the fender and most likely do damage to side of the trailer. I replace the tires every 4 years, regardless of tread wear or appearance.

As for a tow truck, get something big enough to handle the trailer. Most of my travels are fairly long hauls. My trucks are a F450 diesel, dually and a F350 diesel SRW. I have used a half ton truck but I believe those using half ton trucks, Explorers and other vehicles of that nature are on a path to transmission failure. My little half ton was a Chevy Silverado SS, it had plenty of power, good brakes and the trailer felt stable but the transmission was constantly shifting gears. The other reason for having a diesel, in my opinion is how far I can go on a tank of fuel, it isn't always easy to get in and out of the filling stations, with a gas vehicle you will need to stop every couple of hundred miles. My trucks will run all day without stopping for fuel. The F450 carries 132 gallons and the F350 holds 87 gallons

Just my thoughts, the other thing that I will add (hope I don't step on any toes) I bought my first enclosed trailer over 20 years ago, never had an aluminum framed trailer, don't want one. I think aluminum frames will tend to develop stress cracks down the road, I have heard of guys getting stopped by the DOT and they were checking for frame cracks </div></div>

Great perspective Tommy [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img]

Re: Enclosed car haulers?
 

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Tommy Nolen</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The other trailer that I have I just purchased last year, it's a 28' Haulmark. Did you know that Haulmark, Wells Cargo, Exiss, Featherlite, Sooner and probably others are all made by the same company? Universal Trailers. I don't know if thats good or bad, just a sign of the times. In talking to Verne when he was ordering his he was telling me how he spec'd it out, when I ordered my Haulmark last year I told the dealer where I wanted my escape door, his response was &quot;they know where to put the door, don't you worry bout it&quot;. The damn door is close but a good 6&quot; from where I would like it to be. Same on the tie downs, I told them where to put the tie downs but they didn't do it so I had to install my own. I would order another Haulmark but this time they would put stuff where I said put it or I would go elsewhere. I previously had a 2005 Haulmark, the workmanship was much better in it than my new one. </div></div>

<span style="font-weight: bold">That is not a good dealer.</span>

when I ordered mine my doors, tie downs, lights and other items were put where I wanted them. I also received blueprints like Verne that I had to sign off on.

Re: Enclosed car haulers?
 

wow guys some really nice trailers....

Re: Enclosed car haulers?
 

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Donnie</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Tommy Nolen</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The other trailer that I have I just purchased last year, it's a 28' Haulmark. Did you know that Haulmark, Wells Cargo, Exiss, Featherlite, Sooner and probably others are all made by the same company? Universal Trailers. I don't know if thats good or bad, just a sign of the times. In talking to Verne when he was ordering his he was telling me how he spec'd it out, when I ordered my Haulmark last year I told the dealer where I wanted my escape door, his response was &quot;they know where to put the door, don't you worry bout it&quot;. The damn door is close but a good 6&quot; from where I would like it to be. Same on the tie downs, I told them where to put the tie downs but they didn't do it so I had to install my own. I would order another Haulmark but this time they would put stuff where I said put it or I would go elsewhere. I previously had a 2005 Haulmark, the workmanship was much better in it than my new one. </div></div>

<span style="font-weight: bold">That is not a good dealer.</span>

when I ordered mine my doors, tie downs, lights and other items were put where I wanted them. I also received blueprints like Verne that I had to sign off on. </div></div>

What brand trailer do you have?

Re: Enclosed car haulers?
 

An aluminium trailer will have a set life span same as aircraft. Also reefer semi trailers with aluminium floors, they crack and tear and become metal fatigued. If it is over built and the welds are quality, i would not give it a thought.

Re: Enclosed car haulers?
 

I have a &quot;loaded&quot; Vintage Intimidator and love it. 12,000; 6,000 axles, 8 lug 16&quot; wheels with Goodyears. I have inside ramps permanently mounted, double wide escape door, hidden spare, workbench with upper and lower cabinets, electric tongue jack, alarm, lights, checkered floor, and the best hitch and sway bars I could find. Mine is pretty heavy, but there isn't anything I don't like about it. Hope this helps!

Re: Enclosed car haulers?
 

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DW31S</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have a &quot;loaded&quot; Vintage Intimidator and love it. 12,000; 6,000 axles, 8 lug 16&quot; wheels with Goodyears. I have inside ramps permanently mounted, double wide escape door, hidden spare, workbench with upper and lower cabinets, electric tongue jack, alarm, lights, checkered floor, and the best hitch and sway bars I could find. Mine is pretty heavy, but there isn't anything I don't like about it. Hope this helps!</div></div>

Thanks for info.. Couple questions, what size is it and what do you pull it with?

Re: Enclosed car haulers?
 

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Tommy Nolen</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
As for a tow truck, get something big enough to handle the trailer. Most of my travels are fairly long hauls. My trucks are a F450 diesel, dually and a F350 diesel SRW. I have used a half ton truck but I believe those using half ton trucks, Explorers and other vehicles of that nature are on a path to transmission failure. My little half ton was a Chevy Silverado SS, it had plenty of power, good brakes and the trailer felt stable but the transmission was constantly shifting gears. The other reason for having a diesel, in my opinion is how far I can go on a tank of fuel, it isn't always easy to get in and out of the filling stations, with a gas vehicle you will need to stop every couple of hundred miles. My trucks will run all day without stopping for fuel. The F450 carries 132 gallons and the F350 holds 87 gallons
</div></div>
I agree with your comments about the grades of trailers. I wasn't all that impressed with some of the details on my Haulmark. They were more nitpicky things, but it's like when you're buying a new car. You want things right. I'm glad I didn't end up with a &quot;no name&quot; trailer. In the end I think that would have been a mistake.
My 05 F350 diesel definitely towed much better than my 07 Expedition, but I'm not worried in the least about breaking it. If you look at the specs for one equipped like mine, you'll find it's basically a 3/4 ton truck. I have 167k miles on the Ex and she drives like a spring chicken. Basic maintenance is key. I usually don't have to click the tow button unless I'm on certain longer grades. That's the only times it starts to shift up and down.

Re: Enclosed car haulers?
 

Dave, is your Expedition a 4 or 2 wheel drive?

Re: Enclosed car haulers?
 

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: markinnaples</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Dave, is your Expedition a 4 or 2 wheel drive? </div></div>
4x4. I think most times 2x has a higher tow rating. Does yours have a factory tow package? That's a biggie. Trans cooler etc.