towing a racecar

Alfapwr · #1 (**permalink**) 03-15-2006, 05:25 PM

Hi y'all,

I'm wondering how people get their cars to the track. I've seen people with trailers, one with a tow bar that just pulls the car 4 wheels down. There are dollies that just leave the rears on the ground, and of course you can always drive the car !!

Does anyone have any positive/negative experiences with hauling their car to the track? I'm just looking for ideas.

Ciao,

Dan

geh458 · #2 (**permalink**) 03-15-2006, 07:37 PM

Late last year I bought an enclosed trailer for the race car and it's the best thing I've done so far. No more unloading the whole bed of the truck just to get to a quart of oil in a box at the front that can't be reached from the side either. All of the gear is now in cabinets or on shelves. The enclosed trailer also adds a lot of security, I no longer worry about things dissappearing off the car in a motel parking lot, not that it ever happened, I just don't worry about it now. Then there's tha advantage of having an awning on the trailer to supply shade. Even when weighted down I've seen those portable shelters blow away and be destroyed, or worse, damage someone else's race car. And if money is tight I can sleep in the trailer at the track instead of getting a motel room.

**jrclem** · #3 (**permalink**) 03-15-2006, 08:10 PM

Here's how I do it:

Alfapwr · #4 (**permalink**) 03-15-2006, 09:07 PM

Hi Guys,

I would love an enclosed trailer, but since I'm only going to be AROSC events for starters ( something like 4 to 6 events a year ) the cost isn't justified. I do have a great tow vehicle ( Excursion ) and last August we bought a 31 foot travel trailer so I have a place to sleep that doubles as covered pit , and it has AC too !!! I've been thinking of just leaving my car street legal and just driving it to events with my wife/friend driving the Ex with the trailer. I believe that Art Russell has his GTV fitted for a towbar. I was just wondering how that affects the car.

Ciao,

Dan

**italcarguy** · #5 (**permalink**) 03-15-2006, 09:36 PM

Dan,

You dont want to use a tow bar. What if something happens to the car and it can't be towed on its own wheels?

Do you have a toy box type trailer with a rear ramp door? If so, a Super might fit. We've gotten GTV's into them before.

Worst case, get an open trailer for around $1000 and be done with it. You can probably back it into the garage with the car still on it and only take up one space and have it all indoors.

turbolarespider · #6 (**permalink**) 03-16-2006, 04:45 AM

We've got a tiny little open trailer- the car actually hangs off of either end. Works perfectly. Being that it weighs 700lb, my Ranger makes quick duty of the 3000lb package.

Sadly, these trailers are no longer made...

OTOH, I am not fully racing, so getting parts quickly isn't a super high priority. But I do feel for what geh was taking about.

Eric

geneo · #7 (**permalink**) 03-16-2006, 08:15 AM

We had a two axle, open trailer with a wheel for the tongue, one person could push it around the driveway and into the garage with the GTV on it.
The car is now owner by Gifford (see above) and has a much better home.

geneo

**italcarguy** · #8 (**permalink**) 03-16-2006, 08:38 AM

Hey, that's my trailer. I bought it from Gifford when he got his new big one. A light weight trailer like this is perfect for an Alfa and tows great behind a 1/2 ton truck. The tire rack is also a bonus because you can throw the tires on there and have more room in the bed.

George J · #9 (**permalink**) 03-16-2006, 11:50 AM

I have always driven to and from the track. I am sure I am on borrwed time before I get stranded, but it has been a good fun. Perhaps thirty race weekends and so far so good. Kind of the ol school approach, drive to the track, tape up the lights, and go.

All of the advantages of a nice trailer sometimes make me wish I had one though. Next weekend up at Sears Pt for example. The weather is looking iffy. If I had a trailer I'd be up there regardless. As it is if it looks like it'll be wet I am staying home. Street or track I do not drive it in the rain. - George

sidewaysalfa · #10 (**permalink**) 03-16-2006, 12:46 PM

re: not having a towable car on Sunday.

At least you get the car to the track easily.
And you have the bigger tow vehicle to use for transportation during the weekend.
Since I don't have space to store the trailer a tow bar works for me. So far. . .

geh458 · #11 (**permalink**) 03-16-2006, 03:46 PM

Just for the record, here's the new trailer....that replaced the open trailer that Italcarguy now has.

Alfapwr · #12 (**permalink**) 03-17-2006, 08:17 AM

Hey Guys,

Anthony: Don't I wish I got a toy hauler !! But unfortunately we have 4 kids and anything big enough to sleep all of us AND hold a car was way too large for even my Excursion to pull. For all of that you end up very large and very expensive. I'll probably rent a trailer if I need to or pick up a used tow dolly. I don't have room in the garage for a trailer.

Is there any problem towing an Alfa rear wheels down ???

Dan

sidewaysalfa · #13 (**permalink**) 03-17-2006, 08:30 AM

At least for the Alfetta (transaxle and all) no problems so far.
I have probably a couple of 1,000 miles of flat towing over the years.
Problem with a tow bar, I had brackets welded to the front bumper "shock towers" so that I must remove the front bumper for towing. But I remove the bumpers for Time Trials anyway.

alfabender · #14 (**permalink**) 03-17-2006, 09:15 AM

Hey Anthony or someone

I am thinking of upgrading to an Aluminum trailer. Do you guys know who manufactured the one Anthony has now? And do you know its exact dimensions (If I get a trailer just the right size I can back it into my garage with a car on it).

Doug Bender

**italcarguy** · #15 (**permalink**) 03-17-2006, 09:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alfabender

Hey Anthony or someone

I am thinking of upgrading to an Aluminum trailer. Do you guys know who manufactured the one Anthony has now? And do you know its exact dimensions (If I get a trailer just the right size I can back it into my garage with a car on it).

Doug Bender