New Trailer for Hauling GT w Photos
- Thread starter FlorIdaho Chris
- Start date
KMC,
I have pulled my Trailex with GT inside from AZ to Florida and back, Texas and back twice, Northern Ca. & back, and Vegas & back, with lots of long mountain pulls. I use my 5.4L V-8 '04 Ford Expedition with 150,000 miles on it and go 85 mph most of the time (on flat ground). The trailer is very light and easy to pull.
Chip
Empty Pockets
ex-GT Owner
Depending on the angle of ascent, that ought to be no real problem 90% of the time...but, your foot will NOT just be "resting" on the accelerator.
The Trailex is a VERY fine trailer and a very good looking trailer to boot!! At a different price point, you may want to also consider a Featherlite enclosed trailer. During the last several months, I would say that we have loaded/un-loaded a GT at least once a week if not more. I wouldn't want any other set-up than the one we have today - honestly. The Trailex has that nifty side door which is super-handy on a Ford GT. However, in order to clear the wheel wells, the floor of the Trailex is higher and the trailer has a higher CG. Also, longer ramps are needed in order load/unload a low car like the GT. Again, all a great set-up. On the Featherlite the floor is much lower and within the trailer, the back ~2' beavertails down. As such, you open the door and then a short 14" flip down and even a lowered GT easily makes it without bottoming. There are no ramps to store or deploy.
Unlike the Trailex which works well "out-of-the-box", you have to spend time to set up the Featherlite (so it may not be for you). At the front of the Featherlite, we mounted a 5,000lb (overkill) Superwinch along with the key-fob remote control. Also mounted is an Optima battery and billet hold-down. Finally, there is wiring such that whenever towing, the tow vehicle is charging the Optima battery. (In three years, I have never had a problem with the battery or needed any kind of extra charging. But, then again the trailer has no gauges - lol.)
With this set-up, loading is a snap. We pull the GT up to the rear of the trailer centered as best we can see. Hook the winch to the GT's eye hook, take up the slack and then release the GT's parking brake. Hold down the key-fob buttom and draw the GT in. You can easily make a steering adjustment or two while loading to get it nice and straight. You can also choose to stand/look anywhere because the keyfob works everywhere. Once in, strap the tires and then let the winch have a little bit of slack. Done. Frankly, given the choice I would rather load the GT from the outside where I can watch to make sure I have it centered. The seasoned repo man can still beat our loading times, but we can get a GT in and secured pretty dang fast. Practice makes perfect!
Unlike the Trailex which works well "out-of-the-box", you have to spend time to set up the Featherlite (so it may not be for you). At the front of the Featherlite, we mounted a 5,000lb (overkill) Superwinch along with the key-fob remote control. Also mounted is an Optima battery and billet hold-down. Finally, there is wiring such that whenever towing, the tow vehicle is charging the Optima battery. (In three years, I have never had a problem with the battery or needed any kind of extra charging. But, then again the trailer has no gauges - lol.)
With this set-up, loading is a snap. We pull the GT up to the rear of the trailer centered as best we can see. Hook the winch to the GT's eye hook, take up the slack and then release the GT's parking brake. Hold down the key-fob buttom and draw the GT in. You can easily make a steering adjustment or two while loading to get it nice and straight. You can also choose to stand/look anywhere because the keyfob works everywhere. Once in, strap the tires and then let the winch have a little bit of slack. Done. Frankly, given the choice I would rather load the GT from the outside where I can watch to make sure I have it centered. The seasoned repo man can still beat our loading times, but we can get a GT in and secured pretty dang fast. Practice makes perfect!
2112
Blue/white 06'
This is the exact set up I have.
I must agree it works very well.
I also prefer the etrack and wheel tie down system.It's fool proof,or should I say worry proof.
Whatever trailer you decide on, make sure the tires are the best you can buy for it, and have the latest manufacturing date. The tires of a trailer are one of the most important items to consider when hauling precious items such as the GT.
PS - The DOT date code "4009" means the tire was manufactured in the 40th week of 2009, and is usually on the inside outer wall of the tire.
PS - The DOT date code "4009" means the tire was manufactured in the 40th week of 2009, and is usually on the inside outer wall of the tire.
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NorthwoodGT
GT Owner
Absolutely gorgeous trailer and perfect fitment for a GT however I would be very concerned about what I'm pulling it with. anytime your trailer and vehicle out-weigh what you're pulling it with can create a real issue. not so much the acceleration or towing but the braking. doesn't matter how good your trailer brakes are when you're on wet blacktop and have to stop quick due to some idiot in front of you. I guess I've always done the over-kill routine anytime I tow something but I've always owned Ford Super Duty pick ups too. that's just my thinking. Nice Nice trailer!!
