Ideal Roadster Trailer Options...

[Datsun.David]

Having just stumbled into the world of race car ownership again after a 12 year hiatus... I bought a new trailer today to bring home my new car with...

Picking it up in Spokane... Haven't actually tried it out yet, but it seems like it should be a good solution. Anyone else got ideas?

I bought an Aluma 6812H Tilt. It has a 3000 lb axel and weights 662 lbs. Should be well under the Highlander 3500 lb max. I will probably end up fabricating some ramps for it as well... The tilt is cool for secondary duty - runs to the dump.

dw

[theunz]

I would prefer a tandem. They tow much better and not so dangerous if you have a blow out. By the time you add fuel, spares, and supplies you will be very close to max weight. However given the limitations of your tow vehicle this might be your best option. Might want to look at the smallest tandem and see how much more it weighs. Nice looking trailer by the way. Mike

[Datsun.David]

Hey Mike -

I have a tandem with twin 3500 lb axels too for work...but with the highlander hybrid only rated for 3500lbs, I don't want to run too blatantly sidewise of the law. The regular model highlander is good for 5000 lbs. I got this little guy because most of my trailering I think will be short runs and predominantly local. And for picking up the occasional really good deal on a Datsun roadster... I agree a blowout on a single axel is no fun. We blew a tire on our boat trailer and turned the fender inside out with the flying tire guts.

[dbrick]

I like the look of it. Is the tilt dampened so it won't slam down?
Agree on the tandem, if possible and be sure it has trailer brakes. If you go with the single axle, get the best tires you can get and be crazy diligent on tire pressure. I was surprised the Toyota can only pull 3500 lbs, but now I see it's a hybrid, makes sense.

[Datsun.David]

Hey Dave -

There is a pretty good size damper on the underside. I figure it will probably still take some technique to avoid bouncing the sh*t out of things. I think I might need ramps to get on without dragging the back end anyhow... so the tilt may end up being predominantly for landscaping duty. I would have bought the "no tilt" version if they had it in stock... It is 100lbs lighter and leaves more room for gear.

The Hybrid has amazing torque, and I don't know what the limiting factor is whether it is the electric motor or otherwise. But, I can say in a pinch, it will pull every bit of 5000 lbs.

That reminds me - I should have asked about the tires that are on it... I bought a tandem trailer in Texas new off the lot about 15 years ago and it had four mismatched tires on it...

[dbrick]

I'm thinking it may be the regenerative brakes, if equipped. I was pulling some crazy large trailers with my Frontier. Except for running hot, which seems to be a bad radiator, replaced yesterday, I was amazed how well it pulled a full size enclosed race trailer full of furniture and stuff and a U haul with the Roadster on it, probably 5500 lbs each. Plus the Frontier looked bad-ass riding that low.

[L320]

The Aluma 6812H Tilt is a nice little trailer and I think it will work good with a roadster. I love the tilt setup. I looked at them too and almost bought one. However, I ended up buying a 14' car hauler. Let us know how you like it. I usually pull mine with my Frontier and I like how the Frontier handles it too.

[Datsun.David]

I like the look of your little car hauler... my big tandem is a 16' with a 2' duck tail. Yours looks like a nice size. I like how well balanced your set up looks too. Nice and level. That is about all I am worried about... might have to put rocks in the trunk to level her out a bit.

Dave - you might be right on the regen brakes. It does have them... I thought of that after my last note too. My big trailer has brakes on both axels so I worry less about overloading the truck. I had a 2001 Frontier and it pulled the car hauler well even loaded... Except for the 11 mpg...

[pebbles]

Looks good David. I towed with a single axle (sans trailer brakes) for years and years,,,and years. A type IV VW transporter was a tiny bit scary,,, but no problem,,,, a Datsun Roadster is half the weight.

[Thomcraft]

Cobalt Trailer Sales in Spokane, right. I bought an Aluma from them a few years back. Great little single axel trailer, towed perfectly. Tortion axel, Ez lube hubs, great quality. Just resently sold it after three years use and got more than I paid for it new. Desided to go for a inclosed cargo trailer.

Thom

[Datsun.David]

That's right Thom. They seem like really good guys. Accommodating and familiar with exporting to Canada too. Glad to hear the positive feedback on them and the trailer.

Once I have my itinerary sorted, I will look you up....

[Toptech360]

So i had to chime in on the hybrid thing. Fwiw its heat that is the limiting factor for the conservative tow rating. In all reality your hybrid highlander would out tow a conventional highlander by a long shot. But within minutes of pulling a grade or heavy accleration from a stop the inverter/converter boosting 650 volts to the motor generators would get too HOT!

I just finished day 2 of a 3 day toyota hybrid class today. Pretty cool learnig how this stuff works! The "mechanical" side of things is actually pretty simple. Its the way the power is controlled and managed that is really impressive.

[Datsun.David]

Good Info Dan!

Any chance while in your course you can figure out why my 2008 HiHy only gets 21 mpg city no matter how hard I try? Toyota says it all tests normal - but supposed to be 27!

[sports imports]

would it have anything to do with your lead foot?

Ross

[GeoffM]

Probably the same reason my old Tundra never got over 11.