Track Trailer

Well, I've had the trailer done for a couple of weeks now, test driven it around Atlanta, and I must say that it is one of my better projects.

I knew I wanted something with suspension and larger tires for highway driving, so I started looking at some sort of coil-over setup, but then thought about a torsion axle design for simplicity. Then I found Timbren Axle-Less Suspensions and learned that they are built so well that I could use them as a structural member for this light weight trailer. In the photo above you can see that the front and rear halves of the trailer are bolted to the suspension on each side. Initial tire alignment was close, and with the included shims I was able to adjust toe, track, and camber easily. Note the rubber strip on the front of the storage box - my first test drive was in the rain, and some water got in through the hinges - not any more!

The tire rack in front is only 6" off the ground in order to keep the tires below the spoiler in back. I didn't want to be pulling a big sail behind me on the highway. I made the track width the same as the car so it will track well in the rain. The Rubbermaid cargo box carries my floor jack, jack stands, tools, and a few spares like brake pads and such. The weight balance came out pretty good - there is about 35 lbs. of tongue weight with the trailer fully loaded, and I figure it's around 300 lbs. total.

The trailer is built with a combination of 3/16" wall tube and angle in the higher stress areas, and 11 gauge steel for the tongue and rear frame. I found aerosol touch-up paint to mach the car at  automotivetouchup.com, and gave it five light coats of color and three medium coats of clear. I purchased the hitch, lights, straps, fenders, wheels, and suspension at etrailer.com. I found the storage box online for half price due to a supposed blemish (which I still haven't found). The tires were purchased at a discount from my local supplier I use at the golf course, and I had them balance the wheels for smooth running.

Registering the trailer was too easy - I only had to pay $5 for a serial number plate, have a police officer verify the plate was permanently installed (riveted), and then pay $12 for a tag. Nobody even checked if the lights worked!

Now I'm all set for my trip to Laguna Seca! I serviced the car and it is all set to go. I'll be driving an average of 500 miles a day for ten days starting October 8th!

Regards,