My son and I had a look at the Jimglo trailer exhibit at BJ again this year and I've decided it may be time to upgrade. Has anyone out there got experience with the enclosed version...specifically the Elite model? I'm considering the 22' version as my current 20' is a little short if you haul anything else along with the car. I seem to recall Mitty posting something a few years back. I'd be interested to know how they hold after a lot of use. They are very , very nice when new.
Jimglo trailer
- Thread starter Cobraguy
- Start date
I too vote for the Featherlite. A VERY well built trailer that will never let you down. Because we use our Featherlite for the business (to pick up and drop off customer GT's), we've probably loaded/unloaded 10X more than 95% of the folks on the forum. My opinion is that it is far, far easier to winch the cars into the trailer. Our winch is offset to align with the GT's tow hook and we have a wireless remote. Literally 2 minutes to load a GT - another 2-3 minutes to strap the TIRES down. Here's our procedure.
1. Park truck/trailer on level to slightly up hill angle. If needed, with trailer still hitched, use tongue jack to create a slight incline.
2. Drop door, let out winch line to approx. end of trailer.
3. Pull GT up to ramp, more or less centered, drivers window down, engine off, key in position 1 to unlock steering wheel, neutral, set parking brake.
4. Exit vehicle, connect winch to Cool Tech Tow Strap, use winch remote to remove slack from winch line.
5. Release parking brake. Use wireless remote to winch car in. Make minor steering adjustments as needed to perfectly center the car. As you are outside the car, you can see everything perfectly and stop/go on the winch cable as often as you'd like.
6. Once in, secure first over-the tire strap and ratchet down. Release 2-3 inches of winch cable to add slack. Secure the other 3 tires. Reach in car, turn key to off.
7. Turn master winch power off (just in case!)
Unloading is even easier.
1. Again, park trailer on slight incline. Induce incline with tongue jack if needed.
2. Set parking brake on GT. Release all 4 tire straps. Release parking back and GT will roll back 2" removing slack in winch line.
3. Use remote to let line out of winch, and GT gently rolls out of trailer.
4. Set parking brake and remove winch line.
The loading/un-loading process is child's play. Granted, there's a little up-front investment needed in the winch, wireless remote and E-track. But that's what make the job so easy.
Regarding the trailer and choosing axles, bigger is not always better. If your load is typically GT-weight or less (and maybe a set of tires or similar), then you will likely prefer the standard axles. The upgraded axles will make the Featherlite 2-3" taller than the standard (3500 lb x 2) axles. I have the standard axles and the back of the trailer is really low and I don't need any ramps to load even the lowest GT's. My buddy has the optional axles and he needs to carry and position ramps with each load/un-load.
Well thanks for the input......all things to consider for sure. I'm still intrigued by the massive side door(access/egress for large footprint individuals) removable fender,seamless composite siding and from what I can surmise on the websites, lighter weight. I can certainly see the value in the winch load re the fgt however I pull a variety of cars ...some of which don't have a practical tow allowance on the front. So the drive in option looks more attractive overall. The biggest feature I feel I absolutely must have is the dent proof composite paneling. I live in hail country and my current Wells Cargo has seen more than its share of golf ball + size hail storms. The unit has been parked outside for the 13 years since I purchased it and with its comp siding it still looks like new aside from the Gel coat oxidizing. I have a few aluminum sided cargo/utility trailers in my company and they look like they've been parked at the receiving end of a driving range.
I haven't spec'd and checked the Featherlite pricing yet but Jimglo has quoted me $30K for a unit the same as the show trailer which of course was loaded with options..... That's a lot of cheese for something with zero horsepower!
Decisions, decisions.....
I haven't spec'd and checked the Featherlite pricing yet but Jimglo has quoted me $30K for a unit the same as the show trailer which of course was loaded with options..... That's a lot of cheese for something with zero horsepower!
Decisions, decisions.....
Xcentric
GT Owner
Seems like hail damage is an issue. You could get a Trailex for $20K and spend a few bucks for a canopy to park under.
I haven't heard of this brand until now, but I don't see what it offers for the extra $10k.
I haven't heard of this brand until now, but I don't see what it offers for the extra $10k.
NJGT
GT Owner
JimGlo's are nice trailers - was considering one but went with an InTech which like the JimGlo has a side door which makes exiting the GT much easier. Featherlite makes a great open trailer - I have a 20 foot for towing my Lightning to the drag strip but they are not price competitive with JimGlo or InTech when comparably equipped.
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I have a warehouse I could park it in but since it's impervious to hail damage I leave it outside. While hauling thru the prairies I've run into numerous hail storms and there is NOWHERE to hide. $8-10k is the damage an aluminum trailer will sustain in one of these storms.
I've not heard of this manufacture,....I'll check them out. One question though.....as the left door is so big, are there any issues with it not sealing tight enough against the fender to keep moisture out while driving thru heavy rain/slush?
Johnneymax
GT Owner
My father has had a jimglo trailer for a few years now. I use it from time to time to haul my Ford GT around. I think it is an awesome trailer. It tracks the Ford 350 perfectly and has held up very well over the last several years. I am taking it from NJ to TX in March. The cool thing about it is the wheel well does NOT have to come off to open the door of the FGT. Simply open the access door to the Jimglo and the open the door of the FGT.
NJGT
GT Owner
I have hauled it through rain storms and the seal is tight enough to keep moisture out. All aluminum construction
I actually bought it through a dealer in Red Deer even though it was sitting at the factory in Indiana. PM me if you want details.