Best open trailers I have found are the Aluminum ones at Trailer World. Another good company is Exsiss. For closed I might consider a Pace or Classic. Featherlite also makes some nice trailers. Talk to Wally Ruanto at Trailer World. 1-800-872-2833
They do make a wider trailer (85") and also with dropped axles and 7' extended ramps. You can also get them with an air dam, tire rack and work box built in. I have my eye on an 18' one.
You are correct is assuming a lowered Z06 is difficult to load on an ordinary trailer but there are somethings to do to facilitate a regular trailer. I have used my buddies regular trailer with the following proceedures:
1. Leaving the trailer hitched to the tow vehicle, we place a cinder block and 2x4 under the trailer jack and go as high as we can to reduce the ramp angle while loading.
2. we extended the ramps and reduced the ramp angle additionally by placing a 2' section of 2x12 under the ramp end. We beveled the rear section of the 2x12 to help the approach.
3. Some open trailers have fold down fenders to allow you to open the door; if not or if you still need clearance here's what we did. We loaded the car as far right as possible on the trailer and the assistant took those 2 2x12 ramp extensions (or you can make 2 additional ones) and placed them under the rear wheels as we rolled forward the last 2' on the trailer. This raised the car enough to get the door open over the fender.
As to tie downs, the Z06 has 4 shipping SLOTS in the frame rail just forward of the rear wheels and aft of the front wheels. I purchased 4 "T" Hooks from AW Direct. These slide in the SLOTS and allow you to attatch the wratcheting straps. You can also purchchase wratcheting straps with the the "T" hooks already attatched. I also think the have the straps with 3 ends; a "T" Hook and a Large and small "J" Hook as a universal tow strap.
And David, if you do decide to go with Trailer World (they're in Bowling Green right off exit 22) and talk with Wally Ruanto make sure to mention to Wally that you're a NCM member. Your membership counts for a discount too. Trailer World is a supporting business member of the National Corvette Museum.
In a pinch you can also rent a U-Haul car trailer for @$50 a day.
They have 2 types the orange kind and the galvanized. The galvanized are the newer ones and the only ones that will fit a Z06. The galvanized are prefixed in the serial numbers by the letters K thru L. Make sure you specify those.
The problem with the orange ones is the inner tire rail lip is too high and it will scrape the frame. Also, even though the have folding left fenders the stanchion mounts are too high. Do Not use an orange one.
You will have to use all of the procedures I listed above for a regular trailer to use a U-Haul
1. Jacking the trailer tongue up as high as possible. (These are not a post type jack so you can't put a cinder block under the jack). But get it up as high as you can anyways.
2. 2' 2x12 ramp extension
3. Load far right as possible
4. use 2x12 under rear wheels to raise car to clear fender. Note: Some U-Hauls have folding left fenders.
In addition you will need to put a 2x12 under each front wheel to raise the airdam over the front wheel stop. You can load with out doing this (as it will flex) but you will then need to remove the front outboard air dams or you will rip them off when unloading as they will catch on the wheel stops. Using the 2x12 avoids this.
Originally posted by David Pintaric Well guys, I now have my tow vehicle...a new GMC Yukon Denali. Black to match the Z.
I also got a new black Denali this past week to match my black Z. My next project is to look for a black enclosed trailer to match. Thanks for the Trailer info DJ, gives me a good place to start. The Denali comes with a trailer hitch, is this adequate? Any advice would be appreciated.
ZDog!!! My brother!!! Twins!!! Like Danny Devito and Arnold Schwarzenner (sp). Problem is who is Danny Devito, you or me?
I think the Denali has a towing capacity of 8,400 lbs. The XL is 8,300. (check to make sure, but I just got the truck one week ago and these stick in my mind). So I think a tag along enclosed will be fine behind one of these.
I am probably going with an open trailer for now. I am just dipping my toes in the water, so to speak. I can get a steel trailer locally for around $2,000 to $2,500, so this is an easy way to get started.
This is strictly for taking the Z to track events, maybe 6 next year. If I get the fever more, I may jump in more. Maybe a Ford Spec Racer, T2 and A Sedan.
Don, thanks for the info...again. I owe you something for all the times you bring good info to the site. Do you like cigars or good whiskey? Seriously, I gotta pay you back.
Is aftermarket unit that plugs into OBD11 port and allows you to open and close windows with cars remote control. Has some other features also though windows are my main concern.
Link to manufacturers site www.topdowntech.com
I bought a new enclosed Haulmark this summer. I pull it with my wife's 2002 5.9L Dodge Durango (yes, it's possible; power is not a problem). Several people talked me into a 24'. I like the 24', but the tongue weight is a little much. Even with the weight distribution hitch, the Durango still sits a little low (about 1.5") in the ass end. I've played with moving the Z back in the trailer, but there is sooo much trailer in front of the wheels, it doesn't help much.
Anyway, I think a tag-along 24' is a just little too much for essentially a 1/2 ton truck (maybe the Denali is more like a 3/4); not from a power standpoint, but from a suspension standpoint. If I had to do it over, I would probably get the 20' and build some shelves to make better use of the space. Be sure to get a good quality weight distribution hitch and sway control.
I did not see anyone mention Trailex, open and enclosed aluminum trailers are their specialty and they are built in Youngstown. I have visited them and they are very good people. I have loaded stock Ferrari 355s as well as race prepared Porsches, C4 and C5 vettes onto these trailers without problem.
Their cost is the biggest drawback from my perspective. If you haven't already made a purchase, it couldn't hurt to shop. If the price is not a concern it might be an excellent match for the Denali.
I need to get this. I'm driving up on the trailer, and crawling out of the window. What a hassle!!! if you want to roll up the window, you have to crawl through the trunk!!! Needless to say, if my little sister is not around, the window stays down when I tow.
Window Valet here I come.
Oh ya - get a removeable fender or a tilt out fender if you want to open the door. I'm taking my trailer back to get modified, and you won't need the window valet.
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2001 TR Z06 - Diablo Predator Tune, Goodridge steel braided brake lines, Long Acre Hot Lap timing system, Hurst shifter, Reus Systems custom Z06 Audio system
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