A custom built Trailex made for a Ford GT with a winch is about $18K. In addition to the very light weight, the Trailex has a very low ceiling and is pointed in the front for very low drag. I had mine built so low I can't get my Shelby GT inside it. They will make one any size & height however.
Chip
2112
Blue/white 06'
Fast Freddy
GPS'D 225 MPH
my Trailex is a ultra lightweight aluminum trailer. it will not tolerate dirt roads with wash board at all. if you have a need to tow down a dirt road then get the Featherlite trailer as it can take a pounding and the Trailex can't. the weak point of the Trailex is its durability. when i build my blown alcohol funnycar i will get a Featherlite or similar type trailer for it and sell my Trailex then......
Empty Fetherlights are in that range as well. By contrast, a "normal" steel framed alluminum walled trailers are under $10k depending on options like interior finishing, cabinets, lights, AC etc (Pace, Haulmark etc..) I pd 6k for mine back in about 95, 24', towed currently with a 98 Cummins ram single rear wheel with out issue, either the GT or race car, with tools spares etc.
Many good points in this thread. Whatever trailer you choose make sure you set it up for your needs. All of the excellent advice and tips I know and exploited came from this Forum. You can see that I installed the e-track on the floor which enables me to use the over-the-top-of-the-tire e-track straps sold by Summit racing. NOTHING touches any part of the GT or the wheels. As Ralphie, suggestes, make sure you have good tires and make sure that you carry a spare, and have everything needed for a tire change. A good tow vehicle is key - I use a 3/4ton diesel. Despite that it has very HD suspension, I added air bags in the rear of the truck to make it perfectly level while towing. (I did this after several motorist were rightfully annoyed with my high-angled low-beams on narrow 2-land roads.)
This one is about the right ballpark price-wise and was identical to mine before mods: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2010-FEATHERLITE-16-ALUMINUM-ENCLOSED-CAR-TRAILER-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem2a0a2629d4QQitemZ180558899668QQptZMotorsQ5fTrailers
Mods I added were
Flip-down aluminum panel (Featherlite option)
E-track
SuperWinch
Superwinch Remote Control
Battery
Battery Hold-down
Battery Emergency on/off (I usually keep it off to mitigate any battery mishaps)
Mods above prob cost about $1500 + install. (I did install myself.... well, OK, I mostly watched Ryan do it.)
Mods I added were
Flip-down aluminum panel (Featherlite option)
E-track
SuperWinch
Superwinch Remote Control
Battery
Battery Hold-down
Battery Emergency on/off (I usually keep it off to mitigate any battery mishaps)
Mods above prob cost about $1500 + install. (I did install myself.... well, OK, I mostly watched Ryan do it.)
2112
Blue/white 06'
Did you get yours in West Virginia? How do those get shipped? Like a car or on flatbed rail car?
Nah, they have dealers in every state. I just gave the Ebay link because it had pictures and price.... and those guys are a big dealer. Just to note, Featherlite's have incridible re-sale value (as I am sure Trailex does as well). People know the good brands. I purchased mine from these guys: http://www.chinovalleymotors.com/
Chip and the other guys will tell you better than I can but I think a good place to buy them is at one of the larger/more famous Barrett-Jackson car auctions. Allegedly many people go there and end up buying or upgrading their existing trailer when they buy a new car at the auction.
Apollo
GT Owner
I bought a used Victory Hauler that had custom cabinets and flooring after I couldn't get Kendall to sell me his Featherlite. I copied all of his interior setup and it works incredible. I had a Lincoln Mark LT (Ford F150) truck that worked fine but my trailer is much heavier than the Featherlite or trailerex so it was working pretty hard on hills and at higher speeds. I ended up getting a new 2011 Diesel F250 and it is a non issue now.
Big addition to the tire recommendation. Even if your trailer is new, I would highly recommend changing out the tires AND VALVE STEMS with a new fresh set. Many trailers have been sitting around for a long time - usually outside and tires rot quickly. On new tires I have had flats from cracked valve stems. I now insist that a tire shop replaces valve stems any time I replace tires.
:thumbsup:thumbsup
Good Luck with the hunt!
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twobjshelbys
GT Owner
I've been watching for a trailer (and looking for one this week to borrow or rent to tow the Cobra to Vegas) but want to be sure that whatever trailer I get will handle the "upgrade". What size trailer are FGT owners using? Are there any special width requirements? 20' or 24'? I'd prefer a 20' and don't have special needs for cabinets or tools - I can get that stuff in the pickup. I'm pretty sure the Cobra would fit in that, and most likely the Mustang too.
I like the deck raised above the wheels and side port so the door can be opened.
Thanks!
I like the deck raised above the wheels and side port so the door can be opened.
Thanks!