That sure looks like a 12 foot trailer based on the measurements of my car, but my rear splitter extends beyond 12 feet. It doesn't look like your car has one though. Is that an SR3?
@gobble,Neil’s car is a Prosport which is smaller and lighter than an SR3.
Looks like Neil's trailer has a bit of a dovetail compared to newer Aluma trailers of the same size?
Speaking of lack of dovetails... Does anyone have opinions on Trailex trailers for such cars? In the market for a Clubsport/Prosport.
CT-7031 model has a deck height of ~18". Ramps are 8'
I'm hoping I could have the 8' stock ramps and 114" progressive race ramps eliminate need to raise the front jack to tilt the bed much if at all.
Think about where you would transport the extra Race ramps? if you tow with a PU, then the bed would work.
Has anyone found any other cheaper options?
Consider loading tail-first. Splitter scrape is still an issue, but entry angle less so...
Another option would be to jack the front and put the front wheels onto dollies before winching onto the trailer. Or Go-jacks, which would avoid the need for jacking.
@neilca, How do you set up the 2x6x8s? I am working with a guy that purchased a 14' version of this trailer and we are going to load an SR3 on it.
Thanks,
Charley
I load my car backwards without removing the nose. The 2x6's are positioned up three slats on the ramp. I also jack up the back of my van to lift the nose of the trailer. My trailer is a 12 footer with a beaver tail, Aluma. Seems the beaver tail and ramp were extras you could add to any trailer they had, check with your dealer before buying. Plus the folding ramp is good for aero, otherwise you are towing a barn door. I use a winch to pull the car up. Life is not worth living without that winch ; )
People have been asking me what Race Ramps I use so I here is a link to the Ramps I have. I purchased them from Reverse Logic.
You can also take measurements from the car and have a set custom made by RaceRamp.
Charley
Be warned that if you want Race Ramps you won't get them quickly. I ordered mine on June 20 and they still have not shipped.
I put my Radical in my trailer first time today for practice. I have a Bulldog 7800 pound winch with synthetic rope and it works really well. The automatic full load brake is very useful for pauses.
Fred Gwinn at reverselogic.us is a lifesaver. Note how thin my trailer ramp is -- only 1.5 inches, so I ordered a custom 1.5 inch step. Fred is very knowledgeable on ramps and radicals; he reviewed and confirmed my choice of ramp for my trailer and vehicle which worked out perfectly.
@davidf, Looks like a great set up! Those Race Ramps from Reverse logic really make life a lot easier. You might want to consider adding a wireless controller to the winch. The wired winches work fine, but the wireless is really nice.
Another thing I did to my trailer which was really helpful was I put strips of 1" wide anti-skid tape right on the edge of where the Radical sits when properly positioned and then ran those strips all the way to the end of the trailer ramps. It made locating the ramps easy and it gave a great guide for loading the car. Once I found the best position for the car to sit to get good trailer balance I also used the tape to mark where each wheel sat to ensure consistent loading.
Charley
Thank you for the tips Charlie. I was going to see about lengthening my remote cord, but you talked me into the wireless remote.
According to Fred, I probably received the last progressive incline ramps from Reverse Logic because sadly, Fred's reseller agreement with RR will end in December. If I did not have these ramps, I would carry two 4 foot long 2x8 pieces to the the front end up before I started up a standard set of Race Ramps.
Oh, I am also planning to tie down with two straps on each rear wheel, and one strap (not tight) on the front wheels -- like you and several others suggested. The Spec Miata guys do the same thing to avoid alignment issues.
What are the alignment issues with the front wheel tie downs? I wasn't aware that securing the front wheels can be an alignment problem.
I have heard that if one over-tightens the tie down straps, it can move the alignment or bend arms. I don't have first hand knowledge as I am new to tying down and towing, but I would rather not confirm this with my own experience.
